JSA Book List

[Bob Hubbard]

For recommending Top Quality books on Japanese swords and sword arts




Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship
by Masayuki Shimabukuro, Shihan M. Shimabukuro, Leonard Pellman (Contributor)
Paperback: 268 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.77 x 9.19 x 7.41
Publisher: Frog Ltd; ISBN: 1883319188; (May 1995)


The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship: A Manual of Eishin-Ryu Iaido
by Nicklaus SuinoPaperback: 264 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.68 x 9.98 x 7.04
Publisher: Weatherhill; ISBN: 0834803003; (June 1994)


Iai: The Art of Drawing the Sword
by Darrell Craig, Mark Hunter (Illustrator), Mary Schultz (Illustrator)
Paperback: ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.65 x 8.25 x 5.52
Publisher: Charles E Tuttle Co; ISBN: 0804870233; 4 edition (June 1991)


Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice
by Gordon Warner, Donn F. Draeger
Paperback: 312 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.74 x 10.01 x 7.29
Publisher: Weatherhill; ISBN: 0834802368; (April 1982)


The Heart of Kendo: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of the Art of the Sword
by Darrell Max Craig (Paperback - Dec 24, 2002)


Mugai Ryu: The Classical Japanese Art of Drawing the Sword
by Darrell Max Craig (Paperback - Jan 25, 2003)


Comprehensive Introduction To The Philosophy And Practice Of The Art Of The Sword
by Darrell Max Craig (Hardcover - 1999)


Flashing Steel, 2nd edition: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordmanship
by Leonard Pellman and Masayuki Shimabukuro (Paperback - Nov 27, 2007)



Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets of the Samurai
by Masaaki Hatsumi (Hardcover - Mar 1, 2006)

[mrhnau]

Originally Posted by Bob Hubbard

Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship
by Masayuki Shimabukuro, Shihan M. Shimabukuro, Leonard Pellman (Contributor)
Paperback: 268 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.77 x 9.19 x 7.41
Publisher: Frog Ltd; ISBN: 1883319188; (May 1995)

Flashing Steel, 2nd edition: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordmanship
by Leonard Pellman and Masayuki Shimabukuro (Paperback - Nov 27, 2007)

Any particular reason why two editions of the same book are mentioned? Why should I get both of them? Which one would you interpret as "better"?

[Erik Tracy]

Originally Posted by mrhnau

Any particular reason why two editions of the same book are mentioned? Why should I get both of them? Which one would you interpret as "better"?

The 2nd edition of "Flashing Steel" is still being finalized now and you can place *pre-orders* for it now. It has updated photos and some of the text has been re-written (mostly the latter section dealing with the techniques).

If you are primarily interested in the up-to-date version then get the 2nd edition coming soon - BUT you'll have to wait just a bit longer.

If you want to read it now - get the 1st Edition - now!

Regards,
Erik Tracy
Jikishin-Kai, Intl.

[pgsmith]

My two cents on Flashing Steel ... If you are a student of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaijutsu under the Jikishin-Kai, then you should probably wait for the new edition and the updated descriptions and photos. If not, then I suggest simply purchasing the first edition as the thoughts and writings in it are very much worth reading for anyone interested in the Japanese sword arts. I re-read it every couple of years just because I like it!

[jonpalombi]

Greetings All,
I would also recommend Naked Blade and Crimson Steel by Toshishiro Obata. Sadly, they are now out-of-print. More recently, he has written Shinkendo Japanese Swordsmanship and Shinkendo Tameshigiri.
My favorite JSA book ,recently, is Samurai Fighting Arts by Fumon Tanaka. It's loaded with fantastic photos. I highly recommend this fine publication.

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi