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Autumn Lightning

The Education of an American Samurai

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Autumn Lightning

By: Dave Lowry
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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About this listen

Dave Lowry juxtaposes his singular experience as an adept student of kenjutsu (the art of swordsmanship) under a Japanese teacher in St. Louis with a riveting account of the samurai tradition in Japan. Intertwining tales of the masters with reflections on his own apprenticeship in the samurai's arts, he reveals in their time-honored methods a way of life with profound relevance to modern times.

The result is a fascinating, singular autobiography. Lowry captures the sense of wonder and mystery that makes martial arts compelling to so many practitioners. Even those who do not practice martial arts will delight in this unusual coming-of-age story.

©1985 Dave Lowry (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Eastern Martial Arts Samurai Sports Sports History Combat Sports
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A remarkable journey

In a way, I am sad that I finished listening to this audio book as it has been accompanying me on my journeys to and from work.

The adventures of the Yagyu family have kept me enthralled and the history of the Shinkage Ryu had me slicing at my own imaginary opponents as I weaved my way through heavy crowds at the train stations that appear on my route to the office.

Thank you, Sensei Dave Lowry (the author) and of course Brian Nishi (the narrator) ... for you have both truly inspired this South African Samurai.

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Excellent

If you could sum up Autumn Lightning in three words, what would they be?

A very well written account of the authors early study of swordsmanship, with some interesting history of the school he was part of. The narrator does an excellent job in telling this story.

What does Brian Nishii bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Nice to hear the correct pronunciation of the Japanese, which adds to the authenticity of the story and characters.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Can understand by the well written account what Dave Lowry went through and some of his ups and downs.

Any additional comments?

Just got the follow on to this, where he author travels to Japan. Can't wait to start it.

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Accurate description of traditional martial arts

This book was recommended back in 2001 by an American friend. As a practitioner of traditional Kung Fu, I was skeptical at first, expecting either a romanticised/idealized view on martial arts, or a myopic American view on an exotic culture. But far from that, this is a very respectful and accurate description of the spirit and philosophy of the Eastern arts. Succinctly written and pleasantly narrated.

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Old school samurai training

Interesting to se how training in a traditional koryu is compared to the modern do. The modern styles like kendo, iado and jodo is supposed to be more spiritual but I think there is a lot of wisdom lost in the modern do arts that can be found in the past. A good read 👍🏻

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