Secret Tactics: Lessons from the Great Masters of Martial Arts

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 Munenori 2) Technical Study of Kenpo -Kotoda Yahei Toshisada 3) The Miracle of Immovable Wisdom -Takuan Soho 4) The Ultimate Sword -Takuan Soho 5) School of 2 heavens -Musashi 6) Jyoseishi Kendan -by Matsura Seizan (possibly based on an early Shinto Ryu system?) 7) Tengu's Dialog on the Martial Arts -Issai Chozanshi 8) Secrets of Tactics -by the author 9) Hagakure excerpt 10) 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) Satori If that doesn't get you excited, this book is definitely not for you.

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 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 is a very deep research text. It comprehensively unites, comments on and extends past writings on martial arts.Beautiful calligraphies notwithstanding, it is not a work for the coffee table. In an attempt to properly understand the content, this reader was slowed down to about three pages a day. In turn, rewards are sweet and plentiful. Master Tabata characterizes clearly how the basic tenets and spiritual practice of martial arts are different from other strands of eastern philosophical and religious traditions. This book will be seminal, as it combines scholarly rigour and original insight to establish martial arts as an independent spiritual system. It traces its roots in India and East Asia but highlights its original contributions over traditional Buddhist or Confuzian beliefs and ideals. It also gives helpful advice on how to beat up your opponent in a match.This book is indispensable for any instructor or serious practitioner of martial arts. It will be the standard reference work for anyone trying to discover the meaning and foundations of martial arts.

Sensei Kazumi Tabata has captured, blended & passed on teachings from ancient Asian texts in this book. He has tried to explain, in simple concepts, winning tactics every martial artist needs to have in his repertoire. There are ideas for self development, leadership and cultivating & maintaining a winning attitude not only in martial arts but also in every aspect of life. This book is a must have for any serious martial artist.