Product Description
Iaido is the classical Japanese discipline of drawing and cutting with the long sword in defense of an unanticipated attack, throwing off the blood and returning the sword to its sheath. It is the direct inheritor of techniques perfected by centuries of samurai whose life and honor depended upon their spirit and prowess. Author Richard W. Babin brings together all the practical and theoretical information needed to pursue a formal study of the classical Japanese martial art of iaido. You will learn how to choose a sword, how to cut with it, how to take care of it, how to assume the clothing and how to enter a dojo. He covers not only the basic moves and positions, but the entire curriculum of forms of the muso shinden ryu of iaido. Equally important, he puts the art in its historic and social perspective, helping to clarify for the reader the spiritual pathway that the way of the sword offers. If you want to learn iaido, this is your textbook. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Excellent
This books is excellent. The language that is using is easily understanable even for a non-native english speaker, and there are many photos that are used to clarify many points.

Iaido
Actually, this book wasn't what i expected, you'll get bored from all that reading.Also, iaido is not a straightforward art, i don't see that emphasized.Every situation has a different bunkai, it's really a mental building system. And that's why i like books like e.g. Aikido: Harmony of Nature by Saotome Sensei.Also i'm quit sure there are some mistakes in that book regarding the naming of some kata's.

Excellent Book for Reference... After Instruction.
This book is very comprehensive and helpful, but don't think it can be relied upon totally. I must agree with L. Vassallo, in that the teaching of a sensei is indispensible. This book is best suited for students who need to have a reference to look at so they can keep up with the training they recieve at intervals in the dojo. I do believe it is possible to learn a great deal from this book in conjunction with a good video guide on MSR, but I won't recommend trying it unless you have no possibility of joining a dojo. Some of us might live in a region where Iaijutsu is not practiced anywhere nearby. If that is the case, I won't discourage anyone from doing what they can. However, mastery in this case would be an unrealistic goal.

This is my textbook.
This book has become my text book for iaido.It saves note taking and helps memory from class to class.While it is not exhaustive, if I had to choose only one book, this would be the one.

Good Reference Book ...
It's a nice book. I highly recommend it to every Muso Shinden practicioner, not only because it's maybe the only book that dares to show how the MS ryu katas are performed, but also because it feels it was made with great disposition and love for Iaido.

A nice plus I found in this book was the explanations on Sei Tei Iai, which I am also a student. Please do not atempt to learn Iaido by only using this or any book. It just makes no sense. Not even with a video !!! The presence of a sensei it's a must !!

Finally, one of the things I learned from this book, it's that MUSR it's not as homogenous as I tought. There are variations in some positions, which I found to be expected. On the other hand, I would be amazed if it wasn't, even tough it's a koryu, etc. Each master tries to leave a fingerprint in the art which he has mastered. Each master seem to have a different theory of what works and what doesn't. I personally feel grateful that we don't have the scenario to prove the techniques right or wrong!.

I also recommend Japanese Swordmanship, from Draeger.


... Read more

Book Description
The original purpose of iaido was to slay an opponent with one stroke of the sword upon unsheathing. This manual of Eishin-Ryu or "Pure Faith" iaido teaches the most widely practiced sword style, and is illustrated with step-by-step drawings to help students, from beginners to advanced, hone their forms and techniques. Introductory chapters explain the history and evolution of the art, the Japanese sword and related equipment, and the etiquette and code of the samurai, while an extensive glossary and bibliography are provided for further reference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

An awsome book
I can't say anymore this book is exclent. it has diagrams and is verry informative. just be sure to buy th required equitment.

A Reference Worth Having on Hand
While it should go without saying that no martial art can be learned solely from a book and that the intricacies need to be experienced with a real live teacher in real time, I think that this book can definitely benefit students of Eishin Ryu Iaido. Whether you are a beginner, trying to remember the waza (techniques), or an old hand, looking to brush up on the basics that can get lost over time, Suino's book is a good reference text.

I have to say that I was surprised. So many martial arts texts either have amateurish pictures (such as Yang Jwing-Ming's texts, which are otherwise so useful) or pictures that simply don't include enough details. This book has basic but clear graphics that, along with real-life/real-time instruction, make a lot of sense. Even Suino's description of how to put on the gi and hakama are better than most I've seen. (If he included how to fold the hakama, it would be even better! Luckily, you can get that online ([...]).)

Compared to a book like Flashing Steel, Suino helps the beginner in particular by focusing on the pragmatic topics: he lists and explains the introductory Batto Ho no Bu (Drawing Methods Set) techniques, the intermediatesd Tatehiza no Bu (Half-Seated Set), and the advanced Tachiwaza no Bu (Secret Forms, Standing Set). While the glossary could be longer, you can filter through the text to find other words/phrases that he uses and explains and pencil them into the glossary on your own.

The other thing that really excites me about this book is that he always includes the kanji (Japanese characters) for the names of the techniques. As an intermediate speaker of Japanese, that helped me a lot when I was trying to figure out what the names really meant.

Very Good!
A clear book with all drills and other complementary stuff of Eishin-Ryu Iaido.
I am not an expert in Iaido but this book seems to be very clear and complete, even
when the numbers of the descriptions for some pictures have some minor mistakes respect to the numbers of the picures themselves (you can correct them by hand)
Mr Suino seems to be an excellent martial artist wit a very serious approach to the discipline

A must own for iaido practitioners
I normally never refer to books when it comes to the art of eishin-ryu, but this book did help correct my somewhat correct stances. Some of the moves, at first, are hard to follow. The thing is though that the book has a chapter specifically on how to use this book, so you shouldn't be too confused for very long. At first, i was sceptic, but since my girlfriend bought it for me, i gave it a try, and i can honestly that's it done nothing but make me want to train even more. It even teaches you hoe to wipe blood off the blood the proper way. It was like Suino wrote this manual as if you were really engaged in brutal, bloody sword combat. For any of those who would like to learn eishin-ryu, definitely check out this manual, it'll do you some good.

IAIDO
Suino Sensei's understanding and passion for Iaido is an amazing thing. He really knows how to articulate and break things down for better understanding. ... Read more

Book Description
For over a thousand years the sword has played a crucial role in Japanese society. Even today it remains a ubiquitous and venerated object, whether cherished as a work of art, admired as a feat of technology, or wielded in one of the many schools of fencing that have survived Japan's feudal era. This book not only explains the techniques of that era's most prominent school, it also gives the reader a fascinating insight in the history and martial ethics that underpin the modern day practice of Japanese fencing, an art known to the Japanese as Iaido. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

history, yes. teaching, a little, practice a little less
Not a bad book for someone experienced in Iai, definitely a dry read. The photos and descriptions of technique are somewhat vague and generally un-helpful unless you've seen it in real life before. If I had picked it up in a bookstore I'd flip through it and then put it back. It is still a good, well written book and a good addition to the library of the sword enthusiast just don't expect to beat any samurai after reading it.

As a former student.....
As a former student of Akita Moriji sensei, I am very much obliged to give this book 5 stars. The book is actually 2 parts- the original (translated) kata section and a well-researched history section. Akita sensei wrote the kata section which includes pictures of him doing the kata and an explanation (albeit basic) of the moves. I believe he published his book as a way to explain the kata to other sensei in Japan who are not familiar with Shinkageryuu, so the descriptions are written for experienced iaidoka- NOT beginners. The book is meant to merely be a guide to remember and explain, not to thoroughly teach the kata. One more point to remember is that Akita sensei's Shinkageryuu is somewhat different from the Yagyuu family Shinkageryuu which is more comon. The history section is great for anyone interested in iaido, though.

Akita sensei has now handed over teaching to his son, but another sensei, Akita sensei's protégé Matsuoka sensei, has also become very well-known for this style. I sincerely hope people in and outside of Japan with embrace this and other non-MSR and MJER styles to continue the traditions. Reading this book, as well as others on lesser-known styles, is essential for experienced practitioners.

Not for beginners.
Interesting book on the Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu style of Iaido. This style claims to be "Koryu", or traditional school. Not for beginners, because only shows you what`s done, but no how`s done.
If you are an Iaido student from any other style this book is a refreshing look at a different style. The differences in this style are many, from the initial draw,"Niki-Tsuke", which in this style is more a two handed deflection of your enemy`s weapon,(Sword,Spear,Tanto etc.),to the imaginary blood cleaning of your sword, "Chiburi or Chiburui", which in this style comes from elevating your sword to a high position,"jodan no kamae" and cutting down in front of your knee, while kneeling. The book does not explain that this is done, with a reversed grip of your left hand. The noto or sheating of your sword is explained in the text, but is not shown in the photographs, which I believe was omited on purpose. I only give 4 stars to this otherwise excelent book, because there`s a lot that is not expalin or show.For someone who is just begining Iaido I recommend "Iaido Sword:kamimoto-Ha techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu" by Richard W. Babin. ISBN 1581603770. Is another style and the book is not a "how to" book, but at least explains many things and most important if you are a beginner, gives you many safety tips, and advise on swords, etc. ... Read more

Book Description
To become an expert swordsman, one must pay close attention to detail, be highly self-critical, and practice diligently every day under the guidance of a good teacher. Unfortunately, contact time with a worthy mentor is limited for most. Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship fills this obvious gap in the training of the modern swordsman by providing bokuto (wooden sword) drills to supplement the formal class activity of forms practice. Both single and two-person drills are presented, some common to iaido and kenjutsu, others extracted from iaido forms by the author and used to teach his own students the proper ways of drawing, parrying, and cutting. Each drill is illustrated with step-by-step drawings to help students hone their techniques; together they provide a comprehensive system of general skills development for anyone interested in using the Japanese sword. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Extremely Useful Guide
I have found this book to be a very useful tool in developing training drills and improving our basic techniques. The diagrams are easy to follow and textual information clear. Well worth having in the library.

Horrible
Rather pointless book. The images provided are utterly useless, being a few cm in size, badly drawn and providing no information whatsoever. I utterly regret buying this book. For kendo kata in particular I would recommend 'Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata'.

Brilliant
This book really helped my groundwork (seated and kneeling kata.) I really recommend this book for anyone who has just started any form of Iai or Ken. It really focuses on the details and core fundamentals of footwork, moving while kneeling and seated, and cutting with your entire body. It is as it's title suggests: a primer on practice drills. It answers all those questions you cant get answered in an hour and a half class. It is really aimed at the novice or someone who has been away from their art for a while. Either way, it is a good buy.

Only book of it's kind
I love the way this book was written. The descriptions of the moves reflect mastery of the author. I appreciated the easy to follow diagrams and the instructions on how to read them. This is a definite buy for anyone interested in Iaido.

Drillion Dollar Book
For Basics on the Martial arts this book is worth every penny! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great source of information!
Michael Finn is an Internationally recognized authority on Martial Arts. He has been training for some twenty-eight years and has 34 black belts in nine Martial Arts.Each of these exams were taken under the authoritative bodies in Japan.In 1967 he won the British National Police Judo Championships and in 1970 represented Great Britain in the World Kendo Championships. As an authority in his field he has appeared on various occasions on British television and even Japanese television.

Ok, addition for your library
This book is an interesting read but not written by a "writer."
It has more of a feel of a diary that someone wrote in order to chronicle his lessons while in Japan (there is basically no information about "western lessons" and the use of bokken).
The photography is amateurish, there are misspelled words, and the narration doesn't match the illustrations, but the book is good in the way that it helps you to understand the committment that is involved in starting a new martial art.
I enjoyed reading it but was left with a feeling at the end of "That's it?"
Ok on the bookshelf with the rest.

Good stuff/ lacks in some areas.
I found this book to have some comprehensive information on the philosophy of iaido.However it had very little information on the sword, katas and the motions of iaido.I believe that both are equally important in thestudy of Iaido. ... Read more

Book Description
A practical manual on the most popular martial arts, this book gives clear step-by-step techniques and expert advice. ... Read more

Product Description
700 detailed photos tae kwondo karate aikido judo ju jitso kung fu tai chi iaido kendo shinto ryu ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Craig's best book
Well laid out and informative. Unlike other reviewers I really liked the illustrations. They are simple, but easy to understand and more than adequate to reinforce the commentary. This fascinating book covers everything from understanding the terminology to selecting and purchasing a sword, to caring for your weapon, to etiquette, to technique. It even shows how to fold your uniform. I especially enjoyed the historical vignettes scattered throughout. The section on sword testing was also captivating. If you want a solid education in the fundamentals of iaido this is an excellent resource. It is not really aimed at advanced practitioners but is well written for beginners and intermediate students. I learned a lot from this excellent tome.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Oldie, but goodie
I say "oldie" because the All Japan Kendo Federation has added several new kata to its regimen since the book was published. But the description "goodie" still fits! There's a bit of something for everyone in this book: stories, history, philosophy, and practical tips.

As always, I'm grateful for the many thoughtful reviews here on Amazon. I'm surprised, however, that so many folks think a BOOK is the way to learn any martial art, especially a traditional one like iaido. If you're serious about learning iai (and not just reading about it), find a qualified, respected instructor and practice, practice, practice. Then buy this book as a supplement to your education.

Good as an introduction
I happened to buy this book amongst others as I have an interest in the history of Japanese swordsmanship and Iai.

I found this book helpful in terms of history, sword-testing and nomenclature; though I found the drawings a big 'sketchy' at best. For reading purposes this is a good book, with plenty to keep it interesting... but if you want to know more on the practical side of the art of drawing the blade I'd suggest "Flashing Steel" by Shimabukuro instead. It uses photographs in illustrating points and offers better descriptions in its' instruction.

Very helpful and informative
I have all of Shihan Craig's books, except for 1 that was out of print before I started reading his works.He is a uniquely qualified and highly regarded martial arts instructor and historian. I found this to book to be quite helpful.I bought it before starting Iaido when I just wanted to read his books. Now that I train in Iaido I use it as a reference.

Not fond...
Iai: The Art of Drawing the Sword is good as a refresher, at best.Craig opens his tome with some personal history and stories, which is a fine method of doing things, until he brings his own opinion into it.He gives the impression that spiritualism should account for most everything in iaido; as most practitioners are aware, spiritualism is only one aspect, and technique is equally or more important.

Throughout the book, Craig provides small interludes detailing Japanese history, and other information, some of which is accurate, some of which is very much exaggerated, and some of which is not true.While the thought was nice, he should have researched his facts more.

The drawings accompanying his descriptions of the kata are sketchy and vague; a beginner would have difficulty following them, although someone with grounding in another Japanese sword art such as kenjitsu may have better luck.However, with knowledge of the kata, or at least of the mechanics of the motions, a reader would find this book a helpful reminder, as long as he does not try to base his study entirely on this book.

Overall, this is not a terrible book, but there are much better on the subject, with regards to technique, illustration, and history. ... Read more

Book Description
This book is much more than an introductory guide to Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu. It manages to emphasize a melding of the Eastern philosophy and the technique of the art, in a marvelously eloquent yet concise manner. Flashing Steel describes and pictures forty-two kata (formal training patterns) which govern this system, with ten partner exercises applying iadid principles in realistic attack and defense systems. These kata are also widely practiced by students of kendo, aikido, and other martial arts which use swordsmanship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

ExcellentBook, BUT...
...Let's face it everyone. You are not going to learn the kata from this book. The book is helpful for remembering them by Name and by Bunkai, helping you keep the cirriculum sorted out in your head, but to learn the kata correctly you will need instruction from a sensei. If there is no chance of instruction, like no dojo within a long distance, I recommend all you self-teachers purchase the MJER videos from the 'Sei Do Kai online catalog'. These are the best videos on MJER I've ever seen, with superbly detailed demonstrations and bunkai. Without the demonstrations and descriptions by a teacher on a video like that, you have no hope of gaining even mediocre mastery of the system without personal instruction.

For those who are recieving instruction the book is perfect, since the kata descriptions are mostly for reflection after being taught firsthand. As mentioned by the other reviewers, the best aspects of Flashing Steel are the Philosophy section and the Kihon. These will help you learn the purpose and fundamentals of Iaijutsu, but for the kata, this or any other book will always be insufficient on their own.

I give the book five stars because it is definitely a great read and reference, but don't buy this thinking it is all you need to master Iaijutsu. Too many people make that mistake. Just look at YouTube.

Good book for those who search details about all Iaido Katas
A well written book with good hints for those who are well qualified in Iaido and just need some very details about the Katas. The book covers all levels and all major Katas. Probably due to size limitations the number of pictures are less than enough to follow in detail the actions. The posing helping staff in the pictures are beginners which greatly hinder the understanding of the real meaning of the bunkai (applications).

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!!!!
If you are, or ever have been interested in the art of samurai sword fighting, this book is definately for you!It has great introductory chapters discussing the samurai/eishin-ryu-jutsu philosophy and way of life, as well as excellent instruction on cutting techniques.It gives you a new respect and outlook on life, and teaches you to truly respect your katana; if, in fact you have one; as an entity of its own, as well as an extension of yourself.If you have ever been interested in samurai swordsmanship, BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

Excellent Book!!
It is a great reference for anyone who wants to learn about martial arts history, bushido or start in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu. Highly recommended!

One of the best titles in iaiutsu
This is a great book, with history, philosofy, and one of my favorite secctions, way to a victorious life.

One of the best book in iaiutsu ... Read more

Book Description
After years of practicing persistently and developing technical prowess, advanced students in the Japanese sword arts need to cultivate a strategic mind if they are to advance to the rarefied level of master swordsperson. Rather than passively absorbing the sword techniques, an ambitious student needs to focus more directly on the two ultimate goals of the art—to cut the opponent while avoiding being cut and to move toward perfection of character.In Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship—the third volume in his invaluable series on Japanese swordsmanship—Nicklaus Suino, one of the most respected swordsmen in the United States, clearly and concisely presents a tactical approach to training, grounded in these two objectives. He provides a framework for learning strategy in swordsmanship, and demonstrates techniques and drills that help put the strategies into practice.Some of the topics that Suino covers include:

the nature of strategy, timing, and distance

sword handling

the importance of vision and state of mind

timing and distancing 

reading an opponent’s intention

Suino shows how through careful consideration of the technical issues, consistent practice, and ceaseless reflection, a diligent student can cultivate a strategic mind and learn how to achieve mastery over any opponent.

To learn more about the author, Nicklaus Suino, go to www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com.

Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image. 

Page 135 ... Read more

Product Description
If you try to remember which books affected your life like no other, you will come up counting two or three fingers on your hand. This can be one of them! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The book in between
If you're looking for a technical martial arts book, then "The Book In Between" is not what you are looking for.
On the contrary, this remarkable book offers a theoretical analysis of the most important aspects of life, from simple "daily routine" subjects,to more philosophical and esoteric ones, from the perspective of an Aikido teacher.
I must confess that in the beginning I was quite reluctant of reading a book of this kind, written by someone who refuses to refer to his background and rank in martial arts. I thought "who is this guy anyway?" That is, of course, until I saw the pictures! In these black and white photos, the author is demonstrating a series of very impressing Aikido techniques, some of them rarely seen nowadays.
As for the text, the author develops his point of view and ideas in various subjects such as nutrition, sex, money, ethics, etc. He is also daring to "touch" sensitive personal and social matters such as religion, politics and death, without neglecting martial subjects such as the Japanese sword, chain of command and how a martial arts' school is to be run.
His opinions, no matter how strict and cynical they may seem are surely reflecting the way of the warrior in modern, daily life. Whether you agree or disagree with him, you will find his ideas quite objective and very down to earth, not at all driven by some sort of fanaticism.
The "vehicle" the author uses to get us to his point is a very "original" writing style (one that sometimes looks like poetry) with a lot of proverbs.
Although you will probably need to read the book more than once to get to the point, it is a "must" at your private library.
By the way, this guy also has a site (marioaikibook.com)
Check it out!

Herman-Matthias Schenker (Mechanic)
Berlin

Our personal Ithaka

Our personal Ithaka

Homer's Odysseus, after twenty years itinerancy, returned to Ithaca, filled with experiences and knowledge. He fought bravely in the Trojan war, faced Cyclops and Lestrigons, escaped from angry Neptune, and did not get lost in the Faiakas island. Ithaca was not for Odysseus just a destination, but the main reason for the outward journey to life and knowledge.
The author of "The Book In Between" calls us on a journey with him, through AIKIDO, a Japanese martial art. He wishes the reader not to be just a passenger on the boat, the plane or the spacecraft, but the Captain, something extremely difficult.
So this book stands between us and our personal Ithaca. A book that can be read more than once, and still feel like the first time.
"Bon Voyage" and don't be in a hurry to finish it. The further the travel holds, the richer the experiences and knowledge acquired.
Just like Odysseus...

Delis Taxiarchis
MBA Kobe University JAPAN
TEI of Piraeus, Greece

Save your cash...
Sorry, but this book REEKS.Although I'm sure the author spent considerable time writing this ponderous volume (most of it in a delusional state, probably), it is an enormous, overpriced collection of disjointed, preachy, and largely irrelevant thoughts.There was just no understanding it.It's the worst Aikido book I have ever seen, and the only reason I gave it 1 star was because Amazon wouldn't let me give it a ZERO. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

good theory and practice book
This book gives a nice overview. It has history and practice.
Is all illustraded with good pictures. The techniques and the katas are good to follow. This is a real must for everybody who practice and want to practice Iado.

Great book for Iaido beginner students
Hello, I enjoyed the book very much and I been practicing Iaido at my dojo for 3 months and I think it is a great Art. I agree with most of the reviews below and I would like to know if any of youiaido students would recomend any good tapes/dvd on the subject (being able to see in detail how is done would be a grat help) as Magellan mentioned in his review but unfortunately there was no link or name of any tapes. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. thanks neokanobiATyahooDOTcom

Important classic
Although a little outdated as the book now has only 10 of the 12 new Setei kata, which were added after the book was published, this is still an essential classic on the history and practice of Iaido. If you need info on the katas and practical techniques, however, there are better sources these days than a book--such as the many videos that are often available used for less than the price of this book new--so if it's that's what you're interested in, I would refer you to those. However, for an in-depth study of the history of the Japanese sword, the different styles and periods of craftsmanship and how they differ, the practical aspects of sword making, and many of the other cultural aspects surrounding the practice of the Japanese sword, and so on, Draeger's book is still the best one I know out there.

I did have one other comment to make. Draeger comments that, especially since WWII, as a result of various changes in the teaching curriculum of Iaido it has become a more formalized, aesthetic art and has lost touch with the original combative, samurai aspect of the art. While I certainly respect Draeger, and his redoubtable skill, knowledge, and opinions in many arts, I would point out that this problem isn't unique to Iaido. It's a problem with all the martial and combative arts of both the east and west.

For example, students of karate have the same problem. A student, even a skilled black belt, can do all the point sparring he wants, but unless he actually puts on the full-contact gear and risks getting his head bashed in, he isn't subjecting himself to the ultimate combative aspect of his art, either. So the problem isn't unique to Iaido. So although I respect Draeger and understand that his concern is genuine and arises from that fact that he's a sincere, hard-nosed traditionalist on this issue, I would point out that it's not really practical to do this anymore.

The samurai of old practiced and trained in the discipline of Iaido in the dojo because their lives depended on it, and then their skills were ultimately tested and forged on the crucible of the battlefield and in individual duels and combat. As I said, this is no longer the case and is no longer practical, either. So although I might agree with Draeger that perhaps something has been lost, nevertheless, unless one is proposing to recreate much more realistic but impractical sparring practices I don't see any remedy for the situation.

So overall, a fine book on learning about this fascinating art.

Still the best book for ZNKR Iaido kata .
My Sensei recommended this book and the recommendation holds true 20 years after it was published.It is now outdated as it only has the first 10 of the now 12 Seite kata of the ZNKR(All Japan Kendo Federation). These kata are used around the world as a standard for grading no matter what ryu (school) you study.But the rest of the book is timeless!

This book is for the study of Iaido. If you want to learn what that is, buy this book. It includes chapters on tradation and history vital for an understanding of the practice of Iaido. It should be used as a supplement to study with a qualified Sensei.

Not practical
The book title and description imply that the text contains mostly actual techniques used by Japanese swordsmen.In reality, the book is 70% about the history of Japanese swords, 20% about the customs relating to swords, and 10% technique and practice.It's interesting if you're a museum curator or historian, but for the person looking for an introduction to the art of sword handling, it's really not useful. ... Read more