Recommended reading

The Japanese top management is not nurtured at an Asian equivalent of our business college. Instead, they study, live and work, according to a book written over three hundred years ago by a Samurai, whose main preoccupation was killing. Just prior to his death, at the age of sixty-one, he wrote a thesis and called it "A Book of Five Rings". He wrote it not only as a battle strategy but “for any situation where plans and tactics are used". Not surprisingly, business executives of the 20th Century in Japan revere Musashi's philosophy as a guide lor their daily decisions. And they therefore view the running of a business like a military operation. Prior to touching upon the book, it is necessary to know something of the author.

He was born in 1584. His full name was Shinmen Musashi No Kami Fujiwara No Genshin. Being of Fujiwara blood made him a member of a prominent noble family, the lineage can be traced over a thousand years. At the age of seven with both his parents dead, he was placed in the care of his uncle, a warrior priest. After six years in this strict environment, at the tender age of thirteen he had his first duel. The Samurai was named Arima Kihei. It was said that he was skilled with sword and spear. The boy threw the man to the ground and beat him around the head with a stick when he tried to rise. Kihei died vomiting blood.

At the age of nineteen, after many more such duels, he participated in the last major battle to take place in his country. Unfortunately, he chose to fight on the wrong side, but somehow managed to survive the three days during which seventy thousand people died. He also survived the hunting down and massacre of the vanquished army. The hunt lasted nearly two years. His single combats to the death continued, by the time he was thirty years old, he had fought and won over sixty times by killing his opponents, most of whom were warriors of renown. It was about this time Musashi stopped using real swords in his duels, and, proved that he was invincible using sticks against swords. Having mastered the art of fighting, he delved into other arts, producing masterpieces such as ink paintings, calligraphy, and wood sculpting. He wrote, "Study the way of all professions". It is evident that he did just that, he sought out not only great swordsmen, but also priests, Strategists, artists, and craftsmen, always eager to broaden his knowledge. Knowing something of his background it may now be possible to read the book in the manner he expected. The original was actually a letter to a student, pointing out in detail the strategic and technical data relating to swordsmanship. It is for you to interpret it into the field of endeavour that you desire.

This book holds immense significance for martial artists, transcending its origins as a military strategy manual. This ancient text, written over 2,500 years ago, offers timeless wisdom and profound insights that are highly applicable to the practice and mindset of martial artists. Sun Tzu's teachings emphasize the importance of understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of the opponent.

This self-awareness is essential for martial artists to develop and refine their techniques, ensuring a strategic advantage in combat.

Furthermore, the book delves into the art of deception and subtlety, encouraging martial artists to outthink and outmanoeuvre their adversaries. When physical strength may not always be enough to secure victory, the strategic principles outlined in "The Art of War" become invaluable tools for overcoming stronger opponents. Additionally, the emphasis on adaptability and flexibility in the face of ever-changing circumstances resonates deeply with martial artists, who must be prepared to adjust their approach in the heat of battle.

Ultimately, "The Art of War" serves as a guide to not only achieving success on the battlefield but also to cultivating a disciplined and harmonious approach to Martial Arts. By embracing the book's teachings, Martial Artists can gain a deeper understanding of their craft, sharpen their mental acuity, and foster a philosophy that extends beyond physical combat into their daily lives, making them better practitioners and individuals overall.

Kotler and Wheal examine various techniques used to achieve altered states of consciousness, including meditation, sensory deprivation, and psychedelic drugs, and discuss how these methods can be applied to overcome mental and physical limitations.

They draw on interviews with experts in neuroscience, psychology, and biohacking to demonstrate how these fields are converging to create new possibilities for the mindset. As Martial Artists, over time our practice of Kata, awareness and Breathing techniques can also achieve the benefits of these same states without the potential risks they talk about to achieve a superior mindset.

Overall, "Stealing Fire" is a fascinating book that challenges Martial Artists to think beyond their physical abilities and embrace the power of the mind. It offers practical insights into how the mindset of a martial artist can be enhanced using cutting-edge research and techniques, and raises important ethical considerations that every martial artist should be aware of.

The book is a must-read for anyone looking to develop their mindset and take their Martial Arts practice to the next level.