Hardcover

ISBN 10: 4805312963 ISBN 13: 9784805312964

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing, 2014

Memorialised in countless books and movies, the history of Japan's fearsome samurai warriors is known all over the world. Who can forget these Japanese masters' skills with the sword? Today, samurai warriors no longer exist, but their legacy of swordsmanship endures. Now, the way of the samurai sword is learned in the martial arts Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu. This book is the perfect introduction to using this beautiful and ancient weapon. In Mastering the Samurai Sword, you'll learn the sword's fascinating history, its evolution, and the philosophy behind its use. You'll also learn practical guidance for mastering the sword itself. Full-colour, step-by-step photographs detail many of the most useful and famous samurai moves, including: drawing the samurai sword, guard positions, cutting blows, and blocking, falling and rolling techniques, and evasive strategies, standing forms and kneeling forms. All of the martial arts techniques discussed in the book are performed for readers in an instructional DVD to help you perfect your form. Beginners will learn everything from proper attire and behaviour in the dojo to how they might practice at home, while more experienced samurai swordspeople will find a new appreciation for the deeper meaning and tradition behind the graceful way of the sword.

About the Author:

Cary Nemeroff has earned 10th degree black belts in a variety of martial arts, including iai-jutsu and ken-jutsu. He conducts an extensive program of martial arts classes for adults and children in the NYC area.