Japanese Art

Step into the transformative world of Zen with a guide that delivers twice the wisdom in one compelling volume. Zen Essentials: Exploring Rinzai and Soto Traditions combines two powerful books—Rinzai Zen for Beginners and Soto Zen for Beginners—to offer an unparalleled journey into mindfulness, simplicity, and the art of living well. Discover how the bold energy of Rinzai Zen and the serene flow of Soto Zen can transform your life: Sharpen Your Mind with Rinzai Zen: Experience the thrill of koans—enigmatic questions designed to ignite insight and clarity. Rinzai Zen challenges you to ...

Two years into Kirito and Eugeo's quest to reach the Central Cathedral, the pair have finally become elite disciples at the North Centoria Imperial Swordcraft Academy. Now all that's left to do is train for the next tournament, build their relationships with their trainee pages, and do so without violating the Taboo Index. But just because this peaceful world is governed by law and order doesn't mean evil can't fester below the surface...and when it comes time to choose between the rules and what's right, Kirito and Eugeo discover the darker secrets of the Underworld.

In contrast to the overabundance of writings about martial arts that are often promotional and misinformative, there are rare works by scholars that are praiseworthy for their sincere, unbiased approach to writing. This is the very definition of “scholarly.” This two-volume anthology brings together the best scholarly works published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts on the topic of teaching and learning Japanese martial arts. These ten chapters dive deep into Japanese martial traditions, combining aspects of history and culture that explain how teaching methods developed and evolved...

Según los japoneses, todos tenemos un motivo para existir, es decir, un ikigai. Algunas personas lo encuentran con más facilidad, y otras aún siguen en su búsqueda. Hay también quienes viven su ikigai pero sin saberlo, y por lo tanto, sin la oportunidad de desarrollarlo en todo su esplendor.

Introduction The katana is more than a weapon—it’s a legacy etched in steel, sharpened by centuries of discipline and spiritual resolve. For many, it is a breathtaking display piece, admired from behind glass and revered as a relic of a bygone age. But to truly understand the katana is to realize it was never meant to simply sit still. It was designed to move—to cut, to defend, to honor. In the hands of a samurai, it embodied character, code, and courage. This book is a journey through time, metallurgy, philosophy, and technique. We’ll explore how the katana came to be, how it was ...

An Ancient Blade. A Drop of Blood. A Vengeful Demon. In the heart of rural Japan, an American graduate student unearths more than just history. When her blood christens a cursed katana, she awakens a vengeful samurai bound to the blade, a descendant of the very snake god who forged it. Now, this ancient demon stalks her, leaving a trail of death and destruction as he hungers for the rest of her blood to fuel his existence in the living world. Can three unlikely martial arts masters protect her from a supernatural force unleashed? Prepare for a relentless thrill ride where ancient power ...

Beginning students in Japanese martial arts, such as karate, judo, aikido, iaido, kyudo, and kendo, learn that when they are in the dojo (the practice space), they must don their practice garb with ritual precision, address their teacher and senior students in a specific way, and follow certain unwritten but deeply held codes of behavior. But very soon they begin to wonder about the meaning behind the traditions, gear, and relationships in the dojo.

On a rain-lashed night Matajuro Yagyu loses the duel that should have proved his worth and is banished from his father’s estate. Desperate to reclaim his honor, he sets off to find Banzo, the reclusive sword saint rumored to cut steel with silence itself. What Matajuro discovers is not the clash of blades but years of hauling water, splitting logs, and fending off his master’s sudden wooden-sword ambushes. Each bruise strips away pride, each chore hones awareness, until the young samurai’s spirit becomes keener than any forged edge. When Matajuro finally draws his katana he learns the...

After a brief respite, Kirito and Eugeo set off again to climb Central Cathedral--but the powerful Integrity Knights are not about to let them reach the top. Meanwhile, Kirito has learned the dark history of the Underworld and the true stakes of the battle they're fighting, and every step toward Alice brings him closer to an impossible decision...

Who knew the path to enlightenment could start with a cup of tea? Learn the hidden significance behind the deceptively simple Zen tea ceremony - one which can lead directly to Buddhahood and its absolute truth. D.T. Suzuki, once Japan's leading authority on Zen Buddhism, describes the tearoom and the tea ceremony and explains the guiding principles of harmony, reverence, purity, and tranquility.

This anthology presents an assortment of seven articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts that deal with Japanese weaponry: archery, short staff, naganita polearm, and test cutting (tamashigiri) with the long sword. A few articles are highly academic and others are easier reading, based on interviews or actual practice. There is a common theme: the importance of these to Japanese martial traditions.

Look around you - what do you see? You may discover to your surprise that the people who are most at peace with money are the ones who walk nimbly between having too little and having too much. They have found a balance between indulgence and austerity; between success and happiness; between motivation and inspiration; and between any number of other poles we tend to think of as either/or choices, but which in reality are simply posts on either side of a doorway through which we must pass.

Discover the intricate world of miniature masterpieces with "The Hidden Art of Netsuke." Immerse yourself into an elegant realm where artistry converges with history, tradition, and storytelling, all captured within the palm of your hand. This riveting eBook guides you through the labyrinth of these small yet profound sculptures that speak volumes about the cultural tapestry of Japan. Embark on a journey back to the Edo period, a time when netsuke served not just as functional accessories, but as symbols of wealth, fashion, and artistic expression. Uncover the deep connections between the ...

Discover the tranquil world of Ikebana, the revered Japanese art that transforms simple floral arrangements into serene masterpieces. "Flowers in Balance" is a comprehensive guide that gently ushers you into the delicate essence of this ancient practice, promising to enrich your understanding and appreciation of its aesthetic and meditative qualities. Venture into the book's opening pages and uncover the deep roots of Ikebana within Japanese culture. Learn how each stroke of a branch and each placement of a petal isn’t just a step in crafting beauty, but a mindful journey towards inner ...

Unveil the secrets of Urushi, Japan's legendary liquid gold, with "The Lustrous Craft" – your comprehensive guide to one of the most timeless and bewitching art forms in history. Journey through the rich tapestry of Urushi lacquerware, from its ancient origins to the contemporary art scene, and discover a world where beauty is a tradition passed down through the ages. Step into the essence of Urushi in Chapter 1, where you'll familiarize yourself with the cultural symbolism etched within Japanese traditions. As you traverse from the historical timelines to the cultural significance, each ...

Heroes, Like Swords, Are Forged In Blood! From the steaming jungles of Southeast Asia, to the neon-lit streets of Miami, SUPER NINJA is a saga fifty years in the making, yet, its roots reach back billions of years. This first volume, THE SWORD OF HEAVEN, fuses the lives of two young boys with boundless imaginations, a heroic Vietnam vet lost in his pain, a beautiful thief searching for meaning with her skills, and the quest for a mystical sword forged from the stars that binds them all. A race against time unfolds in a bloody tapestry woven with a master ninja assassin; a genius billionaire...

This audiobook provides the ultimate secret to improving your skills and knowledge in BJJ. With all the information, you can transform yourself into a powerful martial artist specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, a riveting first-hand account of the Battle of Okinawa from the first officer ashore, who served at the front for the battle’s entire 82-day duration, heroism that earned him a Bronze Star. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, 1,500 Allied ships and 1.5 million men gathered off the coast of the Japanese island of Okinawa and launched the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War. The first American officer ashore was Major Art Shaw, a unit commander in the US Army’s 361 Artillery Battalion of the 96th Division, often called the Deadeyes.

Japanese by birth but transplanted to Europe in adulthood, Miki Sakamoto has spent a lifetime tending her garden and reflecting on its mysteries. Why do primulas bloom in snow? Do the trees really ‘talk’ to one another? What are the blackbirds saying today? And is there a mindful way to deal with an aphid infestation? From rising early to walk barefoot on the grass each morning, to afternoons and evenings spent sipping tea in her gazebo or watching fireflies as she recalls her childhood in Japan, Sakamoto shares observations from a life spent in contemplation – and cultivation – of nature.

In contrast to the overabundance of writings about martial arts that are often promotional and misinformative, there are rare works by scholars that are praiseworthy for their sincere, unbiased approach to writing. This is the very definition of “scholarly.” This two-volume anthology brings together the best scholarly works published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts on the topic of teaching and learning Japanese martial arts. In this second volume, you’ll find eight chapters that dive deep into Japanese martial traditions, combining aspects of history and culture that explain how ...