Bokken: Art of the Japanese SwordBy Dave LowryAchieve the animating spirit of the traditional Japanese swordsman.Through the refinement of his art, the modern swordsman links himself to the fallen samurai warriors of the past. In Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword, Black Belt columnist Dave Lowry focuses on the techniques and history of the bokken-the wooden training sword used by Japanese warriors for centuries. Not to be underestimated, it was with the wooden bokken that legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi slew the katana-wielding Sasaki Kojiro in their infamous duel.Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword couples Dave Lowry's concise, eloquent writing style with more than 100 detailed photographs to provide you with the traditional and modern perspectives of this vital, historically rich practice tool. The author covers stances, body movement, striking, combination maneuvers and techniques for practicing with a partner.Training with the bokken is an excellent way for you to build physical stamina while adding a new historical perspective to your art.(192 pages)