Martial Musings: A Portrayal of Martial Arts in the 20th Century

World renowned authority on Asian martial arts, Robert W. Smith shares more than fifty years experience in martial arts practice and research in Martial Musings. Based on reflections on the people and places that shaped martial arts in the 20th century, Smith writing astutely couples combatives with literary panache, quick wit and penetrating insights. Highlights include judo and Chinese combatives. In every century there are unique individuals whose fate makes them standing symbols of unique merit and accomplishment. Robert W. Smith's Martial Musings stands out as the sole literary work with offers readers an unique perspective of martial arts as they evolved during the 20th century. Smith personally escorts the reader on a tour of martial arts. He starts with his own initial involvement in the arts, then launches outward, across the nation, over to Asia, and eventually home again. No doubt, you will find Martial Musings insightful and enjoyable reading. As a pioneer in Asian martial arts research in America with thirteen previously published books, Smith shares more than fifty years experience in martial arts practice and research. Based on reflections on the people and places that shaped martial arts in the 20th century, the book's topics include: Highlights: --- martial arts theory & practice --- portrayals of leading Asian instructors --- Westerners who were among the first to study martial arts in Asia and return to their own countries to initiate and develop the arts --- a detailed historical record of the evolution of martial arts in the West --- a philosophical treatment of martial arts as exhibited in modern practice Robert W. Smith may be known as a world's leading authorityon Asian martial arts, but this book shows he is much more than that. His pioneering work in the field has inspired others to follow, but perhaps none have brought such drive, stamina, and scholarly skills to such a monumental task. Martial Musings records insightful details associated with Smith's years of absorption in the combative arts in the USA and overseas. But, what makes this book such a joy to devour is the literary relish Smith stir-fries in with the book's basic ingredients. He astutely couples combatives with literary panache, quick wit, and penetrating insights.

World renowned authority on Asian martial arts, Robert W. Smith shares more than fifty years experience in martial arts practice and research in Martial Musings. Based on reflections on the people and places that shaped martial arts in the 20th century,