Traditions: Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways (Tuttle Martial Arts) [Paperback]

Dave Lowry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2002 | Series: Tuttle Martial Arts

The goals of the budo—the martial arts and ways of Japan—lie in refining the body and spirit. These goals are not always the obvious ones—and are learned only through the guidance and direction of great teachers.
The techniques, methods, and rituals of the sensei can serve as guides to a well-lived life—and provide invaluable lessons for today's martial artists. This collection of essays includes discussions of:

The spirit of ryomi...
The importance of yuyo...
The significance of ma...

With its focus on traditional martial arts, and fascinating stories that illustrate key martial arts principles, Traditions will be required reading for serious martial artists

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; 1 edition (October 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804834326
• ISBN-13: 978-0804834322
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #697,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read--best yet, March 7, 2003

By 

Howard Upton (Hope, AR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Traditions: Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

I have become a fan of Dave Lowry's writings over the years. This book, by far, is his best yet. Once again, he covers many aspects of the traditional ways of budo. Mr. Lowry traverses terminology and application of philosophy in and out of the dojo for the reader. Interestingly enough, the feature title of the book lends itself to its true nature-a resurgence and interest in what it means to be a budoka.

Congratulations to Dave Lowry for another well written, wonderful book!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for the serious martial artist, December 11, 2004

By 

Erik Olson "Seeker Reviews" (Ridgefield, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Traditions: Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

As part of my preparation for promotion to ShoDan in Shiho Karano, I started looking for good books to broaden my overall knowledge about the martial Way. I wanted quality materials, so I took my time and searched for works by legitimate practitioners. One book I skimmed through was "Traditions", and after reading some chapters decided it was worthwhile.

I discovered that Sensei Lowry has been writing about the martial arts for more than twenty years. He's been a longtime contributor to various magazines, and has authored a number of books as well (after finishing this one, I ordered three of his other books from Amazon). In addition, he began practicing the martial arts back in the late sixties, so he's seen and experienced a lot in the intervening years. "Traditions" is a collection of excellent essays that reflect his hard-earned and well-learned budo lessons.

"Traditions" is well written, and each short chapter clearly reveals many crucial martial arts insights. Indeed, even a non-practitioner would find it to be an accessible introduction to the martial Way. As for budo participants, anyone from white belt to seasoned veteran will learn something new or gain a different perspective on what they already know. Topics include proper etiquette between sempai and kohai, thoughts on learning, the reason martial artists practice barefoot, and the "why" behind the kiai. Sprinkled throughout the book are tales of legendary Japanese bugeisha that demonstrate important budo principles and character qualities.

Now that I've passed my ShoDan exam, I'm particularly impressed by one of Sensei Lowry's quotes: "When you get a black belt ranking it doesn't mean you've gotten a foot in the door. It means you have learned how to find the doorknob (pg. 144)." I'm glad that the black belt is a beginning instead of an end. This is the kind of martial arts wisdom that you'll find in "Transitions." If you're serious about growing in budo knowledge as well as technique, then this book will help you along that path.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Reading..., March 27, 2005

By 

Jeffrey M. Miller "Jeff Miller" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Traditions: Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

I recently purchased this book that was recommended to me by my sensei in Uechi/Shohei-ryu and I have to say I thouroughly enjoyed these great essays by Dave Lowry on different aspects of traditional budo.I read the entire book in three days and at the end wanted to read more so I plan to get other books Mr. Lowry has written..I love the respect for the arts shown and talked about in this great book and it's nice to see the traditional martial arts presented in the way they deserve to be and should be presented.In short this is wonderful book full of great and honorable lessons and I would recommend it to anyone who cares about preserving and honoring traditional ways...five stars for sure..

Jeff Miller

Greensburg, Pa