Lessons from the Samurai

Lessons from the Samurai depicts the methods and philosophy of ancient Japanese warriors. The author, Fred Neff's, book uses clear descriptions and pictures to teach Samurai fighting techniques and tactics. The book, however, provides far more than just fighting methodology, it supplies an ancient philosophy that still has relevance for today when properly understood and used. Fred Neff explains significant principles of philosophy from the Samurai such as mushin, makoto, isshin, suki, and kufu that when properly applied make a strong fighter. The author goes further by showing other uses for these same principles in other aspects of a person's life. Explaining how these principles can be useful for self-improvement is fascinating and rewarding enough, to warrant reading the book. Fred Neff also explains the Bushido Code referred to as the "way of the warrior," which includes loyalty, justice, courage, benevolence, and politeness. These are values that still are needed and are very important in balancing the power derived from having learned fighting techniques. Fred Neff the author of the book's background shows his support for Bushido principles as reflected in the service he has provided to the community which was the basis for awards to him like The City of St. Paul Citizen of the Month, commendation from the Sibley County Attorney's Office, the WCCO Radio Award, and Presidential Medal Of Merit. Balancing the presentation of fighting moves with humane philosophy provides for a balanced approach to martial arts training, which may be one of the reasons supporting Fred Neff's authoring sixteen books on self-defense related themes. These books were published by Lerner Publications, who printed many different books by Fred Neff because of their positive reception. Lessons from the Japanese Masters does justice to the topic of the Samurai while showing sensitivity for the need to make the information relevant for today's needs. Lessons from the Samurai is a book that I can strongly recommend.

I have been studying Jujitsu for a little over two years. Antoher student recommended I get a copy of a book on Lessons from the Samurai warriors by Fred Neff that is really helpful in getting not only the foundation of Jujitsu, but strategy for its use in a fight. After buying and reading a copy, I was very impressed. I took the book to work to show a friend of mine, who is far more advanced in his knowledge of Japanese fighting arts. He has been studying Japanese martial arts for years and related to me that Fred Neff's book was what originally caught his interest in the Japanese martial arts. I have read and reread Lessons from the Samurai. My practice now includes an increasing number of fighting techniques taught in this practical book. It is a book with enduring appeal.