Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship

by Masayuki Shimabukuro, Leonard J. Pellman

Flashing Steel, the best-selling and highly acclaimed book on iaijutsu (alternatively called iaido), is as much about bringing life into focus as it is about techniques of swordsmanship. Iaijutsu was the martial art of the samurai of feudal Japan who remain the most enduring of warrior icons, equally popular in the East and the West. Iaijutsu sword training has philosophical tenets that inform the warrior’s life, building compassion and self-discipline both inside and outside the dojo.

Shimabukuro Shihan and Pellman Sensei combine practical exercises, photographs, and historical and cultural context in a thoughtful guide to this most popular of Japanese sword arts. The book features Master Masayuki Shimabukuro’s renowned expertise and classical training, with Leonard Pellman adapting the information for a Western audience. Included here are dozens of kata (formal training patterns) that govern iaijutsu, with partner exercises applying the principles of the art in realistic attack and defense situations. These kata are also widely practiced by students of kendo, aikido, and other sword-based martial arts, giving the book a wider relevance beyond iaijutsu. This second edition of Flashing Steel includes new techniques, updated photographs, and theoretical explanations for both new and existing sword forms.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 1995

Reviews

[Vex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference guide for at least one style of iaido, in which the pictures are actually fairly illuminating. I also enjoyed the time taken to speak to the development of iaijutsu, and philosophy about training and the nature of a dojo.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine book on Iaijitsu. Excellent coverage of forms and techniques of the use of the Katana. Includes historical and philosophical treatises. This was the book I used when I first started to become interested in using a Katana, and found it to be very instructive!

[Ellen]

Research for my new Geeksdanz piece...

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is a great book and has help me under sand swordsmanship more and help me learn the art faster

[John Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best manual for assisting one to master the samurai sword.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very detailed and well written book. Easy to follow, and definitely worth the money. This is one I'm going to read again and again.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am learning batto, not iaido, so kata are different, but this is overall an excellent book with clear photos and writing.

[Brendon Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

lost a 'star' because it is not the version of Eishin-Ryu I follow, but excellent general background and philosophy that makes it worthwhile to anybody interested

[Mars Cheung · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've studied very little Iaido but the book is well worth the read for its insight into Budo (the Martial Ways) philosophy and practice.

[keereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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