Rating: 
Summary: A must read for those interested in training, not rank.
Review: All martial artists will enjoy this book if they are interested in their training not their rank. This book is a compilation of Reverend Kensho Furuya's articles that he has written in the past. These articles touch on points that all martial artists can relate to at least one point in their martial arts career and I am truly looking forward to the next work that Reverend Furuya puts together.
Rating:
Summary: A truly great work...
Review: Although at times it seems self-indulgent and repetitive as well, it is truly a strong work. Philosophical, historical, inspiring, and rare, this book should be in the library of every martial artist. However, regardless of your exposure to the arts, its Zen reflections can be applied to any task in life.In its historical context of the "old ways", it actually makes one a bit nostalgic. Highly worth reading. Very highly worth re-reading.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: Buy this book and read it many times. It is a lollection of excelent writings by a great Aikido teacher. Ze'ev Erlich
Israel.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: Don't overthink this one. If you want to be inspired and you believe in the more traditional oriental ways of the martial arts this book will fulfill your desire for inspiration. If you are cocky, shallow and prefer the "short-cut methods" then you probably won't like this book. The author is definitely sincere and obviously a very knowledgeable and effective teacher. This is not really a book though, rather, it is a collection of articles the author wrote for martial arts magazines. This makes no difference because actually it is much easier to read because the info is presented in small digestible chunks.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: Don't overthink this one. If you want to be inspired and you believe in the more traditional, oriental ways of the martial arts, this book will fulfill your desire for inspiration. If you are cocky, shallow and prefer the "short-cut methods" that so many watered-down Americanized martial arts offer, then you probably won't like this book. The author is definitely sincere and obviously a very knowledgeable and effective teacher. This is not really a book though, rather, it is a collection of articles the author wrote for martial arts magazines. This makes no difference because actually it is much easier to read because the info is presented in small digestible chunks.
Rating: 
Summary: Thank you for enjoying KODO-Ancient Ways.
Review: I am happy to hear my book, KODO Ancient Ways is helping you in your training, I have had so many wonderful letters from all over the world and I wish to thank you for your support. I have just received approval from Ohara Rainbow Publications for publication on Volume 2of KODO. I hope you will enjoy it when it comes out. Many, many thanks. In Gassho, Kensho Furuya
Rating: 
Summary: Kodo Ancient Ways ?
Review: I am sorry but this is one load of contrived baloney.No, its not 300 years ago and if Mr. Furuya was in search of the way, it cant be found writing books about yourself. This is modern society and when you stoop to accept money from a student, then you are in business. When you spend your time buying and selling stuff on Ebay you lose your credibility of a lone monk, practicing martial arts in search of some lost meaning. I refuse to listen to someone who takes money and then complains that he is treated like a shopkeeper.I also refuse to believe most ordained shinto priests spend their time on Ebay ? I was curious and I bought the book....I would suggest all those who find real meaning in this excercise of "look at me", take a deep breath and a step back....and realize how much pap this actually is.
Rating: 
Summary: Stay away
Review: I am surprised by all pevious happy customers giving away 5 stars for Mr. Furuya's brain child. Apart for numerous historic anecdotes, the prevailing theme of Mr. Furuya's writings is how good students were 300 years ago in Zen monasteries and how stinking bad his own students are. Aparently his dojo is filled with lazy people who are not too well versed in Zen lore and norms of behaviour expected from monastery acolyte. So, Mr. Furuya loses no time complaining about their insolent behaviour and their total failure to live up to his expectations. Also, keep in mind that this book is essentially the compilations of articles that appeared in different magazines at different times, but since Mr. Furuya's mood has not improved, expect the repetition of the same stories and the same complains.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read Primer for Martial Arts Philosophers
Review: I have added Kodo: Ancient Ways to the well worn section of my library! This book is a must for the serious traditional Martial Artist. Kensho Furuya Sensei's Kodo Column articles from over the years have been beautifully compiled in this book. It makes for an excellent read on many of the topical issues that face the modern Martial Artist immersed in a traditional Art-form. Many of the most asked questions faced by new students are dealt with using great anecdotes, and the wisdom of the Masters. A great reference
Rating: 
Summary: Good but NOT great
Review: I read the book after reading all the reviews and I must say that though it is quite good, it is not as good as the reviews tell it is. The focus of this book is grand, the spiritual side of classical budo training. But sadly it is influence d too much by the authors narrow view. This is caused by leaning too much on very few sources, mainly Aikido and some sect of Zen buddhism. I am not putting these styles/sects down nor this book - as I said, it is quite good. But many budo-styles have quite different thoughts of the way and this book is too much to the esoteric zen -side of it after all. I would recommend it to all Aikido- and other aiki-art practicioners, but that's about it. Sorry!
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