Budo Secrets: Teachings of the Martial Arts Masters (Paperback)

~ John Stevens (Author) "the "Secrets of Technique" were said to have been passed to Ushiwakamaru (known also as Minamoto Yoshitsune, 1159-1189) by the mysterious master Ki-ichi-Hogen..." (more)
Key Phrases: training hall, old cat, martial artists, Morihei Ueshiba, Rinjiro Shirata, Hakudo Nakayama

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This interesting and attractive book has much more arcane lore and will interest both the adept and the casual reader; indeed, it may lead both toward a kind of enlightenment."— Japan Times

Product Description

In budo—which can be translated as "the way of brave and enlightened activity"—martial arts and spirituality merge at the highest level of skill. Budo Secrets contains the essential teachings of budo's greatest masters of Kendo, Karate, Judo, Aikido, and other disciplines. Timely and instructive, these writings are not just for martial artists—they're for anyone who wants to live life more courageously, with a greater sense of personal confidence and self-control, and with a deeper understanding of others. John Stevens has gathered an eclectic and historically rich collection of teachings that include principles and practice guidelines from training manuals and transmission scrolls, excerpts of texts on budo philosophy, and instructional tales gathered from a number of sources. Since many of the martial arts masters were also fine painters and calligraphers and used brush and ink as a teaching medium, Stevens has included their artwork throughout with explanation and commentary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (November 12, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570629153
• ISBN-13: 978-1570629150
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #227,212 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elightening..., January 14, 2002

By	Anthony J. Verhoeven "Tony" (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Budo SECRETS: Teachings of the Martial Arts Masters (Hardcover)

I must first say that i am not by any means an avid reader. Normally it would take me a month to get through a hundred pages. This book was the exception. I was completely absorbed by the contents of this book. Things that have been said to me over my 12 years of Aikido experience were finally made clear. I felt I had truly learned something after finishing this book and I plan on using that knowledge to teach my students more about what it is we are trying to accomplish in the dojo and in life.

Thanks John for such a wonderful book. Truly enlightening.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book But I Wanted More..., October 17, 2008

By	Bohdi Sanders, Ph.D. "author, martial artist,... (Loveland, CO) - See all my reviews

I enjoyed this book, but at the same time was a little disappointed with it because of the amount of information it contain. There are many gems which can be found in this small book, but I found it to be a little light, meaning that it is only 109 pages long and of those pages, there are many blank pages, empty space, and pictures. So the information that it does contain has merit, but I found myself wishing that it contained more.

Stevens' states that the Budo texts are meant to be cryptic and that they aren't for "idiots." This is a way of saying that you do have to spend some time thinking about some of the tales, principles, and philosophies which are found in this book. Some are obvious and some are in fact a bit cryptic. Overall, I found this book enjoyable and did find it useful for those seeking the warrior lifestyle. My only problem with it was the amount of information that it contained.

Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Stuff, June 2, 2009

By	Ronin - See all my reviews

John Stevens has given us some great books over the years. While my favorite is The Sword of No Sword by Tesshu and I have also enjoyed some of his Ueshiba books, Budo Secrets is really a nice book. Too often these collections include an excerpt from some larger work. Not really the case here.

One of my favorites comes from the Bukyo Shigen Goden Ryu and describes the true rununciate master:

1) Experience cold, heat, and rain by scaling high mountains and crossing deep valleys.
2) Rest in open fields, and sleep in the mountians.
3) Never store money or food,and never wear warm clothes.
4) Travel everywhere to engage in contests.
5) Reside in graveyards, haunted houses, or among wild beasts.
6) Associate with dangerous criminals.
7) Live off the land among peasants.

That was one hard-core crew (ryu) that rolled like that. Try spending a summer living outdoors away from people training. See what it does to you.

This is really a must have book that requires multiple reads and deep meditation. It's brought me a lot of pleasure. Enjoy!