(from cover)

Iaijutsu was the premier martial art of the samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Unlike kenjutsu (kendo) it begins with the sword still in its scabbard. An inner and outer calm is developed which is tremendously intimidating to the opponent. Sword skills require a philosophical training which permeates the entire life outside the dojo, building compassion and self-discipline.

Flashing Steel describes and pictures forty-two kata (formal training patterns) which govern this system, with ten partner exercises applying iaido principles in realistic attack and defense situations. These kata are also widely practiced by students of kendo, aikido, and other martial arts which use swordsmanship.

'At last! The martial arts hae long awaited a book on genuine iaido. It could only have been done properly through a Japanese-American collaboration like this-Master Shimabukuro, with his unparalleled expertise and classical training, and Mr. Pellman, who has translated this unique philosophy into understandable WEstern terms. Flashing Steel will be a true milestone of the art.'--Alfonso Gomez, Martial Arts Director University of California, San Diego

'Why would a t'ai chi ch'uan student and instructor for over twenty years want to take up iaido? I was curiouis, initially, to explore a different tradition and approach. But I have been captivated by the experience and insights iaido offers. It begins with a stillness, an upright posture, breath natural, mind calm. Then the draw: the bright flash and hiss of steel that reveal the subtle qualities of the substantial (sword) cutting through the insubstantial (air). I encouraage others--newcomers or current iaido enthusiasts--to acquire this remarkable book and explore the mysteries of iaido.--Michael Conniry, T'ai Chi Ch'uan Instructor Grossmont/Cuyumaca Colleges, El Cajon, CA

Contents

Foreword
Chapter One: History
Chapter Two: Iaijutsu Philosophy
Chapter Three: Eyes of a Samurai
Chapter Four: Sword Nomenclature
Chapter Five: Progression of Training
Chapter Six: Preparation and Etiquette
Chapter Seven: Fundamentals
Chapter Eight: Omori-Ryu Seiza Waza
Chapter Nine: Chuden Tatchiza Waza
Chapter Ten: Okuden Tachiwaza
Chapter Eleven: Okuden Skuwariwaza
Chapter Twelve: Tachiuchi no Kurai (Katachi)
Chapter Thirteen: Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Seitei Iai Kata
Chapter Fourteen: Tameshigiri (Practice Cutting)
Chapter Fifteen: Summary of the Eishin-Ryu system
Chkapter Sixteen: Promotion Guuidelines
Chapter Seventeen: Tournament Information
Chapter Eighteen: The Way to Victorious Life
Appendix A: Jikishin-Kai Locations
Appendix B: Samurai no Kokoro-e
About the Authors