Japanese Sword Fighting By Hatsumi M. (Book)

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 renowned 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 advanced, 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 Asan 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. Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi was born in 1931. After progressing through various martial arts, he found his life's mentor, Takamatsu Toshitsugu, and studied under him for the next fifteen years, becoming the 34th Grand Master of Togakureryõ Ninjutsu and eight other arts, which he unified into the Bujinkan system. Dr. Hatsumi has taught thousands of individual students as well as instructing at law enforcement agencies all over the world, and has received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many nationalities. He has also worked as a professional osteopath, acted in a popular television series, produced many books and DVDs on Niniutsu and Budo, and was for many years vice chairman of the Japan Literary Artists' Club. Preface • In Honor of True Warriors 1. KENPO IN BUDO True understanding of real Budoka • Divine Merit through the Peaceful Way of the Sword • The Essence of Victory and Defeat • Religion and Budo • Oneness is infinite • The real meaning of the eighteen fields of martial arts • The restoration of Budo • Budo and the arts • What is the gokui? • Transcending common sense (The Direction of Bushi - Rei - Kumidachi - Muto Dori Hiden - Shunu - Shunsoku - Ichigeki - Kaisoku - Koryaku - Iaifuji - Chingan - Fuu - Mutodori lai dori do-gaeshi - Knife hidden in a sword handle) 2. THE ESSENCE OF JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP The Principle of 'Pushing and Cutting' with the Sword • The Aesthetics of Arms and Armor, or the Beautification of the Soul • The Connection Between the Sword and Spear • The Meaning of Kyusho • The Tachi and the Way of the Warrior (Nuku - Tenchijin no Kamae Tsuki - Kote - Goshintai body in self defence - Happo Biken - Tsukikomi - Tsukigake - Kiriage - Kirisage - Kasugaidome - Kochogaeshi - Shiho giri - Happo giri - Tsuki no Wa [Full Moon] - Kenpo of the eternal cycle of birth, death, and re-birth - Yagyu-ryu Seigan no Kamae - Gedan no Kamae) 3. THE PRACTICE OF BUDO Toward the True Gokui • Large, Small, the Heart, Technique, and Body • Master and Student • Between Densho and Kyojitsu • Budo of Tomorrow (Katchu Tachi - Katchu Kenpo - Tachiuchi - Clothes worn while in the palace or in the castle - Shishiuchi - Juji Ken [crossed sword] - Master Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei, Happo Biken APPENDIX Original Japanese text

More information
ISBN	9784770021984
More	hardcover, 195 x 266 mm, 240 pp, over 450 photos

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