The Sword of No-Sword

The insightful martial arts biography of Yamoaka Tesshu, the larger-than-life samurai who founded his own school of swordsmanship and helped restore practical imperial rule to JapanMaster swordsman, calligrapher, and Zen practitioner, Yamoaka Tesshu is a seminal figure in martial arts history. John Stevens's biography is a fascinating, detailed account of Tesshu's remarkable life. From Tesshu's superhuman feats of endurance and keen perception in life-threatening situations, to his skillful handling of military affairs during the politically volatile era of early nineteenth-century Japan, Stevens recounts the stories that have made Tesshu a legend. This is the book all martial artists must own.

“"Though there have been several accounts of the life of Tesshu (he has been called 'the modern Miyamoto Musashi') there has been until now no account in English. John Stevens' is full and responsible. . . . This is a work filled with respect and devotion."-The Japan Times”

"Though there have been several accounts of the life of Tesshu (he has been called 'the modern Miyamoto Musashi') there has been until now no account in English. John Stevens' is full and responsible. . . . This is a work filled with respect and devotion."— The Japan Times

John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.

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