The Samurai Sword: Spirit * Strategy * Techniques:
Author(s): Kohshyu Yoshida (Author)
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Publication Date: 26 Feb. 2010
Language: English
Print length: 176 pages
ISBN-10: 0804837511
ISBN-13: 9780804837514
Book Description
The Samurai Sword is the essential illustrated guide to the Japanese way of the sword.
Japan’s famous samurai warriors were more than just soldiers ― they were adherents to a strict code of honor who respected the deeper, spiritual meaning of the way of the sword. To the samurai, battle was sacred.
This indispensable guide to theory and practice respects both the physical and spiritual aspects of martial arts practice with the
katana. This sword book features:
Beautiful, step-by-step photos and easy-to-understand text
Guidance for selecting, maintaining, and using your sword
Wisdom about the practical value of meditation
Inspirational biographies of some of the greatest samurai swordsmen, men whose words and deeds embodied the true spirit of the samurai warrior
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swordsperson, this book will broaden your practical knowledge with detailed instruction on stances, cuts, guards, forms, and sparring techniques and strategy.
Author Kohshyu Yoshida was born and raised in Chiba, Japan. The great-grandson of a ronin samurai warrior, he has studied martial arts from all over the world and now teaches martial arts in Los Angeles, CA. He has appeared in Hollywood films including Blade and The Last Samurai. He also starred as the Red Ranger in the international hit television show Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.
All media content is alternatively accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
The samurai sword: a symbol of the spirit of old Japan, it embodies the samurai’s steel discipline, unswerving devotion and peerless skill. With its creation, a feat of craftsmanship passed down by generations of artisans, the samurai sword is generally considered to be superior even to the famed blades of Western Damascus and Toledo.
The Samurai Sword Handbook is a precise exploration of the samurai sword designed for sword collectors as well as anyone intrigued by these ancient blades. Detailing the origins and development of the samurai sword, its historical background, styles, famous schools and differences in construction, this revised edition of the classic reference outlines methods of identifying and researching the sword, as well as caring for it properly. This must-have for sword lovers is sure to be a bestseller.
Topics of this Samurai book include:
Japanese History and the Samurai Sword
Types of swords
Parts of the sword
Blade shape, construction, and grain
The making of the sword
Inscriptions and their readings
Care and maintenance
Appraisal and value
Relative point values
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Kohshyu Yoshida was born and raised in Chiba, Japan. The great-grandson of a ronin samurai warrior, he has studied martial arts from all over the world and now teaches martial arts in Los Angeles, CA. He has appeared in Hollywood films including blade and The Last Samurai. He also starred as the red ranger in the international hit television show The Mighty Morphin’ Power rangers.