Fighting Spirit [Paperback]

E. J. Harrison (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Overlook TP (June 6, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879511540
• ISBN-13: 978-0879511548
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,125,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Martial Arts and Oriental Culture explored by E.J. Harrison, September 20, 1999

By 

[e-mail] - Robin K. Smith, (Giffnock, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fighting Spirit of Japan (Hardcover)

The Fighting Spirit Of Japan is the most beautifully written book on Martial Arts I've read. Written by a judo expert,the text focuses heavily on that area but also touches on Karate, Fencing, Aikido and Jujitsu. The esoteric nature of martial arts culture is particularly illuminated. Written before such arts were fashionable in the West, Harrison explores the subjects with reverence, humour and infectious enthusiasm. The text is written by an insider in that Harrison is obviously proficient in the art of Judo. But as an outsider(being a westerner in an oriental culture) his sense of respect (though never overawed) is palpable. Though the style of writing is classically inspired, Harrison's mastery of both language and subject matter make this title a unique pleasure to read. One gets the impression that whatever subject Harrison wrote about would be immensely readable. That he knows his subject inside out means he can offer us pertinant insights into martial arts (and the culture that nurtures them) and relay such insights to the reader in a coherant and sometimes witty manner. I'd contend that unless one has read this title or at least any other work by the same author, it would be difficult to claim genuine understanding of the mechanics or purpose of martial arts. So go buy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars strongly recommend, September 5, 2007

By 

J. Dughi "Senior Instructor - Young Masters M... (Woodstock, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fighting Spirit (Paperback)

A reprint of the turn of the century book on the martial arts of Japan. A fascinating view of not only the martial arts of that time, but the social, cultural and philosophical influences during a critical period of development. It provides context and understanding of the future development of Judo, Karate and other martial arts. If you pair this book with Jay Gluck's book, "Zen Combat" you would have several long days of very entertaining and enlightening reading. I think anyone interested in the history of modern martial arts should read this.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lucky Find, December 2, 2001

By 

Robin Smith (Glasgow , Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fighting Spirit (Paperback)

Someone asked me to get an old copy of this book for them but I couldn't find it. So I bought it from amazon.com and got it shipped to their address direct - only to find that they'd moved! So it was redirected to me. What a piece of luck. This book is an informative and entertaining read. Not only is it readable, but it is very re-readable. So impressed was I that I now have two copies, one for me - and one just in case the person I originally bought it for ever turns up, belatedly demanding their copy! This is one book no martial artist should ever get caught without.