Product Description

The Japanese art of sword fighting, from ken ('sword) and do ('way'), has its origins in the samurai (warrior) tradition and was developed over several centuries. Modern kendo dates from the 18th century, when protective equipment and the bamboo sword were introduced. Kendo was banned after World War II because of its nationalistic and militaristic associations, but was revived as a sport in the 1950s. Like other martial arts, kendo is used as a way of building character, self-discipline and respect. Practitioners first master the basics of etiquette, footwork and swinging a sword. hey then move on to exercises using armour, and learn the kendo kata (pre-set sequences of motion). Kendo offers a comprehensive guide to the basics of the sport. The text and step-by-step photography cover elementary stances and movements as well as a selection of more advanced movements and sequences. Important elements, such as proper respect for the equipment and clothing, and how to maintain it, is discussed in detail, so that newcomers have the opportunity to learn more about the traditions and rituals that underpin kendo.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #346966 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

About the Author
Jeff Broderick began studying the Japanese sword arts in 1991, starting with iaido and kenjutsu, and then adding kendo and jodo. To further his study of Japanese martial arts, he lived in Japan for two years in Nagasaki prefecture, earning his fourth-degree black belt. A science teacher by profession, he lives in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and hopes someday to revisit Japan. The book also has contributions from Ed Chart and Misoo Ko, both kendo practioners based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. UK consultant Paul Budden is the author of a study of kendo kata, and is the high grade representative for the Kendo bu (section) of the British Kendo Association, holding the rank of 6th Dan Renshi. He lives in Buckinghamshire.

Customer Reviews

New to the world of KENDO?
Well, here i was, i had spent months looking for 'free' info on the sport of Kendo over the net, i needed some background info, as i am new to the sport, i was having certain doubts about it, because of the overwhelming amount of 'terms' used and the limited access i had to my local 'Dojo'. I found this book, and my god!
It is so helpful! Giving a breif history of the sport, it shows you (with the help of pictures) very detailed ways of performing the right stances, correct posture and helpful hints on the care and needs of your equiptment.

With detailed explanations of all the 'terms' used in Kendo, this book should alleviate any problems or worries you have about the sport. Aswell as giving a great in depth view into how the sport is regulated, the 'grading system', the warmup procedures, how to put on your equiptment, and finally showing you the the basic techniques.
I would reccommend this book to anyone who is thinking of taking up this wonderful sport, or to anyone who has been out of it, and needs to refresh themselves.
To be honest, why are you still here? Get on that checkout with it now!

A practical introduction
I am not a Kendoka - but an interested outsider to the sport. I bought the book to learn what it was all about and was quite pleased. It is well illustrated with color picures of real people demonstrating preparation, beginners moves and equipment.
The reason I only give it 3 stars is that I would have liked something that describes more of the history, the goals and ambitions and the feeling of doing Kendo. Where are the challenges and how do I "read" a bout. I have found such info for free, on the net but without the excellent pictures in this book. Any way you need to see and feel this sport to understand it I feel, a book will never convey Kendo in a good way