Kenjutsu Books

Kenjutsu, the traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, embodies centuries of samurai tradition, discipline, and honor. Rooted in the ethos of bushido, the samurai code of conduct, Kenjutsu is not merely a means of combat but a path to personal development, spiritual growth, and mastery of the sword.

The history of Kenjutsu dates back to Japan's feudal era, when the samurai warriors honed their sword skills for battle. Samurai clans developed their own styles and techniques of swordsmanship, known as ryuha, which were passed down through generations via oral tradition and practical application.

The techniques of Kenjutsu encompassed a wide range of skills, including drawing the sword (iaijutsu), striking (tachiuchi), cutting (battojutsu), and defensive maneuvers (sabaki). Mastery of these techniques required years of rigorous training, discipline, and mental focus.

One of the most famous schools of Kenjutsu is the Niten Ichi-ryu, founded by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi in the early 17th century. Musashi's teachings emphasized the use of two swords simultaneously, known as Niten Ichi-ryu, and embodied the principles of strategy, adaptability, and psychological warfare.

During the peaceful Edo period (1603-1868), Kenjutsu evolved from a practical battlefield skill into a refined art form and means of personal development. Various schools of Kenjutsu flourished, each with its distinctive techniques, philosophies, and training methods.

With the advent of the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, Japan underwent a period of rapid modernization and social change. Kenjutsu underwent a transformation, moving away from its roots as a martial art and evolving into a form of cultural heritage and physical education.

In the modern era, Kenjutsu continues to be practiced and preserved by martial artists and enthusiasts worldwide. Its principles of discipline, focus, and respect remain as relevant today as they were in feudal Japan, making Kenjutsu a timeless and profound martial art.

Our store offers a curated selection of Kenjutsu books that delve into its history, techniques, and philosophy. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to Kenjutsu, these books provide invaluable insights into the rich and profound world of Japanese swordsmanship. Explore our collection and deepen your understanding and appreciation of Kenjutsu's timeless legacy and enduring relevance.

Yagyu Shinkage Ryu: History, Philosophy, Technique & Body Book.

Yagyu Shinkage Ryu: History, Philosophy, Technique & Body Book.

Regular price £47.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £47.00 GBP
Ono Ha Itto Ryu Principles, Techniques & Strategies of Old Japanese Swordsmanship Book by Errol Baboolal Blake & Charles Beck (Hardcover)

Ono Ha Itto Ryu Principles, Techniques & Strategies of Old Japanese Swordsmanship Book by Errol Baboolal Blake & Charles Beck (Hardcover)

Regular price £55.00 GBP
Regular price £70.00 GBP Sale price £55.00 GBP
My Final Secrets Book by Tetsuzan Kuroda

My Final Secrets Book by Tetsuzan Kuroda

Regular price £22.00 GBP
Regular price £31.00 GBP Sale price £22.00 GBP
The Go Rin no Sho of Miyamoto Musashi (The Budo Classics #3) Book by Kim Taylor

The Go Rin no Sho of Miyamoto Musashi (The Budo Classics #3) Book by Kim Taylor

Regular price £20.00 GBP
Regular price £24.00 GBP Sale price £20.00 GBP
Modern-day Samurai: Kotaka Sukesaburo Minamoto-no Sadayasu Sadao - An Appreciation and History of his Kenjutsu Style Book by Christopher Clarke

Modern-day Samurai: Kotaka Sukesaburo Minamoto-no Sadayasu Sadao - An Appreciation and History of his Kenjutsu Style Book by Christopher Clarke

Regular price £12.00 GBP
Regular price £16.00 GBP Sale price £12.00 GBP
Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings: The Manga Edition: Japan's Legendary Book on Samurai Military Strategy by Koji Kondo

Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings: The Manga Edition: Japan's Legendary Book on Samurai Military Strategy by Koji Kondo

Regular price £15.00 GBP
Regular price £16.00 GBP Sale price £15.00 GBP
The Real Musashi: The Manga Edition by Kozo Kaku & Touru Sugita

The Real Musashi: The Manga Edition by Kozo Kaku & Touru Sugita

Regular price £11.00 GBP
Regular price £16.00 GBP Sale price £11.00 GBP
Korean Sword Mastery: A comprehensive step-by-step guide to becoming a master swordsman! Book by Jerry Laurita

Korean Sword Mastery: A comprehensive step-by-step guide to becoming a master swordsman! Book by Jerry Laurita

Regular price £32.00 GBP
Regular price £40.00 GBP Sale price £32.00 GBP
Samurai: The Invincible Warriors Book by Captain Brinkley (Preowned)

Samurai: The Invincible Warriors Book by Captain Brinkley (Preowned)

Regular price £31.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £31.00 GBP
Tanto Jutsu: Mastering Dagger & Short Sword Combat in Bu-Jutsu Tradition Book by Dani Faynot

Tanto Jutsu: Mastering Dagger & Short Sword Combat in Bu-Jutsu Tradition Book by Dani Faynot

Regular price £31.00 GBP
Regular price £47.00 GBP Sale price £31.00 GBP
Tanto Jutsu: Exploring Japanese History & Tradition of Dagger & Short Sword Combat Book by Dani Faynot

Tanto Jutsu: Exploring Japanese History & Tradition of Dagger & Short Sword Combat Book by Dani Faynot

Regular price £31.00 GBP
Regular price £47.00 GBP Sale price £31.00 GBP
The Truth of the Ancient Ways: A Critical Biography of the Swordsman Yamaoka Tesshu Book by Anatolly Anshin

The Truth of the Ancient Ways: A Critical Biography of the Swordsman Yamaoka Tesshu Book by Anatolly Anshin

Regular price £8.00 GBP
Regular price £12.00 GBP Sale price £8.00 GBP
The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu Book by John Stevens

The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu Book by John Stevens

Regular price £22.00 GBP
Regular price £28.00 GBP Sale price £22.00 GBP
Ken Zen Sho - The Zen Calligraphy and Painting of Yamaoka Tesshu

Ken Zen Sho - The Zen Calligraphy and Painting of Yamaoka Tesshu

Regular price £39.00 GBP
Regular price £55.00 GBP Sale price £39.00 GBP
Kobujutsu Sacral Manipulation Book by Tatsuo Akabane

Kobujutsu Sacral Manipulation Book by Tatsuo Akabane

Regular price £19.00 GBP
Regular price £31.00 GBP Sale price £19.00 GBP
Exploring Historical Sites of Martial Arts Book (Preowned)

Exploring Historical Sites of Martial Arts Book (Preowned)

Regular price £118.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £118.00 GBP
Kamae: Basic Postures in Katori Shinto Ryu Book by Andrea Re

Kamae: Basic Postures in Katori Shinto Ryu Book by Andrea Re

Regular price £24.00 GBP
Regular price £32.00 GBP Sale price £24.00 GBP
Japanese Swordfighting: Secrets of Solo Training Book by Senan

Japanese Swordfighting: Secrets of Solo Training Book by Senan

Regular price £20.00 GBP
Regular price £24.00 GBP Sale price £20.00 GBP
Aisu Kage Ryu: The Shadow School of Sword Book by Aiso Ikosai

Aisu Kage Ryu: The Shadow School of Sword Book by Aiso Ikosai

Regular price £24.00 GBP
Regular price £32.00 GBP Sale price £24.00 GBP