Customer Reviews

Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship

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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.

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.

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.

The first 67 pages of "Flashing Steel" would be superb reading for ANY performer involved with ANY activity. I have been engrossed with the Martial Arts since 1953 and am one of the few who have achieved high rank in several disciplines related to the Asian Martial Arts. My personal library is replete with classic and not so classic works on the subject. Those works that I do not own, I have probably read or been asked to review. Rarely does a book come along within this topic that has much to offer that hasn't already been given. It is more of an honor NOT to have written a book on the Martial Arts these days, as we in the U.S. seem to have a pleathora of 40 year old 9 & 10 degree Black Belts, having the temperment of an artist but lacking the skill. Not so with this effort! The first 67 pages are a wonderful guide in explaining what the Arts are really all about. The writers are approaching a heretofor understanding of mental preparation for outstanding consistant performance not found anywhere else. I have most of the Sport Psychology works as well, and must warn all to save their money as they are essentially worthless. As a Sport Hypnotherapist, it has been my pleasure in developing a paradigm filling in the "gaps" that the writers of "Flashing Steel" came close to: the programing of the deeper or sub-conscious mind through hypnosis. This cannot be shown in book form, but must be demonstrated. In lack of that, "Flashing Steel" is the best I have yet found in combining the philosophies of the East with the West in Mental Preparation. Of course the remainder of the Book is as good as pictures can make it. The writers have provided a magnificent work. I congratulate them. It is MUST reading for all performers, and does an admirable job of presenting the sword.

George A. Hamm

This book has something for everybody interested in martial arts not just swordsmanship. If you want to learn the basic moves for sword drills or kata from a recognised and reputable school then you are more than adequately catered for with a full run-down of the core teachings of Eishin Ryu. The descriptions and the photographs are clear and well thought out. If you follow Eishin Ryu or its derivatives anyway, this section is informative and can add to your appreciation of your own style. The best thing is that this section is the least important of the book. The main part of the book gives you an insight into the deeper aspects of training properly in any art and it reinforces many of the lessons that my instructors have tried to teach me. Difficult ideas are explained succinctly and should be accessable to beginners as well as experienced martial artists. It is difficult to talk about philosophy and attitudes to life as well as training whilst remaining practical and relevant to people who live in the real world, but this book manages it.

To sum up this book made me want to train and hasn't made it back onto the bookshelf yet, I keep dipping into it. Buy this book and lend it to everyone you train with.

This book covers the philosophy and techniques of Eisshin-ryu iaido, probably the most popular of the many schools of Japanese swordsmanship. Eisshin-ryu iaido is especially well-known, for example, for its fast-draw techniques.

Keep in mind that it's not really possible for a beginner to learn the kata from a book. I would recommend you get Shima sensei's videos from Panther Productions for that, which I have also. If you're already knowledgeable about the forms, then this book will be useful for reminding yourself of certain things.

So for most people the main strength of this book is in the simple, clear, concise, and understandable descriptions and explanations of iai, Budo, and samurai principles and philosophy. The authors often illustrate their discussions by historical examples of famous Iai masters, samurai, and generals in past centuries, making the philosophical ideas much more concrete and easier to understand for westerners and non-experts.

Since the advent of the video tape, I don't generally buy books like these as references for the kata. If you want that, you can find these tapes sometimes used for less than the price of this book new. So if you're looking for that I would suggest you do that instead. However, the book would be useful for anyone needing to learn or brush up on the Japanese names and terminology for the katas, parts of the sword, philosophical principles, etiquette, and so on. If you already know the katas pretty well, you can recognize them from the photos, and learn the terminology that way (which is what I'm doing).

If you're a novice I'd recommend this book before trying to read Draeger's famous book, Japanese Swordsmanship, which might be too difficult if this is your first exposure to these ideas. But after reading this one you'll be in good shape to tackle other, more technical works.

I've also had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Hanshi Shimabukuro on several occasions at seminars, and he certainly exemplifies the principles and precepts of iai in his daily life and character. This is one of the main points emphasized in the book--that iai isn't just another martial art--however sophisticated--it's also a philosophy of life and living with implications beyond the merely mechanical, physical, and mental aspects of the mastery of the sword.

I had one more comment. As the great Yale physicist and philosopher, Frederick Northrup observed, one interesting convergence between western and eastern philosophy is that at the highest levels they both become analytical epistemologies, or theories of perception. This was also evident in the discussions in this book of the four levels of perception of the samurai, and how they are used.

Overall, a fine book on this interesting and still not very well known and understood art.

This book is important for more than it's exposition of this particular art. It is a masterwork of philosophy disguised as a technical manual. while it adresses the particulars of this ryu's method, virtually every sentance touches on some poingnant philosophic idea. Each idea desrving real attention because they were arrived at at the balance point of life and death. This is a must read for everyone and particularly for anyone involved in martial arts training. For students just beginning it is pretty much all you really need to know. For instructors this book provides the articulation of concepts and ideas we all feel but are rarely able to put into words. The concepts contained herein apply to all martial arts. this work is a great gift ot us all and deserves a place amoung the classics. I could go on and on. Just buy it and judge for yourself.

We used this book as a 'reference' of sorts in our dojo (seishinkan.info) for years, and it has served us well. Though our style differs from Shimabukuro's, the book retains its value, especially in the bracketing philosophical material, which is sound and easy to comprehend; making it easier for those who may have trouble coming to terms with 'eastern' ways of saying and phrasing things.

All in all, definitely worthwhile, especially for those starting off on a path of Eishin Ryu style swordsmanship.

Till Noever
Nidan, Komei Juku Iaijutsu
Author: KEAEN, SELADIENNA, CONTINUITY SLIP
www.owlglass.com

If you are, or ever have been interested in the art of samurai sword fighting, this book is definately for you! It has great introductory chapters discussing the samurai/eishin-ryu-jutsu philosophy and way of life, as well as excellent instruction on cutting techniques. It gives you a new respect and outlook on life, and teaches you to truly respect your katana; if, in fact you have one; as an entity of its own, as well as an extension of yourself. If you have ever been interested in samurai swordsmanship, BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

the book is great for anyone interested or is already into iaijutsu (the art of drawing a sword and cutting with it in a single stroke). the first 65% of the book covers the proper mindset, spirit, and attitude that is needed in pursuing bushido (the way of the warrior). this part is great, not only for people practicing in sword arts, but all martial arts in general (which i think is sorely lacking in today's schools of martial arts). the latter part of the book deals with the specific waza, or forms, that is used to teach eishin-ryu. there are plenty of pictures and descriptions of each part of the movement. it, sometimes, even goes into the history surrounding the circumstances of the waza and explains why certain movements are the way they are.

i bought this book as an intro to iaijutsu, and i was not let down in any way. a great book for those interested in studying japanese swordsmanship.