Customer Reviews

Spiritual Dimensions of the Martial Arts

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

 

 

I was really disappointed with this book. Most of it is written in a " it is known to have been" style which sounds like guessing. The info is basically a list of styles. The photos are terrible.

It has been several years since I read this book but based on the uneveness of the two preceding reviews, I am going to weigh in with my opinion.

I really liked this book. It originally appeared as an extremely long essay in "The Journal of Asian Martial Arts," which as many people know is one of the few academically sound sources for martial arts and martial arts history information. This in itself is a mark of quality.

The style is indeed academic and therefore a bit dry for someone who is expecting something more flashy. Sources are carefully cited and footnoted.

The work surveys and catalogs martial arts of the Asian world and discusses the spiritual aspects involved in the art and the way each one discusses spiritual growth, if any.

If I recall correctly, it does not actually teach any techniques but it does describe them. If this description interests you then the book delivers what it promises. I enjoyed it and am glad I read it.

Mr. Maliszewski delivers a feast of knowledge to the reader regarding these often neglected aspects of the Martial Arts. Excellent reading for the Black Belt, the White Belt, or those with none.