The Eternal Secret Book by Tetsuzan Kuroda

The Final Words of the Martial Arts World's Greatest Treasure

The words left by the master continue to live at divine speed.

The third book compilation from his final serialization "Ask Tetsuzan" in "Monthly Hiden" magazine!

The secret teachings left by Master Tetsuzan Kuroda, who embodied "vanishing movement" as the "last true master." A collection of essential questions and answers for entering the realm of mastery that should be passed down eternally—topics rarely discussed in regular articles!

Other schools, specific technique principles, secret teachings, daily life, past, future... The definitive collection of "final words" covering even rarely addressed themes without omission!

The secret was found in unexpected places!!

CONTENTS

Chapter 1: When Weapons Change

1. What are the common principles and body movements shared between sword and staff techniques?
2. Why does Komagawa Kaishin-ryu, a samurai school, include unarmed combat techniques?
3. What is the meaning behind the "Jitejigoku" kata where the opponent doesn't move?
4. How do you handle long, large weapons like naginata and spear?
5. Is it actually possible to perform the technique of carrying a staff on your shoulder and evading strikes to the left and right?
6. Why was the sword emphasized over the more battle-practical spear?
7. Can you actually wrap an opponent's sword with a jutte?
8. I heard you don't teach staff techniques because they're difficult?
9. Do you teach spear techniques?

Chapter 2: Regarding Other Schools

1. What do you think about competitions and sparring?
2. Can one acquire martial body skills through karate kata?
3. Do you practice with reverse grip?
4. Can I aim for the way of the sword you speak of through my current kendo practice?
5. What are your thoughts on the Russian martial art Systema?
6. What is the effectiveness and importance of joint techniques in combat sports, jiujutsu, and judo?
7. Can I reach the "detachment" you speak of through sword forms from different schools?
8. Do you ever use two swords like Musashi?

Chapter 3: The Essence of Improvement and Growth

1. Why does mastering slow, steady movement enable explosive movement?
2. Aren't practical training methods like shinai practice and randori necessary to verify one's strength?
3. Do you still have struggles or concerns in your own practice?
4. Watching your iaido in your prime, I can't help but wonder about that incredible speed.
5. I don't quite understand what you mean by "poor practice."
6. You mentioned that aging and improvement run parallel—how is your physical health?
7. What kind of practice did you do during the COVID pandemic?
8. What about playful practice during COVID?

Chapter 4: Simple Secret Teachings

1. What is strength?
2. Why don't more karate practitioners believe that everything is contained within kata?
3. I'm training at a karate dojo that doesn't emphasize kata—can I still reach the true meaning of kata?
4. Why is iaido practiced sitting down?
5. Can I understand "muashi no ho" (formless method) as advanced footwork?
6. Can a person really be unbalanced just by having their sleeve pulled?
7. In jujutsu, aren't techniques like knife-taking when already grabbed by the lapels unrealistic?

Chapter 5: Secret Teachings in Daily Life

1. Why did you say "Manners are very dangerous"?
2. What manga did you read growing up?
3. Has martial arts ever been useful in your daily life?
4. What do you do when you're not practicing?
5. Please tell us what TV programs you enjoy watching.
6. Please recommend some DVDs.
7. Are there any essential traditional strength training methods? Also, any mishaps while drinking?
8. Is there anything you consciously practice in daily life?

Chapter 6: Past Matters, Future Matters

1. Looking back on your training days, what was the hardest thing?
2. Will you pass down your school to your children? What are your thoughts on succession?
3. I get angry looking at young people today. How do you feel about them?
4. Could people really do movie-like things such as Master Taiji cutting off a dog's head with one stroke, or Master Masaguni cutting through something without extinguishing a candle flame?
5. Among the famous schools, which do you think was the strongest?
6. How do you now feel about Master Taiji's words, "As you get older, use your body in ways appropriate to your age"?
7. Now that your disciples are finally maturing, please share your current thoughts.

About the Author: Tetsuzan Kuroda (1950-2024)

Born in Saitama Prefecture, Kuroda studied his family’s martial arts under his grandfather, Taiji Tesshin-sai, and his father, Shigeki. He was the head of five martial traditions: Miyami-ryu Iai, Komagawa Kaishin-ryu Kenjutsu, Shishin Takuma-ryu Jujutsu, Tsubaki Kotengu-ryu Bojutsu, and Seitama Koguri-ryu Satsujutsu/Kappojutsu. At Shimbukan Kuroda Dojo, he and his disciples pursued the true movements of martial arts until his passing in March 2024.

Language: Japanese

# of pages: 240

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Note: This is a presale book and is expected to ship in early May 2025.