This Is Kendo: The Art of Japanese Fencing

by Junzo Sasamori, Gordon Warner

A fully illustrated introduction to the traditional art of Japanese fencing--its essential nature and its basic techniques. The first book in English to describe and analyze this famous sport.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Japan, Sports

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1964

Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this is at least part of kendo. As a general introduction, it’s not at all bad. However, it suffers from a few defects. The biggest problem is that the authors never really seem to make up their minds about what exactly they’re writing. The text bounces from the impossibly specific to the uselessly general with neck-snapping velocity. In particular, the descriptions of the various techniques of the art tend to be either so detailed that they’re difficult to follow or such a quick gloss that they aren’t really descriptions at all. The photos don’t help much, either. On the other hand, somewhere in the frequently-meandering chapters the reader may find a solid, basic knowledge of the sport, its origins and its proper practice.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is older, written in 1964, but the rules and methods of Kendo have changed very little over the years. A lot of the concepts and methods from the book have not changed, while some of the language is dated, it still holds true for today. It makes for an interesting read and it is good for all levels, whether you're just starting out or want to brush up on basics. I'd recommend it to anyone who practices or is looking to practice Kendo.

[Nicolas Mendiberri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book written by one of the most important exponents of Kendo (Junzo Sasamori). Good to review basic and advanced techniques explained by the author.

[atomazu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish it covered what role Kendo played in WW2, reads a bit like an advert sometimes. Asides from that it covers a brought range of history and lots of detail about the practice, its rules and values etc. Last third of the book reads more like a manual and should not be read in isolation.

[Myke Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seminal work in English on the sport. A must read for any neophyte practitioners.

[Jonas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introductory text to kendo, but it suffers from its age (first published 1964), and some editorial misses, at least one photo is inverted.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

An early classic guide to the sport, when there were few books in English about kendo.

[Marko]

I have the german version.