The Complete Martial Arts of Japan Volume Three: Kenbu (Volume 3)

Originally published in 1898. A translation of a Japanese Martial Arts Manual. Descriptions of Kata for Shikomi Tsue (sword hidden in a cane), Iai (sword drawing and basic cuts) and Kenbu (Japanese sword dance). Kenbu are poems written in Classical Chinese "Kanbun" style and are about historical battles, winning, losing and overall portraits of martial spirit. Intense and often quite bloody the Kenbu presented in this volume and the corresponding step by step analysis by the author allow even the uninitiated to a glimpse into this fascinating subject. Includes the original illustrations on every page along with a full translation. Key Japanese terms are retained with an explanation given. Final part of a three volume series. First time in translation.