Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship
by Shihan Shimabukuro, Leonard Pellman

Our Price: $25.95
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2.50 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship

Book Review: A true work of ART....
Summary: 5 Stars

First and foremost, let me comment on the techinal aspect, that being only a small portion of what truly makes the book shine. At its base, the book is an illustraive and descriptive guide of the forms (waza) of Eishin Ryu. All the forms from beginner on up to the most advanced are given. It is ripe with photographs and about as good as a book alone can do in teaching you forms. Each waza is illustrated step by step and the practical application (bunkai) is also given. Besides that, the book also teaches about proper sight, breathing, posture, bowing, etc. as well as sword nomenclature, cutting technique, a basic history of japan as it realtes to the samurai,

That being said the most valuable aspect of this book is this: the philosophies and general guidelines for living which are presented in this book are among the most concise, insightful, and useful i have ever seen. The authors do an excellent job of presenting eastern concepts in simple terms which effectivley communicate the nature of the concept, without dumbing it down too much. The tenets presented within the context of "how to fight well" later apply themselves to how to LIVE well. Never beore have i seen such a wonderful application of Martial arts/ Samurai philosphy to the art of perfecting and knowing yourself.

MOST importantly the authors have a firm grasp on the TRUE meaning and purpose of martial arts on a whole: Perfection of character. ALL martial arts at their base are meant for a venue not only of self defense and physical excercise but as a guide along a very personal journey: Perfecting your character and spirit so you can be not only the best martial artist you can be, but the best person you can be. I know this is a concept that is repeated ad nauseum, so much that it begins to sound corny even as i write it, but Flashing Steel really does a great job in teaching that martial arts can enrich every area of your life.

As a result this book has become the closest thing i have to a bible.... something i turn to when i need help finding guidance or when i have a question about my own growth, both within a martial art, and without. I feel hesitant to use the term bible because it implies religion and all the somtimes assoicated negative fanatacism. I don't want to give the impression that the book tells you it has all the answers, Rather it tells you waht questions you should be asking... questions that are important to the development of the whole character and that are personally important. Guidelines by which to live a fulfilling and worthwile life. Not religious... but spiritual.

All in all a wonderful book, even if you never plan to study Eishin Ryu or ANY martial art for that matter. A joy to read and in my opinion a must have for any martial artist.

Summary of Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship

Fencing Books

• Books > Subjects > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports
• Martial Arts