Taira Shigesuke (1639-1740), also known as Daidoji Yuzan, was a samurai and writer of military strategy during Japan's Edo period. He was born into a family of famous warriors and was both a military advisor and prominent teacher of military science.
Thomas Cleary is one of the best known translators of Asian literary works. He holds a doctorate in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. Cleary has translated over 70 works of martial arts philosophy, Buddhism, Taoism and religion including
The Art of War,
I Ching, and
Soul of the Samurai, a collection of classic works on Zen and Bushido.
Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded
Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial disciplines--Kendo Kyoshi, 7th Dan; Iaido, 5th Dan; and Naginata, 5th Dan. His published works include
Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide,
Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai and
Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code--A New Interpretation for Beginners.
Oscar Ratti (1928-2005) is the co-author of
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere and
Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan, and was a frequent contributor to martial arts books and magazines.