The Spirit of the Sword
Iaido, Kendo, and Test Cutting with the Japanese Sword
$52.36
- Paperback
344 pages
- Release Date
15 March 2013
Summary
A key text on the practice of Japanese sword arts, written by one of the most famous sword masters of the 20th century and translated into English for the first time.
Nakamura Taisaburo’s landmark book on the art of the sword includes technical information, thoughtful analysis, and fascinating recollections of his own training and teaching. One of the most famous Japanese swordsmen of the twentieth century, Nakamura sensei is widely acknowledged as the preeminent reinvigorator of the …
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781583945421 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1583945423 |
| Author: | Nakamura Taisaburo, Gavin J. Poffley, Tomoko Nakamura, John Maki Evans |
| Publisher: | North Atlantic Books,U.S. |
| Imprint: | Blue Snake Books |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 344 |
| Release Date: | 15 March 2013 |
| Weight: | 561g |
| Dimensions: | 235mm x 178mm x 18mm |
What They're Saying
Critics Review
“The Spirit of the Sword
“The Spirit of the Sword was a great joy for me to read; I now have the immense satisfaction of finally understanding Nakamura Taisaburo’s thoughts on swordsmanship. Gavin J. Poffley has done a masterful job of accurately translating Nakamura sensei’s philosophy, technical explanations, and anecdotes, capturing the nuances and subtlety of his instruction; it is a beautiful and captivating book that should be on the shelf of everyone who is interested in practical swordsmanship.”—Guy Power, Renshi seventh dan, Okuden Menjo and Densho, Nakamura Ryu
“Finally, some insight into Japanese swordsmanship from a truly original source! Powerfully written and authentic, The Spirit of the Sword is a book that can be read every year for deeper meaning.”—Bob Elder, seventh dan, Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iai Do Renmei
“The same power and directness that made his swordsmanship luminous shines through this text—the fruits of a natural genius, forged in the heat of battle and further refined through decades of intense investigation. Nakamura sensei’s commitment to swordsmanship was born from the knowledge that his superior skills had saved him three times from postings that had cost the lives of fellow instructors. This book was written in their honor and in the hope that future generations might stay true to the principles of combat that keep these arts truly martial.”—John Maki Evans, seventh dan Nakamura Ryu; author of Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent
About The Author
Nakamura Taisaburo
Nakamura Taisaburo (1912-2003) was a renowned sword master and the founder of the Nakamura-ryu style of sword arts. He was the chief instructor of the All-Japan Toyama-ryu Iaido Federation and the head of the All-Japan Battojutsu Federation. He held a 9th-dan rank in Battojutsu and Iaido as well as an 8th-dan rank in Jukendo and a 7th-dan rank in Kendo.
Gavin J. Poffley has a master’s degree in Japanese translation from the School of Oriental and African Studies and has also studied at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Hiroshima University, writing dissertations on the modernization of Japan’s martial arts and the history of Okinawan karate. He has dan ranks in Shorin-ryu karate and Dentokan aiki-jujutsu as well as experience in many other systems. Gavin currently resides in East London with his wife, Taeko.
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