Rating:  Summary: Helps you take a look at how and why you train Review: This book has really changed the way I look at my martial arts training. It helped me step back and look at why I train and what I want to get out of it. I would recommend this to everyone and plan on making it required reading for my black belts
Rating:  Summary: Well explained action philosophy Review: I read this book twice. The first few chapters seemed heavy handed in teaching because of the differences from my own philosophy as a martial artist. However, he explained himself so well that I was able to learn from this book. This is a must read for growth in the martial arts
Rating:  Summary: Useful Information Review: Everyone needs a philosophical framework of some kind to make it through life. Most of us use that which we picked up in childhood, mostly from our parents. However, there are other frameworks out there that we can learn. One of these is the "warrior" framework, which Mr. Morgan expounds in his book. The book is written with an emphasis on the philosophies and practices of Japanese warriordom. This does not dilute the central message; that warrior concepts of morals and ethics are applicable to aspects of modern life. Mr. Morgan shows how a person can apply the warrior outlook in personal life. It is not the only way to do this - the reader, if interested, should look at the warrior philosophies of other cultures, like Medieval Europe and Native America. Give this book a try and see if you don't find yourself doing more things like a warrior would!!
Rating:  Summary: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Review: This is an outstanding piece of work. Warriorship in philosophy as well as practice . . . the way it really is. "New Age" authors throw around the word "warrior" without having a true understanding of what it really means. Warriorship is not a "state of mind," nor is it something that one can "achieve" on a part-time basis after having attending some sissified overnight "workshop" consisting of drum-pounding and face painting -- no, Warriorship is not something that one can pretend to practice (without becoming an object of scorn and ridicule). If you are truly a "warrior," the honor, discipline and courage are so deeply ingrained into your character that it is impossible to shut it off. It is a Path that changes you forever, and, even though you may be one of the "good guys," serves to alienate you from a society of sheep incapable of understanding exactly why you are what you are. This book is a great introduction to the concept of warriorship, and makes an excellent gift for those friends and family members who might need a little help understanding what makes you so "different." For further reading on the subject, check out "Dueling with O-sensei" by Ellis Amdur, as well as "Warriors" edited by Loren Christensen.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent Review: This book was an excellent book for somebody who either questions where their martial art is taking them or for someone really into martial philosophy. I really enjoyed it. I read it whenever I had free time. Great book, that just about sums it up.
Rating:  Summary: Required reading for serious martial artists Review: Many of us approach the martial arts not just for the skills or conditioning aspects, but to develop better character as people as well. Forrest Morgan is a true warrior, a Major in the USAF. This well-written book contains a systematic approach for applying the warrior mind-set to your martial arts training. It brilliantly discusses courage, honor, and the martial way. This is one of the few books I consider a "must read."
Lawrence Kane
Author of Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques in the Dojo
Rating:  Summary: Excellent Study in Warriorship Review: I am on the second reading of this book. As a former Marine and Law Enforcement Officer...I find it very relevant in today's morally complex world. I highly recommend this book and look forward to anything else that may come from this author.
Rating:  Summary: THE book on developing yourself as a warrior. Review: The title says it all. Written with authority, this book navigates the modern warrior through the minefield that he will have to walk as a result of being a martial person in a world full of those who are not. The writings help to keep one out of the traps that many of us fall into as a result of not having the mentorship that we truly need. Using his knowledge of primarily eastern warrior traditions such as bushido (Japanese chivalry), Morgan covers all of the issues that warriors grapple with and then gives the answers that true masters have been teaching for over 1000 years. His research is thourough, his writting style formal yet easy to understand. He goes into the social history surrounding the ancient texts refered to (such as "The Book Of Five Rings", "The Art Of War", etc) and in doing so helps the western reader adjust his outlook so that the classic texts are more easily understood and applied. Beyond that, Morgan thoughroughly covers such topics as:
The Warrior Mindset
The Foundations Of Honor (Obligation, justice,
courage, face)
Loyalty
Restraint
Revenge (when is it justified, how to conduct it with
honor)
Fitness
Nutrition and diet
Aerobic capacity and flexability
Religion and Mysticism
etc.
While few modern warriors will agree with EVERYTHING he says, this is by and large the information you have been in need of.
All in all a complete book from start to finish. Highly recomended.
Rating:  Summary: Unity of purpose, unity of mind, body, and spirit. Review: Maj. Morgan sets an ambitious goal with the subtitle, and achieves his objective. This is a book about martial arts in the way that Sun Tzu is a book about warfare - it is a study of the underlying philosophy rather than the mechanics. It is a look into the soul of the Warrior, a guide to the personality type more than a book of martial arts. Maj. Morgan applies the warrior's sense of ki to all aspects of his life, and encourages the reader to do so. If you are a Warrior - if you ive life with an unusual intensity, if you find that the world does not share your sense of honor, and if you live with uncommon immediacy - you will recognize yourself in these pages. I encountered myself in each chapter, and see this book as a guide for how to fit the square peg Warrior into the round hole that the world leaves for us, until it needs us. This book will help the Warrior personality find himself, train, discipline, and find a way to live honorably in a dishonorable world. This is one of the pivotal books of my life. Thank you, Major Morgan.
Rating:  Summary: A well-written but shallow fantasy Review: I read this book when I first started my training. I was appalled at Morgan's somewhat brutal and very elitist mentality. A chapter on "suicide and revenge", in this Century? The image of an austere, forbidding figure stalking through life, silently intimidating those around him? Sounded grim - and it is.Thank goodness my experience of martial arts has shown me the other way. Six years later, I can understand how Morgan's descriptions of stoic grandeur would appeal to those seeking fantasy in their practice, but it's a sure recipe for joyless existence. For a better introduction to the real heart of the Arts, try Joe Hyams' "Zen in the Martial Arts" or the collected sayings of Ueshiba.
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