A complete look at the role of the Sensei in Martial Arts, and secrets to effectively teaching students. From the psychology to the practical skill of teaching techniques so that student's retain them, not only in the dojo, but also under survival stress. This book gives an in-depth study of how to be a teacher, not just a black belt who teaches.

A modern-day ronin, or master-less samurai, is killing off martial-arts masters across the U.S., and Connor Burke, a part-time college teacher and martial-arts student, is brought into the investigation by his brother, a New York detective assigned to the case. Connor recruits his own teacher, master warrior Yamashita Sensei, for additional help. The trail of clues stretches across time and place, combining the exotic world of Japanese martial arts with the gritty nuts-and-bolts of a murder investigation.

A historical work of fiction with a bit of fantasy. Set in feudal Japan in the 18th century. In feudal Japan, it has been said that ""The Sword is the Soul of the Samurai."" Fujii Yukitora is an impoverished ronin who struggles to raise his two children after the death of his wife. Tange Sakura is a lone swordswoman who has engaged in the warriors' path to seek to better her skills. Hidemasa is a young samurai, orphaned and seeking guidance. Chief Retainer Saito Banzaemon seeks to be kind to commoners of his domain, but he has secret lusts within him. What happens when these four warriors seek to learn the true nature of a sword's soul?

Master the Japanese art of shuriken throwing with this illustrated martial arts guide. Japanese Throwing Weapons: Mastering Shuriken Throwing Techniques is a detailed instruction manual for learning authentic shuriken throwing techniques as practiced in Japan, known as shuriken-jutsu. Daniel Fletcher studied under Japan's most notable shuriken sensei, Yasuyuki Otsuka, of the Meifu Shinkage Ryu and in this knife throwing book he reveals the secrets learned in his years of study and training. Fletcher explains the origins and purpose of the shuriken as a weapon and provides information on the various types of shuriken used by the historical samurai and ninjas. Fletcher's expert instructions, along with over 200 photographs and the enclosed DVD can help anyone become proficient with Japanese throwing techniques. Weapons instruction includes: Shaken Shuriken--The most familiar of the shuriken family, this sharp-edged, star-shaped weapon is the one typically seen in martial arts film. Bo Shuriken--Shaped like a spike, easy to manufacture, economical, and convenient to carry, this simple weapon is a staple in the arsenal of the Japanese warrior. Teppan Shuriken--A multi-purpose weapon made from iron plates, it can take a variety of shapes and is used both for throwing or hand-to-hand combat.

The Way of the Living Sword is the final installment in D.E. Tarver's popular Warrior Series. It stands beside The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi as one of the greatest writings of the warrior mind. In The Way of the Living Sword, Munenori gives an in-depth explanation of the connection between physical martial arts and the mental process of Zen. While Munenori and Musashi were both avid students of Zen, Munenori was more fascinated by the academic aspects of the philosophy. Munenori stretches the consciousness of even the most enlightened martial artist. Martial arts devotees will experience many flashes of revelation as Tarver explores the various aspects of Munenori's approach. Read and grow!

Complete Kendo is a thorough introduction to the Japanese martial way of the sword and a guided tour of the principles and philosophy upon which the art is founded. This martial arts guide covers everything from the care and handling of hakama, the pleated trousers worn by kendoka (practitioners of kendo), all in an easy conversational dialogue that is a great pleasure to read. Structured to echo the organization of the Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, Complete Kendo is a modern version of the swordsman's primer by a martial artist skilled not only in the art of kendo but, like Musashi, in many traditional Japanese arts, and with a superb understanding of the martial tradition and culture of Japan. The author uses lessons learned from a long career of teaching martial arts and academic subjects to impart clearly and concisely the fundamentals of kendo and the martial way. With explanatory line drawings by Kathleen Sweeney illustrating significant points of discussion, a handy glossary of kendo terminology and related concepts, and an unusually helpful bibliography, Complete Kendo is an essential volume for every kendoka's personal library.

"The techniques are really a vessel for carrying all the things that are budo..." Most books about martial arts (budo) focus on techniques, although some tell the history, and a few wax philosophical. It is rare indeed to discover a book that so fluently combines all this within the broader context of culture and lifestyle, and does so in such a humble, engaging, and accessible way. "Budo Bum Anthology" is a book that answers not so much "how" or "what" as it does "why?" Why call budo teachers "sensei"? Why do we bow? Why kata? Why keep training? Peter Boylan, aka the Budo Bum, has achieved high rank in several martial arts -- judo, iaido, jodo, and more--spending decades immersed within budo, straddling the worlds and cultures of Japan and America, and translating between them. In these essays, the reader is invited to walk alongside a quiet man who thinks deeply about the worlds in which budo was created and is practiced, and who brings the meaning of "all the things that are budo" into our daily lives. CONTENTS Introduction Getting Started Do you have to study in Japan to understand budo? Etiquette: Form and sincerity in budo Sensei, Kyoshi, Hanshi, and Shihan: budo titles and how (not) to use them Different ranks in martial arts? Zanshin Budo Do versus Jutsu ( ) What kata isn't Trust in the dojo Training Training, motivation, and counting training time in decades instead of years The most effective martial art The dojo as the world: learning to deal with violence and power Budo and responsibility Investing in failure The spirit of learning Training hard and training well are not the same thing When it comes to training, fast is slow and slow is fast Getting out of the comfort zone There are no advanced techniques Essentials The most essential principles in budo: Structure The most essential principles in budo: Spacing The most essential principles in budo: Timing Philosophy The only things I teach are how to walk and how to breathe Budo expectations and realities: understanding the limits of what we study Will budo training make me a better person? Budo as a "professional skill" and professionalism in budo Budo training and budo philosophy How to adapt an art form to fit you Is kata too rigid and mechanical?

This collection of historical writings by martial arts masters—from Miyamoto Musashi to Takuan Soho—is an essential primer on the history, philosophy, and practice of samurai swordsmanship There is perhaps no more potent symbol of the samurai era than the sword. By the seventeenth century in Japan, the art of swordsmanship had begun to take on an almost cult-like popularity. Swordsmanship was more than a mastery of technique; it was a path toward self-mastery. The Swordsman’s Handbook is the definitive collection of writings by men who saw the study of swordsmanship not only as essential to life and death, but as something that transcended life and death as well. Their teaching—that dealing with conflict is an art that requires grace and courage—speaks to us today with surprising immediacy and relevance. Included in this collection are writings by Kotada Yahei Toshitada, Takuan Soho, Yagyu Munenori, Miyamoto Musashi, Matsura Seizan, Issai Chozanshi, and Yamaoka Tesshu.

This text is an analysis of modern bujutsu and budo.

In this gripping martial arts thriller from the author of "Sensei," Connor Burke is drawn into a murder investigation involving a mysterious martial arts master who has created a powerful New Age synthesis of Tibetan mysticism and the lethal heritage of the samurai. Martin's Press.