Dennis Bussell
35 year practitioner of martial arts, Ting family, Tai-Ji versed in “The Three Treasures of China, Shing Ye, Pa Kua, and Tai-Ji. Also Kali Escrima, with Dan Inosanto,Richard Burtonson, and Larry Hartsell, and a Third Dan inTae-Kwan-Do under Grand Master Young Chul Rho.
The first time I met Larry Andrews I knew I was in the presents of a humble warrior. Upon reading his book I found so many things that were familiar. I certainly appreciate the student finding the teacher at the right time. Being a professional fighter and pit fighter, I found the fight sequences very real, stirring old memories, but I believe the thing that moved me the most was how the teacher treated the female student. I am Native American and we are a matriarchal society. Believing in the power of our women, and Wing Tsun also being an art passed down through a female is also close to home. So in closing Larry’s book was both realistic and inspiring. I am looking forward to a sequel.
Thanks Larry for your commitment.
Kurt Risch
3rd Degree Black Belt, Hapkido, 1st Degree Black Belt, Tae Kwon Do, Collegiate Fencer.
Musashi once said that there are no warriors left today that truly understand the martial way. With the proliferation of law suits and martial sports like the UFC and most systems of “karate/kung fu…” the study and the teaching of true martial arts (creative study of warfare) has been all but lost. Unless you are willing to place yourself in danger of serious physical harm you will never be able to understand the true martial way since obviously this requires life threatening combat in order for it to be real enough to find out what works and what does not. Your other choice is to read the countless philosophy books written by masters such as Teshu, Sun Tzu, or Musashi, but these books take countless years to read and fully comprehend.
Larry Andrews has clearly demonstrated an understanding of the martial way like few teachers/practitioners of his day. His book the “Lessons from the Warrior Sage” fills the void between a practical training manual and philosophy of “life or combat” text. He has managed to take what is often times a difficult subject such as the state of “No Mind” and simplified it into a simple duel with characters that come to life and make you want to cheer for them or “boo” them should their behavior and ego interfere with their own journey.
I have been a teacher of the martial arts for about 20 years and have always strived to find more ideas and better methods to my system. Mr. Andrews has given me that tool; I plan to require all of my advanced students to read his book. Not only does it go to the understanding of the strategies of both armed and unarmed combat but it goes to “state of mind” of the practitioner. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to go beyond a simple sport into a “life” art.
Chris Enge
Black sash from Sifu Hum in Northern Praying Mantis and a brown belt in Shorin Ryu karate.
When I read the Prologue of the book, my interest was piqued and I was quite curious to begin. The descriptions of the duels were very well done and the reader could quite easily visualize exactly what was happening. Studying martial arts myself, I’m very interested in other people’s thoughts and concepts on the subject. After reading the entire book I came away with what I feel to be a deeper understanding of combat. It sounds silly, but after reading this book my sparring and grappling skills have increased on what I feel to be a mental level. The book was put together very well, and I will personally recommend this book to anyone who has a serious interest in martial arts. I know I learned a thing or two.