Customer Reviews

Persimmon Wind: A Martial Artist's Journey In Japan

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a fan of Dave Lowry's writing for some time, then I had decided to read this book. This is by far one of the best reads of my life. The suthor has a great ability to capture small nuances of the japanese experience and convey's beautifully to the reader. The details of the bathhouse experience, and well as the samll dojo where he and his sensei practiced iaido, was a great treasure to be read. The book served as additional travel guide on my visit to japan, especially when visiting kyoto and the butokuden. I would highly advise this to all, including budokas, and writers. I presently read this book atleast once a year.

I as a bit disappointed in this work verses Dave Lowry's other works. I was hoping for more of his experiences training and less history, which is available in many places.

The book was a very enjoyable read as it details the experiences of someone who has become totally immersed in the martial art, to the extent that they would travel to Japan. This experience alone sets it apart from most other journeys of discovery because it involves an immersion in a culture totally foreign.

I liked the narrative the author provided but found that towards the middle of the book it became too much about the history of the Japanese culture and history. This provided a distraction from what the book had started out to be, a story of a journey and discovery.

That should not detract from those interested in martial arts from adding this to their reading list as I believe it gives insight into the real 'traditional' martial arts of Japan all of which seems to be pretty much lost these days. The book demonstrates how that in even modern Japan you can still find corners of the world that have not changed.

A most enjoyable and easy to read book that for anyone interested in traditional martial arts is well worth reading

Between the past, recent and ancient, and the present, we are shown aspects of life in Japan, of the dojo, of the link between sensei and deshi, of the shimmering natural world in Japan, aspects which most of us shall never see. This is a thrilling, moving, funny, intelligent book. Dave Lowry has honed his writing like the swordsmith's katana. Just for the insights into the mysterious mikkyo, the hand gestures, the ingei, I am
deeply thankful. All this praise from someone who held a bokken only once at a Japanese pal's house!