The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Styles from Around the World [Hardcover]

I bought "The Way of the Warrior" because of a fascination and deep interest in martial arts and their history. What you actually get with "The Way of the Warrior" is one of the most in depth and informative encyclopaedia on any subject written. The sheer effort, energy and visually stunning nature of this book are evident from your first inevitable flick through as you try to comprehend the wealth of martial arts that exist. It is actually when you sit down and start to really read "The Way of the Warrior" that you realise that you have made a purchase that is going to both inform and entertain you as a martial arts fan or knowledge fanatic. Gone are the days of "this martial art is better" or "this is more deadly than that." Chris Crudelli (author) presents you with informed, unbiased truths about the codified fight systems that have existed for centuries. The history of martial arts is presented as a journey through the world not just the precious domain of the Far East. For the first time the passage of fighting systems and how countries pooled from each other is truly exposed giving the reader a genuine perspective into how we as humans have always learnt from each other regardless of colour or creed. The writing is clear, always informative and will appeal to martial artists and casual readers alike.
For me, what really takes this book to the highest level is the fact that every page is a visual feast. The photography is stunning. The book and its information leaps off the page because you are presented with such exciting imagery so descriptive in its nature you would be excused for thinking this book was a work of art. Every page is soaked in bold and artistic yet completely functional images. Not the standard martial arts photography you have seen before but new perspectives and specifically commissioned photography giving this book a completely unique feel.
I would recommend this book to martial artists. I would recommend this book to fans of photography. I would recommend this book to anyone that reads. "The Way of the Warrior" does not polarise its potential buyer base. I do not own anything like this book and it is going to take a lot of effort to find any encyclopaedia that comes close.

It's not often you find a coffee-table style book devoted to the martial arts but this really is a hefty, large format tome filled with lots of high quality colour photographs.

This could equally well have been titled, "The Dorling Kindersley Colour Encyclopedia of Martial Arts" since it IS really comprehensive. It covers everything from Zulu stick fighting to pro boxing to sumo, with each sport covered in almost an equal level of detail. However, its main selling point is the huge number of large, action photos in each section which capture the excitement (and danger) of fighting sports.

I don't usually like buying books with cover prices of £25 but due to the size and quality of this hardback I have to admit it does offer value for money. However, it's probably more suited to the shelves of a public library than the home of a practising martial artist or boxer or wrestler.

If you have never experienced any martial art, this book is still worth buying. I am amazed at the photographic content and descriptions which show how well the author has researched this book.It is totally flickable and a great addition to any library! I am buying more than one copy for xmas this year!!