Iaido Sword: Kamimoto-Ha Techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu [Paperback]

Richard Babin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2003

Iaido is the classical Japanese discipline of drawing and cutting with the long sword in defense of an unanticipated attack, throwing off the blood and returning the sword to its sheath. It is the direct inheritor of techniques perfected by centuries of samurais whose lives and honor depended on their spirit and prowess. Babin brings together all the information needed to pursue a formal study of this art, including how to choose a sword, cut with it, take care of it and assume the clothing. He covers not only the basic moves and positions, but the entire curriculum of forms of the muso shinden ryu of iaido. Equally important, the author puts the art in its historic and social perspective, helping clarify for the reader the spiritual pathway the way of the sword offers. If you want to learn iaido, this is your textbook.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard W. Babin, BS, M.D., is a practicing surgeon who served two years active duty in the USAF as chief of head and neck surgery at Maxwell Field during the Vietnam conflict. His interest in the martial arts began with several years of judo in the 1960s in San Francisco. Upon entering private practice he began studying yang-style taiji, which he still pursues. He has practiced muso shinden ryu iaido for eight years and has been awarded the rank of Sandan by the All-U.S. Kendo Federation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (January 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581605730
• ISBN-13: 978-1581605730
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #806,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are to have only one manual on Iaido, this is it., April 17, 2003

By 

Robert Thivierge (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Iaido Sword: Kamimoto-Ha Techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu (Hardcover)

Iaido Sword : Kamimoto-Ha Techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu is in itself a work of art. In less than 250 pages it covers all aspects of Iaido ; historical, philosophical, the etiquette, description and care of the sword and clothing, the different stances and cuts, warm-up exercises, a glossary, references. The 12 katas of the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Iai (SeiTei Iai) and the 4 series of the Muso Shinden Ryu are precisely described in the text and abundantly illustrated with clear photos and graphics as are all the corresponding bunkais. Even if you are a practitionner of another style of Iaido this is a must. A precious learning and teaching tool. The best all around manual on Iaido yet.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Close to Home, February 3, 2006

By 

InTheShadowOfLeaves "Adam" (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Iaido Sword: Kamimoto-Ha Techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu (Hardcover)

As a student of Dr. Babin's iaido instructor, Harry Dach sensei, this book is close to home for me. It covers the techniques of the kamimoto-ha of muso shinden ryu iaido just as I'm learning them, in great detail concerning not only the mechanics of the technics, but the mindset behind them, and their martial roots. The photographs are clear, and the flow clean and concise.
This book serves as a prime companion to proper dojo training.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you know the basics this book is perfect, May 7, 2004

By 

Jeremiah M. Blackwell (Spokane, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Iaido Sword: Kamimoto-Ha Techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu (Hardcover)

I found this book extremely helpful but found it lacking in fine discription. The words describe the moves well but the pictures make it somewhat confusing. If you have basic knowledge of how to tie your obi, sageo, and hakama then you have nothing to worry about, because it doesn't explain those details. But overall a very good book.