Customer Reviews

The Art of Iado - Way of the Sword - Featuring Gloria E. Nomura

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This is an excellent instructinal guide for pratitioners who already have some basic knowledge of the art. The background music and setting is inspiring. The various levels of techniques are clearly demonstrated, and the pairwork demonstrates practical examples. One can go back and review the levels whenever necessary.

I was pleased when I received this DVD. The production value was better than I expected (especially compared to other martial arts videos I own). In order to really benefit, though, I recommend that you have some working knowledge of swordwork.

The different shot locations gave some nice dynamics, and I appreciated the Sensei's comments on Iaido.

Just the blooper clip was worth the price of admission :)

Overall, I was very impressed with this DVD. The swordsmanship of Sensei Nomura and her students is impeccable, and I appreciated the level of detail presented in such a compact format. That being said, this type of DVD is not intended for beginners; no book or video can replace the training one would receive from a qualified sensei. However, as a supplement to dojo training, this DVD is invaluable.
My only complaints are some minor problems with photography and sound, particularly in the scenes shot on the beach. These flaws don't detract from the overall quality of the performances, though; the beach scenes give a nice change from the usual dojo setting. The guitar music is very nice as well.

This Iaido dvd is a valuable teaching aid for students who already have a working knowledge of sword etiquette, Shoden, and Chuden. The Systems demonstrated are not in the advanced level, but in the middle level, which is apparent to any advanced practitoner of Iaido. Showing the forms visually from different angles is a helpful aid. Minimal text usage, avoids distractions while viewing the forms. The dvd format makes it easy to click into segments, instead of rewinding, or fast forwarding in VHS formats, which are time consuming. Efficent use of 60minutes. Artistic and well done.

The examples were clearly demonstrated by Nomura sensei, and the camera work was very good overall. The names of the techniques were spoken and written (in English characters), which helps a lot.

I liked the beach scenes too, especially the blooper!

Although it was not perfect, the quality of this DVD was much better than most martial arts tapes I have seen, and the DVD format is much more useful than tape, so that is why I am giving it a 5.

i am very pleased with the dvd. they show a lot of different angles for the forms. the only thing that i wasn't pleased with is its not very good for beginers. it doesn't go into foot work, it only goes into a few cuts, and it only shows one bow. also in some of the forms the camera is to slow and the sword and hands are off the screen.

You can find here a clear and elegant display of abundant japanese sword katas. Besides the begginer or intermediate Iaido student, this work is also of great value to any Aikidoka interested in the way of the sword as closely tied to the practice of Aikido.
The DVD is easy and clear to navigate through and beautifully filmed.

The Iaido forms executed by Nomura sensei are technically clean, well done, and graceful. Impressive are the Chuden and Shindo Munen Ryu forms which, although not for beginners, are beautifully illustrated in this DVD. I would highly recommend this video. It is very instructive for all levels. Beginners can study very clean and graceful intermediate and advanced forms of Iaido and middle level students (with a good foundation in basic Iaido techniques) will certainly benefit from the techniques demonstrated and taught in this video.

Art of the Sword, is very well filmed with a clear and concise script. It is not for someone who has never picked up a sword. But for the practioner who is embarking on the study of Iaido, it provides helpful guidelines, terminology, and reminders for your at home practice. It is not intended to replace an instuctor, but Nomura Sensei's movements make it very easy to follow.

The free style sequences and the practice on the beach are well shot and give an example of how one takes Iaido out of a meditative practice to partnering practice.

I believe this DVD to be more of a visual reference and a helpful supplement to people already practicing Iaido. Having something like this on DVD format is much more convenient than VHS. It also provides rarely seen pairwork. It would have been nice to see more and hopefully there will be some in future releases. Sound quality was a little average and there were some photography problems but still a good trade off. The blooper is something rarely seen in such a serious category and very funny.