Overview
Now available again to unfold its lessons of mastery for a new audience, The Way of the Warrior has become a true martial arts classic since its first publication in 1991.The combat techniques of the martial arts of India and the Far East have origins shrouded in mystery and practices protected by traditions of secrecy. In The Way of the Warrior, the world's great masters, experts dedicated to the purest expression of the martial arts, reveal the principles that inform their philosophy, training, and technique. The disciplines covered include: from India, Kalaripayit and Mama-Adi (the secret and deadly use of pressure points); from China, Shaolin (better known as Kung Fu), and Tai-chi; from Japan, Bujutsu, Karate, Judo, Aiki-do, Kempo, and Naginata-do (practiced by women).
Richly illustrated in full color and a must-read for any enthusiast, The Way of the Warrior demonstrates the essential paradox of the martial arts—that study of a lethal skill can lead to spiritual enlightenment.
Author Biography: Howard Reid is a documentary filmmaker and anthropologist. He has a Ph.D. from Cambridge University and has made many popular and award-winning films about ancient civilizations, religions, and cultures around the world.
Michael Croucher is a television producer who specializes in documentaries and plays. He collaborated with Howard Reid on a series about the martial arts.
The result of extensive traveling, interviewing, and observing the Great Masters of the eight martial arts, this is a fascinating study of the fighting arts.
Synopsis
Now available again to unfold its lessons of mastery for a new audience, The Way of the Warrior has become a true martial arts classic since its first publication in 1991.
The combat techniques of the martial arts of India and the Far East have origins shrouded in mystery and practices protected by traditions of secrecy. In The Way of the Warrior, the world's great masters, experts dedicated to the purest expression of the martial arts, reveal the principles that inform their philosophy, training, and technique. The disciplines covered include: from India, Kalaripayit and Mama-Adi (the secret and deadly use of pressure points); from China, Shaolin (better known as Kung Fu), and Tai-chi; from Japan, Bujutsu, Karate, Judo, Aiki-do, Kempo, and Naginata-do (practiced by women).
Richly illustrated in full color and a must-read for any enthusiast, The Way of the Warrior demonstrates the essential paradox of the martial arts—that study of a lethal skill can lead to spiritual enlightenment.
Author Biography: Howard Reid is a documentary filmmaker and anthropologist. He has a Ph.D. from Cambridge University and has made many popular and award-winning films about ancient civilizations, religions, and cultures around the world.
Michael Croucher is a television producer who specializes in documentaries and plays. He collaborated with Howard Reid on a series about the martial arts.
Library Journal
This title is an expanded companion volume to a 1983 BBC series on Asian fighting systems. Each chapter includes the history, philosophies, techniques, and masters of such disciplines as Kalaripayit of India, Shaolin, and T'ai-chi ch'uan of China, sword fighting in Japan, Korean Karate, Thai kick-boxing, eskrido (stick fighting) in the Philippines, and more. While the punches and kicks are generously shown in photos and illustrations, more emphasis is placed on the traditions and spiritual growth of each style. This isn't a self-defense book or one with tips on improving katas (forms), but a serious student will find it fascinating. Recommended for larger collections.-- J. Sara Paulk, Concord P.L., N.H.