The Way of the Living Sword: The Secret Teachings of Yagyu Munenori

After reading this book the first time, my understanding and comprehension of my art has greatly expanded. After reading through the second time, I was a bit disheartened about all the things I missed the first time reading. But I am confident that with each re-read that I will come to better understand the concepts and ideals set out in writing by Yagyu Munenori each time.As I am sure most exponents of the martials arts have come across the terms, Shu, Ha, Rei. Or a similar concept. Reading this book is similar, we can read and copy the ideals verbatim in our everyday lives but it only mimicking the sensei so that our mind and body can absorb the teaching as in Shu. After gaining a better understanding we can break away (not literally) from the sensei's teachings to explore their meaning in greater depth as in Ha. Then comes the "final" stage of Rei, where we can adapt our sensei's teaching to further develop ourselves personally and make it a part of our individual style. Then we review it all and go through Shu, Ha, Rei again. As in our training this process can happen over one training session for a technique but it is a constant over the lifetime of all we do in our art. We are all training over a lifetime, it is not possible for us to learn everything in a few years.This book is not to teach people about how to swing a sword. If that is what you are after, I think you should reconsider and get another book. This book is more about "Why should I use a sword and the ideals, responsibilities and consequences." But it goes even further than a sword, this is about how we conduct ourselves whether we be samurai, poet, or a leader.Whether you are just beginning a new martial arts or have been training for a long time this is a good book to gain better insight as to why we train. For those that train in the Koryu Bujutsu, this is a definite must have book.Arigato

And lastly I have read `the Way of the Living Sword', by D.E. Tarver. Here we find another wonderful short guide not only for martial arts training but, more importantly, for life and how we should think.A few key points here:Pick the right leaders to guide othersKnow who's around you at all times - you must be aware and stay alertThere is but one rule for all to followYou must read the intentions of othersAs much as you read, you must be able to think for yourself (to read it - to live it)There is a process to all things, so allow ALL to flow naturallyProbably the most important note I would like to add:Do as though you were doing nothing and all things will flow from their own accord. Do not have a set goal where you think you can control the outcome - you will falter. Rather, release this thought of control, and just react to the "instant" (the current situation), and you will accomplish anything without the `appearance of effort'. Such is nature - the natural flow of all things...Naturally, I can't explain everything here, but there is plenty of discussion concerning fighting tactics - some which are very interesting. There is some very useful information in here depending on where you are in your training. I do not practice karate anymore; however it has left a valuable imprint on my life in more ways than one. However, I completely comprehend some of the important lessons in this book. I think it is a valuable tool to have handy. Once again - good job to the author...

This belongs in the library of any Martial Arts practitioner. Like works before and after it or even the contemporaries - as one knows it is all in the self. But how the self comes to find its own key is subjective and unique. (get this.)

It's a good book to read and digest slowly. At the same time it's helpful to try and apply the concepts in the book on a daily basis to everything in life.

I bought it as a spinoff from reading Miyamoto Musashi, and was quite impressed. More philosophical than The Book of Five Rings, it's easier to get started with, but also has more depth. Like the other it's one of those books you are constantly reading from and are always benefiting from thinking you understood some perspective it gave you.Even though it's more easily applicable to Buddhist philosophy or martial arts, the wisdom in here can enrich any perspective of life: work, relationships, self development, business, sport, politics, etc.

I've read this translated by other authors but this is the best one I've come across. Where others have made it dry, dull and uninspiring, Tarver brings to life the writings of the Yagyu house. If this version were widely distributed perhaps it would take its rightful place with the Book of Five Rings as absolute classics.Highly recommended.

My husband LOVED the book. It has changed his way of thinking and opened up his mind. Great for anyone who needs a new peaceful way of thinking.

This is a good addition to martial arts libraries. It is good to get an English translation. I gave this to my son who is a 3rd degree black belt.

A must read for any martial artist.

Having read many versions of Musashi's Book Of Five Rings I was very keen to see if the Secret Teachings of Yagyu Munenori held any new principles. I have not been disappointed. This short but brilliant book is ideal for the martial artist, sportsperson, teacher, doctor in fact anyone who "deals" with humans daily and wishes to have better ways to interact. You will of course find no reference to these professions in the book but you will discover many ways to take the way of the sword into every day life. A super, easy to read book that offers instant guidance!