5 comments about Complete Kendo (Complete Martial Arts).

1. I appreciate how John tries to express the meaning that Kendo can have for people but I'm afraid that after reading the book and taking up Kendo it's not as formal as said in the book. There are also a few mistake I have found in the glossary like Shimpan which is actually Shinpan. (referee) But overall this was a very informative book.



2. This book is an excellent companion to Kendo: The Definitive Guide (KDG). While KDG cover ALL of the technical aspects down to the last detail, this book's focus is aesthetics and beginners Kendo. It was recommended to me by one of my school's Sensei who felt it covered ideas and concepts that you would normally only hear through the spoken word: the relevance of Kata, the formal apsects of the dojo, and why there is no defence in Kendo. The author is an antropoligist in NY, and I believe it gives him a nice perspective on the aesthics and ideas behind Kendo that you will not find in most other books, especially those translated from the east. I think begginers and advanced students will learn a lot from this book and I believe it is the perfect companion to Kendo: The Definitive Guide.



3. This book is slightly better for the beginner than the Heart of Kendo book because it presents materials in the order that most beginners would engage the sport/Way. Ie you learn etiquette, then foot motion, then how to hold a shinai, then basic exercises.
   
   The weakness of this book is it's lack of pictures or pictures that are too small or unclear. I have often found myself ignoring the pictures and simply reading the text and envisioning it in my head because the pictures were so poorly depicted. Furthermore, the pictures are numbered but there is no reference to the numbering within the text.
   
   In general I don't know why Kendo books don't do a better job at presenting technical material. For example, why are movements explained in long paragraphs rather than as enumerated lists that say: Step 1- do this.... Step 2- do this....
   If they would just present, for example, the Katas (which involves the actions of 2 people) as tables with 3 columns, where column 1 is what the Uchidachi does; column 2 is what the Shidachi does; and column 3 is the representative photograph; that would make the study of technique so much easier!
   
   Comparing this book against the Heart of Kendo book, I'd recommend the Heart of Kendo book in its descriptions of technique. Complete Kendo presents the material in a more logical order for beginners. Neither books have an index which means you have to hunt thru the book to find something.



4. This book is more a literary piece rather than a technical book on Kendo. I've read the book of Five Rings and I'd prefer the original work.
   
   I would reccomend this to those interested in the literature on interpretation of the "Five Rings".



5. I started studying Kendo with Dr Donohue after the purchase of this title. The class and thte book really compliment each other. I feel that this is as much about the art of the discipline as it is about the initial rudiments. I felt that this was a worthwhile read. It has definitely enhanced my practice.

5 comments about Kenjutsu: The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship.

1. Another introductory text that really says nothing. Buyer beware..



2. Another introductory text that really says nothing. Buyer beware..



3. Being a Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu practitioner for fifteen years I have seen many books upon the subject, in that time I have never seen one quite as bad as this book. Mr Daniel claims to be an expert upon the subject, even experts have off days, a slight head cold can badly effect ones performance, however I fear that was not the case with this offering. Mr Daniels Tai-sabaki (Natural body movement) in no small way resembles a pregnant antelope who has reccently undergone some kind of surgery to lengthen their already overly extended and unwieldy legs. After as long as I have been flashing a blade I do understand that a stance is a transition between movements and not a true position itself, however this is no excuse for mr Daniels inconsistancy and inaccuracy in his stances. I beg him to please review his dai-jodan because if he does not he will one day loose his head. Also, his waki stance, or should I say stances because no two are quite alike..., are regretable.

   However the biggest jokes in this book are his nito (two sword techniques) they lack grace, skill and imagination. ...I know! we'll take all our bujinkan taijutsu stances and stick a couple of swords in our hands and mess around a bit. The only reason I gave this book one star was the fact that the Muto dori ( no sword against sword) techniques at the back of the book are so laughable, in their suicidability....




4. Wow! This a good book! So many stances,techniques and extreme detail in the words and pictures!Obviously Mr. Daniels has much expierience.



5. I bought this book some time ago in my early days of studying Kenjutsu and found the pictures and descrioption to be less than accurate. The quality of photography is poor and is not a good book, IMO,. for the student wishing to develop his Kenjutsu skills at an early stage. As one becomes more proficient this book can offer some ideas but also highlights some poor presentation. Would not recommend it as a self study guide!

5 comments about The Way of Kendo and Kenjitsu: Soul of the Samurai.

1. Mr. Craig has again written another fine book and I can recommend it as a enjoyable read. It maintains the traditional Craig writing style that integrates authentic personal stories, but written around completely new information and insight into one of the more mysterious of the martial arts - kendo. This book is as good as, and in many ways much better, than Mr. Craig's previous books. If you don't read it for the diagrams and technical depth, it certainly should be read for his historical reflections. I found it particularly interesting to understand that the martial experience Mr. Craig has gained - enough to write an authoritative book on the subject, comes from his long relationship with a family in Japan that has been practicing kendo in one form or another for almost 800 years.

   I only will point out an observation that Craig gets slowly around to making. He describes that kendo has a very pragmatic modern application. In spite of the list of ranks, skills and titles that Mr. Craig has (l)earned, he writes that the marital samurai is not a person brute bristling with weapons and bravado, but rather a courteous, indifferent person who carries within himself, unseen except when called to action, a martial spirit and a courage to battle for a right.




2. Here's another informative, instructive, and inspiring book by Darrell Craig - a great addition to your library if interested in kendo, iaido, kenjitsu, or simply martial arts in general.
   
   Thanks to the helpful reviews below, I've gratefully added this book to my collection. One reviewer complained that the author was arrogant, which I was unable to determine from reading the text. To the contrary, the stories reveal a kind and generous man. If the author is arrogant, so what? His book is a great buy!
   
   And so is "The Heart of Kendo," which I rate at 5 stars for being not only educational but also exceptionally beautiful.



3. Samurai seem to be everywhere. From the Oscar-nominated films The Twilight Samurai and Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai to anime marital arts sagas and the hit Emmy-winning Cartoon Network series, Samurai Jack, the robed, inscrutable, unstoppable warriors conquer our hearts with their martial arts and their dignity. The illustration of a black-robed Japanese gentlemen seated in a meditation pose with a katana by his side, one in his lap, sets the tone for Kendo and Kenjitsu practitioner Darrell Max Craig. Although Craig, like so many martial arts devotees, is a gai-jin (foreigner), he displays a reverence and knowledge of Japanese culture, samurai in particular, that is to be respected and admired. Craig goes into great detail about the katas, combat, clothing, equipment, and most of all, the swords of his art. He writes of the details with the same intricate deftness of a skilled samurai dueling with an adversary, and his strokes of the keyboard baffle and enlighten us as much as the strokes of the katana, or the other sword Craig introduces us to, the shinai.
   
   Those readers who, like this reviewer, have not read Craig's previous book, The Heart of Kendo, and are not familiar with Kendo and Kenjitsu, may find the details difficult to master. This is not a casual read, but if you truly desire to learn martial arts, or at least collect Japanese swords, a pastime to which Craig devotes the last two chapters (perhaps recognizing, wisely, that some of his audience for the book may be Japanophiles and collectors), The Way of Kendo and Kenjitsu is a worthy place to start.



4. Reviewed by Bob Spears
   Publisher and Chief Reviewer
   Heartland Reviews
   
   The author has written a definitive work on the subject. Kendo, using padded armor and split-bamboo swords, is a sport. He covers its essentials. Kenjitsu is the much older code of sword fighting, which has no rules and uses real, metal swords for practice.
   
   The book is remarkably well illustrated and the text provides excellent information on the topic. The author provides not only the movements, descriptions, and customs, but what to look for in collectible swords and other equipment.
   
   
    



5. This is a great book: enjoyable, entertaining, and enlightening. Craig's basic premise is that the way of kendo is something different to each and every student who picks up a Japanese sword. While traditional Kenjitsu had no rules per se, modern (sport) kendo does. He has fascinating insight into the differences and similarities between the two, asserting that to learn kendo properly practitioners must not think of it (or practice it) as a sport. If you don't already know, kendo uses bamboo shinai and padded armor for practice while kenjitsu uses live steel. To get the most out of these arts, Craig believes that you must think of them as a way of life, a perspective promulgated by most of the leading sword arts practitioners such as Dave Lowry as well.
   
   Craig's writings will advance your sword skills imparting knowledge of equipment, exercises, applications, and kata (including the last three kata of the All Japan Kendo Federation, which use the wakizashi short sword). More specifically, topics include kendo clothing, equipment and care thereof, fundamental movements, advanced waza, and kodachi katas. There is also great information about samurai sword collecting, care, maintenance, and terminology. The illustrations enhance the text and facilitate the reader's ability to understand and internalize Craig's excellent points. I think that the target audience is experience practitioners so it might be a bit beyond some beginners though. Regardless, this is a great book, a worthy addition to any martial arts library.
   
   Darrell Craig really knows his stuff. He holds a exceptionally impressive list of black belt ranks in several different martial arts, including kendo (renshi), karate (kyoshi), jujitsu (kyoshi); iaido (godan), kobudo (godan), judo (yodan), and aikido (yodan). He has worked as a martial arts choreographer on a number of feature films and is the author of several other martial arts books as well.
   
   Lawrence Kane
   Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

3 comments about Kendo: Elements, Rules, and Philosophy (Latitude 20 Book).

1. Jinichi Tokeshi provides a succinct albeit comprehensive guide to Kendo and all that is entails. It begins with a short history of Kendo in an effort to familiarize the reader with the origins of the "sport". Tokeshi then spends some time on the necessities such as equipment and the correct manner in which to wear the kendogi and bogu! He also pays strict attention to appropriate etiquette and behaviour. The book deals with the movements, strikes, general philosophy, rules, regulations and ends with short biographies on historically significant samurai/Kendo masters! All in all the book amicably demonstrates the "elements, rules, and philosophy" of Kendo and as a new student to the Japanese art of fencing it has proved indispensable.



2. Dr. Tokeshi's book is great. It covers everything from the philosophy and history behind kendo to waza (techniques) and the basics of equipment care. Not to mention the comprehensive section on nitto ryu and the Nihon Kendo Kata. Using Dr. Tokeshi's book I've learned to take apart and maintain my shinai and how to fold my keikogi and hakama. I especially like the sections where he explains the reasons behind the different kamae and what the different kata is supposed to teach you.



3. The book is exactly as the title states. It explains the philosophy, history, and rules of Kendo. It also has illustrations for the techniques so you can learn them. You still need to study Kendo in person to learn it, but this book is good as a reference book in case you haven't practiced something in awhile. It also has the terminology, which is useful to know as a student.

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

1. This book, along with Fundamental Kendo (of the Zen Nihon Kendo Remmei) are still the most important kendo books around. Now, as we all know, Fundamental Kendo is out of print, so you should at least own a copy of this one.



2. This is a reprint of the book originally published in 1964, if I remember correctly, and is definitely something of a classic, since there were few books available in the U.S. on the art of kendo at that time.

   I read this book mainly for the history of kendo, in order to supplement the reading I'm doing on the history of iai, as I am mainly an iaido practitioner rather than a kendo-ka. I'd recently read Karl Friday's Legacies of the Sword, a scholarly work by an American professor of Japanese history on iaido, much of it impressively written from original Japanese sources. It was quite detailed as far as the history and philosophy of Kashima-Shinryu iaido goes, but other styles get discussed too, such as Jikishin Kage-ryu and Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. However, much of the information is relevant to other styles as well. But it was primarily, as I said, on iai, so I wanted to get some background in the kendo as well. I mention it because it would be a good book to read after this one. Just be advised, if you're familiar with Dave Lowry's lively and entertaining books on iaido, this is truly a academic tome, and the style is much denser and dryer than Lowry's works, but it's worth reading for the exhaustive detail and scholarship that went into it. The author says that it was the product of 20 years of research, and it shows.

   I can't comment on the technical aspects of the kendo forms and techniques, but I thought the history was excellent despite a few things I found far-fetched, such as the author's mentioning of 9-foot swords. I note one of the other reviewers commented on this too, and he also had a problem with some of the author's facts on European armor. However, baring a few problems like that, I thought this chapter was excellent as a good introductory history and it contained much good information on many of the old kendo schools and the most famous masters, and dozens of famous masters are discussed along with the styles they originated, along with their exploits and some of the philosophy too. There still aren't many books discussing the history of iaido and kendo in English in much detail, and this chapter on the history is one of the better ones I've seen so far.




3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

1 comments about Karate My Life.

1. A lively journey with one of Shotokan Karate founder Funakoshi Gichen's last remaining students. A teacher of Karate for over 50 years, Kanazawa Hirokazu begins by sharing his earliest memories of hard working family, and the influence of their examples had upon his development. He is drawn to physical training early on after bad experience where as an 11-year old he is beaten by a bully of an adult known as "Sumo Geezer". Later Kanazawa pursues the art of Karate at Takushoku University. Includes memories of early training, Funakoshi's thoughts on the primative body armor Tokyo University started using for competitions, Nakayama Masatoshi's influence, the first University Exchange-training programs...quite a lot of good stuff.
   
   This Autobiography is by no means dry and is strewn with humerous and interesting vignettes, such as when Kanazawa's college karate mates attempt a 3-stooges type prank where each man tells the conductor on a local train that the fellow behind him has the fare...Kanazawa it happened, was the last man in the line! I won't spoil the story with the ending here (page 85). The story line is always moving, always introducing something new or unexpected. You will not find the stereotypical stern samurai here, but a very normal if very driven and dedicated man of ethics. More often, the goodness of people shows through, and the author takes joy from this.
   
   There are a number of topics covered here which aren't examined in most other karate books. First, Kanazawa honestly explains his version of the 1972 WUKO karate championships, where he seems convinced there was a conspiracy by European judges to exclude American and Japanese competitors. The funny thing is that for years Europeans have referred to this early competition as a hallmark of fairness, proving that one didn't have to be Japanese to win...Kanazawa is convinced that the European judges simply couldn't see the techniques of the Japanese, they were too fast (page 240). It is interesting to have another perspective from the man who was actually there coaching the Japanese team.
   
   Second, this book explains the politics behind the Big JKA split with European instructors, and the freak misunderstanding that led to his expulsion from the JKA. How to deal with such sorrow?
   
   "In the beginning, all humans are born naked. Then they die naked. They can take nothing with them. In a similar sense, I stated karate naked, so there was nothing for me to be afraid of in going back to that state..." (page 251).
   
   Here is the beginning of Kanazawa's Shotokan Karte-do International Federation. All in all, Kanazawa is very upbeat and optimistic, learning from his hardships and generous with others. From his earliest days he has a keen sense of justice, standing up for the weak and doing what is right for its own sake.
   
   The hardcover version is a quality work with sewn binding. There are 20 pages of photographs, showing Kanazawa and mates at college, as well as other notables like Nakayama, Funakoshi, etc. Also some photos of young Kanazawa's incredibly well defined physique. The translation is thoroughly up to date and understandable. When Kanazawa smashes 15 roof tiles with his elbow during a demonstration at a small town. A school teachers warns the children watching, "Kids! Don't try this at home!" (pg 104)

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.

5 comments about The Structure of Aikido: Volume 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu Sword and Open-Hand Movement Relationships (Structure of Aikido, Vol 1).

1. I found the book very good, useful and interesting. It shows that even though Aikido is gracful it is also dangerous.



2. This book shows in great detail how aikido empty hand techniques related to techniques with weapons.



3. This book will deepen your understanding of how Aikido techniques are linked to sword fighting. An excellent, visual presentation of Aikido footwork, timing and mental attitude. I wish Mr. Homma would complete the series he had planned with the publication of this book. Highly recommended!



4. This is the best technique book I have ever read. The book is very practical in the order that it is layed out; and clear in showing the relationship between the the arts. The clearity and order of the photos make it very easy to follow each technique from start to finish. Each technique is true to its Japanese art; their does not look to have any mix of other arts or peronal change to any of the movements. This is an excelent book.



5. I love Gaku Homma's books for their straightforwardness. This one is exactly what the subtitle says it is. I wish there were a higher text-to-photo ratio, but mostly I wish Gaku Homma had finished the series of which this was the first book. If you train in aikido already, I suspect there's a good chance you've seen this material already. But if you train in other martial arts and have an interest in aikido, I think this book could be very informative for you.

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 The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts.

1. Written by 18th-century Japanese samurai Issai Chozanshi and translated into English by William Scott Wilson, also known for his translations of "Hagakure" and "The Book of Five Rings", The Demon's Sermon On The Marital Arts is a uniquely insightful and philosophical contemplation. Presented in the format of an imagined discourse between a tengu (a mythological birdman) and an anonymous swordsman, The Demon's Sermon On The Martial Arts is much broader in scope than a simple list of strategies and maneuvers taught by assorted Japanese disciplines, extending into wisdom gleaned from Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shinto. The result is a guide for martial artists to perfecting the mind, rising above hesitation, indecision, or distractions, and harnessing the flow of the dynamic energy of ch'i to empower transformation. An indispensable classic of traditional Japanese culture and martial arts philosophy.



2. The Demon's Sermon comes from Japan's 17th century. Author Niwa Jurozaemon Tadaaki (writing as Issao Chozanshi) created this work on martial arts, despite a claim after the Sermon that "I am not a swordsman, so how could I teach swordsmanship?" If that is truly the author speaking, then what else in these essays should be discounted as suspect in their accuracy? And, if it's self-deprecating fiction, then what other points in these essays should also discounted as fiction? This, I think, is the least of the paradoxes within this text.
   
   The text carries a Taoist tone, with many allusions to Taoist classics. Educated Japanese in many centuries referred often to the Chinese canon. Chozanshi's work, however, stands out for building up Chinese concepts in terms of Chinese classics, building them on a base of Japanese martial arts, folk culture, and religion. This sermon on martial arts in fact says very little about those arts - instead, it cultivates the mind, spirit, and human energy of the martial artist. The third essay in this set scarcely addresses martial arts at all. Instead, the amusing parable follows an exchange between cats on the conquest of an uncommonly fierce rat. If just a word here and there were changed, the fable would have sounded like an actual part of the Chuang Tzu.
   
   Wilson's translation is modern and fluent. His preface and footnotes clarify many cultural referents that could otherwise have been obscure, especially regarding the demon speaker himself. Despite skilled translation, the Way of Chozanshi's text remains obscure - as if to remind a reader of any century that the Way that can be spoken is not the eternal Way.
   
   -- wiredweird



3. This book adds to the martial arts (especially swordsmanship) canon, already populated with works by Musashi, Munenori, and Nitobe. Musashi deals with technique, Munenori explains the consequences of training in a school. Nitobe provides the ultimate primer into the warrior ethos. Chozanshi asks and answers questions raised in the course of training.
   
   Chozanshi explains how swordsmen differ from Zen monks; why sword training has secrets; and which kind of weapon is most advantageous (the answer begins “How can you ask such a stupid question?”). He also shows why several methods of training in “the Way” are incorrect and how they compare to the true path.
   
   The sales literature says this is the first translation of this work into English. I would like to see another translation, perhaps by Thomas Cleary, to determine how much of the work has been altered by the translator. His footnote on “remaining mind” reflects only one view and, I think, differs from the explanation in the text.



4. Books on Bushido and swordsmanship are a vast part of my collection, things ranging from the common Sun Tzu, Musashi's 5 Rings, to the lesser known Shogun No Rin, Takeda and the Hagakure and other books are frequent reads for me. This book is interesating in that it deviats from the practical aphorisms and "text book" nature of the others and adopts a 2 part structure. The first section is a collection of stories based on animals and insects that explain the workings of Ch'i flow and the essence of the "void mind" and similar concepts. it does this ina way similar to the Zen Flesh Sen Bones koan/story method, though these have a warmer feel to them. The second part of the book is the actual sermon as overgeard by a traveling man who happend upon some demons on a mountain. Now Demon in the Japanese context does not have the same menaing as it does in the west. So this isnt some horned pitchfork carrying guy talking in the woods. Instead it a gathering of Demons holding a question and answer session with a masterful demon on he subject of the nature of mind in combat as tied to sword play. The meat of the discussions is similar to those of most books but it focuses alot on Ch'i energy and how it is used/abused/neglected, something that most other books leave out entirely. I have little knowlage of Ch'i myself in this context, but found it a good opener for the subject and it did whet the appitite for more. Though there are better books on Bushido out there for the moral practitioner this one leands intself well to a collection as it delves into a different spirituality than most as the others spend alot of time on strict Zen principles. Of course this is xrooted in Zen and Buddhism as well, but it contains a strong influence from the Taoist schools as well, a healthy dosage to say the least as outlined in the first few pages. A good read.



5. Interesting and enjoying to read. This book is for the serious martial artist who enjoys a slightly esoteric approach to training and philosophy of the arts. I started out my training in traditional arts before adding many other modern styles such as boxing and submission grappling to my skill set and I believe yet to this day that I was served well by applying the "old school" frame of mind to modern, scientific training. The Samurai and other elite warriors of history became legendary for a reason...discipline and a complete devotion to mastering not only their weapons, but themselves and their minds. Read alongside The Book of Five Rings and others this will be a welcome addition to your library.
   
   Take care,
   Lance