Customer Reviews

Sword and Brush: The Spirit of the Martial Arts

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lowry, an accomplished martial artist, teacher and student of Asian history, presents another terrific insight into the wonderful world of the martial arts. Each "chapter" begins with the traditional japanese caligraphy for a common martial arts term. Lowry then breaks the components of the caligraphy character(s)which gives even seasoned students of the martial arts a new perspective on both the term and their training. This is followed with commentary and insights into how this relates to the martial arts training experience. The calligraphy for "Kyu" (color-belt ranks) for example is dissected into elements that represent the "tying together of threads." Lowry then allows the reader to "discover" how this relates to martial arts training (my "discovery" was that, just as threads are woven together to make cloth, the experiences of a "lower rank" student are "woven" together to create a "black belt" rank.) I highly recommend this book to intermediate and advanced students of Japanese martial arts. Lowry's perspective allows the reader to fully understand what previously were "simple concepts" and re-evaluate the way they approach their training.

Dave Lowry has written an excellent book that I've read on more than one occassion. As a bugeisha (one that studies the traditional Japanese martial ways) this small treatise on terms, kanji and philosophy used in most budo settings is quite enthralling.

I've found that as I've progressed in my own training, Mr. Lowry's "Sword and Brush" becomes even more profound. Going to my bookshelf, dusting off the book cover and reading it each year has proven fruitful. His simple and direct approach provide insight into shodo (the way of the brush), a particular kanji(s) history, which allows the reader to visualize the origins of the pictograph, and its transcendence into the combat ways of Japan. Each philosophical overview imparts a wisdom found by one who has truly studied the arts and can teach intricate meanings to the reader.

Lowry is a true student of the arts; an individual steeped in budo and bujutsu. He gets "it," and tries to share his knowledge with others.

Buy this book, you won't regret it.

Swordsman and calligrapher Dave Lowry discusses 42 Japanese concepts. Amongst other things, he covers do (the Way), martial arts teachers, training in the martial arts, timing, ku (emptiness), tan (forging), intent, gei (the cultivation of craft), and austerity. I myself practice eskrima, which has nothing whatsoever to do with Japanese martial arts, yet I found this book directly inspiring and helpful to my own training, so I would recommend it to any martial artist regardless of art.

This elegant book from renowned martial arts author Dave Lowry is both enlightening and pleasing to the spirit. Mixing examples of his masterful brush work with insightful and thought provoking stories, Lowry delves into the deeper meaning of common martial concepts. It is easy reading yet profound. I read it for the first time nearly a decade ago then recently picked it up again. I do not know if it is the natural maturity that comes with age or through the furtherance of my martial training but I have found it even better the second time around. If you are looking for deeper meaning in from your budo training, this work belongs on your bookshelf!

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

`Sword and Brush: Spirit of the Martial Arts' is yet another excellent book from Dave Lowry. I will admit I am becoming a fan of Lowry's work and I've yet to read a poor book by him. I love his martial arts integrity and obvious love of all things Japanese and martial arts and this comes shining through in this book. This book has a selection of Lowry's own calligraphy of various Japanese words and it then goes on the relate these words and concepts to martial arts. It also looks at how these words were formed and originally written and the ides behind them, so you can see the development and why it links into the mind of feudal and martial arts life. Each chapter is short, usually about 2-3 pages, and manages to give you a quick inspiring boost in a short space of time, which makes this a book excellent to come back to over the years for a quick pick-me-up when your training is flagging. The calligraphy itself is attractive and a great way to start each chapter and Lowry's writing is in his typically clear and evocative style. If you've read any of Lowry's other books then you will definitely enjoy this one and if you like this I recommend his collected essays/articles which are also inspiring and motivational.

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Having read and reviewed many of the author's books on martial art traditions, this volume has become one of my favorite books. It covers forty two martial art concepts and relates the principles to the art of calligraphy. Indeed, it has been said that the cut of the sword takes the same skill as the stroke of the brush. The author provides an essay on each of the forty two martial art concepts along with his calligraphy. This book covers such as areas as Do (the way), Bu (Martial), Kata (form), Oku (the secrets), Ken (the sword), Jujitsu (Art), Rei (Etiquette) and much, much more. In conclusion, this is a book every serious martial artist will enjoy.

Rating: 5 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: A poetic tribute to warriors).

This is a must read for any serious practitioner of budo.

Dave Lowry is in top form as he explains the the deeper meaning of Kanjis that a budoka might encounter as they progress in their training.

This is an essential guide to understanding what we can learn from the time spent "In the Dojo" and how it could transfer to our daily lives.

Lowry has created a series of 2-3 page mini-essays comparing and contrasting the budo and shodo, the art of Japanese caligraphy.

A wonderful inspiration for the beginning or advanced martial artist alike, he provides another delightful vehicle for reflection. A book to be read slowly and savored.

A lack of familiarity with the written Japanese language is no impediment to the enjoyment of this book. In fact, it may serve as something as a primer for the novice.

This book is written in a very unique way of using calligraphy and fables to express aspects of martial art training. Calligraphy is an art form and requires a trained wrist, similar to that of a swordsman. Both have been intertwined throughout history and can be realted to by both martial artists and by practioners of calligraphy. This is a book that can be enjoyed over and over again.

Though description of Kanji inseparably linked to the martial arts, Mr. Lowry has captured and portrayed it's essence. His understanding of the Way and of the Japanese art of calligraphy shine.