Kendo

by Minoru Kiyota

Kendo is the modern version of Japanese swordsmanship. This book focuses on kendo's philosophical infrastructure, its history and its potential contributions to personal growth. The purpose of this work is to describe the discipline of swordsmanship cultivated by the samurai in medieval and premodern Japan and to show the relevance of that discipline today.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Philosophy

Hardcover

First published January 7, 1995

Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike This Is Kendo, this slender volume by Minoru Kiyota doesn’t seek to provide much by way of basic instruction in the art of Japanese fencing. Instead we’re offered a solid introduction to the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the sport. The author includes basic information about Japanese history, the impact of Zen, and the development of bushido. To be sure, the quality of the writing varies a bit. Some parts are fascinating accounts of key – or otherwise interesting – moments in the development of kendo. Other passages are little more than long parades of names that are difficult to sort out in the absence of significant context or illustration. Overall, however, this is a fascinating if all-too-brief treatment of the subject.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book about Kendo and Japanese History.

A must-read for anyone interested in Japanese Culture.

[Gideon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not necessarily a guide to the technical side of kendo, the author does write briefly about some basics in the beginning, it is a great summarized guide to the history of kendo and those responsible for it's development.

[Rainier · Rating 5 out of 5]

speechless

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you don't practice it provides a good outlook on living life (as a modern day office samurai of sorts).