Weapons of the Samurai

Weapons of the Samurai

Author: Stephen Turnbull

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2021-06-24

Total Pages: 81

ISBN-13: 147284405X

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This fully illustrated new book describes and analyses the weapons and equipment traditionally associated with the samurai, Japan's superlative warriors. It examines the range of weapons used by them at different times and in different situations. Beginning with the rise of the samurai during the 10th century, this lively study traces the introduction of edged weapons (cutting and piercing) and missile weapons (bows and guns) over the next 500 years. The book shows clearly how they were employed by individual samurai using many previously untranslated primary texts, and explains how their use spread more widely among low-class troops, pirates and rebels. It also shows how schools of martial arts took over and changed the weapons and their uses during the peaceful Edo Period (1615–1868).


Samurai

Samurai

Author: Clive Sinclaire

Publisher: Lyons Press

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781592287208

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A fascinating look at ancient Japanese weaponry, complete with 150 dazzling full-color photographs.


Samurai Weapons

Samurai Weapons

Author: Don Cunningham

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2012-08-21

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 1462907490

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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.


The Lost Samurai School

The Lost Samurai School

Author: Antony Cummins

Publisher: Blue Snake Books

Published: 2016-10-25

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 1623170885

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This stunning English translation of a medieval Japanese text is an illustrated martial arts manual and a historical account of the teachings of a samurai grandmaster Available for the first time in English, this book explores the essential practices of the samurai school known as Mubyoshi Ryu. Complete with more than 350 images, The Lost Samurai School collects and translates ancient documents that contain the teachings of grandmaster Hagiwara Juzo—revealing for the first time to western readers the enthralling martial arts, secret weapons, magic, and espionage as they were practiced by samurai in their daily lives. The ancient Mubyoshi Ryu scrolls contain fascinating descriptions of “civilian” samurai skills—which concentrate more on personal protection than battlefield warfare—including the full ninja curriculum and elements of esoteric magic. Martial arts expert Antony Cummins contextualizes these translated documents by providing a history of the era and the school itself. The abundant illustrations form a useful martial arts manual, bringing to life the skills required to master everything from jujutsu and shuriken-jutsu (throwing blades) to swords, chain weapons, and the quarterstaff. The Lost Samurai School is a journey into the past that will preserve such skills for future generations and will appeal to anyone interested in martial arts or Japanese history.


Lethal Beauty

Lethal Beauty

Author: Andreas Marks

Publisher: International Arts & Artists

Published: 2014-05-06

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780988349704

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Deadly weaponry and artistic ingenuity are celebrated in Lethal Beauty, a collection that explores the evolution of the warrior aesthetic unique to samurai history and artistry. In Lethal Beauty, Dr. Andreas Marks showcases a comprehensive range of 63 exceptional works by 30 master craftsmen. The exhibition which this book draws from features full suits of armor, helmets, warrior hats, face masks, long and short swords, daggers, matchlock rifles, and more. The range of blades spans from the 13th to the 20th centuries and highlights technical refinement and exquisite craftsmanship. The samurai are universally renowned warriors. Tales of their heroics have enchanted listeners since the 12th century, and perhaps more than any other warrior class in history, they continue to fascinate people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ages. Lethal Beauty provides a fascinating look at the striking duality of weaponry and artistic innovation that are an integral part of the samurai.


Katana

Katana

Author: Stephen Turnbull

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2011-01-01

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 1849086583

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The Samurai sword of Japan is probably the finest edged weapon ever made. This volume by leading Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull reveals the story of how and why it achieved this distinction. Particular attention is paid to the development of the familiar curved blade from the original straight blades, the associated development of Japan's famous steel-making techniques and the challenges from contemporary warfare. Together with the technical details of forging, polishing, mounting and testing; this volume is brought to life with details of the great swordmakers themselves. Moreover, no history of the sword would be complete without a detailed examination of its use in combat, from the greatest Samurai armies to individual duels and revenge killings. Personal accounts allow the reader to discover the art of Japanese swordsmanship in the hands of masters such as Miyamoto Musashi to the unnamed Japanese warrior defending his family's honour. This lively text is perfectly complemented by artwork reconstructions of the sword in use and colour photographs of the swords in use.


African Samurai

African Samurai

Author: Thomas Lockley

Publisher: Harlequin

Published: 2019-04-30

Total Pages: 518

ISBN-13: 1488098751

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This biography of the first foreign-born samurai and his journey from Africa to Japan is “a readable, compassionate account of an extraordinary life” (The Washington Post). When Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, he had already traveled much of the known world. Kidnapped as a child, he had ended up a servant and bodyguard to the head of the Jesuits in Asia, with whom he traversed India and China learning multiple languages as he went. His arrival in Kyoto, however, literally caused a riot. Most Japanese people had never seen an African man before, and many of them saw him as the embodiment of the black-skinned Buddha. Among those who were drawn to his presence was Lord Nobunaga, head of the most powerful clan in Japan, who made Yasuke a samurai in his court. Soon, he was learning the traditions of Japan’s martial arts and ascending the upper echelons of Japanese society. In the four hundred years since, Yasuke has been known in Japan largely as a legendary, perhaps mythical figure. Now African Samurai presents the never-before-told biography of this unique figure of the sixteenth century, one whose travels between countries and cultures offers a new perspective on race in world history and a vivid portrait of life in medieval Japan. “Fast-paced, action-packed writing. . . . A new and important biography and an incredibly moving study of medieval Japan and solid perspective on its unification. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Eminently readable. . . . a worthwhile and entertaining work.” —Publishers Weekly “A unique story of a unique man, and yet someone with whom we can all identify.” —Jack Weatherford, New York Times–bestselling author of Genghis Khan


Japanese Throwing Weapons

Japanese Throwing Weapons

Author: Daniel Fletcher

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2012-08-21

Total Pages: 227

ISBN-13: 146290985X

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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.


Classical Weaponry of Japan

Classical Weaponry of Japan

Author: Serge Mol

Publisher: Kodansha International

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 9784770029416

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Classic Weaponry Of Japan is a Kodansha International publication.