Kendo: A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Swordsmanship

by Geoff Salmon

Master the art of Kendo --Japanese Swordsmanship with this illustrated and comprehensive martial arts guide.

Kendo or the "Way of the Sword" holds a special place within the martial arts as one of the few practices tracing back directly to Japan's ancient samurai heritage. Modern students flock to kendo for physically--and mentally--challenging activity that combines traditional martial arts values with strenuous physical activity.

Author Geoff Salmon has over 40 years of kendo experience gained in and outside of Japan. His goal in this kendo guide is to dispel many misconceptions about the sport and to make kendo training accessible and practical for anyone. His simple, straightforward writing style is especially helpful for beginning students and martial artists from other disciplines who wish to add kendo training to their repertoire.

The core of this kendo book is a series of detailed instructional sequences demonstrating the basic kendo techniques. The author also presents the fundamental principles and philosophy that make kendo as much an exercise of the mind as of the sword. For many adherents, the goal is to train your mind to achieve a state of mushin (no-mind). Beyond that, this book also shows you how to win competitions and integrate kendo into your fitness routines.

This is the first book to decidedly link the philosophical and mental elements of kendo to the physical techniques, thereby enabling readers to gain a holistic understanding of the martial art. It offers a comprehensive training program similar to those given by leading kendo teachers in Japan, past and present.

Genres: Nonfiction, Martial Arts

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jhaydun Dinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptions and explanations were incredible. I believe it touched every topic I needed it to and furthered my knowledge when it comes to Kendo and it's practices.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is incredibly detailed, with step-by-step movements for each technique, coupled with many illustrations throughout. Thus, were it used as a reference for someone who has done a lot of kendo, but has perhaps forgotten the exact difference between each technique, it's the perfect book.

I, however, purchased it expecting it to help me as a beginner, and despite the fact that I speak Japanese, I was completely lost in terminology. The book does describe most of the terms, but only once, and I sorely was hoping for a parenthetical memory boost for some of them.

Also, I'd suggest anyone interested in the book not to purchase the Kindle edition, because, as mentioned above, it's a terrific reference book-- it's not for reading straight through, which is the easier method on a Kindle.

My rating only deals with what I expected, and my reaction to it for me personally. If you are more familiar with kendo and need a reference book, I would indeed recommend this.

[Ming Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very detailed book, a guide to techniques, suitable even for beginners a kind of step by step sort of education, suitable for students. Want to learn this subject, this book would be ideal, and offers good education

[Pacmanguai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una obra fundamental para quien quiera introducirse en el Kendo, como es mi caso. De los libros más sencillos y didácticos que he visto.

[Javin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this book. It teaches all aspects of kendo from traditions and rankings to techniques. It also has very good illustrations.

[Jason H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive English language guide to just about all things kendo. It is an impressive compilation of facts, explanations, and guidance that would serve any kendoka well. It lacks a lot of the nuance and spirituality that comes with the practice, and it does read very dry, which keeps it from being 5 stars, but I still highly recommend it for a very specific audience.

[Kimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Draper, you better play samurai with me.

[Mladen Danic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was slightly disappointed when this book arrived in my mail as it seemed too basic, too many illustrations, but it turned out that the book is a great read. A lot of nice tiny details in all the instructions for the basics. It can be used as a reference book by European senseis in my modest opinion.