The Way of the Warrior - Martial Arts and Fighting Styles From Around the World by Chris Crudelli

The first thing that stands out with Chris Crudelli'straining halls and temples. I can't stress enough
new book "The Way of the Warrior: Martial Artswhat a visual feast this book is for the martial art
and Fighting Styles From Around the World" is theenthusiast.
stunning photographs throughout the entireThe text includes descriptions of the various
volume of this coffee table sized visualfighting styles as well as notes on key players in
smorgasbord of martial arts from around thethe arts history as well as modern masters. The
world. It is fascinating to browse and marvel atbook illustrates key weapons the various styles
the wonderful pictures that fill almost every pageare known for and describes the main principles
of this oversized 360 page tomb of martial artand theories behind the styles. Obviously, due to
information and splendor.how the book is organized, the country and
This magnificent visual guide to the martial arts isculture of each style is also provided. These
divided into seven sections, with each sectiondescriptions are brief, but make for a very
focusing on the indigenous and imported stylesinteresting overview of the arts to accompany
synonymous with a particular geographical region.the great photographs.
These sections include: India and South Asia; ChinaScattered among the descriptions and colorful
and East Asia; Southeast Asia and Oceania; Japanpictures are quotes that capture the spirit of the
and Okinawa; Europe; Africa, Middle East andvarious arts and warriors who devised them and
Central Asia; and finally The Americas. In thesehelped shape the styles into not only methods of
seven sections there are descriptions of morefighting but for many a way of life. I was glad to
than 300 fighting styles. Included are the obvioussee one of my favorite quotes from Karate
well known martial arts such as Judo, Karate,Master Gichin Funakoshi, "The ultimate goal of
Taekwondo, and Aikido. But also included are littlekarate lies not in victory or defeat but in the
know obscure arts like Aki Kiti, Ba Ji Quan,perfection of the character of its participants."
Mizongyi, Taekyon, Banshay, and many others.This book is truly a work of art and a wealth of
The book is truly a fascinating look at moreinformation. It could easily take a place on the
martial art styles than most people ever realizedcoffee table of any martial artist, or a
existed. Pictures range from ancient drawings, oldprofessional lobby or school front for anyone who
photographs, and modern photos of stunningpractices the arts. And it is definitely a marvelous
displays of martial prowess with fascinatingaddition to any martial art library. I sincerely thank
backdrops. There are action shots fromChris Crudelli for putting such a book together. I
competitions and martial art demonstrations ashighly recommend this for all martial artists and
well as those from training sessions and ancientthose who follow the warrior's path.