The goals of the budo--the martial arts and Ways of Japan--lie in refining the body and spirit. The techniques, methods, and rituals of the budo can provide invaluable lessons for today's martial artists--and serve as guides to a well-lived life.

InTraditions, Davy Lowry discusses unique aspects of the budo ranging fromhacho, or deliberate asymmetry, touke-waza, the art of "receiving" an attack. The spirit ofryomi, the process of self-evaluation and improvement, is illustrated through the story of Kaofujita, a master swordsman who never stopped practicing the first movement he learned. You'll also learn the importance ofyuyo, the distance where an attacker must focus his strike, from the story of Jubei, whose mastery ofyuyo saved him in a life-and-death encounter, and the significance ofshikaku--, the dead zone, on maintaining balance in combat and in life.

With its focus on traditional martial arts, and fascinating stories that illustrate key martial arts principles and philosophyTraditions will be required reading for serious martial artists.