Way and the Power: Secrets of Japanese Strategy

Notice that reviewers tend to either love or hate this book? When I read this book, I had trouble putting it down. I'm guessing that without some time in martial arts, and with a Western perspective, "The Way and the Power" will not make much sense. In fact, some reviewers perceive it as nonsense. But if you are a serious student of the martial arts, with enough time spent in practice, it has a clear message. Mr Lovret has an amazing way of explaining Japanese terms and philosophy. If you understand his message, not just intellectually, but as it applies to your practice and your daily life, you will appreciate his insight. In fact, Mr Lovret takes great care to "de-mystify" concepts like "ki" which are often misinterpreted by westerners. If you didn't like the book, that's fine. But at least pass it on to someone who might appreciate it. Or come back to it after you have more time in the martial arts and re-read it. It contains wonderful insights.

This is an outstanding book, full of the wisdom and spirit needed for martial arts and survival. Without intending to, Lovret has created a work that clarifies the tactics and techniques listed by Miyamoto Musashi. Beyond merely teaching us the strategies of sword-fighting, he details each principle as it applies to weapons, empty hand, grappling, competition, street use, and business. This book is the modern addendum to the "Book of Five Rings", and is a must for any serious student of the martial arts. Only those living in a fantasy of idealized notions would be unable to see the wisdom therein.

Lovret does more than point out the tactics of fighting. HE DEPICTS ESSENTIAL TACTICS OF ALL LIFE, including business. Without directly stating it, Lovret details and clarifies many of the principles described by MUSASHI in his BOOK OF FIVE RINGS. So said, Lovret's work should be treated as a companion piece to Musashi's own. In 25 years of practice and study, I have never known any other writer to depict the mind and spirit of the warrior way so clearly, DEVOID OF THE IDEALISTIC TRAPPINGS OF THOSE INEXPERIENCED IN REAL COMBAT. I don't know Mr. Lovret, but I do know street-fighting better than most fighters ever will, and I do know the fear and anxiety of combat (for the streets and the military). I TRUST Lovret's words better than I do most others, for in reading his words I hear my old master and clearly recall my own painful lessons.

I, too, am a student of Mr. Lovret, although I was not at the time I originally read The Way and the Power. Reading this book led me to seize the opportunity to train with Mr. Lovret and literally changed significant aspects of my life.The Way and the Power addresses classical forms of Japanese strategy. Each chapter presents a particular strategy, describing the philosophical basis of the strategy and detailing a number of specific, tactical applications. The topics addressed include such subjects as distancing, timing, centering, momentum, appearances, and initiative, among many others.As a karate instructor at the time I first read The Way and the Power, I was able to base nearly a year's worth of classes on explorations of the strategies illustrated in the book.Regardless of their personnel focus in training, most martial artists will find The Way and the Power to be an invaluable addition to their book shelf.

Lovret takes the reader on a comprehensive and exciting view of Martial strategy, whether it be army against army, businesses vying for market share or single unarmed combat. Lovret has excellent perspective and I can't recommend this book enough. The points he make come up constantly when I practice and when I discuss what makes a martial artist good or bad. Read the book, no matter who you are or what your level, you'll take away vital information for your martial arts career.