The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu (Paperback)

by John Stevens (Author) "After two hundred and fifty years of relative calm and isolation, the once mighty Tokugawa Shogunate was tottering..." (more)
Key Phrases: ascending dragon, two swordsmen, training hall, Muto Ryu, Itto Ryu, Ishikawa Sensei (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Though there have been several accounts of the life of Tesshu (he has been called 'the modern Miyamoto Musashi') there has been until now no account in English. John Stevens' is full and responsible. . . . This is a work filled with respect and devotion."— The Japan Times

Product Description
Master swordsman, calligrapher, and Zen practitioner, Yamoaka Tesshu is a seminal figure in martial arts history. John Stevens's biography is a fascinating, detailed account of Tesshu's remarkable life. From Tesshu's superhuman feats of endurance and keen perception in life-threatening situations, to his skillful handling of military affairs during the politically volatile era of early nineteenth-century Japan, Stevens recounts the stories that have made Tesshu a legend. This is the book all martial artists must own.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (August 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570620504
• ISBN-13: 978-1570620508
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #156,088 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspires Martial Artists to Train, September 16, 2001

By	Antonio Bustillo - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is not a detailed biogtaphy, nevertheless, the author gives you a good overview of Yamaoka Tesshu's life. Yamaoka lived during a time when Japan was moving toward industrialization, and we get a glimpse of key historical moments during the transition.
There are numerous accounts that give insight to Yamaoka's mindset and character. Thus, no matter what art the individual reader may practice, Yamaoka's approach to training will reinforce the ideals of the serious-minded.

Unlike other books where certain martial arts figures are ridiculously protrayed like gods, Steven's book has humorous stories and Tesshu comes across like a normal human being who achieved everything throigh his diligent search and practice.

The book's strong point...it inspires hard training.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an inspiration!, November 10, 1999

By A Customer

It is a shame that this book is out of print. I regard its appearance before me in an old used bookshop in Florida as a great gift. After reading it I felt compelled to write down a few of its more inspiring passages ... and ended up with a four-page document! Inspiring, and entertaining too. Stevens' account of the life of Tesshu is flavored with scholarship and love. Good luck finding it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading, March 2, 2002

By	Lynn K. Peters (Honolulu, Hawaii USA) - See all my reviews

I bought this book used at the recomendation of my sensei. Mine is a tattered copy and I treasure it. I was suspect about buying it initially because I'm not a great fan of John Stevens' work in general he's good but tends to be a bit diefying. But that was not the case with this book I've re-read it so many times that it is truely in tatters...so I am happy to see it has been re printed. I will buy I hope you do to.