Classical Budo: The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan: 0002 (Martial Arts & Ways of Japan)

Donn Draeger was one of the most famous and well-respected martial artists of the twentieth century and he was a pioneer in bringing Asian martial arts study to the West. Here he illuminates the compelling historical political and philosophical events that gave rise to the development of the budo arts. The classical budo or martial ways are not combat systems like their forerunner bujutsu or martial arts; nor are they sports like modern judo kendo or karate. They are first and foremost spiritual disciplines whose ultimate goal achieved through the most rigorous mental and physical training is self-realization in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. The author details the history philosophy and methods of a variety of these martial ways some using weapons and some weaponless and reveals how they evolved from their combative roots. The book includes fascinating artwork from classical sources and archival photographs of modern budo masters in action.