The Way of the Martial Artist - Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life by Kevin Brett

There are some people that treat the practice ofout history texts and other books to broaden
martial arts like any other hobby or exercise class.their knowledge on the history and traditions of
It is something to do a couple times a week.not only their respective arts, but hopefully other
Then there are those of us that the study,historic warrior traditions and various martial art
practice, and teaching of martial arts means sostyles as well.
much more. Regardless of the specific art orChapter two, Skill and Training, covers many
discipline, regardless of the country of origin ofdifferent areas that can be expanded upon.
the art, to some of us, being a martial artist andChapter three, Strategy and Tactics does the
studying our respective martial arts is not asame. These two chapters are the bulk of the
hobby or pastime, but a part of who we are.roadmap I mentioned above. One should ensure
From reading Kevin Brett's "The Way of thethey are incorporating all of the elements Brett
Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Artswrites about into their own training and study.
and in Life" it is obvious that Kevin Brett falls intoMany concepts or skills that Brett briefly describes
this category of practitioners. Brett is a martialin a few paragraphs can be further studied with
artist, not a hobbyist. His martial study has helpedvarious instructors or entire books just on that
shaped who he is and has provided him with aconcept. For example, Brett has about a page of
vehicle to succeed in many areas of life, not justtext devoted to the concept of "timing." This is a
the physical skills of punching and kicking.very important concept when training in the
I enjoyed the book and found myself agreeingfighting arts, and Brett provided a short
with Brett on many points. In the Preface, Brettexplanation on why it is important. I would hope
wrote that he does not know all that he wouldthe reader using this book as a map would then
like about the topics in this book, and that theyseek out further instruction on this concept
require further study by all of us. I think this is anthrough instructors or the excellent book on the
extremely important point, especially since thistopic by my friends Loren Christensen and Wim
book while mentioning many important topicsDemeere, "Timing In The Fighting Arts." That is
does not go into great depth regarding them. I dojust one area of many where you can use this
believe the points he makes on these topics arebook by Kevin Brett as a catalyst toward further
good ones, but there is so much more to studystudy.
and learn. I feel Brett knows this, and that's why IChapter four, Spirit and Excellence, shows that
think his book is an excellent roadmap pointingBrett's study and journey as a martial artist
towards things that must be studied further toconsists of more than just learning physical
improve not only one's martial abilities but one'stechniques and readers who also want to be
life in general. This is a great introduction pointingcomplete martial artists can follow by learning
toward areas to study further.from Brett, because some of the concepts he
The Preface and Introduction of this bookdiscusses in this chapter are the most important
illustrate that Kevin Brett lives as a martial artistelements of warriorship and becoming a martial
and doesn't view his training as a recreational pastartist. Integrity and Honor beat technical skill as
time, Chapter one goes into brief origins andworthy goals anyday.
traditions from China, Japan and Korea. This is notChapter five, Success For Life, provides some
a history book, and as I said the chapter is verygood general advice on setting and achieving
brief on the topics it covers. However, I think thegoals, both with your martial art training and other
book will wet the appetite for many readers whoareas of your life. Brett stresses balance and I
will then continue their study further by seekingthink that is extremely important as well.