Secret Tactics: Lessons from the Great Masters of Martial Arts

by Kazumi Tabata

This invaluable martial arts philosophy handbook presents ancient wisdom for contemporary readers.

Secret Tactics contains brilliant new interpretations of fundamental works of strategy and martial arts tactics by Miyamoto Musashi, Gichin Funakoshi, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, and various martial arts tomes. It distills the crucial teachings on leadership, character and values found in those books. Readers will unlock the secrets of their art and self.

These and a dozen other essays on strategy, combat tactics, psychology, leadership, good character, and the exercise of power, make Secret Tactics an indispensable resource for students of Asian culture, martial artists, and corporate executives.

Genres: Martial Arts, Philosophy

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2003

Reviews

[Jason Marciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabata sensei's compilations of the words of the masters is excellent. The maxims of the masters teach thoughtful lessons based on Zen principles, meditations and the lessons of life. The martial arts that stem from these lessons are truly the arts of the enlightened.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction for martial arts philosophy and some zen. There's some interesting excerpts from some of the best.

[FBI · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully profound and insightful experience. Truly a creation from the enlightened.

[Asa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is less of a martial arts collection and more of a hostage situation where classical Japanese strategy is forced into an office. The book compiles material from Miyamoto Musashi and the Heiho Kaden Sho, only for the commentary to drag every insight into a business meeting. 17th-century samurai weren't fighting for survival. They were trying to manage a workforce. The commentary explains the meaning of every line, leaving the reader with zero thinking to do. The source texts are legendary; the assembly is just a memo that went on for too many pages.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sensei Tabata compiled several several key texts from the martial arts tradition in Japan. Some are more accessible than other, but all are interesting and the book as a whole is well organized and well written.

If you're interested in martial arts or Japanese literature check this one out.

[Mark Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A selection of ancient zen-influenced texts from some of the greatest martial artists that have lived in Japan.

Plenty of wisdom shared that can carry over to other areas of life.

Great for anyone interested in ancient Japanese culture, philosophy and martial arts.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need to revisit this book in order to gain knowledge from it.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great read for those who are serious martial artists. I would go further and say people in leadership to read this as well. Their is wisdom in these asian classics.