Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior

(Paperback)

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Description

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.

Reviews

"A unique book, the best English language source on the topic. If you want to learn the small weapons of Japan, you want this book." --Kim Taylor, editor, Journal of Japanese Sword Arts; publisher, Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Science

Author Bio

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 University in Radford, Virginia.