In the Dojo: A Guide to the Rituals and Etiquette of the Japanese Martial Arts. [Hardcover]

Dave. Lowry (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Weatherhill (2006)
• ASIN: B000TB8FOS
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, October 18, 2006

By 

L. A. Kane (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In the Dojo: A Guide to the Rituals and Etiquette of the Japanese Martial Arts (Paperback)

A great resource for martial artists and Japan aficionados alike, this book covers all aspects of etiquette and tradition in the classical Japanese martial arts. If you plan to study aikido, iaido, judo, karate, kyudo, or kendo this is a must read. Subjects include layout of the traditional dojo, accommodating visitors, wearing traditional uniforms, handling weapons, the Shinto shrine, contemplative meditation, ritual bowing, martial language, interacting with teachers and other students, and training fees. The author covers not only the obvious traditions but also the "unwritten" behavioral expectations as well. You will also learn a whole lot of useful Japanese words and phrases. The book is a very easy read, filled with colorful vignettes to entertain as well as educate.

My only complaint is that there are no illustrations. While some practitioners have the luxury of training in a classical dojo and seeing a traditional Shinto shrine, many do not. Those folks would undoubtedly appreciate seeing what this stuff actually looks like. The same thing goes with the hakama skirt; while it is traditional bugei garb, it is not used in all Japanese martial arts. A picture really is worth a thousand words most of the time though I suppose if Lowry can write an outstanding book on sushi that contains no pictures he can certainly leave out the illustrations here...

While this book may be most beneficial to newer practitioners, it is useful and insightful for anyone who practices Japanese martial arts. Like most of Lowry's tomes, it truly deserves a place of honor in your personal library. Highly recommended!

Lawrence Kane
Author of Blinded by the Night, among other titles

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Insightful collection of essays on Japanese martial arts, November 10, 2008

By 

Kevin Quinley "GeezerJock" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In the Dojo: A Guide to the Rituals and Etiquette of the Japanese Martial Arts (Paperback)

"In the Dojo" is a collection of stand-alone essays by the prolific Dave Lowry, a devotee of traditional Japanese martial arts. This book is a deep, albeit at times esoteric, explanation of all key terms, concepts and rituals associated with the Japanese dojo.

The book will appeal to practitioners or fans of Japanese budo: judo, aikido, kendo, karate, etc. Those looking to improve their technique will be disappointed.

Some might find the emphasis on ritual to be stifling. One doubts if Lowry would care, as he freely acknowledges that the real of the dojo is not for everyone. A helpful glossary at the end helps with nomenclature.

This book is a good read for those seeking the linguistic and philosophical underpinnings of Japanese martial arts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, December 29, 2007

By 

Thomas Severs (Wichita, KS United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In the Dojo: A Guide to the Rituals and Etiquette of the Japanese Martial Arts (Paperback)

Dave Lowry adds significant meaning to what happens in a dojo. His explanation of numerous Japanese words fosters the readers understanding of what karate is. He explains certain conjectures about karate, and when there is reason to dismiss some conjectures, he does so with perspicacious descriptions.

I particularly liked his explination of dojo. Do means way, as in karatedo, and jo means place. Dojo is "The place of the Way" which I find more meaningful than "practice hall". He has dozens of useful explanations of Japanese terms. The book is much more than a list of translations.