The Twelve Rules of the Sword

Kendo itself is based on the Ittoryu. Somewhat controversial because of his uncompromising nature, Ito Ittosai was one of the "Big Four" of the great swordsman of Japan's fuedal period. The 12 Rule of the Sword illustrates quite clearly that he had a very sharp attitude. In this volume translated by Eric Shahan we get not only the original text and translation, but also the related texts and translations of Ittosai's students and masters of various branches of the Ittoryu. Spaced throughout it also contains fascinating and often instructive artwork. Honestly it's a bit shocking that this is not the highest selling book of it's kind. A Must Own for the serious kenjutsuka.

I read this book five out of five because I thought it was awesome it has cool sword techniques and Concepts. If you like Samurai stuff and swordsmanship this is a good read

Don't expect much specifics on technique and you won't be disappointed. This book is several interpretations of a work from the 19th century, "The 12 Rules of the Sword", along with some spells or meditations, and a work claiming to be a transcription of a 17th century text. Note that all of this postdates Musashi's "Book of Five Rings". The 12 rules are more memory aids than instruction. They discuss concepts without much detail, but "Horizontal, Vertical, Above, & Below" and "Interval Between You and Your Opponent" do give some practical principles of physical action. "The Color of Things" is about being in the moment. and reminding the student that combat is not the moment for reflection or to seek meaning with a drawn sword in your hand. Overall, it was interesting, but not one that merits the multiple readings the way the "Book of Five Rings" does. E.M. Van Court

I bought this for someone else. It's a short read though and I managed to sneak a read for myself before gifting it off. It's a really fascinating book as a historical piece because it shows images of the original documents and discusses the context and translation. I thought it looked like a cool gift idea but I'm also into Japanese martial arts history and so this book really grabbed my attention as I read it. I've never heard of the book before seeing it on Amazon. I rate books with price in mind as well but the lack of content here is understandable as it is focused on a historical document, so $12 seems okay for what you're getting. It's entertaining if you're curious about historical documents of Japan, but I think most people would be disinterested in the content. I'll probably buy a copy for myself later on. The advice given in the book is more technical than philosophical, so it's not like other popular samurai books, but some of the advice can be applied to situational thinking. I really liked the book personally, as I was in Bujinkan at one time and did some kenjutsu. It's a great gift for anyone into Japanese swordsmanship or history.

I liked it. I like marshal arts.

It took a little work to understand the philosophy expressed, being an occidental sword master in the film industry, but my respect for Japanese swords and the Samurai who believed they were part of their soul, made the exploration very worthwhile.

Eric shahan is making so much amazing material available to the english speaking world. This book will join my collection of treasures he has produced in recent years. The principles contained in this book are so deep I feel it will take me years to begin to grasp them.

I am not a sword warrior or a warrior at all. Been hurt before more then twice. Yet, but no matter what. It must have been ruff life, in the olden years.