A no-nonsense guide to the mind-body training necessary for budo, the study of traditional Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation—from a sixth-degree black belt and iaido teacher Budo is about learning more than how to fight; true budo is a way of seeking and uncovering meaning in life. Here, Nicklaus Suino, one of the leading iaido teachers in North America, gives expert advice on how to get the most from training in traditional Japanese martial arts such as iaido, kendo, aikido, judo, kyudo, and karate-do. He reveals the essential components of budo training, including how to:
• determine the principles behind techniques
• develop physical strength, technical strength and strength of character
• discipline your mind to really focus and be in the present moment
Budo is about learning more than how to fight; true budo is a way of seeking and uncovering meaning in life. Here, Nicklaus Suino, one of the leading iaido teachers in North America, gives expert advice on how to get the most from training in traditional Japanese martial arts such as iaido, kendo, aikido, judo, kyudo, and karate-do. He reveals the essential components of budo training, including:
• how to determine the principles behind techniques
• how to develop physical strength, technical strength and strength of character
• how to discipline your mind to really focus and be in the present moment
"Suino writes balanced, thoughtful works on
budo, and this latest work is no exception. . . . This book is a nice introduction to
budo for individuals new to the world of the
dojo. It is short on hyperbole and long on experience and common sense. I would recommend it as an appropriate work for novice students, although the clarity of Suino's prose and the sincerity of his convictions regarding the benefits of studying
budo would recommend it to any reader who shares something of his experience and his beliefs."—
Journal of Asian Martial Arts 
