Samurai Spirit: Ancient Wisdom For Modern Life

Named an Honor Title by the Storytelling World Awards in the category of “Storytelling Anthologies"

The samurai prepared themselves for battle through physical practice, and the study of the arts. These ancient stories that inspired warriors so long ago have special significance for today’s teens who face battles of their own: battles against bullies; battles with self-doubt and lack of confidence; and battles with the injustices they see around them. Burt Konzak has taught martial arts for over 20 years and has used these stories, drawn from sources including the Hagakuri, the Book of Five Rings, and other Japanese classics, to help young people gain emotional and mental strength.

Whether or not readers are interested in the martial arts, they will find centuries of wisdom in this fine collection.

Named an Honor Title by the Storytelling World Awards in the category of “Storytelling Anthologies"

The samurai prepared themselves for battle through physical practice, and the study of the arts. These ancient stories that inspired warriors so long ago have special significance for today’s teens who face battles of their own: battles against bullies; battles with self-doubt and lack of confidence; and battles with the injustices they see around them. Burt Konzak has taught martial arts for over 20 years and has used these stories, drawn from sources including the Hagakuri, the Book of Five Rings, and other Japanese classics, to help young people gain emotional and mental strength.

Whether or not readers are interested in the martial arts, they will find centuries of wisdom in this fine collection.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Martial-arts devotees will find inspiration in these tales of Japanese samurai warriors and present-day heroes possessing a samurai spirit. In a mix of lore and testimonial, the author offers a history of these men who were taught to be skilled swordsmen with incredible powers of concentration. In one story, Musashi Miyamoto, a legendary samurai from the 1500s, is challenged to a duel by the finest swordsman in the land. Suspense is key to the outcome of most of these tales, and the author gratifies readers each time by building up the odds against survival then delivering a heroic solution derived from wit, patience, strategy, or courage. Fact boxes follow the legends or stories about the author's own journey toward becoming a modern-day samurai. Konzak describes overcoming a fear of sharks, trying to break up a street fight, and being put on the spot to perform tough karate moves before a large crowd. By alternating past and present, he succeeds in drawing the connection between this ancient philosophy and daily life for any adolescent, male or female, interested in martial arts or self-improvement.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Burt Konzak is a world renowned martial artist, scholar and teacher. He taught ethics and Asian philosophy for over twenty-five years at the University of Toronto, before becoming a full-time martial artist and teacher. He has studied in Canada the United States, Japan and Israel. He has written many scholarly works on ethics, mential health, Asian philosophy and martial arts. The culmination of his work has been the founding and Directing of the Toronto Academy of Karate, Fitness and Health.

Samurai Spirit is Burt Konak’s third book. Burt has used the stories in Samurai Spirit, to pass on centuries of wisdom to his students. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Girl Power: Self-Defense for Teens and Noguchi the Samurai.

Born in Far Rockaway, New York, Burt Konzak lives in Toronto with his wife and two daughters, all of whom study and teach karate.