Customer Reviews

Fighting Spirit

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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!

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.

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.

This book is written by the first Westerner to study judo in Japan. Fascinating book although the Victorian prose is rather thick and slow.

Although written a while ago in a bit high-flown style the book is very informative and helped me a lot in understanding the Japanese culture and frame of mind.

This is one of the best books I have ever read on Judo and Jujutsu. I cannot recommend it too highly.

Great book filled with one of a kind information. If you are looking for techniques then this is not the book for you. However, if you want history and insight then this book is one of the best. I rank it up there with the works of Donn Draeger.

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.

I originally bought this book in order to do a report for a japanese culture class about ki (kiai), but found it so interesting that I still open it every now and then a year later. It gives some real insight on the writer's days in Japan and what he learned in martial arts, and I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the martial arts and the related culture in Japan.