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In this absorbing study, Stephen Turnbull, well known for his books on Japanese military history, turns to the most charismatic element of the samurai code
In this absorbing study, Stephen Turnbull, well known for his books on Japanese military history, turns to the most charismatic element of the samurai code - the ancient Japanese military man as a lone fighter, a single warrior whose survival in the wars of shogun periods depended less on his role in the armies of the day and more on his individual skill in close-quarter combat.
The lone samurai honed his fighting art as an integral component in a code of living that has become legend. Devoted to a life of singleminded military superiority, he evolved new combat skills which became etched into martial arts lore and begat the physical feats that are demonstrated by today's combat sports and the principles of some of the tactics utilised by elite military units of the modern age.
The author traces Japanese fighting legend from the myths of early history through the days of mounted bowmen to the first foot soldiers who developed their hand-to-hand fighting techniques. He describes the refinement of sword-fighting to a level of skill unknown in other continents and explains how the individual soldiering art was used in army formations, before explaining the legendary role of the lone samurai as a wandering 'freelance', as a teacher and even as a mercenary and criminal.
The book then shows how the code of honour, which so dominated samurai life, stimulated advanced combat skills and established a ranking system; how the mysterious and deadly art of the 'super samurai - the ninja - developed; and how, in a changing world, the tradition begun so many centuries ago became eroded with denunciations such as 'they conduct themselves in the town with their fearful appearance and thrust-out elbows'.
The transference of the fighting excellence achieved by the samurai warriors of yesteryear from a military purpose to one of sporting or physical value is the means by which an ancient tradition lives on.
| Binding | Hardcover |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Weidenfeld Military |
| Country of Origin | UK |
| Number of Pages | 159 |
| Pubilcation Date | 1990 |
| Condition | Used - Very Good |
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