The Spirit of the Sword

Nakamura Taisaburo's landmark book on the art of the sword includes technical information, thoughtful analysis, and fascinating recollections of his own training and teaching. One of the most famous Japanese swordsmen of the twentieth century, Nakamura is widely acknowledged as the preeminent reinvi [...]
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Nakamura Taisaburo's landmark book on the art of the sword includes technical information, thoughtful analysis, and fascinating recollections of his own training and teaching. One of the most famous Japanese swordsmen of the twentieth century, Nakamura is widely acknowledged as the preeminent reinvigorator of the practice of "tameshigiri" (test cutting) as a test of technical and spiritual mastery. "The Spirit of the Sword"--first published in Japanese in 1980, now translated into English for the first time--is regarded by many as the most complete of Nakamura's writings on Japanese swordsmanship. Here Nakamura instructs the reader on the integration of iaido, kendo, and tameshigiri; the correct mental approach to sword practice; training methods; numerous kata or forms; a guide to sword maintenance; and historical notes on the use of the sword as a weapon. Illustrated with over 800 original photographs, this book is a must-have for any student of the Japanese sword and an excellent resource for sword enthusiasts in general.
Contents
Chapter 1: Kobudo and Shu ha ri
Chapter 2: The integration of iaido, kendo and tameshigiri
Chapter 3: The correct mental attitude towards the Japanese sword
Chapter 4: The Japanese sword as a weapon
Chapter 5: Essential knowledge concerning the Japanese sword
Chapter 6: Training methods using the tanrenbo
Chapter 7: The fundamentals and application of tameshigiri
Chapter 8: Toyama ryu iaido (gunto no soho)
Chapter 9: Toyama ryu kumitachi (kata)
Chapter 10: Nakamura ryu battojutsu (kata)
Chapter 11: Nakamura ryu kumitachi (kata)
Chapter 12: Handling and maintenance of the Japanese sword
Chapter 13: Examples of instructing tameshigiri and sword-related injuries
Chapter 14: A life of tameshigiri