Drawing the Samurai Sword: The Japanese Art of Swordsmanship; Master the Ancient Art of Iaido

by Darrell Max Craig

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780804850087
Publisher:	Tuttle Publishing
Publication date:	05/15/2018
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	634,725
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

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.

Table of Contents

Author's Preface 10

Chapter 1 Examining and Sword Servicing 16

Kizu-Flaws File Marks Tangs

Yalciba-Temper Lines

Formally Examining the Katana

Cleaning the Katana

Chapter 2 Uniform Procedure 34

Hakama

Sageo

Chapter 3 Proper Sword Procedure 40

Carrying the Katana

The Formal Bow or Kamiza

Sitting in Place: Seiza

Sitting with Raised Knee: lai-Hiza

Preparation for Iaido Practice

Datto-Removing the Katana from the Obi

Taijo-Procedure for Leaving the Practice Area

Chapter 4 Nukikata-Drawing of the Sword 60

Kata Number One-Ippon Me Mae

Kata Number Two-Nihon Me Ushiro (Behind Rear Drawing)

Kata Number Three-Ukenagashi (Warding Off Drawing)

Chapter 5 Seppuku (Abdomen Cutting) 86

Chapter 6 Iai-Hiza Division (Sitting with Raised Knee) 92

Kata Number Four-Tsuka-Ate (Tsuka Striking)

Chapter 7 Happo-no-Kamae (Eight Directions of Cutting) 100

Happo-Giri

Chapter 8 Iaido Bujitsu 110

Chapter 9 Standing Iai Kata 118

Kata Number Five-Kesagiri (Scapular Cut)

Chapter 10 Multi-Directional Cutting 124

Kata Number Six-Morote-Suki (Two-Handed Thrust)

Kata Number Seven-Sanpogiri (Three-Directional Cutting)

Chapter 11 Bunkai of Iaido 134

The Inner Workings of Iai

Morote-Suki Kata (Two-Handed Thrust)

Chapter 12 Sword Testing 150

Proper Hand Position

Human Body Testing

Chapter 13 Mu Gai Ryu Iai Hyo-Do 162

Kata Number One-You-Seiza (Useful Sitting)

Kata Number Two-Shin-Seiza (Truce in Sitting)

Kata Number Three-Tsuka Waza (Handle Technique)

Kata Number Four-Yoko-Tsuka-Tomoe (Side Handle Circle)

Kata Number Five-Te-Saya-Waza (Hand Saber Technique)

Kata Number Six-Muchi-no-Kimo-Shippo (The Lashing Tail)

Kata Number Seven-Saya-Ushiro (Behind)

Kata Number Eight-Ten-Te (Heaven Hands)

Kata Number Nine-Chiba Hokushin-Ito-Ryu (Two-Man Kata with Wakizashi)

Chapter 14 Kenjutsu Kata 198

Chapter 15 Chushingura 206

The Story of the Loyal Forty-Seven Ronin ("The Treasury of Loyal Retainers")

References 221

Glossary 222

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher