THE FIRST-EVER STUDY OF SAMURAI ARMS, ARMOUR AND TACTICS
IN THE WORDS OF AN AUTHENTIC SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY SAMURAI MASTER
STRATEGIST
Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the
first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ryū samurai
school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the
weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for
use on and off the battlefield.
Two secret scrolls by the samurai tactician Natori Sanjūrō Masazumi
are presented here: Heieki Yōhō, which offers advice for every possible
martial situation, from moving troops to besieging a castle to fighting
on the open battlefield; and Heigu Yōhō, which explores samurai arms
and armour in unparalleled detail. Illustrated with 130 line drawings of
arms and armour, strategic diagrams and beautiful samples of Japanese
calligraphy, this is essential reading for students of martial arts,
warrior culture and the samurai path.
This book was written by the seventeenth-century samurai tactician
Natori Sanjūrō Masazumi, also known as Issui-sensei, who was to become
the most influential grandmaster of the Natori-Ryū school of war. It
gives us an unprecedented insight into what the samurai knew about their
own specialization - armour and warfare. By listening to a genuine
samurai, we can discover a huge amount about the thoughts, ideals,
codes and even the feelings of this much admired, but often
misunderstood, warrior class.
Heieki Yōhō, the first scroll translated in this book, gives leadership
advice for use on and off the battlefield. From turning thieves or
cowards to good service, to practising 'external listening' in order to
obtain information from as many sources as possible, to penetrating the
deeper motives of those who slander or praise others, the ideas
discussed are thought provoking and paint a vivid picture of samurai
Japan at war. Heigu Yōhō, the second scroll, gives a rare and precious
glimpse into samurai arms and armour, including details of their
construction, regulations associated with the wearer's status, and the
fascinating ceremonies, mythology and Buddhist doctrine that underlay
their use. With 130 line drawings that clarify the text, this is the
ultimate resource for all those interested in the wisdom and practice of
the historical samurai.
