The Art of War: The Definitive Interpretation of Sun Tzu's Classic Book of Strategy - Hardcover

Tzu, Sun

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0804854351 ISBN 13: 9780804854351

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing, 2021

Synopsis

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is the best known book on military strategy ever written. Although its wisdom is ancient, its principles and advice are timeless; it remains as influential as ever in military strategy, leadership roles, business tactics, legal challenges, martial arts philosophy and more. Everyone from New England Patriots' coach Bill Belichick to Tupac Shakur have turned to this time tested treatise.

This translation is by Hanshi Stephen F. Kaufman, one of America's leading martial artists, and is specifically aimed at martial practitioners to demonstrate how Sun Tzu's strategies can be applied to martial combat.

The book's thirteen sections present vital information including:

• Planning ahead—how a solid battle plan can help lead to victory
• Attacking the enemy—considerations when choosing to attack or, perhaps even more importantly, when to not attack
• Flexibility in combat—the importance of changing tactics as the fight evolves
• Exploiting weakness—how understanding your enemy's shortcomings is crucial to success

This edition includes 32 pages of full color images, capturing the pageantry of ancient combat. A new foreword by martial historian and decorated martial artist Alexander Bennett explains the importance of Sun Tzu's text and the value of Kaufman's interpretation for the martial artist.

About this title

About the Author

Sun Tzu, originally named Sun Wu and also called Chang Qing, authored The Art of War in the sixth century BC. This military strategy book became the most influential book of war, and Sun Tzu became well-known for being a military strategist, but also an international relations realist.

Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi, 10th Dan, is the holder of the highest rank attainable in the martial arts. His martial system, Hebi-ryu ("School of the Snake"), is recognized as one of the most effective combat methods in the world. His career spanning close to 60 years began in Okinawa in the 1950's. He's acknowledged as a "founding father" of American karate and has received countless awards and honors, including an induction to the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2011. Kaufman has authored many martial arts titles including Musashi's Book of Five Rings, The Way of the Modern Warrior and The Shogun's Scroll.

Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial disciplines--Kendo Kyoshi, 7th Dan; Iaido, 5th Dan; and Naginata, 5th Dan. His published works include Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai and Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code--A New Interpretation for Beginners.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"It is essential that your troops have peace of mind. This is done by properly filling their bellies and rewarding them when they have performed bravely. It implies that you know what they want with regards to the simple pleasures of life. If you do not give this to them they will seek it elsewhere. Peace of mind is also accomplished by not putting them into unnecessary danger.

A warlord of value and worth pays heed to the advice of his ruler, and only after careful consideration should he give orders to his generals.

When the ruler is not directly involved with the combat, he will not be aware of the actual conditions of the battle and should not issue orders that would make the generals think the warlord is being usurped. The generals will become confused and possibly rebellious. If the ruler does not understand the means by which warlords exercise responsibility, the officers will see a breakdown in the chain of command. Correct procedure and protocol must be maintained. It is the warlord's responsibility to ensure this.

It is absolutely essential that the warlord not permit the ruler to override his authority. This must be handled delicately because, although the warlord may control the well-being of the entire realm, the ruler owns it. Wisely, he permits the ruler to effect changes of circumstances but does not permit him to speak to the generals. He maintains control of the realm, the ruler, and the ruled.

The ruler must permit the warlord to administer the army and to maintain the overall protection of the empire. Rulers know that intelligent warlords can control and direct the generals, usually at will. If the warlord is usurped by the ruler, rebellion is at hand. To usurp his authority increases the chances for a coup and a wise ruler will see this. If he wishes to overthrow the authority of his warlord, it must be done with stealth and craft.

An astute warlord will recognize an overthrow attempt and stop it before it gets out of hand, at which time he must take control of the entire realm, deposing the ruler if necessary. Betrayal is unacceptable at any level of intent, and in the case of rulers, it will result in the overthrow of the government. The ruler will find himself without troops to defend his position. Judicious warlords know the methods of maintaining authority and predicting victory in battle. They know when to fight and when not to fight; they know when conditions are correct for the successful engagement of combat. Supplies are in place and the men are enthused. Alert warlords understand the correct deployment of large and small forces, and by this wisdom they see where a small force can overwhelm a large force and when a large force cannot conquer a small force.

Respected warlords maintain high morale among the troops. Without morale there will be dissension and the reason for fighting may not be strong enough to unify the warriors. Successful warlords are able to lie in wait for an enemy who is not prepared for battle beyond boasting of his ability. He does not attack just to prove he is in control of the situation. He understands the conditions for battle, which include the optimum use of resources. He sees the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy. He also sees the strengths and weaknesses of his own command.

The insightful warlord has trust and faith in his generals. He permits them to express their authority under the right conditions and sees to it that they are rewarded when successful and admonished when they fail because of poor planning. He knows the enemy and himself in order to avoid peril. Because of this knowledge, he will succeed in the field and the administration of the state. If he is unaware of the enemy's strengths but is aware of himself, his chances of victory are evenly matched. If he doesn't know himself and doesn't know the enemy, he is certain to entertain defeat. The ruler should never have picked this man to lead; he is not strong either. — Tzu, Sun. "Book Three: The Nature of Attacks." The Art of War. Tuttle Publishing, 2021, pg. 30-31

Edition details

• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0804854351
• ISBN 13: 9780804854351
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 144