Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior
Unlock the secrets of the legendary weapons of the samurai

While the samurai is well known as the military nobility of medieval Japan, their range of weapons, which went far beyond the katana, bow, and spear, is lesser known. For instance, some weapons, like the tesson, or iron fan, were used in secret where samurai swords were not allowed. Others were improvised, with warriors using whatever fighting tool was at hand. In Samurai Weapons, readers will follow the story of Zenigata Heiji, among others, who developed an uncanny ability to use heavy coins as dangerous weapons by throwing them like bullets.

Author Don Cunningham, who held ranks in judo, jujutsu, and kendo, including a second dan license from the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, gives us a historical look at these ancient arms in a way that's useful for novices and samurai experts alike.

Chapters cover such rich details as:
  • Japanese martial arts culture
  • Hidden weapons
  • Sensu, truncheons, and polearms
Learn how and why samurai weapons included not only the sword of popular lore but also a variety of others. Cunningham describes the society of Japan, how the samurai class arose, and the place in society that samurai held through the centuries, focusing in particular on the various weaponry they used, how they used it, and why. Samurai Weapons highlights how these weapons and fighting styles have influenced various schools of Japanese martial arts.
1012348991
Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior
Unlock the secrets of the legendary weapons of the samurai

While the samurai is well known as the military nobility of medieval Japan, their range of weapons, which went far beyond the katana, bow, and spear, is lesser known. For instance, some weapons, like the tesson, or iron fan, were used in secret where samurai swords were not allowed. Others were improvised, with warriors using whatever fighting tool was at hand. In Samurai Weapons, readers will follow the story of Zenigata Heiji, among others, who developed an uncanny ability to use heavy coins as dangerous weapons by throwing them like bullets.

Author Don Cunningham, who held ranks in judo, jujutsu, and kendo, including a second dan license from the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, gives us a historical look at these ancient arms in a way that's useful for novices and samurai experts alike.

Chapters cover such rich details as:
  • Japanese martial arts culture
  • Hidden weapons
  • Sensu, truncheons, and polearms
Learn how and why samurai weapons included not only the sword of popular lore but also a variety of others. Cunningham describes the society of Japan, how the samurai class arose, and the place in society that samurai held through the centuries, focusing in particular on the various weaponry they used, how they used it, and why. Samurai Weapons highlights how these weapons and fighting styles have influenced various schools of Japanese martial arts.
14.95 In Stock
Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior

Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior

by Don Cunningham
Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior

Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior

by Don Cunningham

Paperback(Reprint)

$14.95 
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Overview

Unlock the secrets of the legendary weapons of the samurai

While the samurai is well known as the military nobility of medieval Japan, their range of weapons, which went far beyond the katana, bow, and spear, is lesser known. For instance, some weapons, like the tesson, or iron fan, were used in secret where samurai swords were not allowed. Others were improvised, with warriors using whatever fighting tool was at hand. In Samurai Weapons, readers will follow the story of Zenigata Heiji, among others, who developed an uncanny ability to use heavy coins as dangerous weapons by throwing them like bullets.

Author Don Cunningham, who held ranks in judo, jujutsu, and kendo, including a second dan license from the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, gives us a historical look at these ancient arms in a way that's useful for novices and samurai experts alike.

Chapters cover such rich details as:
  • Japanese martial arts culture
  • Hidden weapons
  • Sensu, truncheons, and polearms
Learn how and why samurai weapons included not only the sword of popular lore but also a variety of others. Cunningham describes the society of Japan, how the samurai class arose, and the place in society that samurai held through the centuries, focusing in particular on the various weaponry they used, how they used it, and why. Samurai Weapons highlights how these weapons and fighting styles have influenced various schools of Japanese martial arts.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780804847858
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Publication date: 10/25/2016
Edition description: Reprint
Pages: 208
Sales rank: 953,497
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Don Cunningham, Ph.D., has studied and written about Japanese modern and traditional martial arts for more than thirty years and is a frequent contributor to martial arts publications. He is currently an assistant professor at Radford Universityin Radford, Virginia.
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