The cannibal kings of Fiji are gone, but their spirit lives on. Cannibalism in Fiji and the gruesome «earth ovens» are gone; the kai vavalagi, «the men from over the horizon,» changed that, bringing their own brands of justice tempered by the musket, disease, and dissoluteness.There were giants in those days, Fijians and Westerners alike. This gripping and unique history of Fiji by Stanley Brown, a well-known Fiji «old-timer» and historian, is w ...
Behind the glossy facade of modern Japan there survive remnants—some of them surprisingly well preserved—of the country's feudal past, of warlords and fighting samurai, of shoguns and sequestered emperors, of princes and peasants. This book vividly presents the castles of Japan, more than 80 of them altogether, ranging geographically from Matsumae on the northern island of Hakkaido to Kagoshima in southern KyushuThe author ...
Martial arts legend Grandmaster Kazumi Tabata presents a brilliant analysis for modern readers of the most famous work of martial strategy, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Warrior Wisdom also includes an analysis of the lesser-known The Tactics of Shokatsu Komei, as well as additional warrior tactics that have enabled the author to become a Grandmaster in Shotokan Karate and one of the most influential martial artists in North America.Since h ...
The samurai sword: a symbol of the spirit of old Japan, it embodies the samurai's steel discipline, unswerving devotion and peerless skill. With its creation, a feat of craftsmanship passed down by generations of artisans, the samurai sword is generally considered to be superior even to the famed blades of Western Damascus and Toledo. <br><br><i>The Samurai Sword Handbook</i> is a precise exploration of the samurai s ...
Master the wooden weapons used in Aikido with this comprehensive martial arts training manual. Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced aikido technical tactics as well as co ...
A classic tale that will captivate lovers of Japan, history, and epic adventure alike. Japan's most celebrated tale of chivalry, loyalty and revenge—and the basis for a Hollywood feature film starring Keanu Reaves— 47 Ronin is the epic tale of a heroic band of Samurai warriors who defy the Japanese Emperor to avenge the honor of their fallen master. The story begins in 1701 when the noble Lord Asano attacks an officia ...
Learn how to apply bushido philosophy and long-standing samurai strategies to your modern-day practice — and lifestyle — in this guide from a former soldier and martial arts expert. A warrior is anyone who applies their energy and creativity in support of a cause or ideal through creation or conflict. Real warriors have an ethos, a guiding belief that provides him or her with a clear purpose for their actions and an under ...
Master the Japanese martial art of ninjutsu with this illustrated, informative guide. In The Ninja Defense , the classic art of the ninja is updated for maximum effectiveness in modern day situations. Stephen K. Hayes is a Black Belt Hall of Fame member, founder of To-Shin Do, and acknowledged «Father of American Ninjutsu.» He has distilled and refined the knowledge he has built studying and teaching ninjutsu for decades into a comprehensive ...
In The Art of the Japanese Sword , master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara offers a detailed look at the entire process of Japanese sword making, including the finishing and appreciation of Japanese blades. Japanese sword art stands out in many ways: functionality as a weapon, sophisticated metallurgy and metalsmithing, the shape of the blade itself—all contribute to the beauty of these remarkable weapons. The Art of the Japanese Sword ...
