Kendo: A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Swordsmanship

by Geoff Salmon

The art of kendo holds a special place within the Japanese martial arts. Meaning Way of the Sword, kendo is actively practiced today. Tens of thousands study it because kendo is one of the most physically and mentally challenging of all martial forms. Geoffrey Salmon is one of the few Westerners to successfully compete in kendo competitions and holds a 7th Dan black belt from the All Japan Kendo Federation. In A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Swordsmanship, Salmon dispels misconceptions about the sport and makes kendo training more accessible for newcomers. [At its core, this book provides a series of highly detailed instructional sequences demonstrating all the basic kendo stick-fighting techniques. Along the way, Salmon presents the fundamental principles and philosophy which lie at the heart of kendo and make it as much a training of the mind as of the body.] For many adherents, the principal goal in practicing kendo is to achieve a state of mushin (no-mind) as taught by the great Zen Buddhist masters of ancient China and Japan. Salmon's also explains how to integrate kendo training into your personal fitness routine. [The first and only book to link the philosophical and mental elements of kendo to the rigorous physical training techniques, Kendo is indeed a comprehensive guide to this ancient and highly revered martial art form.] "

Genres: Nonfiction, Martial Arts

196 pages, Kindle Edition

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.