Customer Reviews

The Way And The Power: Secrets Of Japanese Strategy

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Lovret does more than point out the tactics of fighting. HE DEPICTS ESSENTIAL TACTICS OF ALL LIFE, including business. Without directly stating it, Lovret details and clarifies many of the principles described by MUSASHI in his BOOK OF FIVE RINGS. So said, Lovret's work should be treated as a companion piece to Musashi's own. In 25 years of practice and study, I have never known any other writer to depict the mind and spirit of the warrior way so clearly, DEVOID OF THE IDEALISTIC TRAPPINGS OF THOSE INEXPERIENCED IN REAL COMBAT. I don't know Mr. Lovret, but I do know street-fighting better than most fighters ever will, and I do know the fear and anxiety of combat (for the streets and the military). I TRUST Lovret's words better than I do most others, for in reading his words I hear my old master and clearly recall my own painful lessons.

I, too, am a student of Mr. Lovret, although I was not at the time I originally read The Way and the Power. Reading this book led me to seize the opportunity to train with Mr. Lovret and literally changed significant aspects of my life.

The Way and the Power addresses classical forms of Japanese strategy. Each chapter presents a particular strategy, describing the philosophical basis of the strategy and detailing a number of specific, tactical applications. The topics addressed include such subjects as distancing, timing, centering, momentum, appearances, and initiative, among many others.

As a karate instructor at the time I first read The Way and the Power, I was able to base nearly a year's worth of classes on explorations of the strategies illustrated in the book.

Regardless of their personnel focus in training, most martial artists will find The Way and the Power to be an invaluable addition to their book shelf.

"Students who are more intersted in physical lessons and techniques or a how-to manual on the martial arts will be shelfing this book after the first chapter, and leaving it wherever they put it, never to open it again. Students who want some spiritual insight and self-exploration beyond the physical techniques and tactics of the martial arts will find this book to be an inspiration."

MartialWay.Com -- Book Review

This is an outstanding book, full of the wisdom and spirit needed for martial arts and survival. Without intending to, Lovret has created a work that clarifies the tactics and techniques listed by Miyamoto Musashi. Beyond merely teaching us the strategies of sword-fighting, he details each principle as it applies to weapons, empty hand, grappling, competition, street use, and business. This book is the modern addendum to the "Book of Five Rings", and is a must for any serious student of the martial arts. Only those living in a fantasy of idealized notions would be unable to see the wisdom therein.

Lovret takes the reader on a comprehensive and exciting view of Martial strategy, whether it be army against army, businesses vying for market share or single unarmed combat.

Lovret has excellent perspective and I can't recommend this book enough. The points he make come up constantly when I practice and when I discuss what makes a martial artist good or bad. Read the book, no matter who you are or what your level, you'll take away vital information for your martial arts career.

First let me say that I am a student of the author and have been studying Japanese martial arts since 1960. This is a book intended as a basic level review of the classical strategy and tactics of Japanese martial arts. It does that very well. While there are some people who claim to be scholars of Japanese history they tend to not mention that many records were altered for political reasons (historically and in recent times) and that others were lost in other ways over the years. A mention was made in a review about bad posture. As someone who has been instructed (and served as uke) by a number of very senior people (including Shioda sensei founder of the Yoshinkai)in Yoshinkai Aikido, Ueshiba-ha Aikido and others, that statement is patently wrong. Overall, this is an excelent book worth reading for the information contained. Traditional martial artists will find it both interesting and informative.

I liked this book but it is not easy to read. In fact, I put it down and picked it up again a number of times and finished it two years after I bought it. This is a book on STRATEGY. It's not a photo-filled paperback with black-and-white photos of people in samurai garb holding weapons in awkward positions. This is a book for THINKERS. It has intellectual density. It discusses strategies and tactics but puts them into context whether you are fighting an armed combatant or a competing business down the street. Essentially the book will help expand your thinking in ways you might not have thought of yourself; how you apply them is up to you. Just don't buy this if you think it'll make you the next Musashi or Bruce Lee. Good for people who enjoy Sun Tzu, but harder to digest. I found it to be worth the effort.

If you like Musashi's "Book of Five Rings," you'll need this book to make some things more clear. This book perfectly explains some Musashi's tactics and moves, both for armed and unarmed applications. It is a valuable resource for adepts of just about any style. It teaches not only moves, but presents the warrior spirit in a no-nonsense and realisitc approach that is rarely ever seen in MA books.

Notice that reviewers tend to either love or hate this book? When I read this book, I had trouble putting it down. I'm guessing that without some time in martial arts, and with a Western perspective, "The Way and the Power" will not make much sense. In fact, some reviewers perceive it as nonsense.

But if you are a serious student of the martial arts, with enough time spent in practice, it has a clear message. Mr Lovret has an amazing way of explaining Japanese terms and philosophy. If you understand his message, not just intellectually, but as it applies to your practice and your daily life, you will appreciate his insight. In fact, Mr Lovret takes great care to "de-mystify" concepts like "ki" which are often misinterpreted by westerners.

If you didn't like the book, that's fine. But at least pass it on to someone who might appreciate it. Or come back to it after you have more time in the martial arts and re-read it. It contains wonderful insights.

I have had a copy of this book for many years. The outline provides an excellent guideline for martial strategy instruction.
The concepts and presentation are presented in a clear manner. Accompanying this book would be Sun-Tzu's "Art of War".
Lovrett's book complements the latter.

For those interested only in fighting and becoming mind-numb, this book is likely not for you.
For those who wish to develop their martial knowledge and understanding of concepts, this book is worth purchasing.