------------softcover, about 8.25 x 10.75 inches, a near Fine copy, 256 pages, profusely illustrated with b&w photos about all aspects of sword techniques, ---"Describing the principles and techniques that define Japan’s most popular style of swordsmanship, this martial arts manual gives practitioners master-level instruction. This book is a collection of the most effective and proven fighting methods spanning from the feudal to the modern eras. It illuminates the art with masterful photography and is accompanied by in-depth descriptions of the methods perfected by Japan’s ancient warrior class. Providing instruction on the etiquette, fundamental footwork, striking, countering, defensive tactics, test cutting, maintenance, and safety needed for proficiency in authentic swordsmanship, this expert guide transports martial arts practitioners beyond mere physical technique and opens the door to self-mastery through the use of the samurai sword"---,---contents include: PREFACE ---1: PHILOSOPHY OF JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP ---2: THE PATH TO JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP ---3: THE FIRST STEPS TO TRAINING ---4: PRINCIPLES OF JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP ---5: FUNDAMENTAL TECHNIQlJES OF JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP ---6: OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE APPLICATION OF FUNDAMENTALS ---7: EISHIN-RYU BATTO-HO WAZA ---8: KUMITACHI - PAIRED FENCING ---9: SUEMONOGIRI - HISTORY AND PURPOSE OF TEST CUTTING ---APPENDIX A: SWORD NOMENCLATURE AND CARE -B: THE EVOLUTION OF BATTOJUTSU -C: BATTOJUTSU TERMINOLOGY, any image directly beside this listing is the actual book and not a generic photo