Author Biography

Alexander Bennett is Professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial arts--Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido 5-dan and Naginata 5-dan. His published works include The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works and Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai.

Promotional

Tuttle Publishing

Long Description

The ultimate guide to the Japanese martial arts by the world's foremost expert! Author Alexander Bennett is the ultimate insider, having lived in Japan for decades. He holds multiple black belts in Kendo and Naginata, as well as PhDs in Japanese literature and history. An Insider's Guide to the Japanese Martial Arts is Bennett's personal guide for fellow martial artists and seekers who wish to undertake their own personal quest to study or practice a martial art in Japan. In this book, Bennett outlines the history of the Japanese warrior from early times until the present. Then, as only someone steeped in this world can, he surveys the contemporary martial arts scene and provides essential tips on how to find a teacher and a dojo and how to navigate and survive the difficult martial arts world in Japan today. The chapters in this book cover many different topics, including: The Real Samurai How the Japanese Martial Arts developed Martial Arts Masters You Should Know About Budo in Japan Today Key Martial Arts Concepts Life in a Japanese Dojo A Japan Survival Guide Written in an informal, easy-to-read style, this book will captivate anyone with an interest in Japan and Japanese culture, especially martial artists around the world.

Review Quote

Reviews of the Previous Edition:"Profusely illustrated throughout, impressively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, [. . .] will be of special and particular interest to anyone intrigued by Japanese martial arts in general, and samurai traditions and legacies in particular." - Midwest Book Review "Besides the interest in history and martial arts, this book's strength is for the visitor to this beautiful land. The pictures themselves make me want to go and buy a ticket immediately." -Man of La Book blog "It is also fantastically illustrated, with hundreds of pictures depicting the evolution of martial arts to the present day. 'This book is supposed to be genuinely from the heart.' says Bennett. 'Without the pretense, bulls - , misconceptions or romanticization that often accompanies martial arts.' And that's the impression you get reading it; it's a work of passion, but one that is both honest and to the point." -The Japan Times "[This] is the first book that must be placed in the hands of the one who wants to enter the Japanese culture by the 'martial arts' door. I'm looking forward to the day I will be able to bring the same level of wisdom to the community." -Aikido Journal

Description for Sales People

Part history, part martial arts guide--this book surveys all the Japanese martial arts from the point of view of Westerners who wish to study a martial art in Japan one day Provides a detailed description of each Japanese martial art and how it developed, including the all-important lineages, teachers, schools and historical figures Tells you about the personalities in Japanese history responsible for developing Japan's vaunted martial culture and explains how the martial arts were taught in traditional times versus today Includes information on how to find a dojo, what to look for in a teacher, basic Japanese dojo phrases, and what it is like to be a Westerner living in Japan and studying a martial art This book will be of tremendous interest to all martial artists as well as fans of Japanese history, pop culture and Japanese Samurai culture Alexander Bennett is a leading expert on Japanese martial history with an unparalleled understanding of the Samurai's warrior code as a practitioner holding black belts in several disciplines

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