Shimmering Sword: Samurai, Western, and Star Wars Sword Fighting A New Book about Jedi Sword Fighting Nick Jamilla’s new book Shimmering Sword takes a look at the Jedi Knight from a swordsman’s perspective. A student of Western fencing, aikido, kendo, and jodo, Nick Jamilla [pronounced ha meal ya] has taken his twenty years of experience in the martial arts to interpret the real life significance of Jedi lightsaber fighting. Starting from the premise of what lightsaber fighting would look like if a lightsaber existed in the real world, Shimmering Sword delves into the Star Wars universe by comparing sword culture on Earth to Jedi Knight lightsaber culture in Lucas’ films. Jamilla’s book explains how fear and honor have regulated the life of swordsmen and how the sword was wielded by men in battle and in duels. He examines real world warriors who have influenced the Jedi Knight and the ancient tradition of Master-Apprentice instruction which was the preferred method of training swordsmen. His book concludes by taking an in-depth look at the lightsaber fights in the Star Wars films. You will be surprised at the sophistication and complexity of the Star Wars lightsaber fight. Shimmering Sword is a researched and thoughtful book for high school students and above about the imaginary Jedi Knights, giving the Star Wars movie-goer a better appreciation for Lucas’ films. Buy it for your self to learn what it takes to become a Jedi Knight. Buy it for a friend or relative who can’t get enough of Star Wars. Some of what you’ll learn from Shimmering Sword: - the significance of swordsman’s (and Jedi’s) fear of death - the mind set of a swordsman just before battle - the influence of Point of Honor (the Western fencing code) on international law - the influence of Japanese sword fighting on Jedi lightsaber fighting - the way in which armor affected the sword fighting - the function of the brain during a sword fight - the education system of a swordsman - the influence of Japanese monks, medieval knights, and Muslim soldiers on Jedi Knights - the similarity between martial arts education and Plato’s Forms - the reason why Japanese swordsmen are taught to serve tea - the impact of honor and justice on Jedi Knights - the reason why the first Star Wars lightsaber fight is a masterful example of swordsmanship - the significance of Luke Skywalker’s decision to throw away his lightsaber in Return of the Jedi