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Zen and the Samurai Sword

Japanese warrior techniques for agility, clarity and calm

Author Antony Cummins
Paperback
$19.95 US
Watkins Media | Watkins Publishing
5-5/16"W x 8-1/2"H | 13 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Feb 10, 2026 | 192 Pages | 9781786789686
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This unique book combines Japanese warrior techniques with ancient Zen practices for mental clarity and physical agility, giving readers a Samurai edge that will carry them through life.

Blending Japanese Samurai wisdom with ancient Zen practices, this book will take you on a metaphysical journey to becoming a swordsman. Sharpen the mind, hone the senses and control the body to achieve clarity, drive and peace.

Structured according to ancient lessons, this guide will explore the principles of Zen and its effects on the mind, as well as the philosophy of the Samurai, their weapons and their principles, with stories from history's swordsmen woven throughout.

Wisdom from historical texts is remastered and applied to our modern-day lives, giving readers philosophical meditation practices and physical exercises.

Discover concepts such as:

  • Mu: act like a float in stressful situations, unperturbed by the waves.
  • Shuhari: the three stages of "practice", "develop" and "disconnect" from the rules to create.
  • The art of receiving: how to flow with your opponent to avoid conflict.
  • Polishing the mirror: clean your mind daily to calm its waters.

By following these ancient lessons, readers will gain the wisdom of the Samurai and achieve a Zen-like state that will give them a unique edge to thrive in the modern world.
"an insightful analysis of the synergies between the training methods of Zen Buddhist meditation [...] and the advanced techniques used [...] by Japanese samurai."
– Steven Heine, author and Professor of Religious Studies and History at Florida International University
Antony Cummins is the founder of the Historical Ninjutsu Research Team, which has previously published The Book of Ninja and The Book of Samurai (Watkins). Antony also works as a consultant and co-presenter on high-end documentaries on Japan that are distributed by National Geographic, and is the Official Tourism Ambassador for Wakayama. He has been recognised by peers as a leading expert in the discovery of military arts of medieval Japan. His most recent book was How to be a Modern Samurai (Watkins).

For more information, see www.natori.co.uk.
Antony Cummins View titles by Antony Cummins

About

This unique book combines Japanese warrior techniques with ancient Zen practices for mental clarity and physical agility, giving readers a Samurai edge that will carry them through life.

Blending Japanese Samurai wisdom with ancient Zen practices, this book will take you on a metaphysical journey to becoming a swordsman. Sharpen the mind, hone the senses and control the body to achieve clarity, drive and peace.

Structured according to ancient lessons, this guide will explore the principles of Zen and its effects on the mind, as well as the philosophy of the Samurai, their weapons and their principles, with stories from history's swordsmen woven throughout.

Wisdom from historical texts is remastered and applied to our modern-day lives, giving readers philosophical meditation practices and physical exercises.

Discover concepts such as:

  • Mu: act like a float in stressful situations, unperturbed by the waves.
  • Shuhari: the three stages of "practice", "develop" and "disconnect" from the rules to create.
  • The art of receiving: how to flow with your opponent to avoid conflict.
  • Polishing the mirror: clean your mind daily to calm its waters.

By following these ancient lessons, readers will gain the wisdom of the Samurai and achieve a Zen-like state that will give them a unique edge to thrive in the modern world.

Praise

"an insightful analysis of the synergies between the training methods of Zen Buddhist meditation [...] and the advanced techniques used [...] by Japanese samurai."
– Steven Heine, author and Professor of Religious Studies and History at Florida International University

Author

Antony Cummins is the founder of the Historical Ninjutsu Research Team, which has previously published The Book of Ninja and The Book of Samurai (Watkins). Antony also works as a consultant and co-presenter on high-end documentaries on Japan that are distributed by National Geographic, and is the Official Tourism Ambassador for Wakayama. He has been recognised by peers as a leading expert in the discovery of military arts of medieval Japan. His most recent book was How to be a Modern Samurai (Watkins).

For more information, see www.natori.co.uk.
Antony Cummins View titles by Antony Cummins

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