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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
    5.29"W x 8.45"H x 0.6"D   (13.4 x 21.5 x 1.5 cm) | 7 oz (204 g) | 20 per carton
    On sale Feb 10, 2026 | 192 Pages | 9781786789686
    Sales rights: World except UK/Ireland
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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.

    Embark on a warrior’s quest to achieve the Zen-like state of a samurai

    Sharpen your mind, hone your senses, gain physical agility and reach peace through 100 key lessons in this unique book, as leading expert on Japanese military arts Antony Cummins brings ancient wisdom into the modern world.

    Combining esteemed philosophy, practical sword skills and traditional calligraphic practices – with a dash of the science behind Zen – this book will arm you with the spiritual weapons to engage in the fight to come: the conflict within your own mind.

    Explore what Zen is and who the samurai were before establishing your form and learning to travel through life without conflict, all based on historic scrolls. Discover teachings such as:

    • Do not wait to create your masterpiece
    • Heed your sixth sense
    • Defeat the enemy before the war
    • Understand that Zen is now

    By the end of this book, you will be a Zen warrior. Face life and its harsh lessons with a clear head, hold a truer understanding of the world and engage with problems – all with a unique samurai edge.

    “An insightful analysis of the synergies between the training methods of Zen Buddhist meditation … and the advanced techniques used by Japanese samurai”
    – Steven Heine, professor of religious studies and history at Florida International University
    "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
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    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.

    Embark on a warrior’s quest to achieve the Zen-like state of a samurai

    Sharpen your mind, hone your senses, gain physical agility and reach peace through 100 key lessons in this unique book, as leading expert on Japanese military arts Antony Cummins brings ancient wisdom into the modern world.

    Combining esteemed philosophy, practical sword skills and traditional calligraphic practices – with a dash of the science behind Zen – this book will arm you with the spiritual weapons to engage in the fight to come: the conflict within your own mind.

    Explore what Zen is and who the samurai were before establishing your form and learning to travel through life without conflict, all based on historic scrolls. Discover teachings such as:

    • Do not wait to create your masterpiece
    • Heed your sixth sense
    • Defeat the enemy before the war
    • Understand that Zen is now

    By the end of this book, you will be a Zen warrior. Face life and its harsh lessons with a clear head, hold a truer understanding of the world and engage with problems – all with a unique samurai edge.

    “An insightful analysis of the synergies between the training methods of Zen Buddhist meditation … and the advanced techniques used by Japanese samurai”
    – Steven Heine, professor of religious studies and history at Florida International University

    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

    Rights

    Available for sale exclusive:
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