The Tao of War is a training manual of Applied Philosophy, and a guide to those seeking to walk the path of the Warrior Poet. The Martial Arts are traditionally understood to be an outward practice related to "fighting", which is the mastering of others, and an inward practice of "fighting", which is the mastering of the self. The fighting without philosophy can become tyranny, while the philosophy never put into action is lame. It is the blending of application and philosophy which produces the Martial Arts, and from the Martial Arts emerges the human archetype of the Warrior Poet. The Tao of War is a map which draws upon the subtleties and secrets of the Martial Arts to assist seekers of truth in locating deeper visions of reality and selfhood. It explores both metaphysical and practical realities pertaining to the path of the Warrior Poet, and is an invaluable resource for student and teacher alike.

Mikhail Abdul-Latif is an author, poet, musician, and lifelong martial artist from Seattle, Washington. He holds national wrestling titles in both Canada and the United States, is a Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and spent many years traveling the world as a professional athlete while studying under various masters of martial arts and spiritual traditions. As an instructor and educator, he strives to help his students integrate the philosophical, practical, artistic, and spiritual aspects of their pursuits.