5 comments about Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata (Tuttle Martial Arts).

1. I found this to be a wonderful book. I recommend it for all kenshi who do not read Japanese but want to make a throrough study of kata. The author lays the groundwork for understanding the theory and spirit behind the kata as well as deatailng the movements.



2. This is a very informative book for those kenshi studying the Nihon Kendo Kata. Most do not devote enough time to the study and practice of the kata and this book is a valuable aid for this purpose.



3. but.. i would rather suggest dvd rather than trying to read and learn from any book. best way to learn kata is, of course, from sensei at dojo.



4. This book contains detailed information on the kendo katas. It has all the notes one would like to have on how to perform each one. With this I do not need to worry about taking notes after classes and I can focus on performance. I especially like the shidachi and the uchidachi shown in opposing pages, so one can view the complete sequence at a glance. It also have interesting historical information with pictures. This book is a "must have" to practice far from Japan.



5. After many years of undertaking other martial arts, I've found myself having the opportunity to study Kendo. The club where I train has an emphasis on kata from the start of your training, and Budden's book provides nice clear illustrations of how to proceed with the long and short sword forms.
   
   The pictures are clear, and the points of note useful when atempting to refine your practice. Overall a much better (and understandable) coverage of the kata than Ozawa's "Kendo: The definitive guide". The page lay-out includes both shidachi and uchidachi as they enter and exit, though I would have liked to have seen movement arrows (a la Yang, Jwing-Ming). Overall though, this has been a very useful purchace, and I recommend it for anyone interested in learning and refining their kendo kata.

2 comments about Bamboo Blade, Vol. 1 (v. 1).

1. and I bought the collective volume.
   Perhaps this is one of the overlooked titles in Yen Plus, but it certainly one of the best.
   
   I actually really dislike manga involving kendo(the type of swordplay sport in this book thats common in japanese schools) and swords, but this was such a cute story that I loved it.
   The characters are funny and cute and the story really picks up after this volume. Its very carefree and the art is interesting. Anyone who is a fan of kendo or just wants to read a funny manga, pick this up.



2. This is a review of Volume One of "Bamboo Blade" published by Yen Press.
   
   "Bamboo Blade" follows the story of the (mostly female) members of a kendo club in Muroe Private High School in Japan. One day the club's coach, impoverished Toraji "Kojiro" Ishida, is challenged by his senpai Ishibashi: "If Kojiro's all-female team beat his in the competition, Kojiro can have a one-year supply of sushi at the sushi restaurant Ishibashi's father runs. Of course, Kojiro accepts. (Sushi is pretty expensive in Japan.) To get the prize, however, Kojiro needs five female members now and has to train them very quickly.
   
   Luckily he and Kirino, the only female member of the club, find Tamaki, a small, quiet girl student whose father is a kendo master. (Oh, kendo is Japanese martial art of sword-fighting using bamboo swords, just in case if you don't know.) Tamaki herself, as it turns out, is a very strong kendo practioner. The problem is, she is not interested.
   
   The author of the comic is Masahiro Totsuka (storyboards written by him) and the illustration is by Aguri Igarashi. The strength of her artwork lies in drawing of characters (especially girls in a slightly shojo manga fashion), not the swordfights. Actually like most Japanese comics based on sports, the comic is not just about sports. If you are looking for realistic kendo fights, this is not the place.
   
   Though the kendo club's easy-going instructor Kojiro is the character who furthers the manga's storyline, it is the attractive female students - Tamaki (nicknamed Tama-chan) and Kirino especially - that are the reason you should read "Bamboo Blade." Unfortunately, the story of Volume One is a tad slower than it should be with several flashbacks explaining Kojiro's background. We have to wait for the next volume to know more about Tama-chan, Kirino, and other interesting characters.
   
   The hit comic has been serialized in seinen magazine "Young Gangan" targeting young adult males, published by Square Enix since December, 2004. At the time of writing, 11 volumes (plus one volume of spin-off "Bamboo Blade B") have been published in Japan.
   
   [BOOK / TRANSLATION] The English edition has the same color page. FX, signs, afterword by author and illustrator are also translated. The Yen Press edition has one-page translation note.
   
   Finally you must keep this in mind. Some Japanese comics take time for characters to develop. Reading only the first volume isn't often enough to fully enjoy long-running series. If the kendo coach Kojiro is pathetic, he is made so intentionally, and more discerning readers will notice that he will change. The series has spawned eleven volumes (and spin-off and anime adaptation) and they are no fluke in highly competitive Japanese comic industry.

No comments about Mixed Martial Arts - The Basics of Jujitsu and MMA! A+.

No comments about SABURO -- The Saga of a Teenage Samurai in 17th Century Japan.

3 comments about The Shambhala Guide to Kendo: Its Philosophy, History, and Spiritual Dimension.

1. This book is very informative, and gives a clear background into Kendo practice. I highly recomend it to all who are intrested in Kendo, and Asian practices.



2. Only a very very general information on Kendo. You can easily get that much information from the net. No chance that you can get any serious hands on infromation.The title is misleading, the book could have been a short informative newspaper article.



3. Actually my sensei's book! He doesn't teach the swordfighting techniques to kendo in the book much at all, this is to learn about the philosophy and discipline of kendo as well as the history and the different schools that have evolved. Great if you are thinking about taking a course and learning Kendo. Kendo is about mind and body integration, TRUST ME, you need both to really learn it well. If your sensei doesn't teach you the philosophy and discipline, get a new one. I only give it four because perhaps I am spoiled in comparison, but there is even more depth that I think should have expanded the book. Great if you are interested or brand new to kendo, but still useful read even if you've been practicing for a while.

No comments about Bamboo Blade, Vol. 5.

5 comments about This is Kendo: The Art of Japanese Fencing.

1. nothing can replace dojo when it comes to learning kendo, however, this book provides good over view about kendo. i do have number of different kendo books in my collection at this point.. however, this was my first book in english on kendo, and i still find it endearing.



2. Outstanding book, both for advanced kendoists and begginers. Pay close attention to everything those two authors and masters kendoists have written and you'll not regret.



3. Being a new kendo enthusiast I found this book very good in presenting all the basic information. Excellent history backgrounder too, how kendo developed and what it means in Japan. Precise information on all major aspects, such as equipment, etiquette, forms and practice.



4. This is a good book if you are interested in the "sport" of fighting with shinai. If your are more interested in the "art" of Japanese sword fighting; I would go with "Flashing Steel" or a book on Kenjutsu.



5. This was the first book I ever purchased on the Kendo. At that time this book was the only text in English on this sword art. Now there are numerous excellent books on Kendo. From my own experience studying Kendo, this book really helped to clarify some important points in this wonderful martial art. The material covered is clear and highly informative. It explains how Kendo began, how it developed into an art, the role of the Bushi and bushido, the refinement of Kendo, the equipment and basic rules of the sport. This fully illustrated text shows the various sparring techniques and practice sessions involved in the art of Kendo. It only hints at the work it takes to achieve any level of skill. I can tell you that it is a very grueling and exhausting sport. I wished I would have been younger when I began my training in Kendo. In conclusion, this is a great basic guide when combined with actual hands-on training in Kendo with an instructor(Sensei). Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Samurai Aerobics: The Kendo/Kenjustu workout, Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu Manual, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths).

5 comments about The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts.

1. Where it's not, it's excellent. The actual Demon's Sermon is a superb discussion of everything to do with fencing except how to use the weapon. There is no discussion of parries or cuts, but of preparation to train, preparation to fight, the conduct of combat, and the mind of the person holding the sword. All this is imparted to a swordsman as he eavesdrops on a discussion of fencing among Tengu, the demons who taught humans to fence, according to Japanese legend.
   
   The Mysterious Technique of the Cat was also a delightful and clear story on stages of learning and human nature. Again, good points, clearly articulated.
   
   A very enjoyable and thought provoking treatise on the spirit of martial disciplines.
   
   E. M. Van Court



2. I feel that this is not a book for beginners in the martial arts. The sermon remarks on this point as well. However, if you are at instructor level or higher, this book will change some concepts about yourself and your Self, especially for those beyond their thirties. This book points out that it is pointless to hold on to ephemeral things as body power, stamina, even technique, rank or wisdom, since all these are a reflection (a delusion / distraction) of the Mind and Self. I will also point out an exquisite translation and aesthetic quality of the book. A book for the rest of your lifetime.



3. This book doesn't just jump into the "Sermon" but builds into it by offering insights to certain nuances born of Eastern thought. You may not clearly understand the anecdotes, but you may become a bit less prejudiced, a bit more educated on the "Way" which pervades much of Asia's day-to-day. If you spend anytime in Asia, esp. Japan, this book may be a good choice to start out with.



4. This is a masterpiece of warrior philosophy. It is not a casual read and nor is it a story that will provide entertainment value. This is essential reading for martial artists and practitioners of eastern medicine as one of the fundamental lessons involves the cultivation of Qi. The "Demon" in this case refers to the Tengu, which are legendary throughout Japan.
   
   The Tengu is many things and comes in many forms. It is known as a mischievous and malevolent spirit that brought terror to the Japanese. The ninja made use of these legends and often impersonated Tengu to strike fear. But the Tengu is also a respected and revered symbol and is associated with Shugendo, or the Way of the Aesthetic. In this role the Tengu can be a teacher, and a protector of Buddhism who punsihed evil-doers.
   
   Practitioners of Shugendo often live alone in the mountains and are known as Yamabushi (Shinto), meaning "Mountain (Yama) Warrior (Bushi) Aesthetic" in the deeper sense. They view nature as possessing powerful Qi; in the mountains, rocks, and streams. In the wilderness they train and cultivate their energy. Their ancient roots come from China and the Taoist traditions, which is very evident in this book:
   
   "The Demon said, 'The Way cannot be seen or heard. What can be seen or heard are just traces of the Way.'
   
   The Tengu, the Yamabushi, and the ninja are all connected. Togakushi is a small village high in the Japanese alps that claims a ninja heritage that is 900-years old. There are 3 shinto shrines in the valley, and countless sacred spots throughout the mountains, which have many small waterfalls and streams. The Tengu of Togakushi takes the form of a raven. Tengu are also common in many other ninja villages like Yagyu-zato.
   
   What's incredible about this book is its really the only one on this subject in english. While sitting high on a precipice in the mountains above Togakushi, I watched a raven high above tuck its wings into a steep dive and it sounded like a katana slicing the air as it passed 15-feet away before continuing another 1000-feet down and leveling off just over the tree line. It was an odd display and there was something really powerful about it. That spirit is alive in this book, and it sheds light on where these ideas originated.
   
   The Tengu are also high techers, but only to the select few. They often took a keen interest in people who retreated to the mountains for extended training. Morihei Ueshiba, the Aikido founder learned some of his martial arts from a Tengu in the 1920's. Sword master Yagyu Muneyoshi had an epic sword duel with a Tengu during a violent lightning storm in the mountains above the village. There is rock there where supposedly his sword cut through the stone after the Tengu dodged him that is now known as Itto Seki, or "one sword stroke rock".
   
   This book deals a lot with the movement of a warrior, but perhaps a more powerful message relates to the Shugendo concepts or more specifically the cultivation of Qi. This was fundamental to the ancient Taoist masters who created powerful martial arts such as the highly advanced Ba Gua Zhang. Chozanshi is clearly advocating that we work endlessly to cultivate Qi, and through this process both our lives and our practices will excel.
   
   This book is a rare treat. It offers some very advanced material, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a serious practitioner of the arts. Be prepared to study.



5. I like to keep reviews short because, really, no one reads the reviews that are NOVELS!!! Cryptic and leaves much for you to consider. Unless you're a long-time follower of Zen (I'm a novice), a recommendation for getting the most of this work: Highlight what "stands out" to you, possibly make your own notes/observations about the passage off to the side, and meditate/ponder/whatever you may do on these when you have opportunity. A martial artist stands to get something/much of this work. Worth your time!

5 comments about Kendo: The Definitive Guide.

1. 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!



2. This book presents all kendo basics and some interesting techniques. Further, it shows each kata with details. I gave it 4 stars cause I would like to see more wazas.



3. Great book. Hard to do on your own. You relly need a class and a great teacher it is all just self-taught, poor technique that will get you disqualified.



4. Excelent book. It contains all the basics of etiquette as well the Kendo techniques and katas.
   
   The book is plenty of good drawings and explanations, and it covers the way to put the bogu (armor) on,
   how to tie it, how to behave in a Dojo, the current rules, a japanese glossary, and so on.
   
   A perfect reference book for a kenshi and for a sensei.
   A great work of Mr. Hiroshi Ozawa. I consult it every time.



5. Excellent source of information, a very good source to correct the technical details and vital support for those who practice Kendo

2 comments about SPEAK JAPANESE TODAY--A Little Language Goes a Long Way!.

1. This now well-worn book is evidence of its usefulness in both business and pleasure trips to Japan. The author is a master of the language and has designed a unique and wonderful "home-course" that will enable you to learn how to instantly pronounce and communicate 500 key concepts utilizing only 100 key words. The 700 key words in the book are organized for the reader's benefit, and the author delivers on his promise that you will be able to communicate in Japanese on day-to-day topics. A necessary and highly recommended book for anyone who needs to be able to communicate in Japanese. Fern Stewart Welch is the author of "Your Heart Knows the Way -- How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within."



2. This book is perfect for beginners and the advanced alike. It gives clear explainations on everything from japanese sentence structure to advanced communication. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone aspiring to learn japanese.