Kendo: The Definitive Guide

by Hiroshi Ozawa, Tamiko Yamaguchi (Illustrator), Angela Turzynski (Translator)

Kendo - the Way of the Sword - is one of the oldest of Japan's martial arts and the one most closely associated with the samurai. Kendo: The Definitive Guide is the first book in English to provide a practical and truly comprehensive approach to the subject. Everything that the novice needs to know, from basic information about purchasing, wearing, and maintaining essential equipment to competing in international tournaments, is explained in simple, straightforward language. Step-by-step explanation of fundamental techniques needed to be mastered to attain black belt level is illustrated in easy-to-follow line drawings. With appendices giving the rules at international competitions and important information about Kendo clubs outside Japan, Kendo is the definitive guide for all non-Japanese Kendoists. A special section about the history and development of this martial art and guidelines for running practice sessions also make it a unique resource for all teachers of Kendo.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Japan, Reference, Sports

174 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 1997

Reviews

[Alec M · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is an often inaccurately held belief that JSA has not been put into words in a way that allows students to absorb an understanding of the strategies and techniques like the manuals devoted to European swords (by the likes of Capo Ferro or Meyer for example). This is an excellent introduction to these techniques, and while it is certainly not a replacement for training with knowledgeable instructors, for those without local access this is a brilliant and informative guide that deserves to be ranked with the thorough instructions of any other master's work.

[ngọc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide for beginners, covering all topics from the history of kendo, reiho to shinpan and modern shiai rules and regulations. There is also a small chatper on teaching kendo to kids and a glossary at the end. As a visual learner, I find the illustrations + narrative step-by-step instruction for each kata particularly helpful.

[M. P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my Kendo sensei quite some time ago, and recently checked it out again just for the reason I did't remember its actual contents very well.

It is rather good and comprehensive, in terms of one needing a reference book for technical information. I mostly used another guide book I had bought for myself, but this covered pretty much the same subjects in easy to read fashion, though at times I felt the instructions were even a little too brief. Sometimes even lacking, as was the case with explaining how to properly care for one's equipment. I particularly enjoyed the section about waza and how to put on one's equipment.

A good overview of the art, markedly for beginners.

[Жанна Пояркова · Rating 5 out of 5]

Одна из немногих (их можно сосчитать по пальцам одной руки) переведенных на русский язык и, наверное, лучшая книга для новичков, где рассказывается все про азы кендо - от того, как завязывать хачимаки и до того, как воспринимать кэйко и как наносить основные удары. Наш учитель, допустим, эти вещи рассказывал очень постепенно, многое было непонятно. Прочитать в начале занятий крайне полезно, всегда есть, над чем поработать. Спасибо тебе, Хироси Одзава! Очень скучаю по тренировкам.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent guide to Kendo. Covers all of the important information pertinent to the Kendo practitioner.

[Pavel Francev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good Kendo guide.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference for the beginning kendo student.