The Spirit of the Sword: Iaido, Kendo, and Test Cutting with the Japanese Sword

by Nakamura Taisaburo, Tomoko Nakamura (Foreword), Gavin J. Poffley (Translator)

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 practice of tameshigiri (test cutting) as a test of technical and spiritual mastery. The Spirit of the Sword --first published in Japanese in 1980, now translated into English for the first time--is regarded by many as the most complete of Nakamura's writings on Japanese swordsmanship. Here Nakamura instructs the reader on the integration of iaido, kendo, and tameshigiri; the correct mental approach to sword practice; training methods; numerous kata or forms; a guide to sword maintenance; and historical notes on the use of the sword as a weapon. Illustrated with over 800 original photographs, this book is a must-have for any student of the Japanese sword and an excellent resource for sword enthusiasts in general.

Genres: Martial Arts

344 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2013

Reviews

[Hans Van Der Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Thomas Müller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece of japanese swordplay literature and a showcase for all that is good about practical zen. Chi-chi, direct pointing and humble sharing of experiences high and low are found within. I am a beginning student of the sword, enjoyed reading and rereading as muchas discussing it with sensei. It'll stay in my bookshelf to be reread over and again.