Customer Reviews

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

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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!

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.

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

Dave Lowry's earnest love and respect for the martial arts shine brightly through this collection of short essays that could serve as your dojo encyclopedia. Never dull nor preachy, Sensei Lowry speaks with the wisdom of an old teacher--inspiring with every breath.

Dave Lowry is, to many, the most articulate writer on the martial arts in English. This book once again testifies to his ability to both educate and engage martial artists who seek a deeper understanding of their respective arts. Furthermore, while his insights may be drawn from his own experience in karate, aikido or kenjutsu they are not limited in their applicability to only those arts. The concepts are universal. And, like true martial arts, the real lessons extend far beyond the dojo or the merely martial aspects. It has everything to do with refinement of character, the discernment of the false self's motivations and the struggle to never become complacent.
I have practiced Shido-kan Shorin-ryu for over 20 years under an Okinawan master and nearly everything that Lowry mentions could have been taken from our dojo in either actual stories or general experiences. He hits it on the head every time. The traditional dojo is truly a place where the ancient ways are shown to have a staying power, revitalizing the center. Many times during my reading of "Traditions" the phrase of Jaroslav Pelikan came to mind: "Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living; tradition is the living faith of the dead." While he was referring to the Christian tradition, it applies to the dojo as well. When taught correctly, the dojo is a place where the living faith of the dead becomes our own. As Goethe writes, "What you have as heritage take now as task, and thus you will make it your own."

This wonderful book speaks to the very heart of any serious martial arts enthusiast. This is the kind of book that will be read and re-read over the years. A truly wonderful book!

`Traditions: Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways' is an excellent book by Dave Lowry with various short essays covering a wide range of topics. The vast majority are related to martial arts and this would make fascinating reading for anyone interested in any of the arts. When I read this I tended to read one or two essays a day so I could fully digest each one before moving on to the next and I recommend this way of reading the book to get the most out of it. I felt inspired to train more and more effectively, and to live more openly and honourably after reading virtually every essay. Dave Lowry has great martial arts integrity and this is a must read for any true martial artist.

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This book, like 'moving in stillness' is a great compilation of short essays by Dave Lowry that would be of interest to anyone studying a martial way, or any other art form that they are trying to use as a vehicle for self-improvement.

If you have read D. Lowry's books this is a great one to add to your collection, if you haven't even better. This is a great way for us barbaric westerners to understand the budo way of life. Great life lessons and things to ponder in this book.

As a lifetime student of the martial arts, I have read most of Dave Lowry's books. His vast knowledge of the Japanese martial arts is recognized by all serious followers of ancient and modern forms or Budo. This volume is one of his best because it covers numerous aspects of following Bushido(Way of the warrior). Each of the fifty three chapters has a short essay that is both entertaining and educational. It really does not matter what martial art you may be involved in, the enlightening essays in this fantastic book will be a worth while learning experience. This book is for anyone who is serious about their martial arts training and is seeking to increase their own knowledge of Budo.

Rating: 5 star. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Practical Combat Karate for the street)