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Drawing the Samurai Sword: The Japanese Art of Swordsmanship; Master the Ancient Art of Iaido Paperback – May 15, 2018

by Darrell Max Craig (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 67 ratings
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To the Japanese, the sword is a spiritual weapon. It possesses a particular divinity, reflecting the soul of its maker, owner, and user. Around its mystical powers has grown the centuries-old ritual and practice of Samurai swordsmanship which is still avidly practiced today as is a fascinating and intricate martial art. This unique guide unlocks all the mysteries of the ancient tradition of Iaijutsu—explaining the history and significance of the sword in Samurai culture and documenting the techniques of swordsmanship as found in no other martial arts book.

Darrell Max Craig is one of the foremost teachers of Kendo in the West. He spent many years in Japan competing and training at the very highest level. His book, Drawing the Samurai Sword, provides a thorough examination of all aspects of Iaijutsu—including information on sword care and selection, necessary gear, sword and dojo etiquette, and useful drills for practice and demonstration.

This book also teaches readers about:
  • How to evaluate your Samurai sword and handle it safely
  • How to wear the traditional Hakama uniform
  • How to perform the Kata forms to hone your technique
  • The brutal history of sword testing, and today's more humane equivalent
  • The classic and exciting story of "The Forty-Seven Ronin"
  • And much more!
Featuring a new preface by the author, original color photos and added information about sword testing, this generously-illustrated book is a treasure trove of information for aspiring students and experienced practitioners alike.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tuttle Publishing
  4. Publication date
    May 15, 2018
  5. ISBN-10
    0804850089
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0804850087
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"There are so many good things to say about this book. The author's love of swordsmanship shines through the text. He wants the reader to appreciate the sword as both the instrument of combat that it is, as well as the art piece it paradoxically also is. There are many intricate drawings, which illustrate many of the nuances of the katana. The latest edition does add some very nice color photos in the middle, that help by adding to the story. I think if you have any kind of initial interest in any of the Japanese swords systems: kenjutsu, kendo, or iaido, then this should be a book on your shelf." — Jaredd Wilson, Martial Thoughts

About the Author

Darrell Max Craig is considered one of the "Pioneers of Kendo in the United States of America" by the United States Kendo Federation. He began his training while in the U.S. Marine Corps, studying in Japan with Gogen Yamaguchi in 1956, and in Okinawa with Zenryo Shimabukuro beginning in 1958. While in Okinawa, he also began the study of Okinawan weaponry. Among others, he holds 7th Dan in Kendo, 6th Dan in Shito Ryu Karate, Junse Goshin Budo Jujitsu, Iaido and Okinawan Kobudo, and 4th Dan in Jodo, Osae Aikido, Kodokan Judo and Osae Junse Aikido. He was a member of Team USA in 1985 at the 6th World Kendo Championships in Paris, France. He operated the Houston Budokan, Inc., a traditional Japanese martial arts school in Texas, for nearly 50 years and is now retired.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing (May 15, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0804850089
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0804850087
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

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Darrell Max Craig

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
67 global ratings

Top review from the United States

YvB
5.0 out of 5 stars True blessing to have
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Loved the katana since the first time I saw it at 6 yrs old. Started kendo at 40 with my first sword waiting until I felt mentally mature and heart to begin. Carefully chose a book for Iaido to compliment current kendo practice. This book confirms everything I felt and believed seeing the blade and wielder were true. Beyond greatful to all who made this book possible from beginning to end.
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IRENEO RODRIGUEZ
5.0 out of 5 stars Puntos básicos e introducción al IAI
Reviewed in Mexico on January 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
Trabajo especializado en la introducción al Iaido, especifico y cargado de referencias en donde extender el conocimiento sobre esta Arte Marcial, ahora bien, la obra abarca parte de SEITEI IAI y MUGAI RYU HYODO (de este último el autor tiene un libro que se especializa en dicho Koryu [escuela vieja]), del primero solo las primeras 7 Katas y del último ejemplos de waza (técnicas) como pequeña muestra del catalogo y currículo de ella.
One person found this helpful
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N S T MCLEAVEY
3.0 out of 5 stars Reprint of an earlier book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2022
Verified Purchase
I missed the clue in the description "Featuring a new preface by the author..." that this is largely a reprint of Mr Craig's earlier work "Iai: The Art of drawing the Sword". It does contain some further pages on wakizashi kata at the end of Chapter 13, plus additional colour plates, so may be worth buying for that reason if you already own the earlier book. As with all Mr Craig's works that I have read, the content itself is excellent.
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Alexandre Poulin
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
Really good book
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Mr. Ian Linton
1.0 out of 5 stars If you have Ian the arts of drawing the sword ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 13, 2018
Verified Purchase
If you have Ian the arts of drawing the sword do not buy this it is the same apart from a few pictures
One person found this helpful
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