Martial Musings: A Portrayal of Martial Arts in the 20th Century

by Robert W. Smith

In every century there are unique individuals whose fate makes them standing symbols of unique merit and accomplishment. Robert W. Smiths Martial Musings stands out as the sole literary work which offers readers a special perspective of martial arts as they evolved during the 20th century. Smith personally escorts the reader on a martial arts tour. He starts with his own initial involvement in the arts, then launches outward, across the nation, over to Asia, and eventually home again. Some of the topics covered in the book include martial arts theory and practice, portrayals of leading Asian instructors, profiles of Westerners who studied the arts and brought them back to their respective countries and an historical record of the evolution of fighting arts in the West. Martial Musings represents the fourteenth book Smith has written on the subject and is a broader, somewhat historical, semi-autobiographical commentary on martial arts in the 20th century. But, what makes this book such a joy to devour is the literary relish Smith stir-fries in with the books basic ingredients. He astutely couples combatives with literary panache, and a ready wit. In short, Martial Musings introduces the reader to the individuals who shaped martial arts in the 20th century. The hardbound book has 400 pages and over 300 illustrations with a full-color cover and two-color text pages.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction

390 pages, Hardcover

First published December 10, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author has a renowned reputation as one of the early Western pioneers in exploring East Asian martial arts and, without doubt, he apparently trained among great teachers and masters in Taiwan and Japan, subsequently writing about them in several books, including this one. Unfortunately, this book is little more than a paean of self-adoration in which Robert Smith apparently seems to think he's far more interesting than the teachers and masters with whom he trained and who are, theoretically, upon whom the book is supposedly based. Martial greats like Wang Shujin and Cheng Man-ch'ing are little more than background as we hear countless anecdotes about Smith getting the upper hand with everyone from "stupid" students to rude waiters. He digresses at various times to talk about his favorite writers, his time working in the C.I.A. and his fatuous opinions on topics such as gun control and politics. Quite simply, this book just isn't what it's supposed to be and what few diamonds there are within its pages are buried under mountains of coal.

[John Grace]

Glad I paid about $5 for this. Andy Rooney-ish rants do not mix well with the topic of Asian martial arts. For an ex-CIA spook, Smith didn't seem to know much about the world or the targets of his wrath. Says a lot about the types employed by the CIA.

[Tamzin · Rating 3 out of 5]

took me nearly a year to read, a bit boring because talks a lot about self but taught me patience and being open to learning. Insightful, informative, and some wise bits but also bits with ego. Mixed bag but a decent read.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The man had talent in writing, unparalleled experience, and definite opinions. For those interested in martial art(ist)s, politics, writing and American history I recommend this autobiography. Some pieces did not sit well with me, but I honor and respect the late Robert Smith as a true gentleman, scholar, and pioneer. He was always clear and entertaining in his material.