Reviews and Comments - Budo Theory: Exploring Martial Arts Principles.

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AUSTRALIA

1. "Rick Rowell's updated (2nd Edition) book on Budo Theory will be available soon. A MUST read for serious martial artists. I had the first version and lost it moving house, I have been trying to find a copy ever since. It was a fantastic resource."

2. "Fantastic to see that you are almost ready to release your 2nd edition of Budo Theory.  I have had a copy of your first edition for a long time and I'm a big fan of your work."

CANADA

1. "I received ten copies of Budo Theory 2nd edition for the dojo this last week and I have hard a hard time putting it down. If you ever come across a copy of volume one please let me know as I would really like to replace the copy I had. Thanks again. I've already been pouring through the book...Great stuff."

2. "This is not another martial arts how-to book.

The various martial arts differ in the details of their techniques but because they are all practised by human beings they are all are based on common physical and mental principles. As one goes up in rank those principles become more subtle and difficult to grasp. Many teachers present the principles a piece at a time -- a bit here, a bit there but with no overall structure.

Rowell sensei's book provides that structure. He explains not only the principles behind martial arts but puts them into context so that they form a larger picture that may have been previously hidden. His writing conveys his intense passion for the subject and is very readable.

The author's background is in karate and iaido and it is from these arts that he draws many of his examples. Regardless, the principles he describes are applicable to any martial art. In fact, they are applicable to everyday life itself.

The analysis is more comprehensive than I have seen elsewhere. Rowell sensei includes not only a bibliography but the Japanese kanji for all terms discussed. This gives the reader the ability to look even deeper if they so wish.

Unless you are already a master you will not understand everything on the first reading. As your understanding grows you will find sections of this book that suddenly make sense to you. This is not a book that you will grow out of quickly.

Budo Theory provides a road map to understanding that I wish I'd encountered decades ago. This is a wonderful book. Buy it."

3. "Glad to see Budo Theory back in print. I lent my old copy to a student and never got it back. I would like 7 copies."

4. "Great news, on the second edition. I found your first edition to be one of the most insightful martial arts books I have ever read."

5. "It is so good to hear that you have completed the second edition. I'll be ordering my copy along with others in the dojo however I wanted to drop you a line to let you know I am excited to see a new book on the horizon.

6. "I was just telling my sensei about the release and she asked if I could order two extra copies for our dojo. So, could you put aside a total of three for me. I look forward to this release, the original is such a great resource.

7. Long awaited, my original copy is pretty rag-tag.

8. "The second edition is even better than the first. It's easier to follow and understand, well written, the examples are very helpful, and the flow of content makes sense. A ton of great info. --- we are still reading it! Thanks Richard Rowell!!"

JAPAN

1. "I remember when the 1st edition of your book Budo Theory came out and the excitement that surrounded it. I am currently an instructor (Shihan) at the Honbu Dojo (Yoseikan). I think that your new edition of Budo Theory may be just what I am looking for regarding specific principles as I continue to deepen my understading and growth here in Japan.

SCOTLAND

"Glad to find it (and the new revised edition at that) after so many years of looking for it. It came highly recommended by an old instructor of mine. I look forward to reading it."

UNITED STATES

"Around fifteen years ago, I heard of a highly recommended book called "Budo Theory". I was never able to locate a copy. When I learned a second edition was being published I ordered a copy immediately, and was not disappointed. The book is an attempt to indentify and classify the principles common to all Japanese martial arts. I think this is a book that will be pulled out and reread cover to cover every year or two; discovering and rediscovering insights every time, and preparing one to discover one's own insights from your training and other research. The book help me better understand a number of diverse actions ranging from important fundamentals of the kneeling bow, to how better understand distance in jiyu kumite, to a better understanding of karate kata by considering variation and "countering counters".

  • Author: Richard Rowell
    • Published: March 2011
    • Format: Softcover - sewn binding
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-13: 978-0969795926
    • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches