Whos read it?
How much of it is relevant to Kung Fu or personal combat?
I’ve read it cover to cover a number of times, and still go back to study passages at least once a month – more.
Great for martial arts. Awesome for chess. Superb for life.
The only parts that are relevant are the parts that you understand and apply.
Bloody hell, that was quick.
Thanks:)
Yup, I’ve read it.
It has very accurate principles of strategy explained metaphorically. Some of it is very similar to Miyamoto Musashi’s Book of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho). It acts as a strategy guide conserning any part of life.
Should be required reading in school!
actaully, rumour has it that when western busniessmen goes to do busniess in China, they need to read the book of war and when they go to japan, they need to read the book of the five rings
My favorite line committed to memory:
"When torrential rains move boulders, it is because of MOMENTUM;
When the eagle breaks the back of its prey it is because of TIMING."
– Sun Tzu
Ray, that would make an awesome sig.
Toney
I really liked this one, and i found it easier to understand than 5 rings.
Like others said its good for kung fu, life, and everything else if you can reach its essence.
Cool. Theres a second hand bookshop close to me that gets copies occasionally. Think I’d better pick one up.
Thanks for the replies.
I’ve seen a free online complete version of the Art of War.
Art of War
Ok, so of all the “translations”, which one is best? (Author)
my absolute fav book… cant u tell… almost know it by heart… book of 5 rings , a lil’ more complicated but still good reading… pick up the pocket addition, that’s pretty good or just get it free online…
I have the one that’s a black cover with a red sun sliced a bit.
It has a nice intro about Sun Tzu and commitary by other historic military men – they all do though.
Suntzu,
Guess that can be already predicted from your username. 
"Guess that can be already predicted from your username. "
something like that…
try to find a copy that also has quotes from other author… for instance, it will use suntzu translation and back it up with qoutes from Lao Tzu or tell a story pertaing to the quote… I forgot who translated mine but I’ll let u know…
I’ve read it. I don’t really know what to say. I’m the type to say **** when i’ve got nothing to say though. So, yeah.
Yes, I’ve read it and it’s very thought provoking. A classic work.
Book of Five Rings is great. Anything anyone tells you about all Japanese businessmen having read it is horse. Most of the higher level ones have read the Hagakure though, I’ve heard. This is the samurai manual containing such sage advice as ‘a warrior should always pick his teeth, whether he has eaten or not’. Quite potty. Dunno why people are saying Bo5R is difficult: try the English translation.
Art of War: read it. Keep it. Take it with you. Read it again.
Art of Leonardo da Vinci: much underrated combat manual. Great for those unscrutable smiles the masters always use when they’re beating the **** out of you. And somewhat unlikely overhead attacks (though some people prefer TKD for this).