An abundantly illustrated samurai arts manual together with a historical account of the teachings of a Japanese samurai from 1600s who formed a school known as Mubyoshi-Ryu. First English translation of medieval Japanese texts.

Available for the first time in English, this book is both an illustrated samurai arts manual and a historical account of the teachings of a Japanese samurai who formed a school known as Mubyoshi-Ryu in the 1600s. Abundantly illustrated with more than 350 images by the current grandmaster of Mubyoshi-Ryu, The Lost Samurai School collects and translates ancient documents that contain the teachings of Hagiwara Juzo, revealing for the first time to western readers the enthralling martial arts, secret weapons, magic, and espionage as they were practiced by samurai in their daily lives. Cummins contextualizes the many expertly translated documents with a history of the era, the school, and its grandmaster. The illustrations bring to life the skills required to master everything from jujutsu, to shuriken jutsu (throwing blades), to swords, to chain weapons, to quarterstaffs.