The Swordsman's Handbook: Samurai Teachings on the Path of the Sword

As someone who has had a lifetime of interest in numerous Japanese martial arts, (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kendo, Kenjutsu, Wakizashi-Jutsu, Hanbo-Jutsu, and Tanto-Jutsu), when I saw this 252-page soft cover book (The Swordsman Handbook: Samurai teachings on the path of the sword) on Amazon I knew I had to purchase it. Having trained in both Kendo and Kenjutsu (Kashima Shinden Jinkin Shin Kage Ryu) 3 decades ago I still practice some of the sword cuts and thrusts with a wooden sword.First off, this is not a “how-to-do” book but a collection of great writings about the early development of swordsmanship in Japan. The individuals represented in this volume w not only created the various Japanese sword systems, but also included the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Budo/Bushido in their art. The famous swordsmen in this book have numerous written materials besides what is listed in this book, but this volume provides an overview of their sword principles and philosophy.The selections in this book include Ito Ittosai Kagehisa, Takuan Soho, Yagyu Munenori, Miyamoto Musashi, (also known as “the sword saint” and author of the book of five rings), Iba Zesuiken Hideaki, Issai Chozanshi, and Yamaoka Tesshu.If you are seeking a book on the basis of Japanese Swordsmanship by the ancient masters who developed these systems, this is an excellent introductory text.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto-Jutsu: An official manual of Bushi Satori Ryu).

So this book contains selections of the writings of seven Samurai (nothing to do with the Kurosawa movie of the same name)1. Ito Ittosai Kagehisa2. Takuan Soho3. Yagyu Munenori4. Miyamoto Musashi5. Iba Zesuiken Hideaki6. Issai Chozanshi7. Yamaoka Tesshuthe problem is not the content itself, it's just that most of these authors are already available in their complete format as separate books. Why buy selections when you can get the complete writings?2. Takuan Soho available (Several translations exist, including the Unfettered Mind by the same translator of this book)3. Yagyu Munenori (same as above, several complete translations exist, including Wilson's version- the Life Giving Sword)4. Miyamoto Musashi has too many translations6. Issai Chozanshi is also available in the Demon's Sermon on Martial arts.5. Iba Zesuiken Hideaki is the only person here of which I am not aware of any translations besides this book.1. I am also not aware of any other translations of Ito Ittosai Kagehisa7. Yamaoka Tesshu: He has two biographies available by Anatoly Anshin and John Stevens, so I don't know how much of his writings here aren't already repeated in his existing English biographies.If you buy this book, understand that most of the book is just selections of authors who are already available in their complete writings for the most part. As far as I can tell, the only unique writings here are Ito Ittosai and Iba Zesuiken. I don't recommend buying this book, I recommend buying the complete writings separately.

The literary works of Asian masters in English are sometimes difficult to find. This collection is not as comprehensive as I would like, but it is the best I have found. Well written and researched, with great notes on the chapters at the back of the volume (one of my favorite parts), I will be rereading this book frequently. Extremely informative. My thanks to Mr. Wilson.

Accurate description of a great book. Fast shirt. Highly recommended seller.

Much of the book is contained in Wilson's full length translation of some of the sources found here, but there are also works of other less known swordsman. Even though I have read and continue to re-read them, this compilation is recommended to those starting out in study of the sword as the instrument in encountering The Way.

Excellent book. Worth the money. Some of the technical jargon is a bit difficult. Once you get through it, however, you discover that all the teachers are saying the same thing - empty your mind and flow choicelessly with what is.

This is an outstanding book for modern swordsman. Zen Buddhism carries throughout the swordsman's training in Edo Japan and carries through to today. If you want one handbook instructing the mind of a samurai, this work consolidates all other writing into one.

Perfect