A no-nonsense guide to the mind-body training necessary for budo, the study of traditional Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation—from a sixth-degree black belt and iaido teacher Budo is about learning more than how to fight; true budo is a way of seeking and uncovering meaning in life. Here, Nicklaus Suino, one of the leading iaido teachers in North America, gives expert advice on how to get the most from training in traditional Japanese martial arts such as iaido, kendo, aikido, judo, kyudo, and karate-do. He reveals the essential components of budo training, including how to: • determine the principles behind techniques • develop physical strength, technical strength and strength of character • discipline your mind to really focus and be in the present moment

Budo, the way of the martial arts, is at heart a path of spiritual cultivation and self-realization whose aim is to develop a strategic mind that makes combat unnecessary. Kenji Tokitsu explains the philosophy of karate as budo and looks deeply at the key concepts that are essential for developing the budo mind in karate practice. These concepts are: • distance and timing, • rhythm, anticipation, and intuition, • and the cultivation of explosive but focused energy. These concepts are difficult to teach, but mastering them is the ultimate goal of any true martial artist. Tokitsu expertly guides the reader through these elusive ideas with clarity and a practical view.

A no-nonsense guide to the mind-body training necessary for budo, the study of traditional Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation—from a sixth-degree black belt and iaido teacher Budo is about learning more than how to fight; true budo is a way of seeking and uncovering meaning in life. Here, Nicklaus Suino, one of the leading iaido teachers in North America, gives expert advice on how to get the most from training in traditional Japanese martial arts such as iaido, kendo, aikido, judo, kyudo, and karate-do. He reveals the essential components of budo training, including how to: • determine the principles behind techniques • develop physical strength, technical strength and strength of character • discipline your mind to really focus and be in the present moment

After years of practicing persistently and developing technical prowess, advanced students in the Japanese sword arts need to cultivate a strategic mind if they are to advance to the rarefied level of master swordsperson. Rather than passively absorbing the sword techniques, an ambitious student needs to focus more directly on the two ultimate goals of the art--to cut the opponent while avoiding being cut and to move toward perfection of character. In Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship--the third volume in his invaluable series on Japanese swordsmanship--Nicklaus Suino, one of the most respected swordsmen in the United States, clearly and concisely presents a tactical approach to training, grounded in these two objectives. He provides a framework for learning strategy in swordsmanship, and demonstrates techniques and drills that help put the strategies into practice. Some of the topics that Suino covers include: * the nature of strategy, timing, and distance * sword handling * the importance of vision and state of mind * timing and distancing * reading an opponent's intention Suino shows how through careful consideration of the technical issues, consistent practice, and ceaseless reflection, a diligent student can cultivate a strategic mind and learn how to achieve mastery over any opponent. To learn more about the author, Nicklaus Suino, go to www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image. Page 135

While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu—an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected karate teacher—shows how cultivating ki (life force) and understanding the principles of budo (the martial path of self-development) can make training in martial arts more meaningful, effective, and personally and spiritually rewarding. Tokitsu emphasizes the mental aspects of martial arts practice including: • The importance of ki development • Seme, or capturing your opponent's mind • Understanding ma, the spatial relationship in combat Studying these concepts, he explains, gives martial artists the tools to train for a lifetime and at the very highest level. Tokitsu also gives a historical and cultural survey of budo, and explains how the Western view of budo training is different than the Japanese—a perspective rarely available to Western martial artists.

Shin Gi Tai's core message is taking personal responsibility for your own karate progress and your life. Discover how to make real progess as a student of a karate dojo. Shin (Spirit) explains the 'self' in karate; Gi (Technique) examines fighting strategies, applications, and kata of karate; Tai (Body) teaches how to strenghten the body for the rigours of karate training. Learn why people spend a lifetime fighting themselves, so they don't have to fight anyone else.

Learn the secrets of the spiritual warrior with this martial arts book. Survival in life, whether it's combat or everyday living, demands that you press every advantage--and what could be better than knowing what an aggressor will do before he or she does it, or learning how to make wiser life choices in order to live harmoniously? In The Book of Six Rings, internationally-renowned psychic medium and martial artist Jock Brocas leads you through the process of sharpening your intuitive senses. By learning to listen to the voice within, you'll be able to avoid unseen dangers, discern hidden intent, follow natural intuition, and evade attacks while building the life that you are meant to lead--not one you are forced to lead. This guide is for martial artists and spiritual warriors of all types. With The Book of Six Rings you'll learn about: The link between budo and psychic abilities The importance of meditation in developing spiritual abilities How psychic development relates to martial arts practice Intuition-strengthening tests and exercises Real-life examples of the role of intuition in self-defense situations The Book of Six Rings is the perfect budo karate guide for those trying to survive life, whether it's combat or everyday living.