CompleteMartialArts.com - Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets of the Samurai
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Manufacturer: Kodansha International
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Binding: Hardcover Dewey Decimal Number: 796 EAN: 9784770021984 ISBN: 4770021984 Label: Kodansha International Manufacturer: Kodansha International Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 240 Publication Date: 2006-03-01 Publisher: Kodansha International Studio: Kodansha International
Hidden Essence of the Martial Arts and the Spirit of the Samurai Japanese history is replete with great sword masters. Legendary figures such as Koizumi Isenokami, Tsukahara Bokuden, Yagyu Munenori, Miyamoto Musashi, and Ito Ittosai have been revered as deities for countless years, forged into the history of Japan's martial arts. But there were also many lesser known samurai who carried the spirit of Bushido, Tirelessly devoting themselves to Japan's martial traditions and mastering their many fighting forms. Japan's rich legacy of swordsmanship has been passed on through these generations of samurai, who developed many techniques using the long sword, short sword, and Ninja sword, among others. In this book, Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renonwned Budo and Ninja grandmaster in the world, explores the venerable history of Japanese sword fighting, sharing with the reader his reflections on the hidden essence of this revered martial art. He covers a variety of classical techniques including Ninja kenpo, Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, as well as two-sword techniques. Drawing on his deep knowledge, the author demonstrates advenced, practical applications of the art, using the stick, spear, naginata, and kusarigama. More mysterious, secret techniques are also discussed, including those involving armor, and the variety of renowned mutodori (no-sword) forms-the ultimate martial skill of the samurai. Works of calligraphy by famous samurai masters, such as Asari Matashichiro and Yamaoka Tesshu, accompany the descriptions, as well as important historical scrolls and an array of lavish illustrations that help demonstrate the grace and beauty of Japanese sword fighting. After his highly acclaimed works The Way of the Ninja and Advanced Stick Fighting, Masaaki Hatsumi continues to pursue his life's ambition of fostering and spreading Budo throughout the world, with this definitive book on the art of Japanese sword fighting. Within his technical descriptions and musings on the history of Bushido, Hatsumi's philosophy of promoting a world of peace and tolerance is ever present, as is his firm belief in the universality of Budo, espoused in his own words: ". . . if the seed of Japan's Budo is planted anywhere in the world, it will continue to grow and flourish."
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Another awesome product by Grandmaster Hatsumi! Comment: Great book. A must for anyone interested in Japanese Sword Fighting, Ninjutsu, or Budo Taijutsu. Customer Rating: Summary: Creativity needs to be experienced Comment: One of the reviewers of this book used the fact that Soke's creative use of the Japanese language was the source of much of his wisdom. For those interested in language then this description would seem sufficient.
I would suggest to the would-be reader however, that Hatsumi-sensei is first and foremost a budoka and the source of his 'wisdom' stems from his martial art. Soke himself has written that it is his understanding of martial arts that allows him to successfully perform other arts. It is encumbent on the reader, certainly for those who are students of the Bujinkan, to see this book from the perspective of the martial arts.
This book is another testament to the persistance and creativity of Hatsumi-sensei. Forever finding the next step, Soke is always able to continue and, in his own words, 'keep going'. This book is a MUST for any student of Hatsumi-sensei's Bujinkan art. Customer Rating: Summary: Japanese sword fighting book Comment: This book is awsome!!! it not only shows you how to do difforent moves in japenes sword fighting but it also teaches you the backround or history of the sword style what the difforent swords are called and it teaches you at least 5 moves for each difforent one. All around this was a very good book and i'm glad i found it. Customer Rating: Summary: Rich in biographical surveys and cultural insight Comment: Relatively little has been written covering Samurai sword fighting techniques: here ninja grandmaster provides both a history of the art of Japanese swordplay, rich in biographical surveys and cultural insight, and a survey of classical techniques used in two-sword fighting. Vintage and modern black and white photos and illustrations pack an account that blends step-by-step how-to photos with calligraphy, description, biographies, and background history. A 'must' for any serious not just about Japanese sword fighting, but Japanese culture and history as a whole.
Customer Rating: Summary: A truly "must-have" manual for Japanese swordsmanship enthusiasts Comment: Informatively written by renowned Budo and Ninja grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi and ably translated into English by Bruce Appleby and Doug Wilson, Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets Of The Samurai is an in-depth manual about the skill and art of traditional Japanese sword fighting. Black-and-white photographs by Minoru Hirata and Kyuzo Akashi copiously illustrate methods of drawing and resheathing swords, and sword strikes and cuts, while the skillfully translated text delves into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of swordsmanship as surely as the martial arts and physical aspects. Illustrations of traditional samurai dress and full armor, and an appendix of the original Japanese text round out Masaaki Hatsumi's Japanese Sword Fighting, a truly "must-have" manual for Japanese swordsmanship enthusiasts.
