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The Art of Life and Death: Lessons in Budo From a Ninja Master
This masterfully crafted guide to ninjitsu or budo explores in depth the history, culture and philosophy of this fascinating and enduring Japanese martial art.
Budo is one of the least understood forms of art in the world. Even more than skills or techniques, the teachings of budo require faith to learn and courage to understand. One of the fundamental teachings of budo is ninjutstu, the art of perseverance that forms the basis of the Japanese martial arts.
The lessons in this book come directly from experiencing the living vitality of the world's foremost master of the ninja arts, Masaaki Hatsumi. Through the use of stories, poetry, art, and earned wisdom, the authors move beyond the common image of the martial arts and reveal the nature of the unexpected changes in themselves as they struggled to come to terms with what being a martial artist in the ninja tradition meant.
The Art of Life and Death is a reflection of the discipline, the aesthetics, and the philosophy that lies hidden within the martial way. It is a glimpse at the hidden potential of the martial arts, one where the practitioner can embrace transcendence and transformation in order to face all the fears that litter life and also life's most fearsome Death.
Budo is one of the least understood forms of art in the world. Even more than skills or techniques, the teachings of budo require faith to learn and courage to understand. One of the fundamental teachings of budo is ninjutstu, the art of perseverance that forms the basis of the Japanese martial arts.
The lessons in this book come directly from experiencing the living vitality of the world's foremost master of the ninja arts, Masaaki Hatsumi. Through the use of stories, poetry, art, and earned wisdom, the authors move beyond the common image of the martial arts and reveal the nature of the unexpected changes in themselves as they struggled to come to terms with what being a martial artist in the ninja tradition meant.
The Art of Life and Death is a reflection of the discipline, the aesthetics, and the philosophy that lies hidden within the martial way. It is a glimpse at the hidden potential of the martial arts, one where the practitioner can embrace transcendence and transformation in order to face all the fears that litter life and also life's most fearsome Death.
- GenresMartial Arts
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 15, 2015
As one of the authors, I have to be honest.
The editing and general layout of the book could do with some improving. However, the subject matter is unlike any other martial arts book that I have seen. I admit to a bit of pride due to this but whether the reader feels the same is, of course, up to them.
I hope you enjoy the book.
The editing and general layout of the book could do with some improving. However, the subject matter is unlike any other martial arts book that I have seen. I admit to a bit of pride due to this but whether the reader feels the same is, of course, up to them.
I hope you enjoy the book.
June 29, 2017
Not qualified to review this book - perhaps after I die.
October 20, 2017
Deep and poetic insights more into the nature of life than martial arts. Good meditation.
September 8, 2021
You know what it says but do know why... Budo is life and death with patience in the middle.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews