Japan The Ultimate Samurai Guide: An Insider Looks at the Japanese Martial Arts and Surviving in the Land of Bushido and Zen

by Alexander Bennett

This is the first book to provide an accurate insider's view of what the martial arts culture in Japan is really like, and the basic knowledge necessary to explore and learn a martial art successfully there. It provides a complete overview of the subject in a way that is down to earth and accessible. Aimed at people who have an interest in studying Japanese culture, this book presents the reader with relevant and practical information on how to approach various complicated issues they will encounter in Japan. It will be of tremendous help to young martial artists as well as anyone curious about the significance of the Samurai cultural phenomenon. The content will also be of use to those engaged in martial arts outside of Japan, serving as an invaluable resource for teachers and practitioners alike.
Author Alex Bennett is an experienced historian and martial artist. Having spent the past 30 years in Japan studying, teaching, and practicing the martial arts, he bring unique personal insights to the study of the Samurai philosophy and culture. Many others have written on the subject but few have the wealth of knowledge and experience that Bennett has. Born in New Zealand, Bennett is highly respected in Japan as an authority in the world of Japanese Budo.

144 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2018

About the author

Alex Bennett was born in 1970 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

He graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1994. He received his Doctoral degree from Kyoto University in 2001, and another from the University of Canterbury in 2012.

After working at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, and then Teikyo University's Department of Japanese Culture, he is currently employed as an Associate Professor at Kansai University's Division of International Affairs where he teaches Japanese history and society.
He lectures frequently on Japanese martial culture.

His recent publications include Naginata: the Definitive Guide, Budo Perspectives, and may other publications on Budo.

He’s also Editor-in-Chief of Kendo World, the world’s only English language journal dedicated to Kendo, the Vice President of the International Naginata Federation and Director of the Japanese Academy of Budo.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and fun

An informative read with a lot more info and insight than I expected. A definite must-read for anyone traveling to Japan, whether for a short or long stay.

[Ian Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully illustrated and intensively researched, but never too thick to enjoy.

A great book to check out or gift to the samurai, ninja, or martial arts lover and as pretty to look at as it is enjoyable.

Full Review with Pictures coming to Blog soon:

https://ianjoshyateswriting.blogspot.com

[Marijan Šiško · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you'd like to go to Japan and practice budo for a year-or more- than this is a book for you.

[Vidar Alne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underholdende skrevet og rikt illustrert bok om japansk (budo)historie.
Alexander Bennett har bodd og jobbet i Japan i 30 år. Han har to doktorgrader og jobber til daglig ved Kansai universitetet i Osaka. Den faglige ekspertisen og kunnskapsnivået er altså upåklagelig. Boka tar for seg samuraier, bushido, japanske kampkunster og hvordan det er for en utlending å bosette seg ned i landet.

Bennett har skrevet flere bøker for et allment publikum og vet hvordan han skal engasjere og opplyse. Han forklarer ukjente begreper som "kyojitsu", "shishin", "mushin" på en klar og forståelig måte. Samtidig vet han at variasjon fryder, og at den jevne leser iblant trenger avbrekk fra det abstrakte. For å gjøre lesingen lettere, krydder Bennett sidene med opplevelser fra eget liv og med topp 15-lister – som denne her "The Fifteen Best Japanese Samurai Films of All time."
Boka anbefales sterkt til alle med interesse for emnet.

[Marko Ćošković-Ćošo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a great insight into Japanese approach towards the martial arts. I personally found it very helpful, I bought the book just before my first trip to Japan. It's well written and really well explained with full of useful info. This book is must have item for any developing and seasoned budoka, any martial arts enthusiast as well as the cultural lover. Highly recommend! It's worth every penny.

[Mel Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extensive research on Japanese samurai. Shattered a lot of things you see on media. A must read if you want a really comprehensive guide to samurai and bushido

[Mazen Alloujami · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small interesting history and explanation of samurai culture.

[Amy Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful information in here regarding the relationship between samurai and the martial arts.

[Paul A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexander Bennett does a fantastic job of giving the reader an overview of not just martial arts, but the history of important figures, the origin of the samurai, and living in modern-day Japan. He conveys all of this information with a relaxed, yet passionate writing style that keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. Would definitely recommend.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic view of Martial Arts in Japan. Just love opening this book, reading a few pages then go back later.

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's tricky to give this little book a fair rating. Some of it I liked, other parts not so much. The writer claims to be from NZ and yet he has a lot of U.S. slangs which didn't really fit the book.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 4 out of 5]

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