Living the Martial Way : A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think
003 4 This is a must read book and a book to be owned by anyone who considers themselves a warrior . I require its reading by all of my Black Belts and recommend it to all my students . This book explains in detail the essential elements of a true martial artist / warrior . It is not about the skill of fightinhg , yet more importantly about the moral and ethical obligation to self .
This book should be required reading in all police and military academies . I think , it is one of the five major books regarding the martial arts . The Martial Way is one in which the practitioner can excell in life and the constant pursuit of excellence in all of life .
The mind , body and spirit must be trained as one and function as one in all pursuits . This book will assist one greatly in acheiving the mental balance of the Martial Way .
032 4 I have read all the reviews ( 37 ) to this point and all but a few said this is a must read for any martial artist . I agree . BUT , it should be a MUST READ for everyone ! As Maj . Morgan says , to paraphrase , not everyone is a warrior . But if you are this book WILL make you realize it and lead to the warrior mindset . Today's society could benefit greatly from the tenents being taught in this book . I'm on my second read now and it will be a Christmas present for several warriors I know who don't yet know they are warriors . Do not read too much into the warrior moniker . It is a mindset NOT a just a profession .
044 4 As far as being a good way to start thinking like a warrior , this is a great book to help . It basically outlines everything one needs to think about when they are a martial artist . But it is very controlling , almost like the military . One can tell that a military officer wrote it just by the strong pushing of his way or no way ideas . Sometimes he gives false information ( see the part where martial arts in Asia originated . ) . It was deffinately worth reading for the good points I got out of it , and there was deffinately more good to it than bad , but I believe he should have left more room for the reader to feel comfortable to grow his own warrior mindset and not feel bad about doing it .
048 4 I have owned this book since the mid 90s , and I still read it . It's one of those books that , the more you read it , the more meaning you get from it .
As a 4th Dan in Okinawan Kenpo , this book is on my students Should Be Read list .
069 4 This book is a work of genius . No other book even comes close to the wisdom contained in this volume . Anyone interested in martial arts MUST HAVE this book
091 4 I found this book by chance , and I'm very glad I did ! Until I read Mr . Majors book I was very content with Joe Hymm's zen in the martial arts , however Mr . Major's book goes well beyand that . He has managed to balance history , theory , and pratcial advice in a way that has really helped my martial arts ! A MUST READ
010 4 All warrior cultures have certain codes that seem to transend time and place and form a common core . The author uses the more familiar attitudes from Asian martial arts and philosophy to present modern warriors with a way to live and , if required , to die . And that is what is missing in modern culture , in my opinion . People are so busy being somebody they are not that they don't think of how thier life will be defined - there is no code , just extreme this or that , lots of attitude and material desires . I feel that our consumerism is turning a lot of potentially good people into punks that have no concept of dignity or sense of what I would call a ' Warrior community ' . To them , reality is virtual , or subjective . I feel , like the author of Hagakure , that the positive messages of the old ways are being discarded for the qucick path and people are less than they can be . Hopefully some will take Mr . Morgans ' ideas to heart and practice them with an eye to becoming a superior person . I think that is worthy of our time and effort . In the past , I have read reviews of this work that decry the thought that life is a struggle , a battle . Some found this too violent . It would be nice if we could practice our art merely for spiritual enlightenment or physical fitness . Unfortunately , there are those that do not share an aversion to violence , and they seem to make the weak thier target . If nothing else , learn the ways of violence to help those weaker than you against the predators . Surely preparing to serve your fellow man in this capacity will not infringe upon your desire to ' get along ' . I find that those who amuse themselves at the expense of the weak are more than willing to ' get along ' when faced with retribution from the warriors in our society .
007 4 I was surprised at all the reviewers that didn't get it - that this was really a modern version of Hakagure , or how to face life and death . Since we no longer have to face quite the same situations that warriors did before the advent of gunpowder , does that mean we no longer need a guide to living based on these values ? Do we toss out all the positive things and focus on being ' modern ' ? Mr . Morgan doesn't think so , and neither do I . This has nothing to do with war , or fighting , but with your spirit . Today , I think that is more important than all the technology and other advances . Basically , the book should make you want to search for the substance of your life , not the style we seem to mistake for reality these days . I found it very enlightening , and not preachy - just thought provoking . It lead me to search for personal answers and to be serious about my life - after all , I won't get another if this one is wasted ! If this is being elitist , or a warmonger , or whatever , then go to the new age candle burning section and summon up all positive vibes . You still don't get it .
017 4 Mr . Morgan does a great job of dealing with the general , moving to the specific , and then anecdotally applying what he's just described . This book is very valuable to those who aren't just interested in a general direction but who value a road map to their final destination . The negative reviews I have read on this site are bewildering , and they appear to have not understood the content of this book . Mr . Morgan has provided a modern handbook for the modern warrior that describes and relates the martial way of the past and past warriors , and how it is applicable today . There is a big difference between being concise and decisive , and being arrogant . I would suggest , and have suggested , this book to anyone interested in taking their warrior spirit outside of the training hall , and applying it to their everyday lives . I suppose this book could be hard to understand if the reader is too mentally obtuse to grasp it .
022 4 This book is phenomenal . It is truly a manual for living your life with honor . Follow the path that Mr . Morgan has set before you and live like a warrior . This is not a book for the thug or bully , but for the person , whomever they are , that wants to be more than they ever thought they could be . It is a feeling few can honestly say they have achieved , however the journey is worth it . I cannot say I currently have accomplished this , but it is my goal . Thank you to Forrest Morgan for showing the way .
046 4 This was an excellent and informative book . This is a must read for all Martial Artists . His insight is wonderful and I truly learned more than I had ever hoped to . The only drawback was the cross training section . I think his weight training ideas would leave most people over trained . But even Mr . Morgan says that there are 100 ' s of books that cover this topic . All and all an awesome book !
047 4 A great book explaining the bushido and how to work to achieve honourable living . Also a great book on the physical aspects of training to be a martial warrior . A must-have for those serious about the martial arts and what the arts represent .
073 4 I'm constantly adding to my library of martial arts books and ordered this one based strictly on the huge number of positive Amazon book reviews which accompany its listing . I have to confirm what everyone else says - - Forest Morgan hits home with solid information that is viable for all martial artists from white belt to black belt . Although I study Taekwondo myself , I certainly have great respect for all martial arts styles and always learn something of value from each of them . The real beauty of Living the Martial Way is its accuracy and profound insights that apply to martial artists of all styles and ranks and backgrounds . Outstanding book , belongs right up there with the classics of this field .
077 4 I found that this book helped to close up the gaps that I had concerning martial arts in general . I just started taking aikido about 4 months ago , and I had a lot of basic questions that I didn't want to bother my sensei about . I like the approach the book takes about really ' living ' the martial way - - not just going around and doing stuff like you see in the movies . Although I was a bit taken back by the book being a bit on the aggressive side of fighting and the lack of coverage concerning aikido .
087 4 Most books tell you how . This book tells you why . Major Morgan answers many questions not answered in traditional martial arts training . Questions of honor , discipline , mindset , training , etc . , are all addressed in a way that stimulates the reader's thinking , including simple , logical steps geared toward applying the lessons learned in the dojo / kwoon / etc . to everyday life . I recommend this work to all of my friends in the Martial Arts .
093 4 I read this through and could'nt help underlining and marking pages . This is probably one of the most informative martial arts book out there . A great book for a seasoned practitioner or the beginning martial artist . I found that this book was not only a good read from cover to cover but that it also acts as an excellent reference book . Almost all subjects are covered . A must for all martial artists .
098 4 Very objective book about the martial arts.It's nice to see sombody who really appreciates the traditional aspects of the arts.One of the many lessons you will learn from this book is that you should'nt get hung up on the color of belts because every system is artificial anyway.It does'nt matter what belt you are or how many trophies you have won or how many tournaments you have won because it doesn't matter.How will you be able to defend yourself out on the street ? A good streetfighter can beat a tournament fighter any day of the week .
099 4 This is the best modern text I have read on the traditonal warrior training so lacking in todays flash and trash Americanized Martial Arts . I agree whole hartedly with Maj . Morgan and have made this text required reading for all my students . This book is well over due . It will hopefully wake up the vast majortiy of martial artists who don't have a clue to as the real nature of the warrior arts . Bravo ! Maj . Morgan . Your book is a breath of fresh air .
101 4 Being a classically trained martial artisit , I found this book to be insightful and certainly worth the time , money and energy to read . The Major downfall to this book , that I have never found in a true classic on this Way of Life , was the repeated insistence on the superiority of this Way of Life over the others . Still , it is a good book , but one that should not be taken too seriously .
104 4 This book is well organized , but quite elitist and grim in its presentation of the topic . According to Mr . Morgan , warriors are an elite class , better than the rest of us mortals , evidently , and the only honorable way to live is to engage in seaseless struggle . There is nothing here about creating a more compassionate peaceful society , and no analysis of the ravages of war created by persuing a relentlessly militiristic model . Sure , we all need to discover our warrior capabilities , but we don't need more vigilantes in this society !
016 4 I've trained hard in the martial arts for over 10 years . While Morgan does not train in the same art as me , he provides valuable insight into the Warrior mindset . This is not a technique book , a philosophy book , or a history book . It is a basic outline of a way to live by the principles seen in all true martial arts . Don't mistake the Warrior mindset for that of the samurai of old . This book is not Bushido or Hagakure - if you read those , some of the ideas are VERY outdated . This title says , . . . for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think and reviews how the spirit and ideals of traditional martial arts can help in our modern work , personal , and martial arts life .
020 4 This book is a great primer to show you how to get the most out of your martial arts endeavors . From picking the right martial art for you , to giving you the right tools to form strategic thinking in training and combat , LIVING THE MARTIAL WAY will help you get the most out of your training and go down the right path .
059 4 This book is for serious warrior-minded martial artists only , NOT martial arts practitioners . So if you are a sport martial arts practitioner or MMA guy this book is not for you . However , for those who truly live the Martial Way , this book will serve to re-inforce what you probably already know to be true .
111 4 I probably would have liked this book in my teens , but after 11 years of training I can no longer stand all the b.s . martial artists delude themselves with .
It's the 21st century - idealizing and identifying with 19th early 20th century Asian masters and is little better than adopting the warrior practices of 12th century european knights .
For most of the martial arts world it's like the Ultimate Fighting Championships , Vale Tudo , Pancrase and the other Mixed Martial Arts ( MMA ) events never happened or don't exist .
MMA no holds bared fighters , Muay Thai Boxers , Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters are the true martial artists today - and they're not warriors .
Warriors carry weapons , risk their lives and train to kill people : Soldiers , Marines , SEAL's .
038 4 I highly recommend this title to anyone who seriously wishes to commit to their martial arts training . Rather than merely dabbling , this title encourages those interested in the various styles to consider the nobleness and seriousness of training as a source of self-improvement , right behavior and honor . The author examines the importance of warriorship as a basis for living . I was especially impressed with the statements about no one art being superior to another , choosing a martial arts doctrine that is appropriate to yourself , and the realization that the path to the martial way is a lifelong decision towards one of study and growth . His approach of training as a warrior was instrumental to improving my mindset towards why and how I train . I look at my training as a way of life , instead of merely a hobby . After reading this title , I loaned it to my SiFu ; now it is becoming a recommended title for my entire kung fu class .
031 4 Read this book . When you are preparing for belt testing , read it again . When you are looking for inspiration , read it again . If you wonder if you should continue your training , read it again . When you are ready to add another level to your training , read it again . Every time I've read this book I've gotten something new out of it . I highly recommend it !
035 4 This book was an excellent book for somebody who either questions where their martial art is taking them or for someone really into martial philosophy . I really enjoyed it . I read it whenever I had free time . Great book , that just about sums it up .
039 4 If you're into flashy martial arts and all the other garbage you see on TV this book is not for you . This book is for the serious martial artist seeking to perfect himself or herself through the martial arts . I highly recommend this book .
052 4 I expected a book of lesser quality , but was surprised to see the great condition the book was in when I received it . If a book I want is had by this person , I will select them over anyone else . . .
053 4 There are a great many books written about the philosophy and lifestyle of the martial arts , but this is the one , hands-down , that I would recommend to anyone .
057 4 I love this book . It is my opinion that anyone who is responsible for training others wether it be Military , Martial Arts or Police acadmies should make this book a mandatory read . I read this book a few years ago and still go back to it and read it every now and then . I recently recommended this book to a recruit class in the Police academy as a must read .
060 4 I've read this book 3 times and I learn something every time . It motivates me to do my best .
062 4 This book is an excellent resource for any bookshelf . Even someone who does not practice martial arts can glean knowledge from this text that can be directly applied into their daily lives . I highly recommend having a copy of this book on your library shelf .
063 4 I am on the second reading of this book . As a former Marine and Law Enforcement Officer . . . I find it very relevant in today's morally complex world . I highly recommend this book and look forward to anything else that may come from this author .
070 4 Anyone who wishes to progress beyond the merely physical aspects of their training , and feels it is time to delve into the spiritual and moral issues surrounding their art , should read this book to get some real answers.The martail arts as a lifestyle , especially his emphisis on living the martail WAY , is essential for anyone who is progressing into the higher ranks in their art . There are far to many people who practice merely the physical aspects of their art , without having the reverence or respect for it that deserves . Hopefully this book will serve to enlighten . I know it helped me .
071 4 I was thouroughly impressed with this book . I frequently go back and re-read certain chapters when I am dealing with issues pertaining to my training , both physically and mentally . This book is not about styles , but about the true spirit of the martial arts . I was most impressed with the author's view on honor . As an American , I agree that most of us look at saving face as honor . And that is why most fights start , to save face . This book totally changed the way I look at my training , the person I am trying to become , and the way I go about striving for that goal . This book is easy to read , simple to understand , and amazingly insightful . It is one of those books that make you say , Now why didn't I think of that ? Great reading ! !
078 4 I read this book twice . The first few chapters seemed heavy handed in teaching because of the differences from my own philosophy as a martial artist . However , he explained himself so well that I was able to learn from this book . This is a must read for growth in the martial arts
089 4 This book has really changed the way I look at my martial arts training . It helped me step back and look at why I train and what I want to get out of it . I would recommend this to everyone and plan on making it required reading for my black belts
096 4 This is probably the best guide on the development of personal warriorship that I have ever read . In fact , I have given all of my advanced students a copy of the book as required reading ! Head Instructor Phil Orr , Columbia Kenpo / Karate / Ju-Jitsu Schoo
103 4 I got this book when I first started training in the martial arts . I thought it interesting reading , but the author seems very arrogant ! I usually ignore this in a book , but he was really getting on my nerves in several places . i thought maybe it's because I'm a woman , but other reviews I've read mention the same thing . That's about the only fault I find with the book . I like how he doesn't promote one art as being better than another and how you should master one before moving to another , etc . Overall I really enjoyed reading this book .
079 4 I would recommend this book to any one who is serious about martial arts . It is required reading for my students progressing from low to medium belts . Thank you Mr . Morgan ! TJ Storm - Eye of the Storm Martial Arts Cente
054 4 Even though there are ove 100 reviews of this great book , I am compelled to also write a review of this book . After I read this book in 1992 I required all my karate and jujitsu students to buy a copy and study this text . Indeed , the author understands clearly how a true warrior must live his life . Yes , he borrowed from many ancient texts on this topic , but his own unique way of expressing these principles makes this book a classic in my opinion . The 12 chapters cover so much vital material that no review can do it justice . In conclusion , anyone who is involved in the warrior arts and martial arts should have a copy of this text in their personal library . It is and always will be one of my favorite and often read books . Rating : 5 stars . Joseph J . Truncale ( Bushi Satori Ryu - author : Monadnock Defensive Tactics System-Season of the Warrior )
088 4 This is hands-down the best instruction manual for Martial Artists everywhere from every style ! It is Required Reading for all my students ! Great Job Maj . Morgan ! ( Paul J . Hale ; Budoshin Ju-Jitsu )
094 4 i have read this book many times , i recommend it to anyone . Morgan hits home time and time again . It is real , it has answers .
081 4 I have a large Martial Arts library , and Lt Col Morgan's Book would have to be the most thumbed through , and Post-It Noted of the lot . . . It is my favourite ! Right up there with Kensho Furuya's Kodo - Ancient Ways for the best references in the correct Martial Way .
075 4 Insightful and intelligent . Morgan has put a lot of thought and research into questions that arise for most martial artists .
086 4 This book goes well beyond some of the readily available texts in the martial arts , many of which are superficial , devoted only to promoting a style or a particular instructor / author . Author fully explains the Martial Way , a Way by which any true student of a martial art must strive to live , and yet a Way that is seldom taught in all too many modern dojos . Text also strives to enlighten the reader regarding differences between arts , strategies , tactics , and philosophies . Definately one of the most important texts for modern students of the Martial Arts .
050 4 This book speaks more to the philosophy of martial arts than how to do it . Even for someone who does not practice martial arts this book provides a sound philosophy about leading a moral and rewarding lifestyle . Have read through multiple times now .
097 4 With the author's decades of martial arts experience , he clearly explains the physical and mental aspects of martial arts without digressing into vagueness . His karate and JuJitsu background are used to explain what you need to know to succeed in martial arts . His opinions are both strong and with foundation
107 4 I bought this book with high hopes that it would prove to be interesting and informative . It was neither . There are several other books which are more profound and employ a more whole-life integration approach to the topic . The general tone of this book is very militant and dogmatic . This book will appeal to warrior wanna-bes moreso than true warriors . As a veteran , I agree that war is a serious business , but read any book by a former SEAL and realize that one can be a serious warrior without being too serious .
055 4 This is a GREAT BOOK , specially if you are a person with a traditionalist mindset . . . not a book for people who are uncomfortable with the warrior ethos or who think the modern world is morally superior to the ancient world of our ancestors . That kind of people could find some of the ideas in the book insulting , or out of date .
102 4 This is one of THE BESt books on what being a martial artist is all about , no matter what art you study . This book should be REQUIRED READING for ALL martial artists , especially beginners . Should be read over and over again to remind us what being a martial artist and modern day Warrior is all about .
The Way of Training , The Way of Honor , and The Way of Living . In Part One , the author discusses how a warrior trains . Practicing once or twice a week for a couple of hours won't cut it . Instead , the warrior should rigorously train in their chosen martial art every day , and augment their core style with additional study in other disciplines . Part Two delves into the warrior's internal path by focusing on developing the foundational character quality of Honor . Finally , Part Three deals with a mixture of the practical and spiritual aspects of the Martial Way , including physical fitness , mysticism , and personal bearing .
Mr . Morgan provides a comprehensive path towards warriorship . For the most part , his guidance is clear and practical . However , there are a couple of debatable areas . For example , some of the circa 1990 diet and exercise information Mr . Morgan promulgates is a bit stale in 2007 . Even so , the author's general admonition to eat right and exercise are timeless , so consult some newer resources to implement his recommendations . Also , I was a bit taken aback by his almost religious zeal towards becoming a warrior . To be sure , excellence requires much work , pain , and sacrifice . But many desire a more balanced life , and I'm not sure one could fully pursue the Martial Way and have a family life . Indeed , you'd probably have to be a celibate monk to truly achieve warriorship ( for all I know that may be a requirement , since Mr . Morgan isn't forthcoming on his family life ) .
Overall , I was challenged by Living the Martial Way to take my budo practice ( and my faith as a Christian ) to a higher level and integrate it deeper into my life . However , I'm not as dismissive of the twice weekly practitioner as Mr . Morgan is . Because for years that was my training regimen at the kyu ( colored belt ) level . Mr . Morgan might dismiss me as a mere martial artist ( see page 25 ) . But I've realized many personal benefits from that level of practice . Even so , now that I'm a ShoDan assistant instructor I agree with him that a deeper level of commitment is needed . I must be a good role model for my students , and that requires more intensity on my part . That's why I added boxing to my doctrinal core of karate over a year ago , and also the reason I'm reading many books about the martial arts .
I recommend Living The Martial Way as a necessary text for the martial artist . It will affirm the dedication of the serious practitioner , and perhaps challenge the not-so-serious one towards a more profound level of commitment . In addition , you may wish to augment this book with Clearing Away Clouds by Stephen Fabian , The Making of a Butterfly by Phillip Starr , The Martial Way and Its Virtues by F . J . Chu , The Martial Spirit by Herman Kauz , and just about anything by Dave Lowry .
001 4 ' Living the Martial Way ' is a valuable book that should be read by serious martial artists .
The author explores a wide range of issues including the mental / ' spiritual ' aspects , history , philosophy , strategy / tactics , and many others . This work is particularly valuable to those who do not have the good fortune to have an instructor who is a traditionalist . Those martial artists who have such a teacher have undoubtedly gotten a dose of most of the best of this volume . Those without such a mentor will doubly benefit from Morgan's instruction .
Here is the breakdown of this book as I see it :
The Good
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1 . Lots of interesting history .
2 . Excellent material on the ethical principles , loyalty , honor , etc .
3 . Philosophical roots of the martial arts .
4 . The benefits of training , particularly as it applies to seeking ecellence in other areas of one's life .
5 . A good section on strategy and tactics .
6 . Excellent commentary on internal vs . external motivations .
7 . A good response to religious based objections to martial arts training .
The Not So Good
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1 . Too much discussion of ' face ' including some rationalization for inappropriate responses to a loss of face .
2 . Some discussion of revenge and suicide that should have been treated strictly as historical instead of some weak justification of these as applied to the modern world .
3 . The author is rather elitist in his view of warriors being superior to pretty much everyone else on the planet . Although this part included some good observations , it was overdone .
Overall , I would recommend this book for any martial artist . Additionally , I think that a lot of the information would be interesting and valuable even to non ' warriors ' .
002 4 This book is a masterpiece . It is a great guide for the martial artist and fills in many gaps in his or her training . For example , Morgan has a chapter on Honor . He is right when he states that we in the martial arts world hear the word honor often , but , never have its definition articulated to us . He gives a groundwork of tenets ( obligation , justice , and courage ) and builds a thesis as to why these tenets are important to martial artist of all belt ranks . Even though I think his tenets are incomplete , but neverless insightful ; it is a great start , and he is the first to forcefully lay down such a well reasoned view .
The book is full of training ideas and incorperating the martial arts into one's everyday life . I often refer to this book when I have not lived up to one of the tenets and strive to be a better martial artist and after reading this book , a better man .
004 4 The title says it all . Written with authority , this book navigates the modern warrior through the minefield that he will have to walk as a result of being a martial person in a world full of those who are not . The writings help to keep one out of the traps that many of us fall into as a result of not having the mentorship that we truly need . Using his knowledge of primarily eastern warrior traditions such as bushido ( Japanese chivalry ) , Morgan covers all of the issues that warriors grapple with and then gives the answers that true masters have been teaching for over 1000 years . His research is thourough , his writting style formal yet easy to understand . He goes into the social history surrounding the ancient texts refered to ( such as The Book Of Five Rings , The Art Of War , etc ) and in doing so helps the western reader adjust his outlook so that the classic texts are more easily understood and applied . Beyond that , Morgan thoughroughly covers such topics as :
The Warrior Mindset
The Foundations Of Honor ( Obligation , justice ,
courage , face )
Loyalty
Restraint
Revenge ( when is it justified , how to conduct it with
honor )
Fitness
Nutrition and diet
Aerobic capacity and flexability
Religion and Mysticism
etc .
While few modern warriors will agree with EVERYTHING he says , this is by and large the information you have been in need of .
All in all a complete book from start to finish . Highly recomended .
005 4 I would highly recommend - - regardless of the system of martial arts you study - - Living the Martial Way by Forrest E . Morgan . This book will change your whole outlook on how you study martial arts and will teach you how to develop attitudes based on ancient Asian martial arts . It is a manual for the way a modern warrior should think .
This is the most influential book I have ever read . I sincerely recommend it as a must read for any student of martial arts or anyone interested in a noble way of living .
006 4 Recently I read and reviewed a book called The Karate Dojo by Peter Urban . Written in the mid - 1960s , it's a snapshot of a bygone martial arts era . Mr . Urban portrayed an ideal dojo training situation that would enable one to become a weaponless weapon . Living the Martial Way has a similar focus on achieving the status of a modern warrior . However , it goes a lot farther by offering detailed practical and philosophical steps to that end . Combined , these steps constitute the Martial Way . It's not for the faint of heart .
The book is broken down into three aspects of the Martial Way : The Way of Training , The Way of Honor , and The Way of Living . In Part One , the author discusses how a warrior trains . Practicing once or twice a week for a couple of hours won't cut it . Instead , the warrior should rigorously train in their chosen martial art every day , and augment their core style with additional study in other disciplines . Part Two delves into the warrior's internal path by focusing on developing the foundational character quality of Honor . Finally , Part Three deals with a mixture of the practical and spiritual aspects of the Martial Way , including physical fitness , mysticism , and personal bearing .
Mr . Morgan provides a comprehensive path towards warriorship . For the most part , his guidance is clear and practical . However , there are a couple of debatable areas . For example , some of the circa 1990 diet and exercise information Mr . Morgan promulgates is a bit stale in 2007 . Even so , the author's general admonition to eat right and exercise are timeless , so consult some newer resources to implement his recommendations . Also , I was a bit taken aback by his almost religious zeal towards becoming a warrior . To be sure , excellence requires much work , pain , and sacrifice . But many desire a more balanced life , and I'm not sure one could fully pursue the Martial Way and have a family life . Indeed , you'd probably have to be a celibate monk to truly achieve warriorship ( for all I know that may be a requirement , since Mr . Morgan isn't forthcoming on his family life ) .
Overall , I was challenged by Living the Martial Way to take my budo practice ( and my faith as a Christian ) to a higher level and integrate it deeper into my life . However , I'm not as dismissive of the twice weekly practitioner as Mr . Morgan is . Because for years that was my training regimen at the kyu ( colored belt ) level . Mr . Morgan might dismiss me as a mere martial artist ( see page 25 ) . But I've realized many personal benefits from that level of practice . Even so , now that I'm a ShoDan assistant instructor I agree with him that a deeper level of commitment is needed . I must be a good role model for my students , and that requires more intensity on my part . That's why I added boxing to my doctrinal core of karate over a year ago , and also the reason I'm reading many books about the martial arts .
I recommend Living The Martial Way as a necessary text for the martial artist . It will affirm the dedication of the serious practitioner , and perhaps challenge the not-so-serious one towards a more profound level of commitment . In addition , you may wish to augment this book with Clearing Away Clouds by Stephen Fabian , The Making of a Butterfly by Phillip Starr , The Martial Way and Its Virtues by F . J . Chu , The Martial Spirit by Herman Kauz , and just about anything by Dave Lowry .
008 4 Morgan articulates the physical , mental , and moral aspects of the warrior way better than any book I've seen so far . He covers every aspect of the warrior's training , both physical and mental , showing how the true warrior lifestyle differs from others . Another thing I liked is how he clearly distinguishes between martial arts , mysticism , and religion . Americans are often confused on this point , as Morgan points out that true martial arts are not religions , and not even mystical , they are methods of waging war . Mysticism also has nothing to do with religion per se - - it only means the belief that the truth is within each of us and can be discovered if one looks hard enough , a principle which many eastern and western thinkers and religions believe .
My only complaint is I agree with the other reviewers here that Morgan is a little heavy-handed emphasizing the superiority of the trained warrior to the average person . That may be true in some ways , but he could have soft-pedalled that a bit . Other than that this is a great book that explains the most important concepts in the martial arts and how to truly live the warrior way .
009 4 I only have the highest praise for Mr . Morgan's book . As a person who has studied the martial arts ( embodied in TaeKwon-do , Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Eskrima ) I have been looking for a common thread that defines what it means to live the Way of the martial arts . This book encapsulates that Way ( Tao , or Do , as they say ) . The book is written in an approachable fashion ; each chapter is outlined , the thesis is developed , and the key points are summarized . The numerous anecdotes and personal observations that the author provides prevents it from coming across as a dry textbook . The content is ecumenical ; the common threads of many martial traditions are examined , including the asian arts of aikido , karate , kenjutsu , Lun Gar Pai kung-fu and TaeKwon-do , as well as western military codes of honor . Of particular interest is the authors analysis of religious vs philosophical interpretations of the asian traditions . He points out that there is no conflict between even the most devoutly held western religious viewpoints and the practice of martial arts . In summary , I recommend this book highly , whether you're casually interested in what all that mumbo jumbo your aikido-practicing friend goes on about , or whether you're a high-ranked blackbelt in Uechi-Ryu Karate .
011 4 It's hard to add much to the praise that this superb book has already garnered , except to say that it's one of the most elegantly written and deeply felt texts in a field not always known for the verbal skill or cultural awareness of its authors .
Forrest Morgan concentrates not so much on fighting tactics or specific combat matters , but rather on how practitioners should conceive of martial arts study as a vital aspect of their daily lives . The author's gravity and austere integrity are bracing , particularly in a field populated by sham practitioners .
Morgan brilliantly debunks many martial arts myths , explains how to choose the best discipline for one's purposes , and lays out a program to develop a warrior mindset in a culture that often overlooks the value of the martial virtues .
This finely crafted , probing work should be the first book read by anyone thinking about taking up martial arts . It will also be an essential addition to the libraries of seasoned practitioners .
012 4 I was first attracted to this book when I read the back and saw that he studied one of the styles that I have studied . Upon reading the book , I was happy to see that it had much content that I found useful and interesting .
This book has many good sections for the martial artist , including sections on honor ( one of my favorite ) , training , and strategy . I see the book as a good overall reference regarding both philosophical and physical issues which martial artists face .
I got this book about 5 years ago , and since then , some of my training practices and thoughts have changed . I think now that much of the philosophical content is very idealistic , but I think can be useful to anyone , martial artist and non-martial artist alike . However , some of the physical conditioning I find to be somewhat narrow and basic in its treatment . However , his examples and principles are pretty good overall .
The author has done his homework and the book is well researched and referenced ( and he has very good quotations ) . If you are just starting out in martial arts , especially traditional martial arts such as Karate or traditional Jiujitsu , you may find this book very useful . However , I think you may enjoy this book even if you study other systems .
013 4 Morgan's book is exceptional . Exceelent reading for serious , nononse martial artist .
One of the strengths of the book is that it is not one-demensional . Various topics are covered . Everything from training methods , mindset , diet , physical fitnesss , and even an overview on Eastern religions is discussed in this work . Of special interest for martial artist is Morgan's explanation on the importance of using ' strategy and tactics ' . - - Something that is often neglected in most books - -
' Living the Martial way ' is one of the best martial arts book I have found .
014 4 I just finished this book and I plan to start reading it for the second time immediately .
The author does an excellent job of giving the reader a very broad overview of the principals of how and what it means to strive for physical , mental , and emotional excellence today's society . There is so much good content packed into the 312 pages that I'll probably have to read it a number of times to internalize much of the information .
From exercise and diet , to developing good sparring techniques , to defining what it means to have honor and act honorably , this book covers many fundamental principals with just enough depth for the reader to learn how to apply them to everyday life .
The only part of the book that I haven't quite embraced yet was an overriding , elitest theme that warriors are superior in every way : physically , mentally , etc . It was laid on a bit thick for my taste , and I found that it distracted me from the otherwise excellent content of the book .
015 4 Forrest Morgan has written an excellent book that has been enjoyed by countless martial artists for quite a few years now . In its 300 plus pages , the book provides plenty of great information on a variety of topics related to the martial arts : from history to philosophy , from diet to strategy . Overall , the book is well written and contains stimulating ideas regarding the meaning of being a warrior . The main thing that prevents me from giving the book 5 stars is the fact that the author seems to have a somewhat rigid , self-important attitude . The ability to laugh at oneself is a wonderful quality and Morgan doesn't seem to possess it . Joe Hyams ' Zen in the Martial Arts , and Daniele Bolelli's On the Warrior's Path explore the same topic with equal depth in insight but with more sense of humor and flexibility . This , however , is a minor critique that doesn't take away the fact that Living the Martial Way is a very enjoyable book .
018 4 This review is from :
Living the Martial Way : A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think ( Paperback )
Maj . Morgan sets an ambitious goal with the subtitle , and achieves his objective . This is a book about martial arts in the way that Sun Tzu is a book about warfare - it is a study of the underlying philosophy rather than the mechanics . It is a look into the soul of the Warrior , a guide to the personality type more than a book of martial arts . Maj . Morgan applies the warrior's sense of ki to all aspects of his life , and encourages the reader to do so . If you are a Warrior - if you ive life with an unusual intensity , if you find that the world does not share your sense of honor , and if you live with uncommon immediacy - you will recognize yourself in these pages .
I encountered myself in each chapter , and see this book as a guide for how to fit the square peg Warrior into the round hole that the world leaves for us , until it needs us . This book will help the Warrior personality find himself , train , discipline , and find a way to live honorably in a dishonorable world . This is one of the pivotal books of my life .
Thank you , Major Morgan .
019 4 Maj . Morgan sets an ambitious goal with the subtitle , and achieves his objective . This is a book about martial arts in the way that Sun Tzu is a book about warfare - it is a study of the underlying philosophy rather than the mechanics . It is a look into the soul of the Warrior , a guide to the personality type more than a book of martial arts . Maj . Morgan applies the warrior's sense of ki to all aspects of his life , and encourages the reader to do so . If you are a Warrior - if you ive life with an unusual intensity , if you find that the world does not share your sense of honor , and if you live with uncommon immediacy - you will recognize yourself in these pages .
I encountered myself in each chapter , and see this book as a guide for how to fit the square peg Warrior into the round hole that the world leaves for us , until it needs us . This book will help the Warrior personality find himself , train , discipline , and find a way to live honorably in a dishonorable world . This is one of the pivotal books of my life .
Thank you , Major Morgan .
023 4 I have studied various martial arts and martial ways , and yes , for those of you who have read this book , I have a core art . I greatly enjoyed this book , it is an excellent guide for those seeking the warrior lifestyle and the true meaning of honor .
My reservation is this : I believe that in modern society , those who are warriors are not necessarily men-at-arms . I believe there are many who are warriors of their profession and who have honor , life-long commitment , and every-day dedication to their art . This art does not have to be fighting to make them a warrior .
Buy this book , and apply its principles to that which you choose to dedicate your life .
024 4 The main theme of this book is that martial arts students should adopt a warrior mentality . Personally , I think this is important , but I also think that martial arts is more than a combat mentality ; it is about improving yourself as a person . The warrior mentality is basically a joke if you live in 21st century suburbia - your chances of getting into a life-threatening fight are about a zillion to one if you are smart enought to walk away from ego challenges and avoid dangerous areas .
The reality is that most martial arts are more art than combat , which is ok ; learning an ancient art is a nice thing . If you want to learn self-protection , the modern combat training ( Krav Maga , Combato , etc ) is much more effective . However , modern combat training lacks the history and mental focus of the traditional martial arts , which is an aspect that many people ( myself included ) enjoy . Thus , the author's main point about martial arts training being about constantly preparing oneself for an attack is , in my opinion misplaced .
I very much liked the chapter on fighting strategies and the author's emphasis on being physically fit . The diatribe about eating a lowfat , high carb diet is inconsistent with the modern , low-carb theories , but the point is well-made : being fit makes you a better fighter .
The bottom line is that the book is very well written and makes some strong points ( hence the 4 star rating ) ; it's just that I disagree with a lot of them . Even so , I highly recommend reading the book .
025 4 This book is easily one of the greatest books on how to live an honorable warrior's lifestyle in a modern world . The book is like a guide as to how to not only be the best warrior possible , but the best human being you can be .
The only thing I have to say is that this book is NOT FOR EVERYONE . You should only consider reading this book if you plan on taking it quite seriously , as Forrest E Morgan is ( as he says himself ) rather obsessive with parts of the book . A good example is when Morgan tells us that we should spend the majority of our life in training ; train more than you sleep . I'm in no way saying that the book tells us to do anything impossible or to dedicate every waking moment of our time training , he's just telling us the truth : it takes a dedicated life to become a true warrior .
And this book will tell you how .
I also want to say that there is definatly some worth in the book for the casual reader , but the majority of the book involves a life-long commitment , and all of it requires some perseverance .
What I mean is , you won't finish this book and instantly become a better person .
Rather , you will better know HOW to make yourself a better person . For those looking for a lifestyle change , something to complement their martial arts training , or simply a purpose to dedicate yourself to , I can think of no book better than this .
026 4 This is quite simply the single most influential book on martial arts that I ` ve read in 30 + years of training and research on the subject .
There are hundreds of books out there on how to fight , most promoting one style or category of martial arts over another ( ie : Karate vs arnis or grappling vs striking etc . ) . Most of them are of questionable value at best .
This book doesn ` t bother with telling you how to fight . It tells you why to fight , and why not to . It teaches you how to really examine what you want from your training and then structure your training so that you can achive that result . And it examines the place of fighting arts in our daily lives and the fighter ` s place in society .
Hope that doesn ` t sound too out there , because it ` s a very straight forward and down to earth book . But I can ` t reccomend it highly enough . It ` s one you ` ll reread over and over again , and each time you ` ll dicover a wonderful thought provoking idea you missed before .
027 4 In our very traditional martial arts school we present each new black belt with their own copy of Living The Martial Way . They have heard the concepts throughout the years of their training and often have dog-eared copies of their own . We want them to start fresh and have a new copy for their continuing training .
Having been in the educational field , first as a teacher , now as a behavior specialist , I find Dr . Morgan's book an essential guide for teaching values to kids who have lost their way . Or , worse yet , were never shown a path from the lost adults around them . My clients are already street warriors ; I want them to become honorable warriors in life . This book shows them how to become one .
028 4 This is an outstanding piece of work . Warriorship in philosophy as well as practice . . . the way it really is . New Age authors throw around the word warrior without having a true understanding of what it really means . Warriorship is not a state of mind , nor is it something that one can achieve on a part-time basis after having attending some sissified overnight workshop consisting of drum-pounding and face painting - - no , Warriorship is not something that one can pretend to practice ( without becoming an object of scorn and ridicule ) . If you are truly a warrior , the honor , discipline and courage are so deeply ingrained into your character that it is impossible to shut it off . It is a Path that changes you forever , and , even though you may be one of the good guys , serves to alienate you from a society of sheep incapable of understanding exactly why you are what you are . This book is a great introduction to the concept of warriorship , and makes an excellent gift for those friends and family members who might need a little help understanding what makes you so different . For further reading on the subject , check out Dueling with O-sensei by Ellis Amdur , as well as Warriors edited by Loren Christensen .
029 4 Read this book if you want practical advice on how to integrate martial arts ideals with the rest of your life . It covers a wide range of topics and gives advice how to turn yourself from a martial arts hobbiest into a real martial artist .
I can't say enough good things about this book . Its so good that I had to give it 5 stars and post a review , even though its not something that I'd normally do .
Buy this book .
030 4 I would like to add a few positive remarks about this book . Generally , to train for a long period of time without understanding the concept of warriorship is merely to master physical movements without attending the important principles of the war arts and of moral character , the foundation of a warrior's success .
Mr . Morgan presents the concept of warriorship with concision and congency . Warriorship is a way of training , of maintaining moral principles , of living by the commitment to personal excellence in both skill and character . He correctly marks the mastering of strategy to be the essence of warriorship ; that is , essential knowledge that leads to the fulfillment of a commitment to personal excellence .
I have been training for a number of years , and I have read many books relating to training in the martial arts . Some of them have been waste of time ; few of them have been permanent additions to my personal library . Mr . Morgan's book , his perspective and insightulness , ranks as one of those few which belongs between Musashi's The Book of Five Rings and Funikoshi's My Way of Life .
Since reading this book , and looking back through it many times , I have modified my thinking and training to acheive personal excellence . I recommend this book to anyone who seriously desires to understand warriorship and implement its principles to develop skill and character , to live with confidence and courage and , above all , honor .
Thank you , Mr . Morgan .
033 4 My teacher told me to read this book and not without a reason . Soon I'll be tested for a black belt and he felt I needed another perspective or way of thinking on martial arts and why we practise .
This book is interesting for every martial artist to bring the art into daily life . It's a ' must read ' for any practitioner of a ' DO ' , a traditional way ( like Aikido , Hapkido , Karate-do , Judo , T'ai Chi , Daito Ryu , JKD ) , despite your level .
Some parts I don't agree with , for I'm an martial artist and not a warrior or soldier ( like mr . Morgan ) . I'll make up my own mind on how I ' should think ' ( but maybe this is more my recalcitrant behaviour ) . It made me think about things .
Forrest E . Morgan puts things into the right perspective and everyone ( including the none martial artist ) can learn form this book . Most interesting are the chapters on religion , nutrition and the warriors mind set .
034 4 This book , written by an Air Force major , is one of a kind . I have read books like Hagakure , The Art of War and others written hundreds ( or thousands ) of years ago . Living the Warrior Way is the modern forerunner to those ancient texts . For Morgan , the martial arts are not a sport , or exercise , or a hobby but a way of life that must be practiced every day . He elaborates upon many facets of warriorship , including budo ( Japanese for way of the warrior ) and in general , this book explains the relevance of the martial arts in a world where few people will ever need to use their martial arts in life-or-death combat . Living the Warrior Way explains the relevance of the martial arts in the modern world .
036 4 Many of us approach the martial arts not just for the skills or conditioning aspects , but to develop better character as people as well . Forrest Morgan is a true warrior , a Major in the USAF . This well-written book contains a systematic approach for applying the warrior mind-set to your martial arts training . It brilliantly discusses courage , honor , and the martial way . This is one of the few books I consider a must read .
Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults , The Way of Kata , and Martial Arts Instruction
037 4 Everyone needs a philosophical framework of some kind to make it through life . Most of us use that which we picked up in childhood , mostly from our parents . However , there are other frameworks out there that we can learn . One of these is the warrior framework , which Mr . Morgan expounds in his book . The book is written with an emphasis on the philosophies and practices of Japanese warriordom . This does not dilute the central message ; that warrior concepts of morals and ethics are applicable to aspects of modern life . Mr . Morgan shows how a person can apply the warrior outlook in personal life . It is not the only way to do this - the reader , if interested , should look at the warrior philosophies of other cultures , like Medieval Europe and Native America . Give this book a try and see if you don't find yourself doing more things like a warrior would ! !
040 4 Positive points :
- Methodical , as promises in the introduction .
- Deals with a large variety of aspects concerned with the subject focused .
- Written in a very didactical way . Important points are very well resumed and summarized in the end of each chapter .
Negative points :
- The author uses difficult words , and slangs which I ` d say don ` t fit the text . . .
- The text sounds like self advertisement sometimes , using a show off speech , with constant use of first person speech ( I did , I can teach you . . . ) .
- The author proposes a questionable concept of sparring with contact . . . It doesn't necessarily guarantee efficiency or realism in the training , nor is safe , neither takes into account the value of courtesy , so emphasized by masters like Funakoshi , for whom the author shows a great consideration . . . Much better is the idea of free sparring with proper protective equipment .
Finally , let's synthesize the book is of great value as a good compilation of a lot of important aspects for those who are or intend to be in the Way , and as a great job of an author who has really worked hard to achieve his proposals .
041 4 I first read this book at least eight years ago . It is just incredible . Training is a WAY . A warrior is a mind-set . How to live by this way and mind-set is set down in this book clearly and intelligently . Interspersed throughout the text are various classical but true stories that help to illustrate his points , such as the 47 ronin of Ako . Although a serious subject , the text is easy to read .
For those who have never practiced martial science the chapter on the warrior's spell book seems like hocus-pocus , but the warrior knows better . The power we can wield ( and I admit I am currently rusty ) from the focus of our life energy is titanic . But as Morgan makes perfectly clear , the spiritual focus of a warrior extends beyond any one religion . A Christian , a Jew , or any other can grow spiritually in their own faith through the way of the warrior . I owe much over the past eight years to this one chapter .
My understanding of honor comes solely from Morgan . The warrior is a person of power , and the temptation to seek revenge on those who have wronged us can be strong at times . The standards for revenge and suicide that Morgan sets down are firm ; I don't like the standards when I feel wronged , but Morgan has made me realize when such actions would be perversions of honor .
If a person has only one book on martial science in his library , it had better be this one .
042 4 As the title states , this is a manual for living the martial way . Mr . Morgan does a good job of distinguishing between being a martial artist and living the martial way . Anyone that has studied the martial arts for any length of time understands that the principles taught in these arts begin to extend to your life outside the dojo . This is an excellent guide for making that transition in an organized and thoughtful way . Although I don't agree with all of Mr . Morgan's premises , I found all his conclusions helpful by forcing me to examine what I do believe .
Overall , this is a very good book for helping martial artists integrate their training into their everyday lives . Mr . Morgan also provides some good advice on selecting a school , but I think a beginning martial artist might find the proposed training regimen a bit intimidating . However , those that have already discovered the usefulness of daily training , will find this book both motivational and thought provoking .
043 4 I read this many years ago and then again just recently . As observed by other readers , there is allot of time spent on fabricated topics that the book would be better off without . ( the saving face topic is circular and goes nowhere . )
In addition , I agree that the author does romanticize warriorship and places warriors above other members of society ; a sentiment best suited to WW2 Japan or maybe Kronos , the Klingon home-world .
The one positive thing that I have recalled many times is the authors revelation that martial-artists ( in America ) are not accustomed to getting hit ; although , in the past decade there has been a trend to remedy this problem . Perhaps this book contributed to that trend .
My general disappointment with the book stems from the fact that the author attempts to discuss martial-arts styles that he knows nothing about , and is dismissive of anything that he has not deemed worthy of his mastery ; particularly the internal Chinese disciplines . This made me question his authority on topics which I am not familiar but which he claims to be an expert . It would have been better to omit a brief mention of a style rather than to demonstrate ignorance of it ; or dismiss it altogether .
His knowledge of Martial Arts history is also not very good but that could be attributed to the limited availability of such arcane information at the time of this writing . Today , the average enthusiast has access to more information than this American author probably had at his disposal .
The authors understanding of warrior philosophy is also somewhat lacking and based more on fiction and war propaganda than a true understanding of the cultures from which these traditions derive . He falsely compares ancient Samurai philosophy with the sentiments of the faltering Japanese army during the final , desperate , days of world war 2 .
I don't think that many culturally Asian Martial-artists would find this book representative of Asian martial-arts ; speaking as a culturally Asian martial artist .
While I would love to tout a book written just for us , I can only give it two stars because in the many years I have owned it I have never felt compelled to lend it to a friend or recommend it to a fellow martial-artist . That may be the best test of a good martial-arts book .
A revised edition , perhaps with contributions of other experts , would be welcome .
049 4 This review is from :
Living the Martial Way : A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think ( Paperback )
This book speaks more to the philosophy of martial arts than how to do it . Even for someone who does not practice martial arts this book provides a sound philosophy about leading a moral and rewarding lifestyle . Have read through multiple times now .
051 4 This review is from :
Living the Martial Way : A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think ( Paperback )
I expected a book of lesser quality , but was surprised to see the great condition the book was in when I received it . If a book I want is had by this person , I will select them over anyone else . . .
056 4 This book changed the way I think , and subsequently , how I train .
I highly recommend this book , especially for people who have seen the shortcomings of their sport martial arts in the face of a real-world physical conflict .
Anyone , beginner to advanced will benefit from reading this ( although , advanced students will likely take more from it . . . )
A + + +
058 4 Simply put , this is one of the best , if not the best book on the market for martial artists . I consider it to be the best of the best . It is organized in an easy to read style and covers virtually all aspects of the martial lifestyle . It could just as easily be entitled The Bible of Bushido . . . it is that good ! I will not go into all the details of what this book contains and what it covers , as there are many reviews which already do so .
I will simply say that I think so much of Mr . Morgan's work that I bought copies for both of my boys for their graduation in hopes that they would live the life of the warrior as outlined by Mr . Morgan in this wonderful book . I have literally worn my copy out and refer back to it again and again . If you are in any way interested in martial arts or the lifestyle of the warrior , you absolutely have to read this book . It should be required reading for every young man . I give it 5 stars only because Amazon's ranking doesn't go up to 10 stars . I can't recommend this book highly enough . READ IT . . . more than once ! !
Bohdi Sanders , author of Warrior Wisdom : Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior
061 4 This is by far the best book on the martial arts that I have ever had the pleasure of reading .
It does not explain how the martial artist should throw a punch or execute a technique , it leaves those technicalities in the hands of your own personal instructor . Rather , it explains how a modern warrior should think , which is unfortunately overlooked in many martial systems these days .
One of the things this book does quite well is to define the concept of honor and how it relates to warriorship . It also explains how many things done in the name of honor are actually perversions of the concept .
This book delves into how a warrior should train . It will help you create your own martial strategies and tactics , and it provides fascinating history into the martial arts . It even touches on nutrition and fitness for warriors ( although it was written in the early 90 ' s and this section could be considered outdated ) .
Overall , I think this is a book that everyone should read and anyone who is serious about practicing the martial arts will find it particularly valuable .
064 4 This is an awesome book . I have read it several times now and enjoy it every time . Morgan is great at bringing Samurai concepts into modern times . I encourage every warrior to read it .
066 4 As you read this book , you can sense Mr . Morgan's aspirations ; to solidly and thoroughly set forth character standards which should comprise a person who takes their Art seriously , and also how-to incorporate this mind set into your training . This book does not go into any specific kicking or punching techniques , as this format is well covered by many other fine authors . This book strikes a fine balance between philosophy and the how-to train portion . His point of view is uncompromising , and he goes out of his way to qualify certain stong statements , so to not alienate the readership . The succinct history he's selected is relevant and informative . Be ready to analyze your own motives ; are you more of an external or internal reward seeker ? I.e . , is attainment of rank or personal excellence in the forefront of your reason ( s ) to be in Martial Arts ? A good book for reference ; time honored principles defined and explained .
067 4 I found this book while I was still practising karate . While I have had to stop my training for a while due to physical difficulties , I still refer to it regularly as a manual for mastery of self . Mr . Morgan has given his topic a great deal of thought , and his knowlege is categoric .
My only wish is that he would have given more thought to the female martial artist , but that may require a female author . Most of his book is broadly applicable to both sexes though , so this is a minor flaw .
072 4 Having read this book several times , I was amazed that anyone would give it less than five stars . The topics discussed are timeless and as relevant today as they were 500 years ago . Simply the best book on the market about what it means to be a martial artist and a warrior . I would encourage everyone studying the martial arts to get a copy of this book .
074 4 This is a great book . I was hooked from page one . Major Morgan gives a great overview of the history of martial arts including the so-called spiritual aspects along with a clearly stated overview of how to train . Like one of the other reviewers here I thought the section on honor was exellent . My style ( Shaolin kung fu ) is a softer style . I found myself totally agreeing with everything the author said about how to train ( kata and more kata ) but disagreeing with some of his opinions . I felt he was a little hard on do as apposed to itsu . On the other hand it made me change some of my ideas about my training in a very positive way . Even where I felt a little challenged by what he was saying , I felt he made his case very well . I recommended this book to my instructor ( who read it ) and the other advanced students in my class . My instructor found especially helpful the section on spiritual aspects which he plans to use in the future with Christian students to help them with their
080 4 As the son of a Marine , I was brought up a certain way - integrity , honor , fairness , helping those who are weak , essentially - do the right thing .
I finally found a book that takes all my beliefs and organizes them into a concise guide to living your life .
This book isn't about conforming ; it's about taking the uniqueness of your life and applying all the characteristics that can make you a better human being .
082 4 This book is one of the poorest books on Martial Arts that I have ever read . Having been a long time Martial Arts practitioner with Black Belts in several styles , as well as a practicing Buddhist for over 10 years , I was truly disgusted with this book .
First of all , the author spends a great deal of his time denigrating and insulting various styles and the competitive aspect of the martial arts . He goes to great lengths to try to re-write oriental history in order to make it fit his ideas . In doing so he offers no evidence and only includes examples that support his false ideas , completely ignoring evidence that does not fit his worldview .
Next , his section on Eastern Religion and Philosophy goes well beyond merely incorrect and into the realm of outright lies . He makes claims about Buddhism and Shinto that are culturally biased and completely incorrect , and then attempts to pass this information off as scholarship , when there is , in fact , no real source material in his appendices to validate his claims . He relies solely on secondary and tertiary sources for what citations he does give ; there is not a primary source included in the entire book .
His obsessive focus on the so-called traditional martial-arts and his constant criticism of anything that is not traditional or classical shows his ignorance of the larger world of the martial arts as a whole . Modern systems such as Brazilian Ju-Jitsu , Parker System American Kenpo , the phenomena of Vale Tudo events and modern Mixed Martial Arts are dismissed out of hand in an insulting manner . Further , he then tries to completely separate the Martial Arts from their spiritual roots by making blanket claims that the traditional martial arts had nothing to do with spirituality even though they were taught in monasteries . This completely ignores , misrepresents , and tries to change the history of such arts as Chuan-Fa ( the original Kenpo ) , Tai-Chi , Baghua-Zang , and many forms of Shaolin Chaan Gung-Fu .
This book is propaganda and misinformation written by an author with both a stylistic and cultural bias , and is not recommended .
083 4 This should be a must read for every martial artist no matter if your a novice or shodan .
084 4 A truly indispensable guide for the modern martial artist or practitioner . Profound and meaningful without resorting to out-of-date quasi-religious rhetoric . This book shows what the true mentality of the martial artist should be . Often offensive to the fly-by-night , take only what's good from every style ( because I couldn't figure it out the subtleties myself ) , tenth dan in 3 years , style of instructor . This book will change your attitude towards you art and your training . Excellent historical data , practical tips , and technical definitions of various martial arts concepts , in a straightforward format . A joy to read .
085 4 This book is not only for the Martial Artist . The principles and topics it covers relate to current problems within society as a whole . Morality and honor are attributes that befit everyone , and this book offers not only instructs one how to go about attaining these virtues , but practical reasons why one should do so . I have recommended this book ( at least sections of it ) to many of my friends , and all have benefited from it .
090 4 This book was wonderful it includes very good information and philosohical insight . I'm adding it to the maditory reading list for green belts at my dojo .
092 4 This is actually my second copy of this book ( I've worn the first copy out ! ) A must read for every Martial Artist . Mr . Morgan puts together and explains so many of the facets of things that are missing in most modern Martial Arts schools today . If studied and learned properly the topics detailed in this book will bring the study and understanding of your art to a higher level and Living the Martial Way will also bring successes in all other areas of your life . Bottom line . . . . . if you are serious about your art , you need this book .
095 4 This review is from :
Living the Martial Way : A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think ( Paperback )
This is probably the best guide on the development of personal warriorship that I have ever read . In fact , I have given all of my advanced students a copy of the book as required reading ! Head Instructor Phil Orr , Columbia Kenpo / Karate / Ju-Jitsu Schoo
105 4 I read this book when I first started my training . I was appalled at Morgan's somewhat brutal and very elitist mentality . A chapter on suicide and revenge , in this Century ? The image of an austere , forbidding figure stalking through life , silently intimidating those around him ? Sounded grim - and it is .
Thank goodness my experience of martial arts has shown me the other way . Six years later , I can understand how Morgan's descriptions of stoic grandeur would appeal to those seeking fantasy in their practice , but it's a sure recipe for joyless existence .
For a better introduction to the real heart of the Arts , try Joe Hyams ' Zen in the Martial Arts or the collected sayings of Ueshiba .
109 4 First of all , we are living in the 21st century of a world dominated by modern mores . Applying the Samurai code of ethics , morality , and lifestyle simply doesn't fit in anymore . The Samurai concept no more applies today then does the ethical practices of the European Knights from the 8th century forward .
Lets start with the basics of living like a Samurai :
1 . Samurai were a caste , and the position was generally something you were born into , as near the end of the Sengoku Jidai period ( about 1590 ) , the powerful warlord Hideyoshi ended all social mobility . This means that skill at arms was generally not a qualification for being a member of the samurai caste for the last 300 years of Samurai culture . Who your parents were was the qualification .
2 . Samurai followed in absolute duty to their leader in a fashion that took precedence over family obligations . Samurai were supposed to kill their own children if so ordered . Samurai as a punishment often had to kill themselves too , in a very grisly manner called Seppuku . This whole honor thing was called Giri .
3 . The Samurai were above the craftsmen and peasant castes . They had the right of kirisute-gumen , which was the right to kill a commoner for no reason . So a samurai could walk into your shop and just kill you .
4 . These acts took their toll on the Samurai mind . Ninjo translates as compassion , and conflicts between Ninjo and Giri drove good men mad . What if your lord ordered you to kill a child ? Honor demands you fulfill your request , but how could you slay an innocent little girl with tears in her eyes ?
5 . One more thing , and that is that Samurai were warriors . They didn't do labor . That means unless you are making a living as a warrior , as a teacher of warriors , as an artist ( a later development ) , or as a maker of swords , you are not being a Samurai .
- - - Conclusion - - -
I cannot recommend following the Samurai code of honor . Not without changing it into something completely different . Using Bushido as a code of ethics in this century resulted in countless people suffering in the first half of this century , and you still find it something worth considering ?
Even the European Code of Chivalry is just as flawed by our standards . Sure , it demands that you defend the weak , but it also demands that you ' never cease in your efforts to smite the heathen .
Find a modern code of ethics and follow that one . If you want something militant , go join the military . Most first world military ethical codes are decent and well thought out , and don't turn you into a robotic drone willing to follow orders blindly .
