3 comments about Beginner's Guide To Kendo And Iaido vol.2.

1. A really good training dvd ..it has given me lots of great kendo moves and defences that I can practice ... a very worthwhile investment..



2. This dvd was much better than Vol. 1 which suffered from audio difficulties. I found the demonstrations to be very well executed and explained in great detail.
   
   This dvd would be an excellent aid to augment regular instruction and training



3. I can tell that this is junk. He's not wearing a kendo keikogi. He was not wearing one in the first volume either. His saya is flat against his stomach. How was he supposed to draw his sword? Did he draw it correctly, and then move his saya to the front? What is his left hand doing? Is he going to catch the opponent's sword before it slices through his head? What's he supposed to do with all his weight on his rear foot? Why is his grip on the sword so square? What is he going to strike. Is he going to push the back of the sword with his left forearm? I never saw a corduroy hakama in Japan. Must be really old. I never heard any real kendo sensei call himself a master. I have seen sensei give really cursory instruction to foreigners. I have seen foreigners pass tests that they had no business taking. So, just because a foreigner claims that they were taught by Japanese sensei, that means absolutely nothing to me. It sounds like he doesn't speak Japanese or else he would use the correct term instead of "take away". There are no secret waza in kendo. I have known Japanese sensei teaching foreigners kamae from a manga as a joke. Maybe that's what happened here.
   
   Anyway, this looks like junk kendo. If you want to learn, go to a non-profit dojo. It's cheap, and you'll meet nice people. For the price of this DVD, your whole family can just about get a month's worth of instruction.

No comments about Secret Life of the Ninja.

2 comments about Kumdo: Sword Art.

1. This is the only kumdo dvd I've seen. It's Quality is great and I enjoyed watching it. It also had the parts of the jukdo(shinai) in korean witch is fairly hard to find. Everything is for kendo, finely something for kumdo.



2. Turtle press offers 3 DVDs of Korean sword Martial arts, two modern arts (Kumdo and Haedong Kumdo Haedong Kumdo: Korean Sword Martial Art) and Ancient Korean Sword and Weapon Arts Korean Sword and Weapon Arts DVD. This DVD demonstrates the contemporary art of kumdo,
   
   The cover of this DVD, which looks like a person in Japanese kendo protective gear, is an accurate indication of the content of this DVD. This DVD is an introduction to the Korean version of kendo, which is called kumdo in Korean. This a sport uses a 4 foot long split bamboo stick, as opposed to a real metal sword. This video begins with a brief discussion of kendo's Korean roots. The rest of the video is an orientation to a Korean kumdo class. Students see how to bow, to sit, to meditate, and how to move on the floor. Students don heavy protective gear, learn to strike with a four foot long split bamboo "sword". Strikes to the heavily protected head, wrists and trunk are demonstrated. The moves are swift, forward and back motions, in sharp contrast to the circular motions of the Korean sword arts that use real metal swords, as shown in the publisher's other DVDs Haedong Kumdo Haedong Kumdo: Korean Sword Martial Art and Ancient Korean Sword and Korean Arts Korean Sword and Weapon Arts DVD. Kumdo is a sport for exercise and personal development, rather than for practical military application. Unlike the other DVDs, there are no form demonstrations.
   
   This DVD is more interesting than many martial arts instructional videos. Its purpose is different. This is an introduction to kumdo for people considering that sport. For people considering kumdo, its serves its pupose well as it would help potential students decide if they would like to sign up for a class. For those who have already decided they prefer a martial art with steel swords and practical defense applications, one of the other two videos would probably be more in line with your goals.

5 comments about Beginners Guide to Kendo and Iaido - d.

1. Hmmm ... where to begin. While the author may be a successful martial artist, it is painfully obvious from watching this video that he has NO knowledge of kendo at all, and very little of iaido. The movements and techniques that he espouses as correct are so sloppy as to be almost unrecognizeable. His movements and precision are laughable. Combine this with the terrible quality of the video, and it wasn't even good enough to enjoy for its comedic value, although I did laugh out loud several times.
   
   Definitely a waste of time and money for anyone that is truly interested in the Japanese sword arts.



2. While I can't speak for his skill in other martial arts, I know for a fact that this man knows next to nothing about kendo. His technique is sloppy at best and all of his movements are laughable. He may have had some training but it is obvious that, at the most, he attended a handful of practices, thought he "mastered" kendo, and decided to produce this film and make money off of it. Please, do yourself a favor and do not waste your time on this man or this DVD.



3. Just by looking at the cover, I can tell that this person knows nothing about kendo. If this is for beginners, then he shouldn't even be bothering with joudan no kamae. Besides, it's all wrong. When you hold a bokken, the left hand doesn't grip the end of the handle. Basic joudan no kamae is done with the body essentially square to the opponent. His right hand is in a useless position. His left hand is too far from his forehead. It is also too low; his hand is blocking part of his field of view. In basic kendo, both hands are supposed to grip the sword evenly. You control the swing of the sword with your pinkies and the ring fingers. Because his right shoulder is so far back, his right hand is gripping with his index and middle fingers. If I attack from the direction of the camera, he'll have to shift his body around so he can use both hands to swing. Or he'll have to try a kata te waza, which is not a beginner's waza. And I can tell you right now, he would miss. His left wrist would turn out, and his blade would veer off to my right.
   
   Don't waste your time with this. You can't really learn much from a video without real, personal instruction. Until just recently, all the sanctioned kendo dojo in the U.S. were non-profit organizations. I don't know why it changed. But in any case, the really good sensei are volunteers. So, the fees are very minimal. If you're really determined to learn correct kendo, you'll find a sensei who will teach in Japanese. Kendo is not something you master in a year. Even people who have been doing it for 20 years are called beginners. Just my opinion.



4. Although I have not seen this video in it's entirety, I have seen excerpts of Mr. Wilson's "kendo". It's obvious for any knowledgeable person that he has had little or no formal training in kendo. This is my opinion based on 25 years of practicing kendo.
   
   If you must have training videos, e-bogu sells some that are made by Taro Ariga, a well-known international competitor. But really I'd recommend you find a dojo if kendo interests you.



5. After studying kendo and iaido for nearly a decade with non-profit dojos from Massachusetts, DC, Maryland and Virgina, I have never seen this type of kendo from any of the teachers I've have the fortune enough to learn from. This video is difficult to appreciate since it does not represent anything that I have been taught. There are more enough free short kendo videos on the Internet to gain some appreciation of the art. Anthony Bourdain's video at [...] demonstrates a better representation of the art that I know then the type of Kendo that this person professes to understand. However one comment, I have never known any sensei to call themselves a master of kendo. I think I read somewhere that the Japanese refer to a teacher as a master of any art form, only after they're dead.

2 comments about Kendo 2 DVD box set.

1. The production of the DVD's is good and the content is interesting and informative.
   The biggest negative point for me is the DVD's itself and the case. It is not a "original" DVD. Only a burnt copy with a sticker. Same for the cover. It's printed on a home printer in a cheap quality.
   For $49.95 I expect a higher quality product. Therefore only 4 of 5 stars.
   But other than that these DVD's are the best guide into Kendo on the market.



2. Great vendor. Well packed DVDs arrived on time and in good order. Highly recommended vendor.

2 comments about Complete Introduction to Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido DVD with Didier Boyet.

1. Good DVD, but I did not feel it is worth the selling price. The DVD primarily concentrates on 12 basic striking movements starting from the seated position. There is a bonus feature from one of his seminars. This feature was helpful because he gives additional tips on the movements and points out common mistakes. I would have preferred sections of his live seminar edited into the main instructional section. One has to refer to both the seminar and the instructional section to gather all the information provided in the DVD.



2. Just starting out in iaido, I found this to be just what I was looking for. Boyet explains all the nuances of why the grip is the way it is, why the foot placement etc. All of the little details I haven't picked up on in class were explained here. The seminar section was also a nice feature that shows him teaching a group of students and walking around to make corrections to their form. I'm not sure if advanced students would get a lot out of this dvd, but for beginners like me, I think it will help a lot.

1 comments about Samurai Swordmanship Vol. 3: Advanced Sword Program by Masayuki Shimabukuro.

1. This video is an excellent reference for anyone studying Iaijutsu! It does not however replace the proper instruction of a qualified Sensei. See www.jikishin-kai.com to find a qualified instructor in this style of Iaijutsu in your local area today!
   
   NEWS FLASH!
   
   Shimabukuro Sensei will teach a seminar in Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu in Pensacola,FL on March 6, 7 and 8, 2009. The seminar will be held at the dojo (Big Green Drum Japanese Martial Arts.)
   
   
   We will have more details up on our web site soon.
   
   http://www.aikidowestflorida.com/index.htm
   http://www.aikidowestflorida.com/iaijitsu.htm
   
   Contact: patty@aikidowestflorida.com
   For more information about Shimabukuro Sensei, see www.jikishin-kai.com

5 comments about Budo: The Art of Killing.

1. This dvd was exactly what I thought it would be, a comprehensive view of all of the major martial arts of Japan: karate, kendo, iaido, judo, sumo, Okinawa kobudo,and yabusame(archery on horseback). Anyone serious of martial arts should have a copy of this dvd.



2. I really enjoyed "Budo: The Art of Killing." I usually watch and review instructional videos, and it was a nice change to watch this documentary on the martial arts of Japan. One thing that really stands out is the beauty of Japan that is shown throughout the film. Seeing some of the scenic settings reminded me of places I visited while living in Japan, and how there are so many beautiful and peaceful places in the land of the rising sun. It's not a fast paced DVD, with some scenes in slow motion with slower music, but that added to the beauty of the film.
   
   Peace and beauty in a film about the art of killing? Yes, and I found the relationship between the two to be calming and reflected on some of my own training. Seeing some of the masters train with Mt. Fuji in the background, on beaches, or in other aesthetically pleasing places (most dojos are simple elegance) or the scenes in fields or forests, made me think of how often it is my training in martial arts that calms me and becomes the most serene time of the day. Meditation and physical training go together.
   
   The training scenes in the film are not instructional. You are not going to learn how to do the things you see from this film. Nor does the film elaborate on the training that got the people in the film to that point other than saying it takes a long time and much dedication. However, watching this can motivate one to pursue their training to reach the higher levels.
   
   For those interested in the various martial arts of Japan, this DVD serves as a nice introduction. You get to see people training in Judo, Karate, Sumo, Aikido, and more. The section with women training with the naginata will be interesting for females to see the samurai art practiced by women of all ages. There was also a lot of time spent on the sword, which the Japanese samurai are known for. Besides seeing some masters of the sword, the film shows a blade being made as well. I was surprised that the Ninja and Ninjitsu were not covered.
   
   Overall, I enjoyed this DVD, just as I enjoy reading the older Samurai writings that have been translated to English, and books about the samurai, ancient Japan, Korea, China, and related works. If you are interested in an artful film about the martial arts and beauty of Japan, you will enjoy this film.
   
   Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.



3. Saw this a long time ago on VHS and was glad to see
   it was available on dvd, takes you through many of the
   disiplines of the Samurai, as well as showing how a
   sword is crafted, more a documentary but a good one!
   G2



4. Documentario eccellente, ottima fotografia. Forse molto retorico, conoscendo un po' i maestri di cui si parla direi che sono stati descritti con troppa enfasi, tanto che a volte alcune situazioni possono apparire "comiche" ad uno spirito moderno e disincantato, ma ritengo in ogni caso che lo spirito che dovrebbe animare le arti marziali è stato chiaramente evocato.
   Perfino la colonna sonora è degna di nota.
   Da consigliare.



5. I have always loved martial arts,from a young age.This dvd captures the essence of martial arts,very realistic.Now that im older, i try to life the life of of harmony,health,peace,still practice martial arts.This dvd would be a graet teaching tool for any martial arts [...]

3 comments about Samurai Swordmanship Vol. 2: Intermediate Sword Program by Masayuki Shimabukuro.

1. This video is an excellent reference for anyone studying Iaijutsu! It does not however replace the proper instruction of a qualified Sensei. See www.jikishin-kai.com to find a qualified instructor in this style of Iaijutsu in your local area today!
   
   NEWS FLASH!
   
   Shimabukuro Sensei will teach a seminar in Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu in Pensacola,FL on March 6, 7 and 8, 2009. The seminar will be held at the dojo (Big Green Drum Japanese Martial Arts, patty@aikidowestflorida.com for information)
   
   
   We will have more details up on our web site http://www.aikidowestflorida.com/index.htm http://www.aikidowestflorida.com/iaijitsu.htm soon.
   
   See www.jikishin-kai.com
   for more information about Shimabukuro Sensei.



2. studied the style for awhile , I was very happy with the volumes and was surprised when they covered something I havent covered



3. This is a great Intermediate companion DVD for Flashing Steel, 2nd edition: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship.
   
   It covers the following
   
   Tying an Obi
   How to Wear the Hakama
   How to fold the Hakama
   Sword Etiquette (Reiho)
   Postures (Kamae)
   Drawing Cuts (Nukitsuke) - 2 New Cuts
   -- Kiri Age
   -- Tsukikage
   Two Handed Cuts (Kirioroshi) - 2 New Cuts
   -- Migi Gyaku Kesa
   -- Hidori Gyaku Kesa
   Thrusts (Tsuki) - 2 New Thrusts
   -- Ushiro
   -- Morote
   Forms (Kata) - 4 New Kata
   -- Shato
   -- Shihoto Sono Ichi
   -- Shihoto Sono Ni
   -- Zantotsuto
   Drills (Batto Ho Kumitachi) - 2 New
   -- Tsukikage
   -- Suigetsuto
   Cutting Matts (Suemonogiri)
   -- San Dan Giri
   -- Yon Dan Giri
   
   For all the Cuts and the forms, the DVD talks you through the task while it is being demonstrated. Then the DVD does a slow motion demo and then a real time demo.
   For the Drills, the DVD talks you through the task while the two demo the task. Then the drills are done in real time twice. Once from the front and once from the back.
   
   Production values are first rate (there is a noticeable hiss on some occasions and some aliasing with the striped pants but other than that very good), the demonstrations are masterful, and the voice "acting" is acceptably good.

5 comments about Samurai Swordmanship Vol. 1: Basic Sword Program by Masayuki Shimabukuro.

1. This video is for those who want to learn the correct method of Japanese Swordsmanship. Not the flashy stuff you see in movies or at a Karate tournament. Swordsmanship is about the little things such as distance, timing and get this .... PROPER TECHNIQUE! If you want to learn what was taught 400 years ago, in the time honored tradition then this is the DVD for you. They will take you step by step, show, explain and demonstrate everthing you will need to become a swordsman. If you want to look like some anime character, then sorry, this is not for you!



2. This is a great companion DVD for Flashing Steel, 2nd edition: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship.
   
   It covers Nukitsuke, Furikaburi, Kirioroshi, Chiburi, Noto, Tameshigiri. It also has two 2 person exercises.
   
   Production values are first rate, the demonstrations are masterful, and the voice "acting" is acceptably good.



3. This video deals with the MJER (muso jikiden eishen-ryu) style of iaido, which is probably the most popular and has a very large number of kata (around 60, and even more if one includes the jodo techniques and waza), providing great diversity and range in the techniques and waza.
   
   I am primarily an instructor of other arts (Kali & JKD), but earned my black belt under Hanshi Shimabukuru a few years back. I wanted to get some knowledge and skill in this famous art even though my main interests lay elsewhere.
   
   I'm glad I did, and that I hooked up with Hanshi's organization. It's a class act in every way, from the quality of the instruction to the people involved, who have always been very professional and dedicated in their desire to disseminate the art of iaido. To help with that end Hanshi came out with this volume.
   
   I've seen many iaido books and videos and sets and this is still my favorite one. This volume goes over basic techniques and principles that are essential to the art, from how to hold the sword to the basic drawing and sheathing techniques. It also covers some etiquette, construction of the sword and its parts, cutting straw mats, and a bit of history. I own the earlier five volume series that Hanshi did back in the 90s also, and that's worth picking up too and has all the waza series, from basic to advanced. Overall a fine video that will help you get started in your iaido studies, or to help you review if you already have an instructor.



4. Okay, so I'd had a couple of swords hanging on my wall for a while now. Both very good and combat ready, but I didn't know the first thing about how to use 'em. Yeah, we've all seen the Samurai movies, and those guys make it look so easy, right? However, I'm not gonna start swinging around a sharp blade without first learning something about it. So I thought this was a solid investment.
   
   After watching the first little bit (Blah, blah, sword terminology, yadda, yadda, tradition, etc.)I started learning. And learning a lot. First and foremost, what I was doing WRONG. Now it had my attention.
   
   Yes, this is a "Basics" DVD. They're not gonna make you an instant badass off of one video. This is the building blocks of it all, like, oh, for instance, HOW TO HOLD A SWORD IN THE FIRST PLACE! You'd be amazed how many are doing it wrong. Even in those fancy samurai movies. Hell, I was doing it wrong! This is some seriously great stuff. If you're looking to learn how to take care of your sword, know your sword, and know how to USE your sword, this is a great buy. I'm looking forward to getting the next two as well.
   
   .......When I've got the basics down. :)



5. I bought this video because it was the style I wanted to learn. The closes school is in Kansas and Missouri, except for a siminar I will not be making that trip. However, I am not totally new to the katana so this is a great learning tool for me. I know you can't really learn everything from a dvd but this guy is smooth and I do have his 2nd edition Flashing Steel book. I'm sorry, Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi is smooth. You can tell he has been training a long time. Very confident and sure of his actions. This is a basic dvd set but we all must crawl before we can walk. This is one of three dvd's by Hanshi Masayuki Shimabukuro, might I suggest you get them all.