Yuzan, Daidoji
(Editor/Translator: William Scott Wilson)

Santa Clarita: Ohara Publications Inc, 127 pages (1984)
ISBN: 89750-096-2

Recommended

This book is one of the most fascinating that I have ever read. It describes in good detail the mentality that a martial arts student and warrior should abide by throughout his/her life. It details the relationship between master and pupil both in ancient, and in recent times.

One good example from the book is the way in which one becomes a student. It used to be that student would search all over for a good master and would do or give a master anything in order for the master to teach him. These days, master instructors have to advertise and make special programs to attract students. This book justifies how it is the students responsibility to establish the relationship by whatever means necessary.

One drawback about this book is that it is very outdated. In present time, martial artists hardly ever fight to the death for honor, nor are they treated as severely by their teachers. This book is very traditional, explaining what the life of a martial arts warrior might be like in feudal days, but not now. It is, however, very interesting to look at the progress from past to present concerning the relationship between master and student.

Annotated by: Chris Wade (February 2003)

Martial Arts:

Topics: biography | history | philosophy | weapons |