Secrets of the Samurai: A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan by Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook (1999, Hardcover)

Secrets of the Samurai is an in-depth study of the fighting techniques of the feudal Japanese warrior, focusing on actual weapon and combat methods rather than broader tactical or historical considerations. The focus on individual combat permits the authors to explore many facets not only of swordsmanship and unarmed combat, but also more esoteric weaponry such as the chain, the iron war-fan, and many others. Practically every fighting technique of antique Japan is covered in detail, and with an apparently high degree of scholarship.

The book is also written in a very lively manner, enriched with historical anecdotes about encounters which both entertain and inform. The book is mainly concerned with the situation under the Tokugawa shogunate, but this is also a good thing, since we gain a startling picture of this strange sword-wielding police state which is often lacking in other books.

This work also touches on the internal and spiritual aspect of Bushido -- with some fascinating insights into the ethical system's persistence into the modern age, including the delay of Japanese surrender in World War II .... not because of a spirit of defiance so much, as from the misapplication of a technique called "haragei," which supposedly allowed non-verbal communication to take the place of explicit statements. Thus, the Emperor and his council tried to non-verbally communicate their wish to surrender to those who would carry out the order -- an attempt that failed miserably, resulting in many more months of war.

The book does have a few minor flaws -- mostly blanket statements on peripheral matters, such as the old mantra that European swordsmanship was crude hacking and only in the East were sophisticated techniques of fighting developed. Such flaws are transitory and unimportant to the main narrative, however, so it is easy to gloss over them and concentrate on the meat of the book.

All in all, an excellent study, recommended to anyone interested in feudal Japan or Oriental fighting techniques.

absolutely an enticing book! very informative about the samurai warriors and japanese weaponry. A must have book if your'e into Japanese ancient warfare!!!

I have had many copies of this book over the years and have passed them all on to my students. I strongly recomend this book.
Thank you
Hanshi Corn