Dave Lowry frequently travels thoughout Asia to reserach its culture and history and has written several books about Japan and the budo. He stated writing for Black Belt more than 20 years ago and has shared his traditional take on the martial arts world in a monthly column called Karate Way since 1986.

Lowry's entertaining, sometimes controversial voice is evident thoughtout his columns, gathered here for the first time in The best of Dave Lowry. Whether examining the origins of the tonfa or the popularity of mixed-martial arts tournaments, Lowry consistently provides a unique historical and philosophical take on his subjects.

Contents

Take a deep breath
A real master
Timing in combat
Waiting for the kill
Duties of the senior karate student
Warning: Martial arts training can be habit-forming
Learn by not doing
Karate's three elements of success
Spirit: How important is it?
May the force-and power-be with you
The black-belt initiation
The rhythm of kata
A warror's lesson
Lesson in pain
The gateway to the martial path
There's no room for brutality in the martial arts
'Sealing' the technique
The three basic concepts of the 'Warrior Ways'
Rank doesn't necessarily have its privileges
Can rank be taken away?
The art of defending against surprise
The art of coping with worry
The art of dealing with doubt
The art of overcoming fear
The milestone of turning 42
Are martial arts oaths anachronistic?
Losing gracefully
The baffling concept of the kiai
Improve your ability to 'listen'
Origins of the Okinawan staff
Ultimate fighting in Japan-100 years ago!
The spirit of the weapon
Dressing the part
Two ways of 'not thinking'
Three tips for better learning
The guys under the floor
An aikido technique for karate students
The mysterious case of the korean nunchaku
Japan's Korean connection
Does kata practice prepare you for combat?
Keeping karate in proper perspective
The benefits of judo
A single shot
Receiving the attack
Ultimate goal of karate training
Okinawan terminology
Reaching the target
Dear Sensei
A challenge to the masters
Practicing wrong
The 'Samurai Way'
The way to the way
Training camps
Taking care of a visiting teacher
The art of teaching
The essence of budo
The right amount of violence
Posturing
Teachers and students
Forging ahead
The harmony of the tonfa
Hardbodies
Martial arts etiquette
Classical rank
Prearranged sparring
One punch, one kill
Compassion
Toughing it out
Controlling the point
First impressions
The next Funakoshi?
Heroes