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Product Description
Product Description
Master swordsman, calligrapher, and Zen practitioner, Yamoaka Tesshu is a seminal figure in martial arts history. John Stevens's biography is a fascinating, detailed account of Tesshu's remarkable life. From Tesshu's superhuman feats of endurance and keen perception in life-threatening situations, to his skillful handling of military affairs during the politically volatile era of early nineteenth-century Japan, Stevens recounts the stories that have made Tesshu a legend. This is the book all martial artists must own.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a very well written and entertaining account of Tesshu, one of the last samurai, a retainer in the Emperor's service who lived during the period of Japan's transition from feudalism to a modern, industrialized state.
Tesshu was a man of great martial skills and equally great compassion who was always poor because he gave away most of his considerable stipend to support his poor and starving relatives, friends, and innumerable homeless (human as well as animals) that he took in and fed, often saving them from almost certain starvation.
As a result, he often went without food one or two days a week, preferring to give it to those in even greater need. He was a devout Buddhist at a time when most Japanese had long since adopted Shinto. Tesshu was also an accomplished calligrapher and poet.
Overall, it's a very readable account of a great man who remained loyal to the old ways and traditions even as they were crumbling around him.
Tesshu was a man of great martial skills and equally great compassion who was always poor because he gave away most of his considerable stipend to support his poor and starving relatives, friends, and innumerable homeless (human as well as animals) that he took in and fed, often saving them from almost certain starvation.
As a result, he often went without food one or two days a week, preferring to give it to those in even greater need. He was a devout Buddhist at a time when most Japanese had long since adopted Shinto. Tesshu was also an accomplished calligrapher and poet.
Overall, it's a very readable account of a great man who remained loyal to the old ways and traditions even as they were crumbling around him.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is a fascinating read, recalling a life that was both spiritually deep and light-hearted. Tesshu was clearly a true master of life, which translated into his swordmanship. I recommend this book for anyone, but especially sword practitioners seeking a greater spiritual understanding of themselves and the world, and how kendo or kenjutsu can guide you along that path. For those interested in the life of an enlightened Zen master, then this book is also bound to impart great insight. And for those interested in one of the key political figures in the turbulent times of early Meji-era Japan, then this is also an important read.
If you practice kendo or kenjutsu, this may well be the most important book on your art that you will ever read.
If you practice kendo or kenjutsu, this may well be the most important book on your art that you will ever read.
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
No matter what impression you form of Tesshu through reading this book, it is impossible to deny that he was a remarkable man. A master swordsman, artist, poet, teacher and philosopher. He had a profound influence on the lives of many and we can all learn a lesson or two from what he had to say. He was clearly fallible like all humans, but his skill, dedication and humanity make for a compelling text.
Once again John Stevens has produced an excellent book, combining extensive research and just the right mix of text and graphics to bring Tesshu to life. I don't think anyone is going to learn any specific techniques from the book but it will certainly influence your approach to martial training, if you are open to the lessons contained. I come from an aikido background rather than kendo and it had a lot to offer me.
I would recommend this book to anyone broadening their reading of the history and practice of the martial arts, or calligraphy, zen, modern Japanese history, or just incredibly interesting biographical accounts.
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