Bibliography Index

• Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword

  Dave Lowry / 1st edition, Ohara Publications, Santa Clarita, CA (1986)

  Technical

  Summary: The author has trained in Japan in several martial traditions and is concerned that the ryu may be lost or diluted unless an effort is made to preserve them. In this book, he presents the basics of training with the boken, or wooden sword. His chapters include origins, training rationale, equipment, basics, striking methods, combination techniques, and training with a partner. A glossary completes the book.

• In the Dojo

  Dave Lowry / Shambhala/Weatherhill (2006)

  Anecdotal / Philosophical

  Summary: This text is not specifically Aikido, but deals with commonalities of all Japanese martial arts. It is a collection of lively essays, that illuminates the history and significance of the rituals, training costumes, objects and relationships that have such profound significance in Japanese martial arts.

• Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff

  Dave Lowry / second printing 1978 edition, Ohara Publications, Santa Clarita, CA (1987)

  Technical

  Summary: The author, a practitioner of several Japanese classical martial arts, presents the basics of "aiki jo," which he learned from Yutaka Funaki and Sachiyo Fujii. He describes this circular, flowing style as distinct from the older jo traditions. The chapters include the evolution of jojutsu, equipment and preparation, fundamentals, striking methods, combination techniques, and the 31-count exercise. A glossary of Japaneses terms finishes the book.

• Moving Toward Stillness

  Dave Lowry / Tuttle (2000)

  Historical / Philosophical

  Summary: Moving Toward Stillness is a collection based upon Dave Lowry's magazine articles from the past decade, mostly from his highly regarded column in Black Belt magazine. Written from an almost Japanese perspective, it offers an entertaining and informative view of the Martial Arts arts. Topics explored include entering the Martial Arts way, making the pursuit of traditional Asian Martial Arts arts a part of modern Western life, the paradoxes and conflicts such a path inevitably generates, how to adapt to the mindset necessary for true mastery of a foreign art, and much more