Persimmon Wind: A Martial Artist's Journey in Japan - Softcover

Part memoir, part martial arts history, part travelogue, Persimmon Wind reveals a Japan unlikely to be witnessed by the average Westerner. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the martial arts, Lowry acts as an interpreter of sorts, deftly describing the myriad ways in which Japan's subtle, yet rich customs and rituals inform the seemingly mundane practices of life. With his journey providing the framework, Lowry interweaves musings from his daily encounters with reflections on local history and the philosophies and origins of one of Japan's oldest martial traditions, exploring what is essential to the purposeful life as unveiled in the lessons of swordsmanship.

One of America's foremost writers on the Japanese martial arts, Dave Lowry has authored more than one hundred articles on the topic for the most popular English-language magazines, including Black Belt, Fighting Arts International, Furyu: The Budo Journal, Karate Illustrated, and Inside Karate. He has also contributed articles on traditional Japanese culture to Winds, the in-flight magazine of Japan Air Lines. Lowry is the author of nine books on budo, including Persimmon Wind's prequel, Autumn Lightning: The Education of an American Samurai. He is the food critic for St. Louis Magazine and has recently completed work on The Connoisseur's Guide to Sushi. Lowry lives, with his wife and son, in front of a bamboo grove near St. Louis, Missouri.