Japanese Swordfighting: Secrets of Solo Training Book by Senan

A translation and reprint of an extremely rare 225 year old Japanese sword fighting book called Kenjutsu Hiden Hitori Shugyo 剣術秘伝独修行 which was published in 1799 in Kyoto. The author is a man known only as Senen 蒨園 The book was originally published in two volumes. The first volume is titled General Remarks and and the second volume is titled Secret Teachings.

In the General Remarks section, the author explains a wide range of topics including sword stances, secret teachings, how rank is given in sword schools and how to engage in close quarters combat. The Secret Teachings section includes chapters on How to Approach Dueling, How to Control Your Energy, Where to Place Your Spirit and When Evenly Matched, Attack First.

A fascinating book that is intended to show how a person can become a sword fighter despite not having access to a Sensei. The extremely rare original document is reprinted in its entirety at the end of the book.

149 pages

2023