A collection of historical notes and illustrations used to train samurai in their arts. The violence of the training brings a sobering perspective to what is often seen as pure and spiritual. ( )

Darrell Craig, who works for the Houston Police Department as Self-Defense Coordinator, started his Martial Arts traainng in 1955 while stationed in Japan. Since that time he has studied under a variety of instructors in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Putting various elements of information together, he finally developed this book on Iai-Jitsu.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and selected as a biographical subject in Marquis Who's Who, he received the highest recognition of his career in 1973 when he was awarded the title of 'Shihan' or Master Teacher. Over the past two decades Mr. Craig's interests and energies have been directed to several of the discipines which comprise the martial arts of Japan. His degrees include:
5th degree black belt-Shitoh Ryu Karate
5th degree black belt-shorin Ryu Karate
4th degree black belt-Okinawan Kobudo, ancient weapons
4th degree black belt-Jiu Jitsu
3rd degree black belt-Kendo, sword arts
3rd degree black belt-Iai-do, sword arts
1st degree black belt-Judo
Mr. Craig has had the honor to participate in two World Kendo Chamopoinships and in 1973 ranked 4th in the United States in Okinawan Weapons. At present he is Karate Chairman for the Texas Gulf Coast AAU and Vice-President for the Seishin Kai Karate Union.

Contents

Introduction
Chapter One-Examining and Sword Servicing
The Sword; Kizu-flaws; File Marks; Tangs; Yakiba-temper lines; Formal Examining of the Katana; Cleaning
Chapter Two-Uniform Procedure
Hakama; Sageo
Chapter Three-Proper Sword Procedure
Carrying the Katana; Formal Bow or Kamiza; Siting in Place: Seiza; Sitting with Raised Knee: Kai-Hiza; Preparation for Kai-do Practice; Datto-Removing the Katana from the Obi; Taijo-Proacedure for Leaving the Practice Area
Chapter Four-Nukikata-Drawing of the Sword
Kata Number One, Ippon Me Mae
Kata Number Two, Nihon Me Ushiro (behind rear drawing)
Kata Number Three, Ukenagashi (warding off drawing)
Chapter Five-Seppuku (Abdomen Cutting)
Chapter Six-Iai-Hiza (sitting with raised knee)
Kata Number four, Tsuka-Ate (tsuka-Ate (tsuka striking)
Chapter Seven-Happo-no-Kamae (eight directions of cutting)
Happo-Giri
Chapter Eight-Iai-do Bujitsu
Chapter Nine-Standing Iai Kata
Kata Number Five, Kesagiri (scapular cut)
Chapter Ten-Morote-Zuki (double handed thrust)
Sanpogiri (three directonal cutting)
Chapter Eleven-Bunki of Iai-do
The Inner Working of Iai
Morote-suki Kata (Double-handed thrust)
Chapter Twelve-Sword Testing
Proper Hand Position
Human Body Testing
Chapter Thirteen-MuGai Ryu Iai Hyo-Do
Kata Number One, You-Seiza (useful)
Kata Number Two, Shin-Seiza (truce)
Kata Number Three, Tsuka Waza (handle technique
Kata Number Four, Yoko-Tsuka-Tomoe (side handle circle)
Kata Number Five, Te-Saya-Waza (hand saaber technique)
Kata Number Six, Muchi-no-Kimo-Shippo (lashing tail)
Kata Number Seven, Saya-Ushiro (Behind)
Kata Number Eight, Ten-Te (Heaven hands)
Chapter Fourteen-Kenjutsu Kata
Chapter Fifteen-Chushingura (The Story of the Loyal Forty-Seven Ronin)
'The Treasury of Loyal Retaineers'
References
Glossary

This book covers all aspects of Japanese sword. From examining a sword, ettiquete, seppuku, kata and history. This book is a must reference book for any martial artisit who is studying the sword. Iai, iai-jutsu, kendo etc... ( )

This is an amazing book, if you overlook the fact that the writer has learned a lot since he wrote it. It is one of the few sources that describe not only how to wield a sword but also how to appraise it, examine a friend's sword without threatening etc. The illustrations are slightly sub-par, but you always understand what he means. Worth having, whatever school of iaido/jutsu you practice. ( )

Japan,
Samurai,
Military History,
Martial Arts