Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior (Updated 2nd edition) Paperback – December 30, 2011

Back in the early eighties there was a statistic floating around that said out of 50,000 people who began karate training only one earned a black belt. Lured by misconceptions that resulted from movies like "The Karate KId," or "Enter The Dragon," the novelty quickly wore off as the realization set in that you can't, unless you're exceptional, become skilled enough to beat a black belt with an attitude in six months. Even those who "stuck it out" for that long still didn't get the gist of the art and drifted away in the face of the effort and focus required to become a true karateka. Even many who got a black belt did so while pursuing dubious goals. The physical aspects of karate are, to a point, easy to understand. Unfortunately, for many who become reasonably skilled that is the end all of their training. Winning trophies for kumite and kata at tournaments becomes the ultimate measure of success. So, just what is it that they are missing? Gichin Funakoshi, generally accepted as the "Father of Modern Karate," set, as the ultimate goal of the art, "the perfection of character." In his book, "Karate-do: My Way of Life," Master Funakoshi wrote that he only had two fights (outside of training) in his life and regretted them both. If you end up in a fight, he wrote, you've failed. In my dojo, and in Shotokan dojos around the world, you will (or should) find, conspicuously posted on one of the walls, the Dojo Kun, a set of five precepts he urged all his students to live by. Karate, for him, was indeed a way of life. They are: to seek perfection of character; to always be faithful; to endeavor to excel; to always respect others; to refrain from violent behavior. Karate, Master Funakoshi taught, is 10 percent physical and 90 percent mental. True students take that seriously and "endeavor" to be the best person they can be. As I said, the physical part is straight forward. You make a commitment and train faithfully. As for the other 90 percent, well, a great deal more is necessary. Introspection is, in its way, much more difficult than doing heian shodan a thousand times, and requires an even more rigorous dedication. The good news is reinventing the wheel is not necessary. Enter Bohdi Sanders and his "Warrior Wisdom" trilogy. Sensei Sanders has laboriously compiled a treasure trove of wisdom that crosses many centuries, and many cultures. His goal is to share this wisdom with us so that our journey, if we choose to take it, will be illuminated by his years of research and practice. As he says: "Bushido, the way of the warrior, is not meant to be self-serving, it is meant to be of service for a higher purpose." With that in mind, he takes us on an odyssey that includes visits with some of the most cogent thinkers of this, or any time. One of those, Bayard Taylor, is quoted in Volume 1, and sums up the value of Sensei Sanders's work: "Opportunity is rare and a wise man will never let it go by him." Passing these volumes by would, indeed, be an opportunity lost. They are not simply a compilation of quotes. Sensei shares his thoughts on each, but, in no way implies that we should fall into lock step behind him. He offers a starting point and, like all good teachers, expects that we'll find our own way. These books aren't sit down reads from cover to cover. They, like karate-do, are a life long endeavor. One page a day, for instance, read and considered, then on to the next. Read, think, repeat. Used properly, you might have to replace them every three or four years unless you're handy with Scotch Tape. Sensei has made us an offer we can refuse, but we do so at our own personal risk. Buy all three and wear them out, even if you have no intention of ever stepping into a dojo. We all should seek perfection of character and make the world a better place, one person at a time. (Also, watch for Bohdi's latest book, "Life Lessons: Politically Incorrect Wisdom," due out later this month.)

As someone who has attempted to live by the "Code of Bushido" (Way of the warrior) for most of my adult life, I have been on a lifelong quest to learn from anyone who will share their knowledge and experience with me. Most people have little or no idea what it means to live by a set of warrior philosophical principles. It is not a way of life for everyone but for those who aspire to not just follow, but actually live by the code of the warrior should have this book in their personal library. In fact, they should have all of this author's books in their library.This excellent book has 168 short one page lessons; each one begins with a relevant quote followed by a brief interpretation of the meaning behind the message. The quotes on each section were taken from various reliable sources. The following are just a few of the lessons taught in this book: (Kensho Furuya) "The student must become a warrior in an age when there are no more warriors." (Miyamoto Musashi) "One must make the warrior walk his every day walk." (Basho) "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of wise men, seek what they sought." (Samurai Maxim) "Tomorrow's battle is won during today's practice." (Italian Proverb) "Though your enemy seems like a mouse, watch him like a lion."In the appendix section there is a short informational sentence about each of the individuals quoted in the book. In conclusion, if you are a warrior or truly desire to live as one, you will want to get a copy of this book. It is one you will want to refer to often for intellectual and emotional inspiration.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Predator Hunter: A Warrior's memoir)

Have not finished the book yet, taking my time to try and digest it.I bought it for a young man in the Navy who has had a few substantial hits and his character could hang in the balance.It is precisely what I have been looking for. While it may focus on "the warrior" anybody with a bit of reading comprehension and reflection will realize these ideas are meant for far more than a martial aspect to ones life.Kaizen has been an important introduction in my life and it is expressed repeatedly in different ways.Read it, absorb it and take what rings as truth to strengthen the core of your being. Then read it again in a year or so.

This is the book that got me started.It had taken me almost a decade after cancer to realize the life I was working hard to get back to, was in fact the one I did not want. My family and my career are blessings. I thought I was on the path; I was wrong, it was not good enough, it did not pass muster.What I needed was to shed the frustrations of work, over-work, political and religious traps and the people in my life that do not live a life of Honor. I work to surround myself with those who know the Way, and those I can look up to and learn from. I made the commitment for a life change recently and this path also led me to Bohdi Sanders, who added the conviction, literature and real life wisdom to reinforce positive life changes.I have six of Bohdi Sander’s books so far and my wife, a martial arts instructor of Tang-Soo-Do, enjoy and reference them constantly. And these are not books exclusively for martial artists. Also, regardless of your religious affiliation, you will find that these teachings will fit nicely into your life without compromising your faith-I am Christian and I find all of this wisdom reinforces my faith.These are books that serve as guide books and reference books for living a life of honor – keep them handy as you will want to go back to them time and again. I also enjoy Bohdi Sanders’ website and frequent Facebook posts as they fortify your day and reinforce your convictions.If you can bear it, Live a Life of Honor, read these books and pass your honor forward in daily life. I highly recommend it.

I was intrigued to read this book. By and large its not a bad book. Some good pearls of wisdom. My research into the author, however, led me to some rather troubling articles speaking to the inconsistencies of the author qualifications/credentials.

Wer den Weg des Kriegers beschreiten möchte und auch selbst sich in den Kampfkünsten übt, dem wird dieses Buch ein toller Leitfaden und Wegweiser sein.

Get book for anyone that is a true martial artist. It gives you an insight as to how you should conduct yourself as a warrior in todays sociality. And the first in the set of 3 amazing books.Aaron Armstrong

This is a very good book, well worth the read. a a a a a a a a a a