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A book signing with:
Carl E. Long, the author of:
Samurai Swordsmanship: The Batto, Kenjutsu and Tameshigiri of Eishin Ryu
Describing the principles and techniques that define Japan s most popular style of swordsmanship, this martial arts manual gives practitioners master-level instruction. This book is a collection of the most effective and proven fighting methods spanning from the feudal to the modern eras. It illuminates the art with masterful photography and is accompanied by in-depth descriptions of the methods perfected by Japan s ancient warrior class. Providing instruction on the etiquette, fundamental footwork, striking, countering, defensive tactics, test cutting, maintenance, and safety needed for proficiency in authentic swordsmanship, this expert guide transports martial arts practitioners beyond mere physical technique and opens the door to self-mastery through the use of the samurai sword.
Masayuki Shimabukuro & Carl E. Long
Co-Authors of the book
“Samurai Swordsmanship:The Batto, Kenjutsu and Tameshigiri of Eishin Ryu”
Biography
Carl E. Long, Hanshi-Ho
Sakura Budokan
Kingston, Pennsylvania, USA.
Carl Long is the chairman and director for the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai where he is responsible for the instruction and certification of instructors in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. In addition to his study of sword and aiki affiliated arts, he has achieved advanced master level grades in Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu iaijutsu (7th dan), Shorin-ryu karate (8th dan),Shito-ryu karate (6th dan), Shindo muso-ryu jojutsu (5th dan), and Okinawa kobudo (5th dan).
He has earned the title of Hanshi-Ho from the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai and the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. Long is a seven-time recipient of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai’s prestigious Yushu-Sho,the highest award granted by the DNBK for the performance of iaido during his travels in Asia, North America and Europe. In 2008, he was appointed as ‘Kenshoin’, official representative/inspector and coordinator for the Dai Nippon Budo Kai iaido division. Long has written articles for the column ‘Cutting Edge’ in Black Belt magazine since 2006. To learn more about Long, visit www.KNBK.org
Product Details
Paperback: 250 pages
Publisher: Black Belt Communications (May 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0897501993
ISBN-13: 978-0897501996
Additional Book Reviews
Samurai Swordsmanship: The Batto, Kenjutsu and Tameshigiri of Eishin Ryu
By Christopher Bergman on June 12, 2011
An old adage goes you can’t judge a book by its cover. However, you can always tell something about an author by its content. There can be no doubt that Samurai Swordsmanship by Masayuki Shimabukuro and Carl E. Long stands in a class of its own. For those fortunate enough to study with Long Kyoshi, his wisdom and superior technical competence shine through these pages in a clear reflection of teaching he, in turn, received from Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi, the 21st soshihan of the Masaoka line of Eishin-ryu.
Complimenting the Black Belt DVD series entitled, “Samurai Swordsmanship,” this volume extends the discussion of Eishin-ryu Battojutsu, which began with the seminal work Flashing Steel by Shimabukuro Hanshi and Leonard J. Pellman, into the realms of Batto, Kenjutsu, and Tameshigiri. But it does more than that. The strengths of this well-organized book, and what sets it apart from many similar works on the same topic, are its holistic and philosophical approach along with an absolute insistence on Kihon (fundamentals) for training in swordsmanship.
An indication of how seriously the authors take the concept of Kihon is evidenced by the fact that they concentrate upon fundamentals for nearly one-half of the book. Students of Battojutsu will find especially helpful the photographs of both correct and incorrect technique. As beginners, the latter are common to all of us and, as is usually the case, we learn best from our mistakes. The second half of the book starts with the offensive and defensive application of these fundamental principles focusing upon target areas, as well as their necessary defensive response in a variety of blocks. The practical use of both offensive and defensive technique is then further developed in a presentation of Batto-Ho and Kumitachi (paired fencing) drills. The description and illustration of the Batto-Ho Waza is a welcome new addition to the literature on the Eishin-ryu system, thus completing the curriculum established in Flashing Steel.
As the authors comment, “Tameshigiri or suemonogiri are a popular and enjoyable component of the practice of traditional Japanese sword arts” and certainly no study is complete without covering the topic of cutting. Aside from being exhilarating, the authors also point out the spiritual nature of this practice, focusing a sense of presence, awareness, and reverence. Correct cutting technique, relying upon an alignment of both mind and body, would not be possible without a thorough understanding of the fundamentals. And thus, like an Enso, the book comes full circle.
Long Kyoshi once commented to me, “It is not possible to learn Iaido from a book.” I certainly agree with his wisdom, but respectfully counter that this book comes close to doing just that. One closing word of advice to the reader, do not just look at the pictures, read the text, it is clear, concise, and a real treasure.
