''Tadashige Watanabe dared to boldly go where no one has gone before! The techniques of the Shinkage Ryu have been closely and jealously guarded for centuries. To find not one, but two books on the shelf concerning this magnificent and ancient art is astounding. To my knowledge, Watanabe's are the only books on Shinkage Ryu swordsmanship in print.''

The classical budo, or "martial ways" are not combat systems like their forerunner, bujutsu, or "martial arts"; nor are they sports like modern judo, kendo, or karate. They are first and foremost spiritual disciplines, whose ultimate goal, achieved through the most rigorous mental and physical training, is self-realization in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. The author details the history, philosophy, and methods of a variety of these "martial ways," some using weapons, and some weaponless.

''These books are essential reading for ANY martial arts student. They provide a wonderful basis which can only help increase one's appreciation of the depth and breadth of budo in all its forms.''