Revised and updated, the classic guide to the techniques, philosophy,
and applications of iaijutsu--the art of self-defense with the
Japanese sword.
The 25th anniversary edition of the best-selling, highly acclaimed
classic Flashing Steel introduces updated techniques, drills, and
practices for students and practitioners of iaijutsu (or iaido).
This complete essential resource on the Japanese sword arts expands on
the two previous editions with additional practices, deep attention to
foundational elements, and practical techniques--including 55 ways of
deploying a samurai sword in self-defense.
Expanded and revised, the memorial edition of Flashing Steel includes
updates on promotion guidelines, tournaments, extended series of solo
quick-draw exercises, and more, plus two added sets of solo techniques
and three added sets of partner exercises to develop timing, distance
control, angles of attack and defense, mental focus, and attitude. It
provides a deep survey of fundamentals like training progression,
preparation, etiquette, and proper sword nomenclature. Students will
learn realistic defense and attack scenarios with wider applications to
martial arts like kendo and aikido, while absorbing the philosophical
tenets that inform and infuse the warrior's life with meaning and
fulfillment.
Organized into 23 chapters with black and white photographs throughout,
this anniversary edition also includes an expanded history of iaijutsu,
and an updated biography and tribute to the late Masayuki Shimabukuro,
with personal anecdotes from the making of Flashing Steel that reveal
his life and character.
