The Spirit of the Sword: Iaido, Kendo, and Test Cutting with the Japanese Sword

by Nakamura Taisaburo, Gavin J. Poffley (Translator), Tomoko Nakamura (Foreword by), John Maki Evans (Contribution by)

Overview

Nakamura Taisaburo's landmark book on the art of the sword includes technical information, thoughtful analysis, and fascinating recollections of his own training and teaching. One of the most famous Japanese swordsmen of the twentieth century, Nakamura sensei is widely acknowledged as the preeminent reinvigorator of the practice of tameshigiri (test cutting) as a test of technical and spiritual mastery. The Spirit of the Sword—first published in Japanese in 1980, now translated into English for the first time—is regarded by many as the most complete of Nakamura's writings on Japanese swordsmanship. Here Nakamura instructs the reader on the integration of iaido, kendo, and tameshigiri; the correct mental approach to sword practice; training methods; numerous kata or forms; a guide to sword maintenance; and historical notes on the use of the sword as a weapon. Illustrated with over 800 original photographs, this book is a must-have for any student of the Japanese sword and an excellent resource for sword enthusiasts in general.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781583945421
Publisher:	North Atlantic Books
Publication date:	03/05/2013
Edition description:	Translatio
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Nakamura Taisaburo (1912-2003) was a renowned sword master and the founder of the Nakamura-ryu style of sword arts. He was the chief instructor of the All-Japan Toyama-ryu Iaido Federation and the head of the All-Japan Battojutsu Federation. He held a 9th-dan rank in Battojutsu and Iaido as well as an 8th-dan rank in Jukendo and a 7th-dan rank in Kendo. Gavin J. Poffley has a master's degree in Japanese translation from the School of Oriental and African Studies and has also studied at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Hiroshima University, writing dissertations on the modernization of Japan's martial arts and the history of Okinawan karate. He has dan ranks in Shorin-ryu karate and Dentokan aiki-jujutsu as well as experience in many other systems. Gavin currently resides in East London with his wife, Taeko.

Table of Contents

Important Events in the Life of Nakamura Taisaburo vii

Foreword xvii

Translator's Comments xix

Introduction xxi

Chapter 1 Kobudo and Shu-ha-ri 1

Chapter 2 The Integration of Iaido, Kendo, and Tameshigiri 17

Chapter 3 The Correct Mental Attitude Toward the Japanese Sword 37

Chapter 4 The Japanese Sword as a Weapon 49

Chapter 5 Essential Knowledge Concerning the Japanese Sword 75

Chapter 6 Training with the Tanrenbo 107

Chapter 7 The Fundamentals and Application of Tameshigri 119

Chapter 8 Toyama Ryu Iaido (Formerly Gunto No Soho) 139

Chapter 9 Toyama Ryu Kumitachi (Kata) 163

Chapter 10 Nakamura Ryu Battojutsu (Kata) 179

Chapter 11 Nakamura Ryu Kumitachi (Kata) 209

Chapter 12 Handling and Maintaining the Japanese Sword 229

Chapter 13 Examples of Instructing Tameshigiri and Sword-Related Injuries 239

Chapter 14 A Life of Tameshigiri and a Record of the Restoration of the Hayashizaki Iai Shrine 253

Chapter 15 Various Anecdotes Concerning Tameshigiri 277

Conclusion 299

All-Japan Toyama Ryu Tameshigiri Tournament 301

Appendix 1 Original Forewords 303

Appendix 2 The Truth behind the Schism in the Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei 313

About the Author 317

About the Translator 318

Translator 319

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“The Spirit of the Sword was a great joy for me to read; I now have the immense satisfaction of finally understanding Nakamura Taisaburo’s thoughts on swordsmanship. Gavin J. Poffley has done a masterful job of accurately translating Nakamura sensei’s philosophy, technical explanations, and anecdotes, capturing the nuances and subtlety of his instruction; it is a beautiful and captivating book that should be on the shelf of everyone who is interested in practical swordsmanship.”—Guy Power, Renshi seventh dan, Okuden Menjo and Densho, Nakamura Ryu
 
“Finally, some insight into Japanese swordsmanship from a truly original source! Powerfully written and authentic, The Spirit of the Sword is a book that can be read every year for deeper meaning.”—Bob Elder, seventh dan, Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iai Do Renmei
 
“The same power and directness that made his swordsmanship luminous shines through this text—the fruits of a natural genius, forged in the heat of battle and further refined through decades of intense investigation. Nakamura sensei’s commitment to swordsmanship was born from the knowledge that his superior skills had saved him three times from postings that had cost the lives of fellow instructors. This book was written in their honor and in the hope that future generations might stay true to the principles of combat that keep these arts truly martial.”—John Maki Evans, seventh dan Nakamura Ryu; author of Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent

Editorial Reviews

“The Spirit of the Sword was a great joy for me to read; I now have the immense satisfaction of finally understanding Nakamura Taisaburo’s thoughts on swordsmanship. Gavin J. Poffley has done a masterful job of accurately translating Nakamura sensei’s philosophy, technical explanations, and anecdotes, capturing the nuances and subtlety of his instruction; it is a beautiful and captivating book that should be on the shelf of everyone who is interested in practical swordsmanship.”—Guy Power, Renshi seventh dan, Okuden Menjo and Densho, Nakamura Ryu
 
“Finally, some insight into Japanese swordsmanship from a truly original source! Powerfully written and authentic, The Spirit of the Sword is a book that can be read every year for deeper meaning.”—Bob Elder, seventh dan, Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iai Do Renmei
 
“The same power and directness that made his swordsmanship luminous shines through this text—the fruits of a natural genius, forged in the heat of battle and further refined through decades of intense investigation. Nakamura sensei’s commitment to swordsmanship was born from the knowledge that his superior skills had saved him three times from postings that had cost the lives of fellow instructors. This book was written in their honor and in the hope that future generations might stay true to the principles of combat that keep these arts truly martial.”—John Maki Evans, seventh dan Nakamura Ryu; author of Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent

From the Publisher