Secret Tactics: Lessons from the Great Masters of Martial Arts Hardcover – August 15, 2003

Good book

If you like warrior philosophy this is a must own book. It is designed to reread and contemplated, and it is not a flowing story for those looking for entertainment or history. The author's intro sums it up:"The most important factor in studying the martial arts is not merely to understand, but to transcend rationale and technique. Mastering both of these concepts is necessary and, like the two wheels of a cart, neither will be useful if one is missing."In the martial arts, the spiritual aspect is the most important, and our forerunners, who were swordsmen of genius, have left legacies gathered from their personal encounters. Here I have collected works that I feel are most pertinent to the true understanding of the martial arts. These books were written between the 15th & 16th century, a time in Japanese history of Warring States and attempts at unification. The art of war was not merely a sport or spiritual training; this was a time when one's existence depended on one's skill in destroying the enemy. These works, the records of men who lived by the sword in harsh times, contain valuable lessons for us today."My one complaint is I already own some of these excerpts from their original source, so their is some redundancy. Nevertheless, it is an outstanding collection. The book has the following chapters:1) Hereditary Manual of the Martial Arts -Yagyu Munenori2) Technical Study of Kenpo -Kotoda Yahei Toshisada3) The Miracle of Immovable Wisdom -Takuan Soho4) The Ultimate Sword -Takuan Soho5) School of 2 heavens -Musashi6) Jyoseishi Kendan -by Matsura Seizan (possibly based on an early Shinto Ryu system?)7) Tengu's Dialog on the Martial Arts -Issai Chozanshi8) Secrets of Tactics -by the author9) Hagakure excerpt10) A study of Leadership & Politics -Le Sei Min (known in Japan as "Taisou", he was a Tang Chinese ruler)11) Gichou (a prime minister of Taisou)12) Sai Kon Tan -Kou Ji Sei (Ming Dynasty China)13) The Levels of Enlightenment -Kok Yim Ci Yuen (13th in succession from Buddha)14) SatoriIf that doesn't get you excited, this book is definitely not for you.

Great book!

This is my favorite book on the Martial Arts and I keep it as a treasure in my library.In fact, next to the Bible, this is probably my favorite book. The life lessons in this book are invaluable.You actually have three books in one.Book One: The Book of the Seven Masters deals with the Body and Physical tactics to overcome a enemy.Book Two: Leadership, promotes high moral and ethical base. The values of the immovable mind.Book Three: Enlightenment is the seeking to become one with God, Nature and the Universe, the Spirit.Therefore, the relation is that to be complete human being in life the Physical tranforms the mind and the mind transforms the Spirit.To be a Martial Arts Master is to be a Master of Life. To seek control of the Mind, Body and Spirit.Something that Western culture can not comprehend is Zen, is not really a religion in as sense but a philosophy. The lessons in this book actually support Christian thought and views.This book is a guideline to live a long, happy and ethical life in harmony with yourself and others around you while at the same time promoting a rock solid value system and ethical base that does not condone or support immoral behavior of any kind.

this book goes beyond the art of war and the book of five rings ... for old school strategy and tactice still useable today..its a good piece to have...no to mention its a kodansha book!so in addition to the books listed in the latter a great add to those...get this.

I agree that truth prevails over deception, but this book isn't about spreading the Good News, it's about learning how to train your body, mind and spirit in the ways of martial arts, but not just in that specific field but in any, you would only have to replace words in the text with their corresponding counterparts for the situation.I find that anybody learning martial arts would definetly benefit from the teachings from this book, especially those learning any art focused around a sword (Iaido, Kendo, Iaijutsu, ...). Also, the leadership area of the book is great and easily transposed to any field.If you are a Martial Arts instructor I suggest reading a teaching from this book to every class you teach and if possible, focus the training of the day on that which was read or will be read afterwards.I hope this is useful for you...

This may actually be the best book I have ever read. The principles can be applied to all aspects of life, so it's certainly for anyone. It's a shame that it's not more widely known, but word of mouth should help to make this book the classic it should be.Okay, for those of you wondering what's in the book, it has a lot of very insightful information and it is written very well. Lots of books such as these may babble on and on about some of the philosophies, but this book is very to the point. It doesn't, by any means, skimp on information, it's just very direct and efficient. The writing in many ways is consistent with the teachings within. Read the book...... EVERYONE!!!!

This book was recommended to me by Sensei Noone; who was one of Tabatas students.. And it goes without saying, its phenomenal. It's a combination of old and new wisdoms, "five rings" style and references but with a modern and current twist.

Excellent book!! One of those that you can re-read as you progress through your training again and again and always find new meaning. An added bonus is the many different references which point to very important texts for those interested in martial arts.Plus the book came far earlier than expected.

Gostei. Ótimas dicas de estratégia nas Artes Marciais.

Interesting

Great book.

I enjoyed the flow of this book. It was not boring in any way. Very thought provoking and encouraged me to actually look at myself as I read