Library's review
'I can't begin to tell you how impressed I am with this book. It has all the philosophical elements and wisdom of 'The Book of Five Rings' as well as intelligent instuction for right living and survival, be it in business or on the street.
The martial art reader will find as I did a wealth of
Product Description
Igensho: The Book of Dignity, is a short work on martial art. It is unique in several respects: 1. Igensho posits what may be the first and only serviceable definition of exactly what martial art is, and the only clear explanations of what it is for, and how it works. 2. It presents a simple, effective method by which the reader can govern his or her life, utilizing the same basic, general principles by which nation states are governed. The principles are few and simple. The applications are extensive and numerous. It shows clearly that the essential applications of martial art extend far beyond those of close combat. Moreover it shows that the art is accessible to all persons, and may be applied by them everywhere and at all times, to advantage. This includes everyone from military and law enforcement personnel, to practitioners of all systems of martial art, to children and the elderly. 3. The method enables the practitioner to do four things: first, to avoid dangerous problems. Secondly, to solve unavoidable problems efficiently if possible, without recourse to violence. Thirdly, to respond appropriately to violence with the judicious use of force. Lastly, to be aware of the consequences of using the force option, and to prepare for them. 4. Finally, the book debunks a number of counterproductive myths and misconceptions about martial art, resulting from the misinterpretation of languages, from cross cultural confusion, and from general ignorance. Igensho can be invaluable to any reader because the principles of the art are fundamental, universal, and perennial.
About the Author
Karasuma Kantaro is an American citizen who has engaged in the study, training and practice of martial art in various forms from childhood. Since 1973 he has divided his time between the United States and Japan. In that year he began keeping a journal which has served as the basis for Igensho The Book of Dignity.
I've read scores of books on 'Martial Arts'. This is the first and only one that was able to articulate the essence and profound importance of martial art without resorting to the use of esoteric rhetoric or useless 'how to' diagrams and figures. In fact, this author may be the first to define the art in a way that really matters to you and me.
Whether you are a practitioner of martial skills, a law-enforcement officer, a military soldier, or simply an everyday person who goes to work or play, this book will help you live a safer and more conscious existance. In fact, it should be required reading in every school in the land, as it points us in the direction of how to be a responsible citizen in a challenging world.-Crilly Butler
Karasuma Kantaro's book is highly impressive in its scope, appeal and depth. I hadn't expected a book on martial art to offer so much to so many, even those so far removed from a martial view of life.
I'm constantly underlining the dangers of 'condition white' to my aikido and women's self-defense students, and the need for 'condition yellow,' but his insights here have shown me how myopic my view has been.
The author's sensivity and respect for dignity, wisdom and philosophy,
along side straight ahead street reality, is highly admirable.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the martial arts, and all those who aren't. Ted Goodman
This book lays the foundation for a program of martial arts study, regardless of style or system. You won't find here page after page of photo sequences of various skills that can't really be learned effectively without the in person guidance of a qualified instructor. You also won't find the usual mystical psycho-babble about the deep mysteries of martial art, which are usually rooted in faulty translations of quite ordinary concepts anyway.
This book is more about the true nature of violent conflict in the real world, and developing the clarity in your mind necessary to deal with it based on principles you have thought out in advance. This means examining your most fundamental beliefs about your own right to life. When you tangle with someone in the real world, the possibility of serious injury or death to you or your opponent cannot be eliminated. If it's a question of protecting you or your love ones, are you willing to take decisive steps that could result in the death of your assailant? Prior and thorough examination of this question is necessary lest you be forced to answer it on the spot, which very well might cost you your life.
The book covers the basic principles of strategy and tactics. The idea espoused to avoid violent conflict whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings at all times to steer clear of trouble in the first place. If you find trouble, leverage social skills or flight options to preclude the need to fight. If you must fight, seek unfair advantage by whatever means, which is the nature of tactics. Primary skills in the service of tactics are outlined but with no attempt to teach each one. That's what the dojo is for.
In a nutshell, this book gave context to my martial arts training. More than that, it has helped me to govern my own life more purposefully. I highly recommend it.
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
The six elements
On protocol
The tactical paradigm
Applying the tactical paradigm
The iron kettle
Appendix I
Appendix II
The martial art reader will find as I did a wealth of
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information about the real substance and history of the art told in an easy-to-read and fascinating manner. I have rarely read a book so compelling that I went without lunch and was unable to put it down until I had read it through to the end. And then I wanted more. I only wish that I could have written such a book.'-Joe Hyams, author of Zen in the Martial ArtsProduct Description
Igensho: The Book of Dignity, is a short work on martial art. It is unique in several respects: 1. Igensho posits what may be the first and only serviceable definition of exactly what martial art is, and the only clear explanations of what it is for, and how it works. 2. It presents a simple, effective method by which the reader can govern his or her life, utilizing the same basic, general principles by which nation states are governed. The principles are few and simple. The applications are extensive and numerous. It shows clearly that the essential applications of martial art extend far beyond those of close combat. Moreover it shows that the art is accessible to all persons, and may be applied by them everywhere and at all times, to advantage. This includes everyone from military and law enforcement personnel, to practitioners of all systems of martial art, to children and the elderly. 3. The method enables the practitioner to do four things: first, to avoid dangerous problems. Secondly, to solve unavoidable problems efficiently if possible, without recourse to violence. Thirdly, to respond appropriately to violence with the judicious use of force. Lastly, to be aware of the consequences of using the force option, and to prepare for them. 4. Finally, the book debunks a number of counterproductive myths and misconceptions about martial art, resulting from the misinterpretation of languages, from cross cultural confusion, and from general ignorance. Igensho can be invaluable to any reader because the principles of the art are fundamental, universal, and perennial.
About the Author
Karasuma Kantaro is an American citizen who has engaged in the study, training and practice of martial art in various forms from childhood. Since 1973 he has divided his time between the United States and Japan. In that year he began keeping a journal which has served as the basis for Igensho The Book of Dignity.
I've read scores of books on 'Martial Arts'. This is the first and only one that was able to articulate the essence and profound importance of martial art without resorting to the use of esoteric rhetoric or useless 'how to' diagrams and figures. In fact, this author may be the first to define the art in a way that really matters to you and me.
Whether you are a practitioner of martial skills, a law-enforcement officer, a military soldier, or simply an everyday person who goes to work or play, this book will help you live a safer and more conscious existance. In fact, it should be required reading in every school in the land, as it points us in the direction of how to be a responsible citizen in a challenging world.-Crilly Butler
Karasuma Kantaro's book is highly impressive in its scope, appeal and depth. I hadn't expected a book on martial art to offer so much to so many, even those so far removed from a martial view of life.
I'm constantly underlining the dangers of 'condition white' to my aikido and women's self-defense students, and the need for 'condition yellow,' but his insights here have shown me how myopic my view has been.
The author's sensivity and respect for dignity, wisdom and philosophy,
along side straight ahead street reality, is highly admirable.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the martial arts, and all those who aren't. Ted Goodman
This book lays the foundation for a program of martial arts study, regardless of style or system. You won't find here page after page of photo sequences of various skills that can't really be learned effectively without the in person guidance of a qualified instructor. You also won't find the usual mystical psycho-babble about the deep mysteries of martial art, which are usually rooted in faulty translations of quite ordinary concepts anyway.
This book is more about the true nature of violent conflict in the real world, and developing the clarity in your mind necessary to deal with it based on principles you have thought out in advance. This means examining your most fundamental beliefs about your own right to life. When you tangle with someone in the real world, the possibility of serious injury or death to you or your opponent cannot be eliminated. If it's a question of protecting you or your love ones, are you willing to take decisive steps that could result in the death of your assailant? Prior and thorough examination of this question is necessary lest you be forced to answer it on the spot, which very well might cost you your life.
The book covers the basic principles of strategy and tactics. The idea espoused to avoid violent conflict whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings at all times to steer clear of trouble in the first place. If you find trouble, leverage social skills or flight options to preclude the need to fight. If you must fight, seek unfair advantage by whatever means, which is the nature of tactics. Primary skills in the service of tactics are outlined but with no attempt to teach each one. That's what the dojo is for.
In a nutshell, this book gave context to my martial arts training. More than that, it has helped me to govern my own life more purposefully. I highly recommend it.
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
The six elements
On protocol
The tactical paradigm
Applying the tactical paradigm
The iron kettle
Appendix I
Appendix II
Show Less
ISBN
1420800051 / 9781420800050
Publication
Author House 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200 Bloomington, Indiana 47403