5 comments about Kendo: The Definitive Guide.

1. This guide is a must have for any kendoka, with correct and up-to-date information on the IJKF rules, techniques and theory. I highly recomend it.



2. 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...



3. 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.



4. 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.



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

1. Written originally in 1976, it still is one of the very best in self-instruction of the 6-foot 1 1/4" "stick". Cold Steel sells a very affordable 4-foot wax wood stick (called a yon shaku-bo) that is a perfect selection, and is a completely legal item to carry hiking, traveling, in your car. The book is very easy to follow, comprehensive and a great source to get the fundamentals of kobu-do bo-jitsa katas.



2. This book is a very solid introduction to using a bo staff (~ 6 foot pole weapon) in martial arts. The bo is nearly universally the first weapon form that practitioners learn yet there aren't a lot of really good books out there teaching people how to use one. Even a great book is no substitute for a competent instructor, of course, yet it can be a great supplement to dojo training. This one is fairly general, hence more broadly useful than some style-specific works, and pretty well done. Despite the fact that the layout is logical and the writing is quite good it is, unfortunately, a 30-year-old work with dark, grainy pictures that are a bit challenging to read. Contents include history of the bo staff, profiles of kobudo masters, types of bo staffs, bo basics (holding the staff, warm-up exercise, fighting positions), kihon (basics), striking, thrusting, blocking, combinations, applications, and basic bo kata. The comparison and contrast between open-hand and weapon applications (e.g., stances, basic techniques) is a great tie-in for karate practitioners interested in picking up a weapons form. Overall it's a very good resource.
   
   Lawrence Kane
   Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

No comments about Build the Right Fencing for Horses: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-193 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-193).

5 comments about The Fencing Master.

1. The writing and the story are very, very good -- definately better than the Flanders Panel and slightly ahead of the Seville Communion, but it's the ending of this book that shows a master's command of the story. Weeks after reading this novel, I still cannot get the final scene out of my mind; simply perfect. Frankly, if you are new to Perez-Reverte, this is probably the novel that I'd recommend first.
   
   J. Avellanet, Co-Founder of Cerulean Associates LLC



2. As I was reading the book I thought that the actors from the first Zoro movie would be a great fit for the characters in this book. Enough of that though. I have to say I am a fan of historical fiction, but am not very interested in fencing nor the time period in which this book was set. However, Perez-Reverte made it all very intriguing and entertaining for me through the characters. Do not shy away from the book if the subject matter seems foreign, the emotions, thoughts, and great writing bring it all home. I would have liked to see more interplay given between Luis De Ayala and Adela, but otherwise found little to fault. It is a good change to see the hero, Don Jaime, depicted as a loner a minority that have gotten a rough time of it lately. I would suggest readers look for small thumbnail sketches on the political figures referenced like Prim and Navarez to get a better understanding of the events described in the book. All in all a very enjoyable read, but a notch below Perez-Reverte's The Flanders Panel and Club Dumas.



3. Ascetic and as otherwordly as Zatoichi or a samurai played by Mifune Toshiro, Don Jaime Astarloa inhabits a narrow world of fencing and honor, remote from the corrupt, crumbling society of 1860s Spain around him. Nevertheless, the aging maestro, who adheres to a code of honor and behavior that seems to be totally out of date, is plunged into a world of intrigue and spies, assassins and purloined letters after a visit from a mysterious young woman. She persuades the reluctant "men only" fencing teacher to take her on as his fencing student. She turns out to be extremely competent and wins his (platonic)love. He introduces her to another of his pupils, a philandering marquis. She becomes that gad-about's lover and disappears. One day, the marquis turns up dead of a sword thrust through the jugular vein. That's when this thriller really gets into high gear. The plot takes a few twists and turns before the final denouement, which of course is a duel.
   
   The book is populated by a set of believable characters in 19th century Madrid, living in a well-described atmosphere of plot, rumors of coups and coups as Spain tried to shrug off its age-old absolute monarchy and strong man rule to emerge into the age of democracy that was sweeping the rest of Europe. The minor characters argue the politics of the day very well. If you get confused, that's because those were confusing times ! At first, the book drags a bit. I was wondering where the "suspense" advertised on the cover had gone. But persevere, this is a well-written thriller which will keep you turning the pages right to the last one even if there are far too many unexplained fencing terms for at least one reader. As literature on the world stage, this is a three star book, though the writing style is quite stylish. That's why I've given it three. But as a thriller in the smaller world of thrillers, I'd venture to say it deserves five stars. If you're a fan of that genre--I'm not really---then you'll definitely like THE FENCING MASTER. Myself, I prefer novels that don't resemble Clint Eastwood movies or samurai films.



4. The Fencing Master is, without a doubt, my favorite work by Arturo Perez-Reverte.
   
   You don't have to be at all familiar with fencing to enjoy this book. The book is masterful in terms of prose. Beautiful writing (kudos to the person who translated it from the original Spanish), sensuous and intriguing settings, characters so real they could walk off the page...the book is just amazing. Don Jaime (the fencing master) is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever read. You really will get sucked into the world of late 19th century Madrid.
   
   The mystery is intriguing. The ending is nothing short of shocking yet satisfying. This is one of those elegant books that just stay with you for a long time after you finish it. Highly recommended.



5. 
   Exciting,gripping,addictive; I could not put this book down.I was completely under its spell,and like a true artist the writer deliberately involves the reader so realistically and deeply in the thrilling conclusion ,that I was just as exhausted and spent as the "Fencing Master" . It would have scored five stars from me, except for the fact that due to translation from Spanish to English, there was an unnecessary use of descriptive phrases,which sometimes detrimentally slowed the pace from this truely racy thriller.

5 comments about Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship.

1. It is a great reference for anyone who wants to learn about martial arts history, bushido or start in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu. Highly recommended!



2. If you are, or ever have been interested in the art of samurai sword fighting, this book is definately for you! It has great introductory chapters discussing the samurai/eishin-ryu-jutsu philosophy and way of life, as well as excellent instruction on cutting techniques. It gives you a new respect and outlook on life, and teaches you to truly respect your katana; if, in fact you have one; as an entity of its own, as well as an extension of yourself. If you have ever been interested in samurai swordsmanship, BUY THIS BOOK!!!!



3. A well written book with good hints for those who are well qualified in Iaido and just need some very details about the Katas. The book covers all levels and all major Katas. Probably due to size limitations the number of pictures are less than enough to follow in detail the actions. The posing helping staff in the pictures are beginners which greatly hinder the understanding of the real meaning of the bunkai (applications).



4. ...Let's face it everyone. You are not going to learn the kata from this book. The book is helpful for remembering them by Name and by Bunkai, helping you keep the cirriculum sorted out in your head, but to learn the kata correctly you will need instruction from a sensei. If there is no chance of instruction, like no dojo within a long distance, I recommend all you self-teachers purchase the MJER videos from the 'Sei Do Kai online catalog'. These are the best videos on MJER I've ever seen, with superbly detailed demonstrations and bunkai. Without the demonstrations and descriptions by a teacher on a video like that, you have no hope of gaining even mediocre mastery of the system without personal instruction.
   
   For those who are recieving instruction the book is perfect, since the kata descriptions are mostly for reflection after being taught firsthand. As mentioned by the other reviewers, the best aspects of Flashing Steel are the Philosophy section and the Kihon. These will help you learn the purpose and fundamentals of Iaijutsu, but for the kata, this or any other book will always be insufficient on their own.
   
   I give the book five stars because it is definitely a great read and reference, but don't buy this thinking it is all you need to master Iaijutsu. Too many people make that mistake. Just look at YouTube.



5. I recommend this as a reference for anyone interested in Iaido/Iaijutsu. One word of caution, though: there's many schools of Iaido, so some of the material presented herein will or will not apply to your particular school. However, the background and philosophy material are applicable throughout.

5 comments about Essence of Ninjutsu.

1. Narrated by Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th generation lineage holder of the Togakure school of ninpo (and holder of 8 other traditional Japanese martial lineages, at least 6 of which have been verified), This book is the closest thing Hatsumi sensei has written to an autobiography. Hatsumi introduces us to his teacher, Takamatsu Sensei. Chapter 2 includes an interview with Takamatsu sensei conducted by Hatsumi, and throughout he discusses his experiences training with his teacher, his love for his teacher, and how he came to understand the ideas Takamatsu imparted to him.

   Numerous learning incidents are recounted by Hatsumi, both while training, and also while simply spending time with his teacher. Each chapter includes a traditional story which imparts something of the spirit of ninpo to the reader. Hatsumi Sensei's writings are rife with anecdotes, recollections, historical observations, and cautiously thought out conclusions. Most touching I found to be his visit to Takamatsu Sensei's tomb accompanied by the Sensei's daughter, and the thought she shared with him (page 68).

   For those looking for an introduction to ninjutsu, I'd recommend Masaaki Hatsumi's other book, "Ninjutsu: History and Traditions". For the reader prepared to go beyond learning about ninja weapons and general history, this volume "Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions" offers a look at the heart of a kindly man and a profound art.




2. 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.



3. 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 !



4. 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.



5. 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 comments about Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets of the Samurai.

1. Informatively written by renowned Budo and Ninja grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi and ably translated into English by Bruce Appleby and Doug Wilson, Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets Of The Samurai is an in-depth manual about the skill and art of traditional Japanese sword fighting. Black-and-white photographs by Minoru Hirata and Kyuzo Akashi copiously illustrate methods of drawing and resheathing swords, and sword strikes and cuts, while the skillfully translated text delves into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of swordsmanship as surely as the martial arts and physical aspects. Illustrations of traditional samurai dress and full armor, and an appendix of the original Japanese text round out Masaaki Hatsumi's Japanese Sword Fighting, a truly "must-have" manual for Japanese swordsmanship enthusiasts.



2. Relatively little has been written covering Samurai sword fighting techniques: here ninja grandmaster provides both a history of the art of Japanese swordplay, rich in biographical surveys and cultural insight, and a survey of classical techniques used in two-sword fighting. Vintage and modern black and white photos and illustrations pack an account that blends step-by-step how-to photos with calligraphy, description, biographies, and background history. A 'must' for any serious not just about Japanese sword fighting, but Japanese culture and history as a whole.



3. This book is awsome!!! it not only shows you how to do difforent moves in japenes sword fighting but it also teaches you the backround or history of the sword style what the difforent swords are called and it teaches you at least 5 moves for each difforent one. All around this was a very good book and i'm glad i found it.



4. One of the reviewers of this book used the fact that Soke's creative use of the Japanese language was the source of much of his wisdom. For those interested in language then this description would seem sufficient.
   
   I would suggest to the would-be reader however, that Hatsumi-sensei is first and foremost a budoka and the source of his 'wisdom' stems from his martial art. Soke himself has written that it is his understanding of martial arts that allows him to successfully perform other arts. It is encumbent on the reader, certainly for those who are students of the Bujinkan, to see this book from the perspective of the martial arts.
   
   This book is another testament to the persistance and creativity of Hatsumi-sensei. Forever finding the next step, Soke is always able to continue and, in his own words, 'keep going'. This book is a MUST for any student of Hatsumi-sensei's Bujinkan art.



5. Great book. A must for anyone interested in Japanese Sword Fighting, Ninjutsu, or Budo Taijutsu.

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

1. We use this as a textbook for our beginner fencers. The illustrations are very clear, with multiple viewpoints, and the directions are very clear. It also is great for my assistant instructors to use for the tips on what to look for when a fencer is doing something wrong! A great book! I reccommend it for all the salles!



2. Another classic. Good pictures and easy to understand text. Full of drills to perform alone or with another person. Quite simply one of the best American texts available.



3. 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



4. 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



5. 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.

5 comments about Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting.

1. Now over 20 years old, this was one of the first books in English on escrima. At just over 150 pages and with 9 chapters covering the different topics, Guru Presas packs much good information into this small book. Many of the most important topics and skills are covered, and the photos and decriptions are clear and easy to understand. Although I have a more recent edition, the photos are still clear and not too dark or too light, as sometimes happens with the plates with older books. Close-ups are used when needed to show the details of hand positions. There is also a brief history of escrima at the beginning of the book.
   
   Nowadays videos have in many ways replaced books as instructional materials in the martial arts, but video was still relatively new when this book was written, and it still stands on its own as one of the best early treatments of escrima. To see the actual movements, though, there is really nothing like a video, many of which are available used on the web for less than the price of the book. But books on the martial arts can still serve a useful purpose by discussing more technical matters such as theory, strategy, and topics like history, and perhaps as as catalogs and references for the techniques of a particular style.
   
   Among Guru Presas's many legendary abilities, he was perhaps best known for his ability to perform disarms, and this is covered in the last chapter of the book, in addition to hand techniques, flow drills, trapping, the various single and double stick techniques, and other topics.
   
   I have to mention that I had an opportunity to do a demo for Guro Presas back in the mid-80s with my teacher of Chinese Chin Na, the Kung Fu holding and locking art. As you probably know Guro Presas is also skilled in the Filipino version of this art, and was also a champion in Dumog, or Filipino wrestling and grappling, when he was younger. He enjoyed our demo and was very impressed with my master, Sifu Tony Ho, and his skill.
   
   I am also a certified instructor in Kali/Escrima through the Ted LucayLucay lineage under Chuck Gonzaga, and have studied Serrada Escrima in addition to Kali. Chuck is a great martial artist himself and I am proud to be one of his students and instructors, and to have had the honor to demo for Guro Presas many years ago when I was still a young martial artist.



2. Received the book in excellent condition and as described. Just needs to send an update via email of when the book was shipped.



3. .
   
   This book is a great way to supplement your formal instructions.



4. This is a good introduction to the system. It is unfortunate that master martial artists have not worked with professional writers to produce detailed volumes chronicling their systems. This, like most works of its kind- leaves the advanced student wishing MORE had been written.
   
   The book will be informative to the beginner of Modern Arnis and a source of fond nostalgia for advanced students who know that this great man taught us all so much MORE than the pages of this book contain.
   Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times



5. Contains all the basics you need to start learning the art.
   
   Classic book!

5 comments about Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship.

1. For Basics on the Martial arts this book is worth every penny!



2. I love the way this book was written. The descriptions of the moves reflect mastery of the author. I appreciated the easy to follow diagrams and the instructions on how to read them. This is a definite buy for anyone interested in Iaido.



3. 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.



4. 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'.



5. 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.