****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Kendo itself is based on the Ittoryu.Somewhat controversial because of his uncompromising nature, Ito Ittosai was one of the "Big Four" of the great swordsman of Japan's fuedal period.The 12 Rule of the Sword illustrates quite clearly that he had a very sharp attitude.In this volume translated by Eric Shahan we get not only the original text and translation, but also the related texts and translations of Ittosai's students and masters of various branches of the Ittoryu.Spaced throughout it also contains fascinating and often instructive artwork.Honestly it's a bit shocking that this is not the highest selling book of it's kind.A Must Own for the serious kenjutsuka.