If the Way of the warrior is the soul of Japan, their magnificent swords were the tools utilized to form the nation and forge their spirit. You’ll find an abundance of information in this special anthology in support of this thesis. Kimberley Taylor wrote four chapters, the first being an interview with 7th-dan Matsuo Haruna. Haruna offers great advice for practitioners based on his first-hand experience. Taylor’s two highly researched chapters give overviews of two major iaido schools. Excellent photos and descriptions of katas accompany the text. Taylor’s finale is a short piece describing two of his favorite techniques, while Deborah Klens-Bigman’s chapter deals with two of her favorite techniques. Another top ranking swordsman, Nicklaus Suino, gets to the finicky details of sword-drawing techniques as performed by masters. From his two chapters, we learn how to watch for telltale signs of expertise and come to a greater appreciation of the art of drawing the sword. Jonathan Seckler’s chapter translates and comments on an essay written by Chozanshi Shissai in 1729. He argues that Neo-Confucianism rather than Zen became the foundation of swordsmanship, and illustrates how the sword arts began to be appreciated for their use for self-development. Andrew Bryant’s chapter focuses on poems passed down within the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu School of Iaido. These poems correspond to techniques contained within the system created in the 17th century. The author presents each poem and offers provides textual descriptions of their corresponding applications with each sword technique illustrated. Joseph Svinth’s research presents the earliest kendo clubs to form in Canada. The socio-cultural settings add much flavor to this chapter. Information is provided regarding notable instructors, training, and competitions. Another way to better understand a martial tradition of one country is to compare it with another. Matthew Galas compares and contrasts sword arts in Germany with the Japanese traditions. The focus is on general principles and combat philosophy. Devotees to sword practice are well award that scabbards get damaged. Michael Babin’s chapter shows “how to” build a serviceable scabbard according talents of anyone moderately handy with tools. The twelve chapters described above should inspire further research and practice in the Japanese sword arts, plus bring a greater appreciation for their unique place in world history and culture.

If the Way of the warrior is the soul of Japan, their magnificent swords were the tools utilized to form the nation and forge their spirit. You’ll find an abundance of information in this special anthology in support of this thesis. Kimberley Taylor wrote four chapters, the first being an interview with 7th-dan Matsuo Haruna. Haruna offers great advice for practitioners based on his first-hand experience. Taylor’s two highly researched chapters give overviews of two major iaido schools. Excellent photos and descriptions of katas accompany the text. Taylor’s finale is a short piece describing two of his favorite techniques, while Deborah Klens-Bigman’s chapter deals with two of her favorite techniques. Another top ranking swordsman, Nicklaus Suino, gets to the finicky details of sword-drawing techniques as performed by masters. From his two chapters, we learn how to watch for telltale signs of expertise and come to a greater appreciation of the art of drawing the sword. Jonathan Seckler’s chapter translates and comments on an essay written by Chozanshi Shissai in 1729. He argues that Neo-Confucianism rather than Zen became the foundation of swordsmanship, and illustrates how the sword arts began to be appreciated for their use for self-development. Andrew Bryant’s chapter focuses on poems passed down within the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu School of Iaido. These poems correspond to techniques contained within the system created in the 17th century. The author presents each poem and offers provides textual descriptions of their corresponding applications with each sword technique illustrated. Joseph Svinth’s research presents the earliest kendo clubs to form in Canada. The socio-cultural settings add much flavor to this chapter. Information is provided regarding notable instructors, training, and competitions. Another way to better understand a martial tradition of one country is to compare it with another. Matthew Galas compares and contrasts sword arts in Germany with the Japanese traditions. The focus is on general principles and combat philosophy. Devotees to sword practice are well award that scabbards get damaged. Michael Babin’s chapter shows “how to” build a serviceable scabbard according talents of anyone moderately handy with tools. The twelve chapters described above should inspire further research and practice in the Japanese sword arts, plus bring a greater appreciation for their unique place in world history and culture.

In contrast to the overabundance of writings about martial arts that are often promotional and misinformative, there are rare works by scholars that are praiseworthy for their sincere, unbiased approach to writing. This is the very definition of “scholarly.” This two-volume anthology brings together the best scholarly works published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts on the topic of teaching and learning Japanese martial arts. In this second volume, you’ll find eight chapters that dive deep into Japanese martial traditions, combining aspects of history and culture that explain how teaching methods developed and evolved. Chapter one asks: What defines and gives meaning to the practice of karate? The Dr. Wingate looks to the ideology of karate as presented in the writings of founder Ginchin Funakoshi and traditional Japanese martial arts as “ways” of self-cultivation. This ideology is often greatly different from the ideology held by modern practitioners. This chapter explores the differences. Next, Dr. Donohue comments on the ideological complex surrounding training in the Japanese martial traditions. These systems, while remaining relatively uniform through time, have, in fact, been subject to considerable philosophical interpretation and emphasis. Why many practice martial artists has little to do with the essential nature of these arts. Dr. Grossman presents a thesis in his chapter that we can arrive at a deeper understanding of any martial arts—using aikido as an example—if we consider it to be a symbolic form of communication, as well as a martial art, and utilize the science of semiotics to translate the “message” encoded in the “body language” of aikido techniques. A photographic technical section illustrates this process. The next chapter by Sakuyama Yoshinaga discusses the potential growth for learning in children. How can adults provide the best learning environment? The author believes that inspiration comes through subtle emotions of the human heart, influencing others. The theory is found in ancient samurai traditions and applied by the author in teaching Shorinji Kempo. Chapter five by Dr. Dykhuizen point out how Asian martial arts are being practiced in cultures other than those within which they originated. Specific information concerning how practitioners from different cultures understand them becomes increasingly useful to martial artists and martial arts scholars. This chapter summarizes findings of an investigation among aikido practitioners. The Japanese Imperial family is said to have been given three symbols of authority by the gods: a mirror, a jewel, and a sword. Dr. Donohue uses this symbolic structure to discuss varying perspectives on the Japanese martial arts. Each aid in our understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted dimensions of the martial arts. In his chapter, Dr. Edinborough examines how Japanese martial arts, specifically the approach developed by Inaba Minoru, can be functionally understood as a form of art. Through referring to the aesthetic theories, the article examines budo as a means of organizing experience, recognizable alongside painting, dance, theater, and literature. The final chapter by Marvin Labbate looks close at the training hall. Dressed in a uniform, students line up in a ready position, come to attention, sit, meditate, and bow. This ritualized pattern is performed at the beginning, during, and at the end of each class, but what does it mean? In this chapter, each element of the ritualized pattern will be discussed to provide a clear understanding of its original intent. If you are interested in Japanese martial traditions, you will find much in these eight chapters that clarify why the arts are taught according to a longstanding tradition—and also why there have been evolutionary changes in the instructional methods. There is sound logic for the old traditions, as well as for the changes. The scholarly research presented in this anthology will improve a teacher’s way of instructing and help a student understand what to expect out of his or her studies.

Western scholars and educators are generally far less familiar with the samurai in his original-and, ostensibly, primary-role as warrior and masters of arms than in his other functions as landowner, feudal lord, literature, or philosopher. Yet, any attempt to comprehend fully the samurai without considering his military abilities and training (bugei) is futile. With verve and wit, Karl Friday combines the results of nearly two decades of fieldwork and archival research to examine samurai martial culture from a broad perspective: as a historical phenomenon, as a worldview, and as a system of physical, spiritual, and moral education.

In contrast to the overabundance of writings about martial arts that are often promotional and misinformative, there are rare works by scholars that are praiseworthy for their sincere, unbiased approach to writing. This is the very definition of “scholarly.” This two-volume anthology brings together the best scholarly works published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts on the topic of teaching and learning Japanese martial arts. In this volume, you’ll find ten chapters that dive deep into Japanese martial traditions, combining aspects of history and culture that explain how teaching methods developed and evolved. Dr. Harrison-Pepper’s chapter sets the tone with a focus on the fundamental student–teacher relationship that is responsible for the transmission of any art. She uses sociological and performance studies to analyze the martial art’s maturing process. Understanding the teacher-student relationship is vital for all involved Japanese combative arts. Since Japan was ruled by a warrior class for nearly 700 years, it is necessary to understand the method by which warriors were educated through the ryuha system. Nyle Monday’s chapter presents this system. Dr. Lewis Hershey explores the way in which a martial art can serve as a vehicle for non-discursive intercultural exchange in the teaching process. His chapter provides a discussion of the importance of embodying the feeling or aesthetic of a particular system as a way of knowing and understanding martial techniques. The next three chapters were originally prepared for a meeting of the Association for Asian Studies. Dr. Paul Varley states that most who have written about martial arts practice are not trained scholars and their writings vary greatly in quality. He discusses the state of writing in this field and introduces the other authors. Dr. Cameron Hurst discusses the characteristics of the martial arts that place them squarely into the category of “artistic ways” along with such familiar arts as Noh, the tea ceremony, and flower arranging. This reflects the “family headship” system of instruction to carry on the school’s traditions. Dr. Karl Friday defines the term ryuha as “branch of the current,” representing the onward flow of a stream of thought; the branches betoken the splitting off that occurs as insights are passed from master to students, generation after generation. His chapter shows how ryuha exist to hand on knowledge with pattern practice (kata) being the core of transmission. Is it warrior’s individualism that is prized in modern conformity-ridden Japanese culture, or is this an erroneous interpretation of the idealized warrior image by Westerners? In the next chapter, Dr. Wayne VanHorne’s research is persuading, showing that the ultimate goal of the training is to foster individuals to contribute to the betterment of the collective society with social responsibility. In the following chapter, Dr. John Donohue analyzes the organizational components of traditional martial arts training and relates them to modern pedagogical theories. He concludes that the instructional theory embedded in martial arts training is at least as sophisticated and highly developed as are the techniques and philosophies of these systems. In the next chapter, he examines kata training as (1) a cultural activity that has been shaped by the structural characteristics of Japanese culture, and kata training as (2) a highly structured and effective mechanism for imparting technical skill in the martial arts. Kim Taylor provides the final chapter dealing with “progressive instruction” found in many kata-based martial arts. Using iaido (sword drawing) as an example, he demonstrates how a set of practice can build—one kata after the other—from simple to more complex ideas and provide a deeper understanding of the entire set. If you are interested in Japanese martial traditions, you will find much in these ten chapters that clarify why the arts are taught according to a longstanding tradition—and also why there have been evolutionary changes in the instructional methods. There is sound logic for the old traditions, as well as for the changes. The scholarly research presented in this anthology will improve a teacher’s way of instructing and help a student understand what to expect out of his or her studies.

CLOUDS IN THE WEST is a thought-provoking look at the essence of traditional Asian martial arts--and how it has been adapted, misunderstood, sometimes perverted, and sometimes enhanced in the West.

Many Indo-Malay martial arts are kept private, taught in secluded areas away from the public. These are arts of the older tradition, developed when combative knowledge was valued for its use in protecting the sanctity of life. This two-volume anthology brings together a great collection of writings by authors who dove into the deepest realms of Indo-Malay combatives. They offer readers a rare viewing of martial traditions that is usually hidden behind social shrouds of secrecy and a clannish quest to preserve their own martial arts. For the lead chapter in Volume 1, Dr. Philip Davies masterfully details the complex social milieu in the Indo-Malay martial tradition, focusing on the Chinese arts referred to by the ambiguous term of kuntao. His writing underlines the importance of martial arts to specific social groups, and what and how these groups practice these combative forms. As an initiate into the art of Bimi Kakti, James Wilson's chapter illustrates how beliefs and practices intertwine, especially with the animistic roots of Indonesia. The influence makes Javanese silat unique in practice as well as social standing. A main ingredient in Southeast Asian silat styles is kebatinan: "the science of the inner." Mark Wiley's chapter discusses how the blend of ancient animistic beliefs and mystical religions have given a psychological charge to silt's methods as a source of mystic power. Dr. Kirstin Pauka’s chapter reports on a rare celebration—the Pauleh Tinggi ceremony. This three-day long event occurs only when the social needs arise and may not occur again for decades. Silat performances by individuals, pairs, and groups are the primary features and go on throughout each day and night. Descriptions of the mental and physical sides of the silat performances offer readers a view of a martial tradition in which combative skills flow from an inner mystical guidance that flows through the movements. The psychic state is embodied both the art as well as social relationships. All who are serious about the history and practice of Indo-Malay fighting arts will enjoy this special anthology, volumes one and two. We are very fortunate to assemble the works of these highly qualified authors. We hope reading will provide information you seek. Although the availability of studying under a true silat mater is nearly impossible, the chapters here will certainly add direction and inspiration for practitioners.

Featuring original writings by the founders of some of the world's most popular karate styles, this volume includes untranslated texts by Miyagi Chojun, Mabina Kenwa, Motobu Choki - each of them founders of their own schools of karate."

This anthology presents an assortment of seven articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts that deal with Japanese weaponry: archery, short staff, naganita polearm, and test cutting (tamashigiri) with the long sword. A few articles are highly academic and others are easier reading, based on interviews or actual practice. Three chapters place a focus on archery and the related formalities of ritual and practice. Two of these discuss the uniqueness of Japanese kyudo—the Way of the Bow. As kyudo is a martial art practiced as a do or “spiritual way,” the authors emphasize the meditative aspects. Dr. Hesselink’s chapter differs in that his work details the art of archery performed at full-gallop on horseback. In the first chapter, Dr. Jones discusses his personal experience in Japan while testing for blackbelt in jodo—the Way of the short staff. In another chapter, Rick Polland points out aspects of solo short staff practice and how it also applies with an opponent. Ellis Amdur’s chapter dives into great detail on the history and evolution of the naganita—a bladed polearm ustilized over many centuries in Japanese warfare and later also as a do practice with individual spiritual cultivation as its primary objective. The beauty of naganita blades are no less intrincally interesting than the highly respected making and use of Japanese swords. Tameshigiri—test cutting—is the topic of the final chapter. Utilizing the Swiss Visual Human technology, Dr. Ward analized sixteen major cuts that were often used by the samurai against their opponents. In the past, test cutters would use human cadavers to see exactly how sword cuts affected particular body parts, e.g., neck, torso, wrist, etc. Each area attacked could be rated according to the difficulty of each cut. How does the composition of the body (thickness of bone, muscle tissue, cartledge, etc.) affect the skillfull execution of the blade? The questions and answers that arise while reading this chapter provide great insight into the use of all bladed weapons. Although the chapters in this anthology discuss archery, the short staff, mounted archery, the naginata and test cutting, there is a common theme: the importance of these to Japanese martial traditions.