Flashing Steel : Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship

Assessment by hapkido-info.net

This book is not only recommendable for those, who are interested in sword fight, it also contains thorough information contributing to the understanding of all arts of fighting.

Picture quality: Good
Number of pictures: Good
Description: Very good
Contents: Good
Structure: Good
Judgement: A good book. Absolutely worth reading!

Covertext

Iaijutsu was the premier martial art of the samurai waniors of feudal Japan. Unlike kenjutsu (kendo) it begins with the sword still in its scabbard. An inner and outer calm is developed which is tremendously intimidating to the opponent. Sword skilis require a philosophical training which permeates the entire life outside the dojo, building compassion and self-discipline.
Flashing Steel describes and pictures forty-two kata (formal training pat-terns) which govern this system, with ten partner exercises applying iaido principles in realistic attack and defense situations. These kata are also widely practiced by students of kendo, aikido, and other martial arts which use swordsmanship.
 

,,At last! The martial arts have long awaited a book on genuine iaido. It could only have been done properly through a Japanese-American collaboration like this-Master Shimabukuro, with his unparalleled expertise and clas-sical 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

,,Why would a t'ai chi ch'uan student and instructor for over twenty years want to take up iaido? I was curious, initially, to explore a different tradi-tion and approach. But I have been captivated by the experience and insights iaido offers. lt begins with a stillness, an upright posture, breath natural, mind calm. Then nie draw: the bright flash and hiss of steel that reveal the subtle qualities of the substantial (sword) cutting through the insubstantial (air). I encourage others-newcomers or current iaido enthusiasts-to acquire this remarkable book and explore the mysteries of iaido.
-Michael Conniry; T'ai Chi Ch'uan Instructor GrossmontlCuyumaca Colleges, El Cajon, CA

Contents

Foreword xi
Chapter One: History 1
Chapter Two: Iaijutsu Philosophy 13
Chapter Three:Eyes of a Samurai 33
Chapter Four: Sword Nomenclature 49
Chapter Five: Progression of Training 53
Chapter Six: Preparation and Etiquette 67
Chapter Seven: Fundamentals 81
Chapter Eight: Omori-Ryu Seiza Waza 111
ChapterNine: Chuden Tatchiza Waza 133
Chapter Ten: Okuden Tachiwaza 149
Chapter Eleven: Okuden Suwariwaza 171
Chapter Twelve: Tachiuchi no Kurai (Katachi) 185
Chapter Thirteen: Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Seitei Iai Kata 203
Chapter Fourteen: Tameshigiri (Practice Cutting) 223
Chapter Fifteen: Summary of the Eishin-ryu System 227
Chapter Sixteen: Promotion Guidelines 231
Chapter Seventeen: Tournament Information 237
Chapter Eighteen: The Way to Victorious Life 247
Appendix A: Jikishin-Kai Locations 263
Appendix B: Samurai no Kokoro-e 265
About the Authors 267 

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