Dive into Japanese history—and discover who the samurai really were—in this fascinating study that reveals the flawed human warriors behind the idealistic myths.This is the go-to volume on bushido (“the way of the warrior”), drawing on a wide range of historical sources to paint a vivid picture of the samurai in action and separating the truth from the myth of samurai chivalry. It offers a long-overdue update to the attractive but inaccurate portrait of the samurai...

The myths of the noble Samurai and the sinister Ninja are filled with romantic fantasy and fallacy.Samurai and Ninja expert Antony Cummins shatters the myths and exposes the true nature of these very real—and very lethal—medieval Japanese warriors. The Samurai and Ninja were, in fact, brutal killing machines trained in torture and soaked in machismo. Many were skilled horsemen and sword-fighting specialists, while others were masters of deception and sabotage. Some...

This unique book combines Japanese warrior techniques with ancient Zen practices for mental clarity and physical agility, giving readers a Samurai edge that will carry them through life.Embark on a warrior’s quest to achieve the Zen-like state of a samuraiSharpen your mind, hone your senses, gain physical agility and reach peace through 100 key lessons in this unique book, as leading expert on Japanese military arts Antony Cummins brings ancient wisdom into the modern world...

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 grandmasterAvailable 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—reveali...

THE LOST ART OF THE SAMURAI: Translations of 2 secret scrolls unveil 290+ lessons that define samurai life on and off the battlefield.Perfect for fans of martial arts, Japanese history, and The Book of Five Rings!Antony Cummins and Yoshie Minami have brought the teachings of the famed samurai school Natori-Ryu back to life through The Book of Samurai series. This first installment is a translation of two secret scrolls and establishes the Fundament...

THE FIRST-EVER STUDY OF SAMURAI ARMS, ARMOUR AND TACTICSIN THE WORDS OF AN AUTHENTIC SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY SAMURAI MASTER STRATEGISTPart of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ryu samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armor of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.Two secret scrolls by the samurai ...

In 1614 the shogunate prohibited Christianity amidst rumors of foreign plots to conquer Japan. But more than the fear of armed invasions, it was the ideological threat--or "spiritual conquest"--that the Edo shogunate feared the most. This book explores the encounter of Christianity and premodern Japan in the wider context of global and intellectual history. M. Antoni J. Ucerler examines how the Jesuit missionaries sought new ways to communicate their faith in an unfamiliar linguistic, cult...

Japan has often been thought of as a closed country, but before the country was closed in 1635 many travellers from the West were able to experience its unique traditions and culture.Their accounts speak of legends of powerful dragons and devils, tales of the revered emperor and the protocol surrounding him, following complex etiquette in everything from tea ceremonies to footwear, and bloodthirsty warlords who exacted cruel and unusual punishments for the smallest...

Sea Rovers, Silver, and Samurai traces the roots of modern global East Asia by focusing on the fascinating history of its seaways. The East Asian maritime realm, from the Straits of Malacca to the Sea of Japan, has been a core region of international trade for millennia, but during the long seventeenth century (1550 to 1700), the velocity and scale of commerce increased dramatically. Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese smugglers and pirates forged autonomous networks and maritime po...

Take inspiration from the samurai of old Japan and discover how their practices for self-discipline, focus, leadership, and mind control can help you find success in daily life!For centuries, the Japanese samurai were the unquestioned leaders of their society, maintaining their position through their iron will, Zen-like emotional control, and clan-building social skills. Today, in a modern world that so often privileges instant gratification and self-indulgence, fe...

Enter the world of seventeenth-century Japanese warfare and the warrior elite, the Samurai. Samurai War Stories: Teachings and Tales of Samurai Warfare is a collection of three major texts, published in an English translation for the first time. These works include writings on three distinct military strata: the Samurai; the Ashigaru or foot soldier; and women in war. Including guidelines, tactics, commentaries and advice written by Samurai of the period, as well ...

A James Beard Award Winner for Baking & Desserts101 recipes for baking with whole and sprouted grains, making the most of the seasonal harvest, and healing the body through naturally fermented foodSarah Owens spent years baking conventional baked goods, only to slowly realize she had developed a crippling inability to digest or tolerate their ingredients. Unable to enjoy many of her most favorite foods, she knew she must find a hea...