Kohshyu Yoshida

In ancient times, the samurai sword was carried as a symbol that stood for honor and dignity. Over the centuries it was transformed and improved for use as a deadly weapon and a fearsome symbol of authority. Battle was sacred to the samurai-not only conflict with other warriors, but also the struggle within for upright living. The sword was an expression of the determination of its bearer, and it still is today, for those who will take up the challenge.

This informative, illustrated book covers the following topics:

Samurai philosophy and ideals.
Sword terminoolgy.
Sword selection and maintenance.
Basic and advanced echniques.
Katas.
Mediatation techniquess.
Samurai biographies.
And more!

The indcluded DVD contains the following videao features:

Insturction in Japanese and English.
Basic techniques.
Advanced techniques.

Kohshyu Yoshida was born and raised in Chiba, Japan. The grat-grandson of a ronin, he has studied fighting styles from all over the world and now teaches in Los Angeles, California. He's been active in the entertainment industries in Japan and the U.S., and has appeared in a number of Hollywood films including Blade and The Last Samurai. He also starred as the Red Ranger in the international hit television show Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers.

The Samurai Sword is the essential illustrated guide to the Japnese way of the sword.

Japan's famous samurai warriors were more than just soldiers-they were adherents to a strict code of honor who respected the deeper, spiritual meaning of the way of the sword. To the samurai, battle was sacred.

This indispensable guide to theory and practice repspects both the physical and spiritual aspects of martial art practice with the samurai sword. This book features:

-Beautiful, step-by-step photos and easy-to-understand text.
-Guidance for selecting, maintaining, and using your sword.
-Wisdom about the practical value of meditation.
-Inspirational biographies of some of the greatest samurai, men whose words and deeds embodied the true spirit of the samurai warrior.
-A DVD with demonstrations of techniques in the book.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swordsperson, this book will broaden your practical knowledge with detailed instruction on the following topics:

-Stances and how to hold and move with your sword.
-Single- and double-handed cuts.
-Guard positions.
-Drills and forms.
-Offensive and defense sparring techniques and strategies.

Contents

Introduction Live your truth
Chapter 1 The way of the samurai
Chapter 2 The spirit of the samurai
Chapter 4 The samurai sword
Chapter 4 Basic techniques
Chapter 5 Striking techniques
Chapter 6 Kata practice
Chapter 7 Advanced techniques
Chapter 8 Survival technniques
Chapter 9 Mental conditioning
Epilogue Iron body, angel heart
About the author… (altro)