Shogun's Scrolls (Martial Arts Library)

As there are a number of true century-old documents which offer advice on bushido to warriors and leaders and have been translated into English and are also much more thorough in scope and clearer in context ("Hagukure" and "Budoshoshinshu" come to mind), I fail to see why Kaufman crafted this spurious work in the first place! In his introduction, he mentions Machiavelli's "The Prince", (page viii) which suggests that this book of his may have been inspired by that work (I am inclined to believe this is his creative interpretation of that book). Kaufman also admits that "As a working philosopher and motivation lecturer, I am not interested in actual historical events..." (page viii). Nonetheless, Stephen Kaufman is NOT clear about the veracity of this book, never once warning the reader that this is not a work of fact, but an imaginative fictitious hodgepodge concocted by his active imagination and incomplete knowledge of Japanese history.

Generally, there is a belief common among martial artists (and others) that people should conduct themselves honorably. This includes being truthful and honest--NOT being misleading. There are undoubtedly a number of well-meaning people who in seeking an education in Budo, have stumbled upon Kaufman's book "The Shogun Scrolls" and trusting the author's words, taken them as historical fact. Whatever Kaufman's motivation in doing this, I cannot believe his intentions were good. What a pity that Kaufman couldn't present his own honest philosophical views, in a straightforward manner and in his own words, perhaps using actual historical events as his base. If only he could banish his ego to impart wisdom to his readers rather than leaving them misguided, ignorant, annoyed and confused.


THE MARTIAL ART OF PEACE: Leading the Martial Way   December 20, 2000
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

A Twelfth Century Shogun, Yoritomo, suggests that Nakadai, a scholar and counsellor of political strategy, advise him in matters of conducting the business of the realm. This is the genesis of The Shogun Scrolls. Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi, 10th Dan, has brought to light an important and very readable work containing wisdom that will give the reader a tremendous advantage for controlling the realm, whether "the realm" translates into corporate empire, local, state or federal government or a law firm. It is a wonderful and important addition to martial art literature. Although usually found in the martial arts section of a book store, Shogun Scrolls is not meant to enhance one-on-one fighting skills. Nevertheless, it is clearly important to read if it is your aspiration to live the martial way. To be a leader that desires to keep order and live the martial way, means you must lead the martial way. Shogun Scrolls is your guide: it is a valuable lesson in management from almost nine centuries past. Every martial artist would benefit from reading this fine work; any leader or manager who opts to ignore Shogun Scrolls, does so at their own peril.


Kaufman's Shogun Scrolls   August 23, 2000
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

At the time of this review this book has been in print for three years, and has the distinction of being the only book on the little heard of subject. Kaufman apparently uncovered references to the original scrolls while researching the Five Rings and the Art of War. The book is clearly a work of fiction. It does not even feign to be a translation. An 800 year old Shogun text appears out of nowhere and there is just one thin little paperback written about it. Curiously, Kaufman lists no references or bibliography. There is no honor in this Hanshi 10th Dan. Perhaps, he should read the books he was doing research on. So much for Joie code, etcetera.