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The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu | 
 enlarge | Author: John Stevens
Publisher: Shambhala
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $11.88
You Save: $8.07 (40%)
New (8) Used (9) from $9.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 453959
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 176
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5
ISBN: 1570620504
Dewey Decimal Number: 920
EAN: 9781570620508
ASIN: 1570620504
Publication Date: August 28, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW
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| Editorial Reviews:
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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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu February 7, 2007
great book... its up there with hagakure, book of five rings ... i like it so much because it gave me a good example of what you can acomplish with budo his story was very clear and understandable at same time admirable and unbealiveable.
great book August 28, 2005
Other than the constant referances to buddism, this was a great book. I could not put it down for the first few chapters. This greatly inspired my kumdo(kendo) training & teaching. Every traditional martial artist should read this.
Enjoyable account February 20, 2004
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
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. A devout Buddhist at a time when most Japanese had long since adopted Shinto, Tesshu was also an accomplished calligrapher and poet. Overall, a very readable account of a great man who remained loyal to the old ways and traditions even as they were crumbling around him.
Well worth reading March 2, 2002
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought this book used at the recomendation of my sensei. Mine is a tattered copy and I treasure it. I was suspect about buying it initially because I'm not a great fan of John Stevens' work in general he's good but tends to be a bit diefying. But that was not the case with this book I've re-read it so many times that it is truely in tatters...so I am happy to see it has been re printed. I will buy I hope you do to.
Inspires Martial Artists to Train September 16, 2001
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
This is not a detailed biogtaphy, nevertheless, the author gives you a good overview of Yamaoka Tesshu's life. Yamaoka lived during a time when Japan was moving toward industrialization, and we get a glimpse of key historical moments during the transition.
There are numerous accounts that give insight to Yamaoka's mindset and character. Thus, no matter what art the individual reader may practice, Yamaoka's approach to training will reinforce the ideals of the serious-minded.Unlike other books where certain martial arts figures are ridiculously protrayed like gods, Steven's book has humorous stories and Tesshu comes across like a normal human being who achieved everything throigh his diligent search and practice.
The book's strong point...it inspires hard training.
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