The Way of the Warrior: The Paradox of the Martial Arts

by Howard Reid

The Way of the Warrior (previously published as The Fighting Arts) is a fascinating study of the origins, evolution, legends, mysteries, technique and practice of the fighting arts. 150 color and black-and-white photographs.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, History, Philosophy

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1984

Reviews

[Martyn Halm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book for over twenty-years, mainly because around that time I started training in koryu bujutsu, and more specifically Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. This book contains a fairly large section devoted to the classic martial arts, focusing entirely on Risuke Otake, headmaster of the TSKSR. Although the book doesn't go into particulars like Otake's own The Deity And The Sword = Katori Shinto Ryu, the overview is interesting and illuminates why martial artists are attracted to classic martial arts that seem to have no practical value in modern times. The book also has sections on Kalaripayit, the Shaolin tradition, 'soft' martial arts of China, Karate, and modern martial arts, as well as a treatise on what the future might bring.
In short, a very interesting book for serious martial artists.

[JW van der Merwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good review of the martial arts and the way of a warrior. Traces the history of all major martial arts systems by country and influences. It is a great work especially with regards to see how they interlink and also the major influences and how they developed and where they are today. My special focus point was karate but I enjoyed reading about the other Martial systems as well as the influence first of integrity or some sense of honour in a fight (versus foul play) and how that developed and eventually influenced by religions and a way of life. I do think one can practise these systems as a martial(fighting) art way or as a way of life (let it influence your outlook in life) and then obviously in the extreme marry it totally with your faith and in the East this was Buddhism, but I have no doubt that the majority of Sports and Martial systems are free from religion and a total outlook in life. To say something and actually live it is only evident with great martial art practitioners and in the book a few of them are discussed. Overall a neat summary and Index of the Martial Arts.

[Woody Hayday · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gem of a book for any pupil of life. I was given The Way of The Warrior by my Alexander Technique teacher who also studies Tai Chi. It does a great job of detailing the world of martial arts, as well as covering the associated philosophical frameworks, which we in the west lack. Highly recommend for anybody wanting to learn about their body, the roots of Zen Buddhism, the Shaolin, the Samurai etc.

The book was written to contain everything the producers of the 6 part tv documentary (BBC) couldn't fit into the program. Also good to watch the programmes too (available on YouTube, though grainy).

Woody Hayday

[Ole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains much history about the origin of martial arts, how its performed etc.
Its serious in its approach to the subject which make it a very good reference book. The only thing missing in this book is a better description of martial arts of Korea.

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for any one involved in Martial arts , also contains a fairly complete list of suggested reading ...Would own this one.

[Jim Bouchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exploration of the seemingly dualistic mind of the martial artist. How does practicing warrior crafts help us become more peaceful? Find out in this book.

[Deborah]

1/4/12 - Time to get started on this one.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the martial arts I've ever read.