GARY MURRAY
Author & Legal Researcher
The Right Honourable, Sir Tam Dalyell
says of Gary Murray and ‘Enemies of the State’
"Gary Murray's chapter on the Security Services should be required reading for any decision maker involved in the current debate on the future role of MI5 and MI6. To my mind Gary Murray's riveting, first-hand account of life at the operative's sharp end, make the Police-Court relationship well nigh impossible."
"Gary Murray is a candid gamekeeper who in my experience of him both knows and is activated by the difference between right and wrong. He is constructive, not destructive, patriotic about the values that it is truly worth being patriotic about. Nowhere have I read such an instructive account of the crucial handler-agent relationship, as that given by Gary Murray."
Reviews : Enemies of the State : Berlin City of Spies : An Introduction to Judo : Venom Rising : Vipers’ Nest
“REAL Judo” : Robin Simpson
"An Introduction to Judo" is a refreshing look at Judo as martial ART, as it was originally intended as opposed to the sport based version of Judo most of us are used to seeing in the Olympics. The book emphasizes the intricacies and subtle but essential nuances present in each technique which are very hard to spot if not completely missing in sports Judo.
Gary Murray has an extremely extensive knowledge of the history and philosophy behind Judo and this is portrayed excellently in the book, providing not only information about techniques used in Judo but also the discipline a etiquette that should be shared by all practitioners, which is rarely found in similar books or even in many Judo clubs.
The illustrations and images used in the book also add a great deal of context to the descriptions of each technique and the background history, notably the images of key practitioners and the creator of Judo are a nice touch. All in all a very well put together and clear guide to Judo with a refreshing slant towards Judo's intended purpose of self-defence rather than sport.
“Easy to read Judo introduction” : Paul Morgan
Not having any previous knowledge of Judo, I found this book a very `easy to read' introduction to this martial art. It helped remove some stereotypical ideas I had about Judo and it's modern day practice.
It is a precise guide on what to expect and contains very good explanations on the martial art itself. It documents well the historical details behind Judo, referring back to the original concepts and teachings.
Highly recommended read for the Judo beginner.
“A useful guide for judo fans of all ages” : A Jezard
"If you practise Judo as a sport you are making a big mistake," judo master Sakujiro Yokoyama, quoted in this book. "Surely a sport is a sport. Reading this book will change your mind about judo," Keith Remfry, Olympic silver medallist, from the foreword to this book.
I was horrified when a friend confided to me that he did not think much of anyone who practised martial arts because, when he had studied karate for a few years as a child, his teacher had hit him when he got things wrong. My shocked reply was that he'd had a bad teacher. I have been a student of various martial arts since childhood and, although my friend and I are of an age, no one ever hit me. His comments, however, seem to sum up the view some people have -- particularly those who've never even ventured into a dojo - that martial arts is only taken up by people looking for trouble or who want to take part in a type of contest only seen in Jean-Claude Van Damme-style movies. Gary Murray's book is a handy reminder that is not -- and should not -- be the case. The text works on several levels. To start with it is a guide for parents seeking tuition as to what they should look for in a well-run club where their children will be cared for and nurtured, and contains a list of reputable associations such clubs should be members of. For the young budoka it is a useful hand book as to how they should practise with fellow students and examines how "the gentle way" can help develop moral and physical well being, as well as providing them with coping mechanisms for dealing with the world in general.
An illustrated section gives examples of some basic throws, and there is a glossary that will explain Japanese terms commonly used in dojos, which will surely help with gradings. The book also provides a historical overview of how judo and other martial arts have developed from feudal Japanese times to the present. The image of the samurai -- who have provided the inspiration for many martial practices -- as artists, poets, courtiers and all-round renaissance men is in contrast to that often provided on the big screen, certainly in the west. A useful explanation of how martial arts can aid self-defence is given, but it is not the main focus of the book. Murray also examines the development of judo as a sport. This he seems to contrast unfavourably with the almost chivalric-style teaching of traditional judo, with its emphasis on sharing, respect, consideration, spiritual development and personal fulfilment without seeking glory.
This year my son began learning judo and -- despite a 40 year age gap between us -- this inspired me to return to martial arts myself, after an interval of some 30 years. In reading Murray's book I was reminded of many useful things I had forgotten, and I learnt many things I simply never knew. Of particular use to me was the reminder that one should respect all randori partners and the lesson that, however experienced or inexperienced they are, you can always learn something from them.
Though the book is aimed at confident readers of 8 and above, in truth practitioners of all ages and grades are likely to find many helpful elements within its pages.
Review by Eric Shelmerdine
Association of British Investigators
Published in the Journal Magazine
“This novel by long standing ABI Member Gary Murray is clearly based on many of his own true experiences during his undercover work as a member of the Armed Forces Police and Security Unit - the Special Investigation Branch (SIB).
His work in Berlin during the Cold War is the setting for his adopted character “Jack Stone” who takes us through undercover assignments which are certainly not for the faint hearted.
The depth of espionage and the intriguing world of “top secret spies” will make it difficult for spy novel fans to put the book down. A really good read.”
“Reality of Cold War Spies” : Joe Jackson
Berlin - City of Spies takes the reader back to the Cold War. Dressed up as a novel, the reality of life at that time is embedded in the plot and for that reason it is a very good read. Of course it helps that the author was involved at the time and so fact is mixed with fiction. There is a selection of photographs that show what it was about and really adds to the content. I personally like a photo section in books like this as it gives a flavour of what was a grim time.
FQ Magazine
“Fantastic book - Verdict 4/5 stars I spy a winner”
News of the World
“It makes the Choose Your Own Adventure books that we enjoyed as children look almost prehistoric 4/5 stars.”
School Library Association, Everyone’s Reading
“An exciting new reading concept”
The Right Honourable, Sir Tam Dalyell,
“Gary Murray knows better than anyone the relationship between MI5 secret agents and their handlers! He is an insider!”
The Beano
“It’ll make you feel like a real spy.’”
Write Away
“A brilliantly conceived version of action spy thrillers, ideal for younger readers.”
