Autumn Lightning: The Education of an American Samurai

Autumn Lightening gives the reader a glimpse into Dave Lowry's personal journey as a martial artist and into the interesting history and mythology surrounding his Kenjutsu Ryu.

A wonderful, quick read that should be required for all American martial artists.


If you're tempted - buy it!   October 2, 2003
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This book is outstanding because of its authenticity, clarity, and humility. It is the privileged description of a traditional Japanese martial arts education undertaken by a mid-Western American. He places his education and training in its historical context, and makes sense of it (from a Western point of view) as few others could have done. And he writes beautifully. If you have the slightest interest in this topic you will not regret purchasing this book.


An autobiography of great merit   August 8, 2003
 13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I met David Lowry quite a few years ago, appropriately at the St. Louis Japanese Festival held in Forest Park's lovely Japanese tea garden. It was a good thing I had a chance to meet him--otherwise I might think this story was fiction. It's not, though it reads like a novel, maybe titled "Karate Kid meets Yoda."

Lowry, a country boy living in Springfield, Missouri, went on a youthful quest to find his sensei, his teacher, after hearing rumors that there was a sword master living in town. Unlikely as that was (Springfield is better known for the Ozark Mountains and being near Laura Ingalls Wilder's homestead) it was true. In scenes that follow, Lowry gets training not only from the sensei but from his equally fierce consort. The Japanese couple become a second set of parents and teachers, and they make their indelible mark on David's life.

Not only is this an fascinating tale of coming-of-age and two cultures meeting, but it is written with great style. Lowry is a journalist and freelance writer with many, many bylines from top publications. His writing is crisp and visual, and above all, humorous. This is one of my favorite memoirs.


A Truly Cross-Cultural Mind-Opener   June 18, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Dave Lowry writes with a clarity that is accessible and moving. In Autumn Lightning, Lowry explores his early interest in the arts of the bugeisha (samurai-in-training). He trains with the ken/katana, and learns much about the world of Japanese Martial Arts.

But this is not simply a martial arts book. What makes it so unique is its easy realationship with the reader. It is like having a discussion with an old friend, and hearing all the wonderful stories that friend has to tell. Lowry expands on his experiences with his neighbor/sensei and relates them both to his life and, by proxy, the life of the reader.

This is a book I loved from cover to cover not just because it bridges certain cultural constraints (which it does with wit and candor), but also because it is a delightful story. Hearing the stories about the author, his sensei, and even his sensei's wife, are inspiring and thoroughly entertaining. If you have any interest in the martial arts, Japanese culture, or just open thinking in general, this book is most certainly going to excite your literary pallete.