5 comments about Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense.

1. This book is exactly what I was looking for in the way of an instructional book for the bo. It has numorous guide photos throughout the book, so that you can see what you are doing in the excercise described.



2. Fumio Demura's basic books on Kobudo (Nunchaku, Bo, Sai, Tonfa) are good. They include some historical data, basic stances and grips, as well as useful drills to train grips, blocks and thrusts. In this case, it includes also the Shushi-no-kon-sho Kata. Good Japanese terminology, also.



3. This is a good book. It covers all the basic stances, strikes and blocks. It normally gives the english name of a technique after the Japanese name, but not always. For someone with my limited memory, I would have liked an index to the techniques, so when the book refers to one I've forgotten, I can quickly find it. But it doesn't have an index so I spend a lot of time flicking back and forward.
   Also, the descriptions are very wordy. Instead of just saying 'Execute an XYZ strike', it describes every step every time, which make the combination moves and kata very long winded.



4. This is a very well done book on the subject of the bo staff, and it gives you an outstanding overview of this kobudo weapon and its history along with a variety of techniques demonstrated by the author.
   
   The book then delves into the basic techniques you will need to know in order to effectively utilize the bo staff. This includes various grips, stances, strikes, blocks, etc. I felt that this was done in a very well organized fashion and the photographs and accompanying text adequately explained the basics of each technique. I did feel that in some cases more detailed text would have been appropriate, but it wasn't that much of a factor for the most part.
   
   The author is a noted kobudo and karate master and every book I have by him on the traditional kobudo weapons has simply been outstanding. I would recommend this book.
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.



5. I recently received this book and it is the best martial arts book I have ever read. It had a plethora of pictures and clear writing. Most importantly it thoroughly covered the basics such as hand position, basic strikes, and basic blocks. The kata in the end left a little to be desired, but I could find no other flaws in the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and I plan on buying Fumio Demura's other books on weapon fighting now.

5 comments about Essence of Ninjutsu.

1. Massaki Hatsumi gives an exceptional view of Ninjutsu that is practically unparelled to the rest. One such interesting notion is that ninjas are not cold-blooded murderers. Hatsumi states that hundreds of years ago Togakure ninjas avoided killing anyone in the enemy's camp and only did it when there was no other choice. This I would say is a perfect example of the difference between a ninja and an assassin.
   
   Another interesting thing about this book was the many insightful stories Hatsumi tells. The story that I enjoyed the most was the one with the egotistical warrior who's head was too hard to hit. If you think about it, this story alone expresses the true essence of Ninjutsu.
   
   If you're into ninjas or the martial arts, and wondering what Ninjutsu is really about, I whole-heartedly recommend this book by Massaki Hatsumi. It helped me realize and understand so much about Ninjutsu that before I read this book I was only living in a child's fantasy.



2. As a relative newcomer tot Ninjutsu I wanted te read more about the history of Ninjutsu and its roots in Japanese feudal society.
   I found this quitte suffeciently in Essence of Ninjutsu. It has a lot of illustrative stories and historical context. A must read for the avid nunjutsu practicioner !



3. As someone interested in japanese history and culture, rather than in learning martial arts. From previous comments and the authors pedigree, I figured that this book provide me more illumination on the historical ninja. Unfortunately, by the end of the book I still didn't feel that I had a very good grasp of who the ninja were and where they fit into japanese society. One problem with the book is that Masaaki Hasumi's writing tends to jump around quite a bit (perhaps better translationa and editing would have helped).
   On the bright side, there are quite a few hidden pearls of wisdom hidden within the text, that I found interesting and useful.



4. This is probably the first book to faithfully reveal Hatsumi-sensei's approach to writing. In some of Soke's other works, the translation and editing have in many ways dampened the total effect of Soke's words. Not so in this book. The translator has done a superb job in capturing Soke's feeling in the written form. And he has done so by simply removing himself from the equation and instead has allowed Soke's words to do all the work.
   
   Throughout this book, the reader ought to be able to sense the depth of the art that Hatsumi-sensei is master of. The richness of the traditions and the scope of the moral and ethical development possible through an honest approach to martial arts is clearly in evidence. This has nothing to do with 'Oriental mysticism' nor has it anything to do with techniques in the technical sense. Yet, if one has the eyes to see, the mystical is simply honesty and the secrets to the techniques stem from this. In this book, both are more than visible.
   
   Through stories of his own teacher (beautifully presented as fables and legends) as well his own experiences, one gets the sense that Hatsumi-sensei has just surpassed a personal barrier of sorts. There is a sense of confidence that emerges from the words and one can only feel inspired to emulate the development displayed.
   
   This book is not, as should be expected from Hatsumi-sensei, a chronologically organised tome. Stepping away from the 1-2-3 approach to learning, Soke's words are imbued with character and observation and in that sense, one ought to hesitate to use the word 'topic' when describing each chapter. Perhaps 'situations' may be a better term.
   
   From history to warnings, from martial movement to moral awareness, this book, quite literally, has it all. Hidden in plain sight as it is, the information in this book serves as an excellent screener (as well as screening device) for those wishing to understand more of the art of Hatsumi-sensei. As an honest approach to the world of ninjutsu and the martial arts, this book is an absolute must.



5. This book is a very interesting dive into the realm of Ninjutsu, though, if not a member of the Bujinkan yourself, although the techniques seem straight forward at first, I urge you not to try them. I practiced a martial art outside of Ninjutsu when I read this book, and although the concepts of the moves seemed easy enough, they are dangerous to practice without the control and taijutsu that you learn from the Bujinkan. That said, if you are in the Bujinkan, you must own this.

5 comments about The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship: A Manual of Eishin-Ryu Iaido.

1. I normally never refer to books when it comes to the art of eishin-ryu, but this book did help correct my somewhat correct stances. Some of the moves, at first, are hard to follow. The thing is though that the book has a chapter specifically on how to use this book, so you shouldn't be too confused for very long. At first, i was sceptic, but since my girlfriend bought it for me, i gave it a try, and i can honestly that's it done nothing but make me want to train even more. It even teaches you hoe to wipe blood off the blood the proper way. It was like Suino wrote this manual as if you were really engaged in brutal, bloody sword combat. For any of those who would like to learn eishin-ryu, definitely check out this manual, it'll do you some good.



2. A clear book with all drills and other complementary stuff of Eishin-Ryu Iaido.
   I am not an expert in Iaido but this book seems to be very clear and complete, even
   when the numbers of the descriptions for some pictures have some minor mistakes respect to the numbers of the picures themselves (you can correct them by hand)
   Mr Suino seems to be an excellent martial artist wit a very serious approach to the discipline



3. While it should go without saying that no martial art can be learned solely from a book and that the intricacies need to be experienced with a real live teacher in real time, I think that this book can definitely benefit students of Eishin Ryu Iaido. Whether you are a beginner, trying to remember the waza (techniques), or an old hand, looking to brush up on the basics that can get lost over time, Suino's book is a good reference text.
   
   I have to say that I was surprised. So many martial arts texts either have amateurish pictures (such as Yang Jwing-Ming's texts, which are otherwise so useful) or pictures that simply don't include enough details. This book has basic but clear graphics that, along with real-life/real-time instruction, make a lot of sense. Even Suino's description of how to put on the gi and hakama are better than most I've seen. (If he included how to fold the hakama, it would be even better! Luckily, you can get that online ([...]).)
   
   Compared to a book like Flashing Steel, Suino helps the beginner in particular by focusing on the pragmatic topics: he lists and explains the introductory Batto Ho no Bu (Drawing Methods Set) techniques, the intermediatesd Tatehiza no Bu (Half-Seated Set), and the advanced Tachiwaza no Bu (Secret Forms, Standing Set). While the glossary could be longer, you can filter through the text to find other words/phrases that he uses and explains and pencil them into the glossary on your own.
   
   The other thing that really excites me about this book is that he always includes the kanji (Japanese characters) for the names of the techniques. As an intermediate speaker of Japanese, that helped me a lot when I was trying to figure out what the names really meant.



4. I can't say anymore this book is exclent. it has diagrams and is verry informative. just be sure to buy th required equitment.



5. This book makes no claims to be the be-all-end-all of iaido instruction - it flat-out states that you should go get a sensei. That said, Suino does a good job of providing a good reference for those who know what they're doing and a good starting point for those who don't.
   
   I like how each kata's rationale is explained and how each move is detailed. The opening sections, like how to bow and the parts of the sword, are good introductions for beginners. My main problem with the book was that some moves are still ambiguous, despite there being pictures and text explanations. Close-ups on what certain body parts or doing or a constant perspective (each diagram, with rare exception, is seen from the figure's right side, even if he turns, leaving the reader confused as to what direction they should be facing).
   
   That aside, the book is a good reference, and practitioners of iaido should seriously consider buying it.

5 comments about Fighting with the German Longsword.

1. This is probably the best put together manual on longsword in the German style. If you are looking for a no nonsense approach to getting started with the German longsword, this is your book. Christian Tobler has written this book very clearly so that that someone with no prior knowledge can easily follow, yet it still sheds light on things every time I read it. I have read this book cover to cover at least ten times, and used it as a refrence countless times more. Although some of the techniques demonstrated have been changed or altered due to recent discoveries, this is a must read if you have any interest in learning the German longsword.



2. Christian Henry Tobler presents a lot of information in this work, which some have dubbed the 'german' version of "The Swordsman's Companion" by Guy Windsor. In my opinion, Windsor's work is the better of the two, containing more concise and clear descriptions of the techniques, but since it's about the Italian tradition, Tobler's book is a better choice for those interested in the Liechtenauer tradition.
   
   There are a few bonuses in this book. Not only does he discuss fighting with the longsword, he also demonstrates spear-fighting, medieval grappling, with or without a sword, half-sword techniques, and fighting in armor.
   
   Having bought both his book, and Windsor's, I favor "The Swordsman's Companion" perhaps because Windsor doesn't play dress up while he's teaching swordsmanship.



3. Very clear and complete explaination of the use of the longsword in medieval germany, for beginner and intermediate swordman.
   
   I'm waiting for his new book... I hope...



4. This book is an actual instruction manual, with training routines, stances, forms, etc. This is an excellent introduction to swordplay, with historical comments as well. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning the art of sword fighting.



5. This is a very good book to begin your studies of the western martial arts. Tobler is very clear in his descriptions of the techniques and postures. He provides example drills and plenty of pictures. Overall a great delivery vehicle for some otherwise esoteric information. I would recommend reading this and then Joachim Meyer's manuscript.

5 comments about Kendo: The Definitive Guide.

1. but still a very good guide yes... i have very much intrest in kendo but don't have the chance to do it here... no clubs near or far... i do iaido that is... and i can imagine how it must be...
   
   
   but then again, i can not really tell if it's a good book for people with years of experience...



2. The book has good illustrations to show you the different strikes and the katas for Kendo. This is a good suppliment for any new student to help review what they learned in the dojo. It is also good for experts to have the names of the techniques and the rules for the tournaments. The book is a complete guide. The Heart of Kendo and Kendo: Elements, Rules and Philosophy is good if you want to know the history of Kendo.



3. Anticipating the start of Kendo classes, I ordered this book to get an overview of what to expect, what to do, and how to do them. The book is well translated by Angela Turzynski, and makes for a quick, easy read. Segmenting the chapters into snippets is perfect for one studying, and not looking to get an overly drawn-out explanation of procedure and custom.
   
   Not looking to memorize the entire book, I went through the book rather quickly to pick up the basics and have a small understanding for the first lesson. Upon entering the class, after the first practice the sensei asked me if I had studied Kendo before, which I had not. I attribute this compliment to "Kendo-The definitive guide". When I learn something new, I can also come back to the book and review in more detail what the move entails without having to drag the class down with questions.
   
   In the appendix you can even study scoring, refereeing, terminology, and get a list of Kendo associations near you.



4. When it comes to martial arts, kendo is my second choice after karate. If you plan to enter a kendo dojo, read this book first. It introduces you to the world of this great art and makes you want to practice it even more. I recommend you the both: to read the book and to perform the art.



5. Having lived in Japan for 13 years and studying at a Dojo in Okinawa, I can honestly say that this book is the real deal. Ozawa-san presents the information in a no-nonsense, easy to understand format. Beginners in this time honored sport will find all they need to know to get started. Advanced Kendoists will even find this book useful, especially if they are thinking about teaching their skills to others. From simple stretching techniques to Kata, practice sessions to match refereeing, proper Gi (uniform) storage to honorably overcoming your opponent...this book has it all. If you are going to practice Kendo, you need to have this book!

5 comments about Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series).

1. After returning from Nationals, our Coach recommended this book to the fencers at our club looking to improve our overall performance next year. Although coming back with a 2nd in Sabre isn't too shabby! I bought 2 copies, one for my son who is going into his 3rd year of fencing and 1 for myself, a beginning fencer. We are both finding it very useful. My son likes the review of the basics and we both like the drills in each section.
   I would suggest this book to any fencer looking to perfect form and skill. I think experienced fencers even need a look back to the basics sometimes. The only reason I gave it 4 stars out of 5 was because I had a hard time giving 5 stars to a book that makes me break out a sweat!
   
   L



2. I came across this book as part of the USFCA (United States Fencing Coaches Association) reading list in preparation for taking my Moniteur certification. After reading it, I've made a number of changes in my Introductory classes and list this book as the recommended text. Like any such text, there are points I disagree with, but they are few in number.
   
   Without hesitation, I would recommend this book for any first year fencer.
   
   J Farmer
   Coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club



3. I purchased this book as a gift for my son. He was very pleased. He said that it contained all the information that he had hoped for, but didn't receive, when he purchased a different book.



4. If you are looking for a super basic book on fencing with 75% of the content being exercises and little workout routines, this is the book for you. If you are looking for something with ANY depth on the subject look anywhere but here. I returned this book on principle I was so dissapointed with it.



5. breaks down each move and explains exactly what each part of the body should (and should not) be doing, how your weight should be distributed, etc. also lists common mistakes made and how to avoid or fix them. best of all, it's filled with tons of drills for practice, both solo and with a partner. working my way through the book has gotten me through my first semester of fencing with excellent results. so much more helpful than any other book out there, by far.

5 comments about Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship.

1. This book really helped my groundwork (seated and kneeling kata.) I really recommend this book for anyone who has just started any form of Iai or Ken. It really focuses on the details and core fundamentals of footwork, moving while kneeling and seated, and cutting with your entire body. It is as it's title suggests: a primer on practice drills. It answers all those questions you cant get answered in an hour and a half class. It is really aimed at the novice or someone who has been away from their art for a while. Either way, it is a good buy.



2. Rather pointless book. The images provided are utterly useless, being a few cm in size, badly drawn and providing no information whatsoever. I utterly regret buying this book. For kendo kata in particular I would recommend 'Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata'.



3. I have found this book to be a very useful tool in developing training drills and improving our basic techniques. The diagrams are easy to follow and textual information clear. Well worth having in the library.



4. I received the book in a timely manner and in new condition. I didn't expect that it would be printed with stick people. I find it difficult to follow but I'll figure it out.



5. This book had basic moves which is good, but never went into further detail. The illustrations were stick figures from a side view; there was no way to infer anything from them. I would not have gotten this book for my son if I had known the "true" lack of knowledge it contained.

No comments about The Complete Taiji Dao: The Art of the Chinese Saber.

5 comments about The Fencing Master.

1. This was the first Arturo Perez-Reverte I ever read -- and I firmly hold it to account for my ongoing interest and respect for this fabulous author. In this earlier work of his, we see all the trademarks of the APR style: an unabashed fascination for the foil and dust world of 19th Century Spain, it's heroics and its royal uncertainties. APR has an extraordinary capacity to recreate the past -- perhaps not a 'past' that the academic historian would like to see -- but a past that appeals to the lingering romantic in some of us.
   
   APR loves chess, fencing, Latin, esoteric Catholicism, good cigars, fourth vow Jesuits, and outmoded virtues . . . this list should give you a sense of where his sympathies lie. If you share them, then you'll love his work.
   
   _The Fencing Master_ is, above all, a character study, however. In describing Don Jaime, the archetypal man at odds with the changing values of his time, APR summons up a bold portrait of chivalry in decline. But his style goes much deeper than mere whimsy. APR, undoubtedly, possesses the sort of keen insight and probing powers of observation that all great mystery writers possess. Using these talents, he pulls together a most engrossing world in which foils clash, pride gets rattled, and the coffee always comes with witty conversation.
   
   This book, certainly, will not rank among his best in terms of plot. Both _The Club Dumas_ and _The Flanders Panel_ contain far more ingenious plots, evidentiary structures, and incredible narrative devices. _The Fencing Master_ does not have much in the way of stylistic tricks. But, in Don Jaime, APR presents an intense vision of modesty and nobility that beat beneath a dented plastron. In terms of dialogue and psychology, the book rewards immensely (thanks to a great translation) with some rich turns of phrase and potent reflection on a dying art. As such, the book above all presents a lament for a decline in concentration and dedication in favor of shallow trends.
   
   "God is inconsistent and irresponsible. I have no use for Him. He is not a gentlemen."
   
   The highest praise I can give could only be that, over an iced coffee, I polished this book off at a local Greek-run cafe in the span of a perfectly summer afternoon. Whenever the local constable sparked his cigar, I had to have one as well. Whenever Don Jaime kept to his anachronistic principles, I felt like one day I needed to recover my own. In short, the book led me into a different world for a few hours. Now that's some spectacular adventure writing.
   
   As I said, not his best -- but hands down beats all the crap out there like Stephenie Meyer (sp), Da Vinci Code, etc, etc. What a cruel world we live in when such authors sell millions. Don Jaime, however, would hardly be surprised.



2. This was the first Perez-Reverte book I have read, and I was very disappointed. I have heard him referred to as the modern day Dumas by multiple reviewers. He comes nowhere near earning that title, at least with this book. Perhaps his other books are better, as previous reviewers have suggested, but this book was downright mediocre at best, and boring and poorly executed at worst.
   
   Perez-Reverte's major blunder is his obsession with character sympathy and believability. Don't get me wrong, I am all about things being believable if possible, but being believable should never be one's focus. He spends such a ridiculous amount of space giving us psychological insight into Don Jaime that it is blatantly obvious that he is trying to explain why he does all the things he does. This would already have been bad, but the fact that Don Jaime is a very annoying character to read about makes it unbearable. As a previous reviewes has said, Don Jaime is a "bumbling, clueless idiot." A simple page describing his psychological motivations would have been entirely sufficient, but instead we get something in the vicinity of 25 pages (not all in one place, of course). As another previous reviewer noted, the book is "populated with believable characters." The problem is that their believability is forced; it is something that was obviously purposefully done, and because of that it feels even more unbelievable than the "unmodern" characters of classical fiction. There is one exception to this: the antagonist. For all the effort put into the other characters, the antagonist is the most cardboard-cutoutish character I have come across in some time.
   
   Perez-Reverte is missing a vital component to joining the ranks of the great swash-bucklers like Dumas: naturalness. Dumas' novels and characters flow naturally. Perez-Reverte is obviously obsessed with creating believable characters and a main character people will remember and respect. Yes, we understand that Don Jaime is a relic of a past age. We don't need to hear it repeated on every other page. He has lost sight of the story in his obsession with the individual character, and it makes both story and characters boring.
   
   This makes me think that it is far more comparable to a character study in the manner of Jane Austin than a Duman novel, but the cover explicitly advertises it as an action/suspense book. The "suspense" doesn't come in until toward the very end, and the "action" consists of two short sword-fights (unless one counts practicing fencing as "action"). It was compared by a previous reviewer to Don Quixote. However, it fails to suceed in any of the three categories I mentioned: it has too little action or adventure for a Dumas comparison, it is not nearly witty or profound enough to be compared to Austin, and there is no humour. It fails as historical fiction because the only history contained in it is found in randomly inserted conversations about the politics of the Spanish revolution (and he gives no background, so the reader can't really follow it very well).
   
   Let me summarize what the book actually consists of. There are four parts. First, there are lengthy descriptions of the psychological motivations of Don Jaime and a few other characters. Second, there are numerous political conversations largely unrelated to the plot. Third, there are lengthy descriptions of Don Jaime's daily life, which are about as exciting as describing any normal persons daily life (because the author was trying to surround him with "believability"). Finally, there is a brief "suspense" section at the very end, with a "surprise" plot twist that the reader guesses about 30 pages into the book (if not sooner). The fact that the author presents it as a huge surprise is simply insulting.
   
   One final note. Was it really necessary for Perez-Reverte to include a romantic sub-plot between Don Jaime (who is in his late 50's) and a woman in her young 20's? Really?
   
   Overall grade: D



3. Review of "The Fencing Master" -- Arturo Perez-Reverte
   
   Background abstract from the text: "In Madrid in 1868, fencing master and man of honor Don Jaime is approached by a mysterious woman who seeks to learn the secret of the unstoppable thrust, an arcane technique known only to him. All too soon he finds himself in the vortex of a plot that includes seduction, secret political documents, and more than one murder. Rich with the historical detail of a decaying world that agonizes--as does the world of fencing itself--over the ideals of honor and chivalry, The Fencing Master is superb literature and a true page-turner."
   
   This is the second Perez-Reverte book I've read and I have to admit I really like his intelligent style of writing. I found the first half of the book to open very slowly building the back-story for the protagonist (Don Jaime Astarloa) and potential love interest with Adele De Otero who insistently pleads with him to teach her the fencing secret he perfected; "the unstoppable thrust."
   
   *Spoiler here* The second half of the book quickly builds suspense and intrigue ending with a shocking conclusion. The final part of the story ends with Don Jaime discovering that Adele was acting as the agent of espionage for powerful economic interests. She attempts to kill her Maestro with the same fencing thrust maneuver she learned from him but with which he executes with the skill of "The Fencing Master" leading to her demise (with the thrust through her eye socket).
   
   Well done and rife with a vivid historical backdrop and references. Five stars.
   
   JP



4. This is my first time reading this author. I really enjoyed the book. I was most impressed with how the author was able to create a certain depth of character so that it became more than just an action novel. The insights given on the main character made the ending so much more poignant. His meetings with his friends could be somewhat compared to a kind of Greek chorus commenting on the state of Spain at the time.I feel that the author is writing for the mass market so what might be somewhat more detailed in a weighter novel is not found here. It also is possible that is why some readers' comments on other of his novels show some disappointment.



5. Although the ending to this novel seems rushed,in my opinion, the build up to the final confrontation was cleverly done and left the reader with no clue until near the end who the prime subjects really were,though the final fencing pair were obvious. The author clearly understood the art of fencing. The cafe scenes could have been more political and the hero surprisingly naive for his advanced years. All told,a good read and hard to put down.

No comments about The Adventures of "John Carter on Mars" - the Original Five Stories.