The Mysterious Power of Ki: The Force Within [Hardcover]

Kouzo Kaku (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2000

The Japanese use of the word "ki", meaning a type of inner energy - the force within - is explored here by the 17th descendent of the "Tougun-ryo" school of fencing and member of a distinguished Samurai family. He examines the nature and practice of ki in martial arts, from historical records, and through scientific examination. He also looks at the connection between ki and Shinto (Japan's own religion) and Aikido.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: BRILL/Global Oriental (December 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901903257
• ISBN-13: 978-1901903256
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,038,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Waste of money., November 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mysterious Power of Ki: The Force Within (Hardcover)

I should point out first that I haven't read the original Japanese version of this book yet, so my comments might be a little of mark until I have. But not only has this translation been done VERY poorly, the contents' quality is way below my expectations. There are so many mistakes in the translation that I was tempted to throw the book in the garbage by the time I reached page 3! Furthermore, there is no bibliography nor are there notes of any sorts included, so that anyone wishing to do some further reading is left in the dark. Maybe the author didn't intend this book to be of academic quality, but the subject certainly is in need of references and therefore at least notes of some kind should be given. Next, it is said on the inside flap of the backcover of the book that the author is a notable historian in Japan and widely gives lectures, but the quality of this book doesn't betray any of these credentials. I am deeply disappointed!