At youth i read a little of Martial Arts - related Philosophy, i read a little of Buddhist & Taoist ideas, i read Sun Tzu's Art of War as well.
Consequentailly i tried to live that way - which put me into troubles, as this was seen as detached from reality in Poland, a Catholic Nation.
But since years, i managed to integrate this with local needs, this is no longer my weakness, i consider it inner strength.
Quotes.
Sun Tzu is a famous Chinese General of the Ancient Times & the widely known author of 'Art of War',
first treatise about warfare in known history.
Morihei Ueshiba was amazing human, creator of Aikido & Master of many Martial Arts,
rumored to perform supernatural feats.
Very humane person as well.
Aikido is fascinating, designed to be Art of Self-Defense.
Pace & non-harming are very important parts of the Aikido Philosophy, of the Techniques of this Style as well.
Gichin Funakoshi is known as Master of Karate Shotokan, a Poet & a Loving Person.
In his book 'Karate-Do, my life' he explained philosophy, roots & history of Martial Arts - reaching times when weapons were allowed only to the Samurai Warrior-caste. Peasants trained at night, illegally, with bare hands & peasant tools such as stick (Bo) or a knife for planting rice (Sai).
It's also on another blog.
Acknowledgement: Way of Ninja.