Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship [Paperback]

Shihan Shimabukuro (Author), Leonard Pellman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 1995

This book is much more than an introductory guide to Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu. It manages to emphasize a melding of the Eastern philosophy and the technique of the art, in a marvelously eloquent yet concise manner. Flashing Steel describes and pictures forty-two kata (formal training patterns) which govern this system, with ten partner exercises applying iadid principles in realistic attack and defense systems. These kata are also widely practiced by students of kendo, aikido, and other martial arts which use swordsmanship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"At last! The martial arts have long awaited a book on genuine iaidõ. It could only have been done properly through a Japanese-American collaboration like this—Master Shimabukuro, with his unparalleled expertise and classical training, and Mr. Pellman, who has translated this unique philosophy into understandable Western terms. Flashing Steel will be a true milestone of the art."
—Alfonso Gomez, Martial Arts Director, University of California, San Diego, CA

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Frog Books (April 7, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883319188
• ISBN-13: 978-1883319182
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #425,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Fencing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely wonderful book for ANY martial artist, November 10, 1999

By 

Sanjeev Selvaraj (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship (Paperback)

Upon reading the first perhaps 30 pages of this book, I was astounded. I thought that I was merely purchasing an introductory guide to Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu. I was thrilled to find that it was so much more.

After having studied and informally taught martial arts (Hap Ki Do) for over 13 years, I have consistently emphasized a melding of the Eastern philosophy and the technique of the art. This book achieves the same in a marvelously eloquent, yet concise, manner.

What is presented in the first 50 pages or so includes a beautifully written treatise on Bushido, the way of the samurai, including wonderful parables and stories about famous warriors, such as Miyamoto Musashi and Takeda Shingen. This includes the practical attitude toward how to live one's life that the samurai maintained. It is written in such a way as to be easily understood by all, Easterner and Westerner alike. This way of thought (reminiscent of the Art of War or A Book of Five Rings) can greatly benefit anyone's life, whether they are interested in the Asian fighting arts, or not.

Of course, in addition to this remarkable exposition is about 200 pages of well-explained, well-illustrated (with plenty of clear photos) instruction of Eishin-Ryu iaijutsu. Included with the waza (technique), is full documentation of sword and samurai traditions, customs, and ettiquette. The style itself is very diffucult, as iaijutsu is the art of drawing the sword, destroying your enemy, and resheathing in one rapid, fluid motion. The book is quite clear, however, and provides a model introduction, or supplement, to formal dojo training in this art.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best English-language book on Japanese sword!, August 23, 2004

By 

Jedi Turtle "jedi_turtle" (Albany, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship (Paperback)

If you've read the other reviews, I don't know that you'll learn anything new here, but I still felt obligated to register my pleasure with this book. I first stumbled across it years ago while reading the publisher's book of excerpts ("Martial Arts Are Not Just For Kicking Butt") and was thrilled to find a text that included the philosophical concepts we had been discussing in the iaido class I train in. Since then I have gone through three copies, because I keep giving my copy away!

Since I don't study Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu under Hanshi Shimabukuro, I can't comment on the technical accuracy of the waza. The descriptions are very complete and the photos are typically very clear, leading me to believe this could be an excellent training aide for those studying this particular branch of MJER. I imagine it could also be very useful for someone looking to learn more about another style of swordsmanship; I know I have found it to be so! In combination with the accompanying video series from Panther Video, we have begun to incorporate the katachi into the non-traditional sword class I teach as part of our karate style's weapon classes, and the descriptions from the text have been very helpful when we've gotten stuck.

The real treasure of this text, as so many reviewers have noted, is the opening sections of the text, where samurai philosophy is presented. I have a fairly sizeable collection of martial arts instructional books and videos, and only a handful present these types of concepts with such clarity. The ideas discussed here are applicable to all traditional martial arts; this section is why I keep giving this book away! Hanshi Shimabukuro and Leonard Pellman are to be commended for writing book which does more than just present techniques, which in fact offers guidelines for how a martial artist might want to live his(or her)life.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true work of ART...., November 28, 2001

By 

Gabe (Trenton, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship (Paperback)

Let me say that I have been enthralled by the world of martial arts and asian culture for years now. Obviously it was that interest that brought me to this book. I got what i was looking for and so much more. Even if i disregard my interest in martial arts i would have still learned much from this book.

First and foremost, let me comment on the techinal aspect, that being only a small portion of what truly makes the book shine. At its base, the book is an illustraive and descriptive guide of the forms (waza) of Eishin Ryu. All the forms from beginner on up to the most advanced are given. It is ripe with photographs and about as good as a book alone can do in teaching you forms. Each waza is illustrated step by step and the practical application (bunkai) is also given. Besides that, the book also teaches about proper sight, breathing, posture, bowing, etc. as well as sword nomenclature, cutting technique, a basic history of japan as it realtes to the samurai,

That being said the most valuable aspect of this book is this: the philosophies and general guidelines for living which are presented in this book are among the most concise, insightful, and useful i have ever seen. The authors do an excellent job of presenting eastern concepts in simple terms which effectivley communicate the nature of the concept, without dumbing it down too much. The tenets presented within the context of "how to fight well" later apply themselves to how to LIVE well. Never beore have i seen such a wonderful application of Martial arts/ Samurai philosphy to the art of perfecting and knowing yourself.

MOST importantly the authors have a firm grasp on the TRUE meaning and purpose of martial arts on a whole: Perfection of character. ALL martial arts at their base are meant for a venue not only of self defense and physical excercise but as a guide along a very personal journey: Perfecting your character and spirit so you can be not only the best martial artist you can be, but the best person you can be. I know this is a concept that is repeated ad nauseum, so much that it begins to sound corny even as i write it, but Flashing Steel really does a great job in teaching that martial arts can enrich every area of your life.

As a result this book has become the closest thing i have to a bible.... something i turn to when i need help finding guidance or when i have a question about my own growth, both within a martial art, and without. I feel hesitant to use the term bible because it implies religion and all the somtimes assoicated negative fanatacism. I don't want to give the impression that the book tells you it has all the answers, Rather it tells you waht questions you should be asking... questions that are important to the development of the whole character and that are personally important. Guidelines by which to live a fulfilling and worthwile life. Not religious... but spiritual.

All in all a wonderful book, even if you never plan to study Eishin Ryu or ANY martial art for that matter. A joy to read and in my opinion a must have for any martial artist.