The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship: A Manual of Eishin-Ryu Iaido (Martial Arts) (Paperback)

by Nicklaus Suino (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The original purpose of iaido was to slay an opponent with one stroke of the sword upon unsheathing. This manual of Eishin-Ryu or "Pure Faith" iaido teaches the most widely practiced sword style, and is illustrated with step-by-step drawings to help students, from beginners to advanced, hone their forms and techniques. Introductory chapters explain the history and evolution of the art, the Japanese sword and related equipment, and the etiquette and code of the samurai, while an extensive glossary and bibliography are provided for further reference.

About the Author
Nicklaus Suino is a sixth-degree black belt in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido. He is codirector of the iaido division and director of the judo division of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association, and is a regional director of the North American branch of the International Martial Arts Federation. He lives in Traverse City, Michigan, and teaches iaido and other martial arts at seminars throughout North America. Information on his seminars can be found at www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Weatherhill; 1st edition (June 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0834803003
• ISBN-13: 978-0834803008
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,815 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for beginners to advanced pratictioners, July 16, 1998

By A Customer

"The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship" is a great book for anyone who is interested in learning the way of the sword. This book is a manual based on how to use the Katana blade containing the traditional techniques for beginners, intermediate and advanced practictioners. This manual of Eishin-Ryu Iaido also covers information such as the history of the style, about the Japanese sword, and what the style of Iaido is all about. I recommend this book to ANYONE who is interested in Japanese swordsmanship.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hard to follow the moves, July 23, 2001

By	J. Chang (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is a good introduction to the art of Iaido, but the diagrams are difficult to follow and the hand motions could be better explained. Iaido is difficult to follow without a sensei - I could understand some of this stuff because I've had lessons...but for a new beginner without guidance, I wouldn't recommend this book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Definite Guide for Iaido, September 27, 2000

By	Jose Sierra "Emperor Monkey" (Boca Raton, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A wonderfully, clearly written and superbly illustrated manual for iaido. No book can perform as a substitute for actual training, but this manual is an excellent supplement. It has a good bit of history and clear explanations, making it useful for any martial artist, but the real focus (and where it really shines) is to the iaidoist, who will find this book indispensable.