Lessons from the Japanese Masters

by Fred Neff and James E. Reid

The book discusses martial art methods used by Japanese masters, which include fighting techniques drawn from ju-jutsu, judo, karate, kempo, ninjutsu, and yawara. There are lessons on the history,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822511649
• ISBN13: 9780822511649
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Lessons from the Japanese Masters provides valuable philosophic principles

Lessons from the Japanese Masters is far more than an excellent book that compiles fighting moves. It delves into the Japanese philosophy that forms the basis for sports such as Aikido, Karate, Kendo, Judo, and Jiujitsu. The author Fred Neff introduces the philosophic principles of Jiko no Kansei, Bunbu-ichi, Mushin, Mizu no Kokoro, Tsuki no Kokoro, Hara, Kime, Suki, Seiryoku Zenryo, Kufu, Kyo-jutsu Tenkan Ho, and Bushido. He explains each principle in a simple and straight forward way so as to make the principle useful not only for fighting but for other matters as well. This book promotes thinking, which in turn increases the reader's ability to execute the lessons taught in the book. The text and photo illustrations of the book make the reader realize the wisdom of the Japanese Masters. Lessons from the Japanese Master supplies lessons on self-protection while either standing or fighting on the ground, with an emphasis on using your mind to out maneuver your opponent. The information on fighting strategy is especially useful. This book looks at all aspects of a potential fight including the often-dreaded occurrence of having to fight an adversary from a grounded position. Lessons from the Japanese Masters is a book that can be read and reread. It tends to cultivate a civilized attitude toward self-protection where a person is cognizant of the Bushido code of chivalry. I like the fact that this book by Fred Neff stresses Bushido concepts of justice, benevolence and politeness, that can make life better for everyone. The author Fred Neff believes in practicing what he preaches as can be seen by his extensive community involvement including as a teacher and lawyer that led to awards such as the city of St. Paul Citizen of the Month, a commendation from the Sibley County Attorney's Office, the WCCO Radio Award, Lamp of Knowledge Award from The Twin Cities Lawyers Guild and Presidential Medal Of Merit. Lessons from the Japanese Masters is a wholesome and non-violent book with lessons that teaches martial arts fighting tactics while encouraging a sense of social responsibility. The ancient Japanese Masters had a lot to offer us by way of wisdom and a great way to start to learn from them is to read Fred Neff's book, Lessons from the Japanese Masters.

High Praise for Japanese Masters

Japanese martial arts way is intrigingly explored in Lessons From the Japanese Masters. The story of Japanese fighting arts unfolds through its history and philosophy in the beginning of the book. Philosophic concepts are explained that make the self-defense taught in later chapters more relevant. I especially like the way that author Fred Neff explains how the philosophic concepts can apply to not only physical conflict but life generally. Included is a superior cross-section of Japanese fighting approaches for description and depiction through pictures. I found the joint locks taught to be fascinating and plan to make them an enduring part of my martial arts practice. Throwing techniques are also well presented. There is even a part of the book covering how to defend with locks and throws when you are forced down on the ground. Commendable is the emphasis on ethics and safety in the use of fighting techniques. This is a book that should be highly praised and well received for use by children and adults alike.

LESSONS FROM THE JAPANESE MASTERS IS RIGHT ON POINT

Ancient Japanese principles of fighting are well explained in Lessons from the Japanese Masters by Fred Neff. There are misconceptions spread about self-defense, that reading Lessons from the Japanese Masters can dispel. Having been invovled with Japanese Karate for many years, I get sick of hearing the so-called do whatever it takes crowd of self-defense theorists. Equally unrealistic are those naive people that say you do not ever need to take any offensive action in a fight just stand back and try to exploit and attack with a simple trick. Neither of these tactics work, because the former theory of do whatever it takes may not only be immoral but illegal. The later naive stand back and exploit theory, ignores the fact that you cannot always just evade harm or counter with something simple. Lessons from the Japanese Masters is all about real fighting situations including the need in an all out fight to use strategy to set up an adversary for techniques that may end the fight. The book provides concisely and in an easy to understand manner the necessary historical and philosophical foundation for the Japanese fighting arts and then proceeds to explain and show how to fight both standing and on the ground. It not only provides necessary lessons to prepare for a simple attack, but for an all out fight as well. Lessons from the Japanese Masters is right on point.