The Overlook Martial Arts Handbook The Overlook Press ( March, 1997 ) Book Our Price : £ 12.99 Prices subject to change. Usually dispatched within 4 to 6 weeks

Very interesting for Martial Artists, well worth reading!

Though I dont practice Japanese martial arts (rather Thai martial arts) I did enjoy the Book of Five Rings. An excellent insight into Musashis views. It may take more than one reading to fully take in but as we all know: excellence takes time. Buy this book, learn from it.

stunning book not easily understood by non technical readers

Well, this is one of the greatest books ever written on strategy. But a great deal of it is highly technical and not easily understood by people without extensive background in the Japanese martial arts - I lived in Japan for 3 years, have studied over 10 year and make no claims to understand it. I used to ask my Sensei about it and he would just laugh - it was deliberately written to be obscure. I think you ought read it, enjoy it, know that most business managers (Japan or America) do not understand it and all the hype about it as a business text is BS.

A Classic of Martial Strategy

Having won over sixty duels, many with only a wooden practice sword, Musashis credibilty and authority on the subject of mortal combat cannot be questioned. The Book of Five Rings outlines his lifelong attitude to competition of any kind, and I for one gobbled it up. As an aspiring martial artist with a particular affilation for the sword, Musashi has long been a hero of mine, and although from a Western perspective we could bring into question the morality of his life, we can undoubtedly benefit from the wisdom he gleaned from his experiences and learn from him. I also think it is important not to get carried away by the current trend to try and see classic eastern works as definitive articles on modern business strategy. This excellent edition also includes a treatise by the head of the Yagyu family (famous for their swordsmanship) which is well worth a read. Top marks all round.