Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition
By Otake Risuke.
Bilingual: Japanese and English
Koryu Books, 2007.
336 p. 7" x 10"
ISBN-13: 978-1-890536-21-3.
Currently out of stock!
View Table of Contents (pdf file)
"The widest and certainly the most authoritative glimpse into the inner workings, the mechanics, and animating spirit of the classical martial arts of Japan."
Dave Lowry, author of In the Dojo
"Koryu Books has done the martial arts world yet another great service by rejuvenating this quintessential publication about the granddaddy of all Japanese martial arts--the Katori Shinto-ryu--and making the teachings accessible to us all. A classic book about a classical tradition; written by the master and reproduced masterfully."
Alex Bennett, editor Kendo World
"This is a loving, respectful, and updated version of what has become a classic treasure for any student of the history of the classical martial arts and ways of Japan."
Wayne Muromoto, editor of Furyu: The Journal of Classical Japanese Martial Arts and Culture
If you've been around koryu folk for any time at all, you will have heard of what many refer to as the "Holy Grail" of books on Japanese swordsmanship, Otake Risuke's The Deity and the Sword. This 3-volume set detailing the curriculum of the Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto-ryu was originally published 30 years ago, and has been out of print for some time now. Copies routinely appear on e-bay with price tags in excess of $500.00. This, despite a design based on Japanese standards, an uneven translation, and at times difficult to decipher presentation.
For those of you who have despaired of ever being able to acquire a copy, we have the ultimate, and far less expensive, solution: Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition. It is based on the earlier three-volume work and has been re-edited, re-translated, and re-designed, with over 850 new photographs and new material on important aspects of the tradition. For those who want to read Otake Sensei's original words, the entire Japanese text is also included.
Not many of Japan's ancient warrior traditions have survived the five-and-a-half centuries since their heyday. Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition documents one of the few that has maintained its comprehensive technical curriculum as well as studies in military strategy and prognostication. Written by the tradition's only master teacher, and authorized by its soke, this book a detailed illustrated introduction to the sword techniques, strategy, and esoteric studies of the Katori Shinto-ryu. You can't afford to miss this book!
US$75.00 Hardcover: English jacket only! No longer available! |
US$80.00 Hardcover: Both dust jackets. No longer available! |
US$39.95 Paperback (no dust jacket). Currently unavailable |
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