Book Description
A fifth-degree black belt in the revolutionary martial art of aikido and co-owner of an aikido school in Mill Valley, California, George Leonard is, "the granddaddy of the consciousness movement" (Newsweek). Leonard is president of the Esalen Institute and founder of Leonard Energy Training (LET), a practice inspired by aikido that offers alternative ways of coping with everyday issues. In this book he applies ancient techniques, physical and spiritual, to the battles we wage every day in both our public and private lives. Along the way, Leonard shows us unique and effective ways to:
cope with sudden, often brutal, setbacks in our lives--and turn them into gifts for growth
develop ki, or positive energy, to enhance vitality
use the aikido principle of "blending" to deal with verbal and psychological attacks
With an already large following, George Leonard now brings the valuable wisdom of aikido to a wider audience.
"The Way of Aikido is a classic statement of aikido's philosophy and its translation to everyday activities . . . Deeply felt, beautifully written." --Michael Murphy, author of Golf in the Kingdom and The Future of the Body
Customer Reviews:
Way of Aikido.......2007-01-15
I found this book to be very informative. Geo. Leonard has found a way of utilizing the principles of an elite martial art for every day life.
Any one interested in improving themselves could definitely benefit from this book.
Helps to awaken senses, but leaves you desiring more..........2003-01-18
A friend found this at a second hand bookstore during the holidays and gave it to me for Christmas. I've been practicing Aikido for only six months and have begun to discover that I'm fascinated by both the martial and spirirtual aspects of the discipline. Thus, my friend's reasoning for this gift.
Mr. Leonard does a fine job of presenting some concepts which may awaken a desire to learn more about the philosophy and spirit of Aikido. Unfortunately each phrase or statement which moves in that direction is a bit of sales pitch to participate in his seminars or join his organizations.
Not being a California resident and lacking a total interest in sales pitches related to Aikido, I've spent some time doing research of my own and speaking more closely with my Senseis about Aikido's philosphy.
Buy this book if you want some inspiration to discover your own path. Otherwise, it's more suited to be the required reading for one of his seminars.
Great lessons from life and aikido.......2001-11-01
At a recent aikido seminar, I asked some friends why they practiced aikido. All three of them had slightly different answers, but all mentioned that it made them a better person. I remember thinking they seemed to be on to something, but I couldn't authentically give the same response at the time.
I took up aikido six years ago in Asia because it was a martial art that fit my non-violent sensibilities. I continue to practice it because, like George Leonard, aikido represents a path to mastery that defies quick fixes. It's a modern day spiritual discipline that is challenging, fun and it trains my character. This book captures the essence of that discovery in George Leonard's own words and expresses it in language that most anyone can grasp. You won't find here a treatise on how to do aikido techniques (you learn that through practice on the mat), but you will find practical wisdom for everyday living.
George Leonard is a trained and seasoned writer, which brings ease and enjoyment to the reading of this book. He is also trained and seasoned in aikido, and his reverence for life and cultivation of the human spirit come through clearly in his stories. I recommend it to those interested in aikido, but also to the broader audience of those interested in a spiritual approach to life.
This book changed my life!.......2001-02-25
I came across this book in my travels and found it very intriguing. I found the idea of Aikido interesting and investigated further. I found Mr. Leonard gave a great over view to the philosophies of the founder on Aikido. He incorporated Aikido into your everyday life situations and it has truly changed my life. I now practice in the Martial Way of Aikido and my life has not been the same ever since. Thank you Mr. Leonard.
Not worth one star........2000-10-29
After receiving mastership in Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki. I started exploring other Japanese disciplines dealing with Ki (Lifeforce Energy).
This book crossed my path, and to say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
In my opinion this book was writen solely to enlist new students.
The author gives some background of Aikido and it's founder O Sensei. Unfortunately Mr Leonard spends most of his time talking about the Esalen Institute, and LET (Leonard Energy Training (if memory serves)).
If you have questions or comments; E-Mail me. Two Bears.
Wah doh Ogedoda.
Customer Reviews:
Gail Simone's Birds of Prey..........2007-08-06
... simply rocks.
Sensei and Student was the second major arc of Gail Simone's when she was writing Birds of Prey. Simply put, it is essentially everything good about comics. Great action, great pacing, great dialogue. it is all there. Not to mention that the series stars female characters... something you rarely see in comics, let alone done well. Gail makes her characters ones you can relate to, a hard task given the genre.
Birds of Prey at it's best.......2006-06-14
Lady Shiva, Cheshire, Huntress . . . guest stars galore in this collection. Lady Shiva is perhaps the most deadly martial artist in the DC universe and a well-known assassin. To make matters worse, Black Canary will have to team-up with her if she wants to find the answers she seeks!
And it bears mentioning that some of these guest stars become more than guest stars later down the road.
Did I mention the artwork by Ed Benes. It doesn't get much better than this.
Great Read.......2006-03-27
Sensi and Student was my first introduction into Birds of Prey. let me tell you, it has been a great series and a fantastic introduction to the characters.
This trade if filled with some fantastic character moments, action, thrills, and humor.
I could rehash the entire plot for you, but I think you've seen or read it before. I can tell you that I really enjoyed this trade, and it is a bright spot in my collection. I wasn't let down one bit by this series.
The only reason it doesn't get five stars, is I hoped the trade would offer more than the collection of comics. perhaps the writer and artists comments/sketches. Something more than the books recollected.
Birds rock!!!.......2006-01-19
I've just become a fan of the Birds two months back, but I really really admire the way Gail Simone writes the Birds. I just love the interactions between Dinah Lance and Barbara Gordon. Despite my note on the difference between the previous Huntress (e.g., the one I read in the Gods of Gotham story arc of Wonder Woman) and this Huntress in BoP, I still find that Birds of Prey really is the best heroine group of the DCU. Well, the only one, actually. Coz I don't count Wonder Woman and Catwoman as having a formal group affiliation with other female heroes, notwithstanding my love to both characters of Diana and Selina.
In this TPB, I was not only served with a great interaction between the three Birds, but also a rare treat of informal team of Black Canary and Lady Shiva, the world's most deadly assassin. As a fan of Wonder Woman, I was also very pleased to read the great interactions, albeit only 4-5 pages between Diana and Dinah while they were sparring at the JLA watchtower. Gail managed to catch the essence of Wonder Woman in such a short issue (i.e., Superman is the 'light' of human nature, Batman is the 'dark' side of human nature, while Diana encompasses both).
I was also excited to see Catwoman and Katana (and Gypsy) guest starring and helping Huntress and Black Canary to release Oracle from an 'illegal' prison. Again, Gail managed to grasp the essence of Catwoman in only several panels.
Way to go, Gail! Now, I have to save to buy some more BoP TPB...
Not the BEST Simone's work but EXTREMELY good.......2005-11-20
This trade paperback picks after Of Like Minds and is much better. Art is great like in OLM but story is MUCH denser. I guess I have soft spot for movies/books/comics that take reader to orient, but make no mistake, this is no Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee type of story. It looks like good old Master of Kung Fu in his best days combined with great oldies like Richard Chamberlain's Bourne's Identity. Anyway, villain Cheshire is everything but one dimensional and cast of characters is great.
PICK THIS UP! It can be compared to Morrison's X-men.
When is Marvel gonna publish Gail Simone's Deadpool and Agent X in one trade?
Book Description
In Aikido Basics, the beginning student will find invaluable advice and information for the study of this popular form of martial arts. Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, Dang Phong, shares his secrets to building a successful training program, testing for belt promotion, and understanding and developing Ki, the energy used in aikido. The author incorporates a discussion of aikido?s origin, its history and philosophical underpinnings, and an explanation of the different branches of aikido.
Customer Reviews:
A very well laid out and objective book..........2005-12-26
This book does a very good job of explaining its title subject... basic Aikido. There are no politics or style-specific posturings here; only solid basic information in an easy-to-read format. Look also for two recently released titles by the same authors: "Advanced Aikido" and "Aikido Weapons Techniques".
The best basics book Ive read................2004-01-10
This is a clear, very well written and thorough "basics" book. What I was looking for was a book that clearly explained basic concepts I could pass on to children and beginning adults. What I found was an enjoable book that not only helps me teach but refreshes my memory on concepts I have learned from many sources over many years. One clear source for those concepts we never out grow or over practice.
Book Description
Shoei Academy is a prestigious private school system for young boys from well-to-do families. Newly appointed teacher Mr. Reiji Kurashina soon finds himself as the center of attention at Shoei Academy - the center of attention for young men who are just about to be ripe, that is! What will cool and collected Kurashina-sensei do when he becomes the object of love?
Book Description
This book is for people who want to explore their spirituality more deeply. This is intended for everyone, whether Buddhist, Christian, Moslem, Jewish, male, female, black, white, Japanese, German, a mother, a dentist — whatever! The author illustrates the way we human beings often regard the aliveness of each moment and expresses with exceptional insight the Buddhist perspective on everyday life.
Customer Reviews:
Re-hash of Zen books found elsewhere, good anecdotes.......2007-07-05
I am a Pure Land Buddhist, and know of Sensei Ogui through the Buddhist Churches of America, and his progressive approach to Buddhism, so I was pretty excited to read this book.
Right off the bat, I noticed that this book was almost entirely about his experiences with Zen Buddhism, and had very little to do with Shin Buddhism until you read the last few chapters. There also seems to be no concerted attempt to draw parallels between the two sects; instead the reader either reads about Zen, or reads about Shin.
The sections on Zen Buddhism contain a lot of Sensei's own views on Zen, but there's no new insights to Zen that can't be found in other Zen books that are available. I feel that Sensei isn't really contributing much to the library of Zen literature out there.
Sensei Ogui has some really great anecdotes, and provides good insight into Buddhist teachings with a practical application, but I feel that this book is misleading. I expected a book about how Zen and Shin can both be practiced together (as both sects often do), but instead you get one or the other, and almost exclusively Zen. The book also reads more like a biography or set of memoirs than a serious discussion of religion.
I guess a more appropriate title for this book is "Zen Talks, Shin Talks" or something along those lines. All in all, I just don't feel the book was worth the purchase, so I sold it soon after.
Mostly Zen, a Little, Shin.......2007-05-25
I became a member of Jodo Shinshu during an affirmation ceremony conducted by
Socho (Bishop) Ogui in Movember 2004 in Seattle.
Bishop Ogui is the same person who wrote this book. It is a collection of some of the short talks he gave at the Cleveland Buddhist Temple, when he was their minister or priest. Sensei Ogui was successful in bringing Anglos into his temple by starting a Zen sangha. I remember the one time I visited this temple that the service began with the Zen sangha chanting; there there was a short period of meditation; followed by a typical Shin service of gatha (hymn)singing and chanting parts of certain Pure Land sutras. And there was a sermon or talk.
If you are a seasoned Zen practitioner, you probably will find the Zen talks in this book --- rather elementary. However, for those unfamiliar with Buddhism including Zen --- you will find much accessible wisdom to use in your daily life between the covers of this book. It is very "friendly" and very practical.
Here are some snippets: "Simply do what you need to do." "The light of the universe is shining on the path of each one of us. So do not look for grace, nor the light of the universe! When do we become aware of this?"
"There is no such thing as what we conceptualize as enlightenment."
Enlightening to those whom are not yet enlightened.......2002-03-05
I am a person who is always in search of my spiritual being. I am not affiliated with any certain religion, but do have deep spirtual feelings within myself. This book introduced me to Buddhism in a way that was easy to understand. Reading this book has helped me to see things in a different way. Instead of always looking at problems in a negative light, this book taught me that there are no problems, only opportunies to learn. I am thankful for all it has taught me. This book has changed the way that I look at every facet of life, and has improved them all.
Religion--a finger pointing to the beauty of the moon.......2000-11-27
An 18 Generation Shin (Pure Land) Buddhist priest, and a highly respected student of S. Roshi, the voice of this master of these Buddhist schools is both unique and familiar. Sensei Ogui has been Shin Buddhist priest for 35 years in the USA. The book is a wonderful collection of talks given over several years. I had the great pleasure of hearing him speak in Oregon recently. Afterwards the audience bought every book contained in the 2 boxes he carried with him. His ease, sense of humor and personableness makes one feel like that he has always known you and visa versa.
Religion is a "finger pointing to the beauty of the moon" (giving rise to feelings of joy and contentment). We humans need words, such as "moon," to convey concepts that may then be shared. But then we often become victims of words. The author says it is important to recognize our differences, understand, accept, respect them all. Although different, we are also "the beauty in the moon." This goes for parenting too. Men and women are different too. It is "difference that makes harmony possible." Such an outlook makes those around us "comfortable and thus joyful". He urges us to be careful not to focus on form (finger), lest we then become insecure. When we do often we then "force blind beliefs" on ourselves and others.
Master of both schools, Sensei Ogui quips of each that: Zen--Suzuki Roshi said, "don't worry about it--sitting dicipline will take care of it." And similarly of Shin, "Don't worry about it--The infinite wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha will take care of it." They each share the wisdom of the "beauty of the moon." In this text the author offers insight into the practice of each school--practices that are definately not mutually exclusive.
Before buying all of his Zen Shin Talks stocks, the author offered this Zen koan to the audience--people of both schools who joyfully engaged with this master for 2 hours...
Blue sky cloud myself.
Book Description
Someone is killing the great martial artists of America. Connor Burke, a part-time college instructor with a passion for the martial arts, is dragged into the investigation by the NYPD. With the help of his teacher, the master warrior Yamashita Sensei, Burke begins to follow a trail of clues that stretches across time and place, ultimately con-fronting his own fears, his sense of honor, and the ruthless killer who calls himself 'Ronin'-Japanese for masterless samurai. Combining the exotic world of martial arts with the gritty aspects of a homicide investi-gation, Sensei is a gripping thriller that explores the links between people as they struggle for mastery, identity, and a sense of belonging.
Customer Reviews:
A startingly good first effort!.......2005-07-18
John Donohue is to be commended on his first novel, Sensei, a remarkably good first effort that I would whole-heartedly recommend to fans of thrillers. This was a very enjoyable read and in no way felt like a freshman effort. It is always such an unusual treat to stumble across a new writer and have their debut novel completely capture you and take you off guard. Debut efforts rarely have me scribble the author's name on my "must read from now" on list, but this one did, and I am waiting as patiently as possible for his next novel to come out.
His protagonist, Connor Burke, is a finely realized and interesting character with substantial depth, complex feelings and motivations, and is an unusual hybrid of both college professor and martial artist. Connor, a thinking man's hero, finds himself drawn into a police investigation because of his unusual background and expertise. All the characters are finely realized, the plot reasonably realistic, the atmoshpere compelling, but it's the pacing of the novel that appeals to me the most. Much like Dave Robicheaux in James Lee Burke's novels, Donohue's character, Connor Burke, narrates events in an introspective, almost brooding fashion, and thoughout the story is contemplative, thoughtful, and focused on matters conscience and trust. He is an extremly interesting and sympathetic character and it is a pleasure to read about his adventures. So while the action is completely lively and thrilling, the story itself is calm and centered. This novel is much like the martial artists it depicts; externally violent and active, yet calm and centerd within.
The novel is set in New York City, feautes an impressive amount of action, and unfolds in layers as Connor seeks down and confronts an extraordinarily talented martial artist who for obscure reasons has murdered several prominenet martial arts teachers (sensei). Fans of James Lee Burke, Lee Child, Barry Eisler will all enjoy this one. I heartily recommend it.
Good Humored Plus the Real Thing.......2005-04-23
I was looking for a good read that would explore the special inner states of awareness found in martial arts. Sensei has it, plus a surprisingly wonderful humor, and a good tale to boot.
I have been practicing awareness techniques for over thirty years with martial arts, meditation, and doing CranialSacral therapy. I hunger for the spirit in my fiction, not just kick-butt. I like the characters and the story keeps the pages turning. If you are hungering for the real world of martial arts, this will give you a taste.
"Sensei" packs a punch!.......2005-04-05
As a third degree Black belt I am somewhat jaded on the whole fantasy of martial arts and the media. From the flying choreography to the comedic stunts and sound effects, they all tend to degrade or detract from the greatness that the martial arts provide. Not so in this novel. This is a terrific thriller from someone who certainly knows the Martial Arts as a master!
The writing is superb and provides just enough terrific detail to have you looking over your shoulder and preparing to confront that odd noise you think you heard in another room.
This is a must-read for any martial arts student or any martial artist wannabe!
5 Stars...and keep them coming!
a.weiss , author of the BackSmart Fitness Plan.......2004-12-14
I enjoyed the first half of the book and how the student and instructors relationshiped developed and the underlining of meaning when the sensei would say something to his number one student- it reminded me of my training.
Engaging.......2004-10-12
Well done martial arts mystery. Surprised? Me too. The author is skilled and the hook is set early, and we are not disappointed.
Book Description
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido, is one of the greatest and most beloved martial artists in history. Remembering O-Sensei is a portrait of Ueshiba as told by his uchi-deshi, the students who lived and trained with him as his disciples. This collection of memories—gathered here for the first time—captures the essence of this extraordinary martial arts master and visionary, revealing Ueshiba's teaching style, his daily habits, his philosophy of life, the lovably human aspects of his personality, and his deep belief that Aikido could be used as a means to creating peace and harmony in the world. The book also provides a snapshot of a fascinating time in Japanese history when a student would apprentice with his master by essentially moving in with him and receiving instruction through rigorous training sessions, and also by serving him and observing his actions in daily life. Most of the students whose remembrances are included in this book went on to spread the teaching of Aikido throughout the world and became masters in their own right.
Customer Reviews:
A window in time.......2007-07-24
If you have any interest in the life and ways of the founder of Aikido, this is a delightful book of paragraph-long snapshots of experiences people had with O Sensei. I really enjoyed the various perspectives.
Great Stories.......2007-07-03
This book has lots of heartwarming and awe inspiriing stories in it. Just what I was hoping for. I got it so I could learn a bit of the candid moments in people's lives when they met the founder of Aikido. As a practitioner of Aikido I would recommend this book to beginners as an introduction into the Aikido society and attitude. I hope that one day I will have a surreal experiance comparible to those in this book, even though I was born too late to meet Ueshiba-sensei.
Remembering O-Sensei:.......2006-10-13
This is a book with a difference. This book allows the reader an insight into O-Sensei the man, rather than the often mythical image that is found in many publications. It is also refreshing that Ms Perry avoids the usual fantasy associated with many Aikido books. I was very pleased to see the story of the first meeting between my teacher Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and O-Sensei being worthy of inclusion in this excellent book.
Henry Ellis
Co-author `Positive Aikido`.
Book Description
A modern-day ronin, or masterless samurai, is traveling across the country-systematically murdering martial arts masters in ritualized combat.
Martial artist Connor Burke, and his NYPD homicide detective brother, Mick, must outwit the assassin. And Connor must face his biggest fear-the specter of death at the hands of a far-superior warrior...
Customer Reviews:
Good martial arts novel.......2007-05-09
Donohue does a very good job of introducing the reader to the old-style martial arts community (we're talking sweep the dojo while perfecting kendo, not fine tuning ground and pound techniques for Ultimate Fighting Championship). Sensei centeres around Connor Burke, a college professor and kendo expert, as he labors to understand the mysterious world of his Japanese Sensei.
The author has a solid command of martial arts terms and techniques, and given the relative shortage of martial arts fiction, I would say Sensei is a must read. It's fast paced, and the characters are likable. Not fantastic storytelling, but still worth reading. Other works of interest in this genre are Eisler's Hard Rain series and Bradley's Process of Elimination - both are very good.
Mediocre... there are definitely better.......2006-02-09
I'm a huge martial arts fan, having practiced for decades. I gobble up anything related to martial arts fiction, so I was especially excited to see Sensei and Deshi come on the market.
After reading Sensei on a single 2 hour plane ride, it became clear that there wasn't much book here. But hey, I don't mind a quick fun book... the problem was there isn't anything fun about this book. Very very mediocre.
The protagonist (Connor Burke) is so dimwitted that as a reader, I wanted to scream... "Hey dummy, wake up!" Then when he finally figures out that his sensei is not quite being forthcoming, he gets all cry baby... very unrealistic and silly. The bad guy is completely unknown to the reader, so you have no way of identifying with him - and then he is easily disposed of - pointless. They only thing good about this book, and I mean that, is that Donohue has a good commmand of the japanese terms relating to martial arts.
If you want to read a couple of much better books, read Arthur Bradley's Process of Elimination and Barry Eisler's Hard Rain series. Process has tons of action (both gunfire and martial arts) and is super smart. Hard Rain is unique in that it tells of an assassin who kills by making it look like an accident. Both books have Judo and Karate and are well written.
Lack Luster at best.......2005-11-30
I found this book to be a very Unreal, the combat was writen as if by someone who has never been in a real fight in there life. only trained in the world of make believe. the author also likes to keep his characters in a tight stereotype, the japanes masters who do not like whites, the white student trying to be more like his japanes master, the master who is above all.
if you want to read a very good seires martial arts books that are more basied in reality try the Rain books by Barry Eisler.
A startlingly good first novel.......2005-07-18
John Donohue is to be commended on his first novel, Sensei, a remarkably good first effort that I would whole-heartedly recommend to fans of thrillers. This was a very enjoyable read and in no way felt like a freshman effort. It is always such an unusual treat to stumble across a new writer and have their debut novel completely capture you and take you off guard. Debut efforts rarely have me scribble the author's name on my "must read from now" on list, but this one did, and I am waiting as patiently as possible for his next novel to come out.
His protagonist, Connor Burke, is a finely realized and interesting character with substantial depth, complex feelings and motivations, and is an unusual hybrid of both college professor and martial artist. Connor, a thinking man's hero, finds himself drawn into a police investigation because of his unusual background and expertise. All the characters are finely realized, the plot reasonably realistic, the atmoshpere compelling, but it's the pacing of the novel that appeals to me the most. Much like Dave Robicheaux in James Lee Burke's novels, Donohue's character, Connor Burke, narrates events in an introspective, almost brooding fashion, and thoughout the story is contemplative, thoughtful, and focused on matters conscience and trust. He is an extremly interesting and sympathetic character and it is a pleasure to read about his adventures. So while the action is completely lively and thrilling, the story itself is calm and centered. This novel is much like the martial artists it depicts; externally violent and active, yet calm and centerd within.
The novel is set in New York City, feautes an impressive amount of action, and unfolds in layers as Connor seeks down and confronts an extraordinarily talented martial artist who for obscure reasons has murdered several prominenet martial arts teachers (sensei). Fans of James Lee Burke, Lee Child, Barry Eisler will all enjoy this one. I heartily recommend it.
Only "sort of" a thriller..........2004-10-16
Well, it started out as an exciting book. And the author does have writing talent. But after the initial killings take place, the book enters a slooooooowwww period that goes on and on and on, until the blatantly predictable ending. I'm the kind of person who never sees the "twist" in movies coming, but the ending of this book was waving a yellow flag from three miles away.
As a wimpy white belt who just started karate a month ago, I did enjoy reading the bits concerning the dojo and different Japanese ideas. But the idea that this adjunct college professor (we are never given an explanation of how he is able to read Japanese-- did they teach that in kempo?) who has trained in martial arts in his spare time is able to rise to the level that he does... it certainly stretches the plausibility factor more than a Jackie Chan movie. At the end I was just waiting for this book to be over.
Product Description
Ellis and I go back nearly twenty-five years, to when we were still young and even more foolish than now. We met at the Aikikai's headquarters dojo and hit it off, both of us not entirely sure what we were doing or where we were going, only knowing that the martial arts contained something that we both felt was immensely absorbing and would be of great value. We trained together in aikido regularly for a couple of years. Gradually, as happens, our work and training schedules diverged a bit, and we didn't see as much of each other. At one point (and Ellis tells this story in an essay published in Koryu Bujutsu, edited, in fact, by my wife Diane), I happened to learn that several classical martial arts were being practiced at a certain dojo over near where Ellis was living and mentioned this to him. He went to observe practice and wound up falling into training with a man who must surely be one of the most interesting and unique people teaching and training nowadays--as close to a modern bushi as I've ever met or seen. Later on, he also began to train in an art that I did (albeit with a different teacher than mine), and we used to compare notes. Years later, I began training under his teacher and we were able to renew and deepen our friendship together. Naturally, we used to discuss, argue, share stories, tell lies, and have a lot of fun doing it. It was even better after we got back together because it meant we had a number of mutual (as well as differing) experiences and technical perspectives, and that just helped add some savor to the mix. At times it was a blend, sometimes it was a clash, but sharing a wonderful teacher, we were able to bring something to our training that enriched and enlarged us both and, I'd like to think, help make our dojo and the ryu better as a result. I know it helped a lot in my case. When Ellis began writing his series of articles for Aikido Journal, which my wife was then editing, I read them avidly (I return to several of the
Book Description
Passed down through the centuries from father to son, master to disciple, the tiger scroll transmitted the instructions of one of Japan's most deadly clans. Now, for the first time, author Sensei reveals the contents of the Koga Ninja's once-secret handbook.
Customer Reviews:
A Fun Book For Children Interested In The Ninja.......2005-12-08
Tiger Scroll of the Koga Ninja is a fairly short book, just 81 pages of text along with some drawings. After a brief introduction the book is broken down into five chapters:
>> Ninja, The Man
>> Training
>> Weapons
>> Equipment
>> Method
In the first chapter `Jay Sensei' tells us that spying was the most important work carried out be the ninja, followed by reconnaissance, sabotage and assassination. We are then given a list of what `Jay Sensei' believes to be ninja qualifications, rules, and a description of the three ranks of ninjas: jonin, chunin, genin.
In chapter two - training - we learn of physical training techniques used by the ninja such as running with a straw hat placed against one's chest, and running fast enough so that only the wind against the straw hat kept it firmly against the ninja's chest and kept it from falling to the ground.
Chapter three - weapons - begins with a discussion of the ninja sword, and of course contains a discussion of the shuriken (which is always associated with the ninja). Also mentioned are blowguns, hand claws, and the kusari (chain). There is no real instruction in the techniques of using these other weapons, just a short discussion of each weapon along with drawings of the weapons.
The fourth chapter - equipment - discusses various items ranging from the ninja's hood, to rafts, to water spiders, rope ladders and climbing ropes.
The final chapter - method - teaches how to tell time by looking at a cat's eyes. We learn how the ninja found nourishment on a long journey, and how he hid from or escaped from his enemies.
This is not a `bad book,' nor is it poorly written - it is just very basic in its discussion of the ninja. Tiger Scroll of the Koga Ninja would be a fun book for a child interested in the ninja, but offers little for the serious student or practitioner of ninjutsu.
From a Koga Kunoichi.......2002-03-21
As a woman who has trained as a Koga ninja, I highly recommend this book. It was referred to me by my jonin, and is a great tool for learning about some of the techniques the Koga ninja used/use. I wish this book was larger, rather than a pretty thin paperback, but the information it does have is very valuable to anyone wanting a starter in learning ninjitsu, or anyone just wanting to learn about the Koga ninja.
overall good book on ninjas........2000-07-14
This book is supposedly a translated version of the ancient text the tiger scroll. I'm not sure if its true or not but i don't really care the book is great and has drawings that will help you understand what is being described. It discusses training, weapons, missions, tactics and so on. This book and the tactics in it are based on one clan's tactics the Koga ninja clan. One of the most famous and most deadly clans to ever exist in the history of feudal japan. The only problem with the book i think is that its too short, other than that i would recommend this book.
An overall great book on ninjas.......2000-07-12
This book is supposedly a translated version of the ancient text the tiger scroll. I'm not sure if its true or not but i don't really care the book is great and has drawings that will help you understand what is being described. It discusses training, weapons, missions, tactics and so on. This book and the tactics in it are based on one clan's tactics the Koga ninja clan. One of the most famous and most deadly clans to ever exist in the history of feudal japan. The only problem with the book i think is that its too short, other than that i would recommend this book.
It is a great book if you are interested in Ninjutsu........1999-02-02
Passed down through the centuries from father to son, Master to disciple, the Tiger scroll transmitted the secret instructions of one of Japan's most infamous and deadly Ninja clans. The book covers such areas as carrying secret messages, sabotage, and assassination. It also gives you back ground information on how they trained, executed their missions, and lived their lives. The result is a cleverly blended and transmitted text that will give readers of interest in the Martial Arts a greater understanding for the lifestyle they love.
Books:
- We All Fall Down: Goldratt's Theory of Constraints for Healthcare Systems
- When Darkness Falls
- Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith
- Your Three-Year-Old: Friend or Enemy
- 1,000 Type Treatments: From Script to Serif, Letterforms Used to Perfection
- A Day with a Perfect Stranger
- A-List #8, The: Heart of Glass: An A-List Novel (A-List)
- A Trick Of The Eye: Trompe L'oeil Masterpieces
- Alamo in the Ardennes: The Untold Story of the American Soldiers Who Made the Defense of Bastogne Possible
- Art Heals: How Creativity Cures the Soul
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Bewitched Viking
- History: Fiction or Science
- Advances in Chromatography; Volume 2
- Chemistry for the Protection of the Environment 4
- Draw 3-D: A Step by Step Guide to Perspective Drawing
- Got Parts
- Favorite Brand Names: Gifts from the Christmas Kitchen
- Bridge Substructure and Foundation Design
- Architecture for the Poor: An Experiment in Rural Egypt
- American Arctic Lichens Volume No 1
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment
The Life We Are Given (Inner Work Book)
Ultimate Athlete
Silent Pulse, The
Aikido in Everyday Life: Giving In to Get Your Way Second Edition
