Flashing Steel

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View books by Leonard J. Pellman, Masayuki Shimabukuro.

Near perfect... - Rated
I just want to point out how clear and detailed this book is, from the early chapters that detail the mental attitude that is required for good swordsmanship, through to actual techniques. I was extremely impressed.

The photographs are detailed, and deal with difficult techniques by shifting between camera angles, ensuring that the reader always has a clear and sound understanding of whats going on. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words, but to a good teacher, a thousand words is certainly not too much trouble. Certain finer details concerning technique are always described, sometimes at length, but always with that enthuisiasm that makes reading it a pleasure.

The authors start by explaining the mentality of a good swordsman, then move to techniques. This is quite normal for a book of this kind, where it truly differs is towards the end... Detailing iaijutsu tournaments, and how best to conduct, judge and regulate such events. The final part is the most pleasing, as it suggests ways to truly intergrate the ideals of the iaijutsu arts into your day to day living. Provoking contemplation, reflection and inspiration, in very much the same way as a good martial arts teacher does.

I could write much more about this book, but really, it just needs to be read. Why do I only give it 4 stars? In the spirit of all true martial paths, perfect is never good enough. I believe the authors are sure to write a book that betters even this astounding effort. Until then...

What can i say... - Rated
Well what can i say that could give this book the justice it deserves. Well planned, well layed out, and extremely informative.

This book is a serious must for any practitioner of Iaido or even, to a degree, Kendo

Great place to start - Rated
Flashing steel is a great place to start for anyone studying or thinking about studying Japanese sword technique.

I struggled to find Korean Sword form material, and since Japanese and Korean swordmanship have influenced each other so dramatically, found this a very useful reference piece.

Flashing steel not only provides useful photos and form/kata references, it introduces the metaphysical as well.

There will alwys be the debate between Korean and Japanese sword styles, and who influenced who. Setting aside the politics and accepting the influence each had on the other, Flashing Steel provides any swordsman a useful insight to their art.

The MUST HAVE Iai companion - Rated
It's got something for everyone: If you want to look at the pictures, its got great pictures. If you are just starting Iai,it helps you remember the waza and kata. If you have got a bit of experience and want to learn something new about Iai, it has the history of swordsmanship, the beginings of Iaido, and an explaination of the importance of distance and intensity, as well as how to respond to mistakes and learn from them.

A Superb Basis for Practice - Rated
For those with a pre-existing basis in the sword arts this book provides a comprehensive guide to Iai-jitsu practice and training. It is modern enough to be a usefull adjunct to any Iaido training. It expands the basis of understanding of the Way by presenting the Art directly.