Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets of the Samurai

by Masaaki Hatsumi

Book Overview

Renowned budo (martial arts) and ninja grandmaster Hatsumi explains how Japanese sword fighting embodies the essence of budo and the spirit of the samurai.

For centures, sword masters like Miyamoto Musashi have been revered, and have fascinated and inspired people everywhere. Now, in his definitive work, Masaaki Hatsumi, the world's most famous living budo and ninja grandmaster, shares his vast knowledge of Japanese sword fighting as it's been...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1568365926
• ISBN13: 9781568365923
• Release Date: May 2019
• Publisher: Kodansha
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.5" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

A simple "must" for serious budo-ka

Dr. Hatsumi shows swords and armour nobody else would posses and demonstrates tecniques in a way else would be able to master .

Another awesome product by Grandmaster Hatsumi!

Great book. A must for anyone interested in Japanese Sword Fighting, Ninjutsu, or Budo Taijutsu.

Creativity needs to be experienced

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.

Rich in biographical surveys and cultural insight

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.