0
    • Close Modal
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image Look inside

    The Sword of No-Sword

    Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu

    Author John Stevens
    Look inside
    Paperback
    $27.95 US
    Shambhala
    6"W x 9"H x 0.5"D   | 9 oz | 30 per carton
    On sale Oct 18, 1994 | 184 Pages | 9781570620508
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    The insightful martial arts biography of Yamoaka Tesshu, the larger-than-life samurai who founded his own school of swordsmanship and helped restore practical imperial rule to Japan
     
    Master swordsman, calligrapher, and Zen practitioner, Yamoaka Tesshu is a seminal figure in martial arts history. John Stevens’s biography is a fascinating, detailed account of Tesshu’s remarkable life. From Tesshu’s superhuman feats of endurance and keen perception in life-threatening situations, to his skillful handling of military affairs during the politically volatile era of early nineteenth-century Japan, Stevens recounts the stories that have made Tesshu a legend. This is the book all martial artists must own.
    "Though there have been several accounts of the life of Tesshu (he has been called 'the modern Miyamoto Musashi') there has been until now no account in English. John Stevens' is full and responsible. . . . This is a work filled with respect and devotion."— The Japan Times
    John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.
    John Stevens View titles by John Stevens

    About

    The insightful martial arts biography of Yamoaka Tesshu, the larger-than-life samurai who founded his own school of swordsmanship and helped restore practical imperial rule to Japan
     
    Master swordsman, calligrapher, and Zen practitioner, Yamoaka Tesshu is a seminal figure in martial arts history. John Stevens’s biography is a fascinating, detailed account of Tesshu’s remarkable life. From Tesshu’s superhuman feats of endurance and keen perception in life-threatening situations, to his skillful handling of military affairs during the politically volatile era of early nineteenth-century Japan, Stevens recounts the stories that have made Tesshu a legend. This is the book all martial artists must own.

    Praise

    "Though there have been several accounts of the life of Tesshu (he has been called 'the modern Miyamoto Musashi') there has been until now no account in English. John Stevens' is full and responsible. . . . This is a work filled with respect and devotion."— The Japan Times

    Author

    John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.
    John Stevens View titles by John Stevens

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    All Gift Blog Adults Children's General

    Live Inspired with Compendium: Now Available from PRH!

    Exciting news! Compendium has joined the Penguin Random House family, bringing a proven line of bestselling, sentiment-driven gifts to our extensive and ever-growing catalog. Since 1985, Compendium has been creating meaningful moments with beautiful, thoughtfully made gifts that center connection and celebrate occasions both big and small. From greeting cards to inspirational books to impulse-friendly add-ons, Compendium

    Read more

    Live Inspired with Compendium: Now Available from PRH!

    All Gift Blog Adults Children's General

    Penguin Random House Retail

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)