Flashing Steel, 25th Anniversary Memorial Edition: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship

An updated edition of the classic guide on the techniques, philosophy, and applications of iaijutsu--the art of self-defense with the Japanese sword.

The 25th anniversary edition of the best-selling guide to iaijutsu (or iaido) expands on the previous two editions and includes:

- Deeper guidance on fundamentals--preparation, etiquette, progression, sword nomenclature
- More practices and techniques, including 55 ways to deploy a samurai sword in self-defense
- Additional solo and partner exercises to develop timing, distance control, focus, etc.
- Information on defense and attack scenarios with wider applications to other martial arts
- Overview of philosophical tenants that inform ’the warrior’s life’
- Expanded history of iaijutsu and a biography-tribute of Masayuki Shimabukuro
- Updated guidelines for promotions and tournaments

Organized into 23 chapters with black and white photographs throughout, Flashing Steel is an essential resource for understanding the philosophy and practice of the Japanese sword arts.

MASAYUKI SHIMABUKURO was the 21st Sōshihan (headmaster) of Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu and served as chairman of the Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-Kai. After his death in 2012, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai posthumously inducted him into their Hall of Fame for his lifetime of contributions to the arts and people he loved. LEONARD PELLMAN is considered one of the leading authorities on a variety of Japanese and Okinawan budō. His fascination with iaijutsu began in 1973 and he started studying with Shimabukuro Hanshi in 1989. Pellman heads the Seishin-Kan, a member dojo of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai, in San Antonio, Texas.