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Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to my wonderful family. First, I must thank my lovely wife Alethea, who now knows more about Japanese swords than any woman who didn’t care about them in the first place. Second, I wrote this book for my three young sons, Aidan, Porter, and Charlie, who will teach me more than I could hope to teach them. I certainly owe them some fishing, camping and motorcycling time now that this project is over. But the owing of thanks does not stop there. In truth, I have completed this work with the assistance of many wonderful people.

I am very honored by the involvement of many top experts in completing this work. Kawachi Kunihira was a most gracious host and, in his very natural and unassuming way, opened my eyes to aspects of swordmaking I had not dreamed of. Abe Kazunori gave very generously of his time and resources, donating both his expertise and many images used in this book. Paul Martin, a sword expert who lived in Japan for many years and has assisted me in connecting with top-level craftsmen was instrumental. His quiet nature hides deep level knowledge and kindness. Pierre Nadeau, a swordmaking apprentice who gave of his time, writing, and assistance in translating during my visit with Mr. Kawachi. Professor Karl Friday aided me more than he probably knows. During our conversations over the last four years, I have changed my entire outlook on the history of martial arts. He also suggested I read the work of (and contact) Professor Bodiford, who clarified my understanding of many misconceptions surrounding martial arts spirituality. I owe both of these men a cold beer and a heartfelt thanks.

I would like to thank the city of Murayama for their kind support of this project. The iai-jingu is now overseen by the city as an important cultural property. Mrs. Okuyama, the caretaker and wife of the shrine’s late land-owner (Mr. Okuyama) was very kind and gracious in opening the Hayashizaki shrine’s inner chamber, allowing us to view many of the shrine’s treasures. Caring and thoughtful, Mrs. Okuyama even sent a beautiful shimenawa from the iai-shrine itself. Mrs. Okuyama exemplifies the kindness and grace of the Japanese people. I am grateful to her and hope to see her again soon.

Pictured above is the author with Ochiai Tadao (10^th Dan Hanshi) and Iwasa (8^th Dan Kyoshi) Sensei.

The logistics of traveling to Japan, meeting with top-level artisans, and filming/ photographing the whole affair were daunting to say the least. I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend Yamaji Fumihito, a.k.a. Fred. He was our “fixer,” while in Japan and helped us schedule everything from Shinkansen trips to last minute lodging changes while staying at the Hayashizaki shrine in Murayama. Thank you Yamaji-san. You have been a hero in supporting this project.

There have been some organizations and representatives who deserve thanks. First, I would like to thank Ginza Choshuya for allowing the use of many of their beautiful sword photos. Second, I’d like to thank Tozando and, in particular, my longtime friend Yamamoto Yasumasa, who serves the martial arts world with honor and dignity rarely seen outside of Japan. Thanks to Tozando, we were able to film and photograph their beautiful blades. Miwa Teruo assisted me while in Seki City, where I hope to return one day to do more research on the modern manufacture of iaitō. I would also like the thank Mr. Tsuruda of Aoi Art, who was very gracious and generous with his beautiful photographs. I would also like to thank Fred Weissberg of the Northern California Japanese Sword Club. He aided me in making contacts both in Japan and abroad as well as donated photos of his beautiful blades. Thanks to the gracious support of all these people, I was able to meet several craftsmen, compile beautiful photographs, and make new friends.

I need to thank those who inspired me to learn more and write Japanese Swords. I have been training in martial arts since I was a child. In 1994, however, I began studying iaidō. I have been extremely fortunate to study with many wonderful, demanding, and caring teachers. Many of these people, I count as friends and family today. Mike Cimino-Hurt, Bob Ward, and Nick Suino have each shared their unique gifts and insights. I am eternally grateful. Suino Sensei, in particular, has supported my writing of this book from the beginning—through many, many drafts. Thank you for your support, patience, and friendship. I have been fortunate to study with some outstanding top sword teachers in Japan over the last ten years. Ochiai Tadao (10^th Dan Hanshi) has been an inspiration in both form and spirit. While assisting him in instructing during his final seminars in the US, I was greatly inspired by his spirit and technique. He exemplifies the spirit of passion and preservation that I hope to convey with this work. Iwasa (8^th Dan Kyoshi) Sensei has also been very supportive of my learning iaidō over the years. I appreciate his willingness to work with me both in the US and during my trips to Japan. And although I have studied with other Japanese teachers, those noted above have played an important role in my practice. I owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

Featured within this book are the works of three talented young men, all of whom I care for deeply. First is my brother Daniel Schmidt. Currently completing his graduate degree in documentary film making, he gave of his time and expertise in creating the film that accompanies this work. Thanks Danny. Second is Joseph Obering, who not only studies the art of iaidō, but volunteered to be featured as an example of how modern swordsmanship can develop deeply personal and rewarding insights for young people today. I appreciate your loyalty and continuing practice. Finally, I want to thank Max Leitner, a young photographer from Germany. Max’s work is featured throughout this book. Without his dedication to producing outstanding photos, the pages would be conspicuously sparse. I expect that, in the coming years, we will see more great things from these men.