JMAC Traditions
Monday, June 9, 2008
Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship
| Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship Available at the JMAC Online Store Visit Us for some serious training at the Japanese Martial Arts Center Introduction In my first book, The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship, I provided instructions on the formal solo techniques of Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido. These techniques were taught to me in Tokyo by the late Yamaguchi Katsuo, a 10th degree iaido Meijin (“meijin” means an acknowledged master) and extraordinary kendo expert. The purpose of AJS was to preserve and teach the formal checkpoints, so it focused on technical matters more than either the strategic or internal aspects of swordsmanship. This is not to say that a diligent student could not learn strategy or improve his character by studying and practicing the formal techniques long enough. Indeed, as Miyamoto Musashi rightly stated, “the Way is in training.” However, as a reference book, the specific purpose of AJS was to provide the foundation for kata (forms) training, rather than the theories of strategic swordsmanship. In my second book, Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship, I offered skill-building exercises for those who want to become experts with the sword. Some of these drills I encountered during my initial years of training in Japan. Others I created by dissecting formal iaido techniques in order to teach important concepts or skills. The purpose of PDJS was to help students develop the fitness and essential skills needed to become fluent in swordplay. Students who practice the drills well and often will come to understand some strategic aspects of sword handling, but PDJS is not a strategy manual. Rather, it acts as a guide for those who want to improve their swordsmanship skills, whether those skills lie in the area of formal techniques or in practical application. My third book, Budo Mind and Body (originally published as Arts of Strength, Arts of Serenity) - which is not just for swordspersons but for martial artists of all stripes - addressed many internal aspects of training. I tried in BMB to systematically explain useful practice methods, mindsets, and objectives for those martial artists who view their training as a way of life. I set out to help them become physically skilled, mentally acute, and, most importantly, aware of the spiritual aspects of their training. BMB is not a training manual, but a mentor in book form; designed to encourage, guide, and assist. Much to my delight, it has turned out to be a very popular book, but any instruction on strategy in the external sense of the word was implied in BMB, rather than explicit. Once again, it was left to the student to internalize the book’s lessons and to extrapolate fighting strategy from them. This book, Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship, takes the next step and directly discusses a tactical approach to training. It provides a framework for learning strategic swordsmanship, and demonstrates techniques that help put the strategies into practice. The theme of this book is that, rather than passively absorbing the techniques of the sword, an ambitious student should establish in his or her mind the ultimate purpose of the art and work to master each technique in order to fulfill that purpose. In order to advance to the rarified level of master swordsperson, one must determine exactly what he wishes to accomplish in his encounters with opponents. Everything he does while training should move him closer to that goal. To again invoke the sword saint Musashi, in training one must “do nothing that has no purpose.” Even this book, however, is not an attempt at elucidating a grand theory of strategy that a swordsperson could use to triumph in all encounters with the sword. I have studied and practiced martial arts for forty years, and have yet to discover such a theory. Instead, I have come to the conclusion that the ability to prevail in armed conflict is gained through careful consideration of technical issues, consistent practice, and ceaseless reflection. Mastery of strategic swordsmanship, like all great endeavors, is difficult. Therefore, offered in this book are the some of tools to help you become a great swordsperson: simple, practical skill-building drills and thought exercises to assist you on the path toward expert status. If you study these pages carefully and practice incessantly, constantly reflecting on how you can improve your ability and insight, you will find yourself a much more capable swordsperson. You should find that you have developed a heightened knowledge of your strengths and limitations, a keen awareness of detail, and an ability to sense the moods and intentions of those you face in the dojo. You may also find, as I have, that the practice of swordsmanship is one of the most rewarding activities you will ever encounter. Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship Available at the JMAC Online Store Visit Us for some serious training at the Japanese Martial Arts Center |  |
