Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent, sets out eight basic principles of swordsmanship common to all Japanese sword schools. Accomplished martial artist John Maki Evans provides practical examples from his experience with the sword arts, as well as Mikkyo (Japanese esoteric Buddhism) and Shugendo (mountain asceticism).
An fascinating title, giving a perspective of the sword arts that few have been privilidged enough to observe. A thoroughly recommended read.