Customer Reviews

Kendo: Elements, Rules, and Philosophy (A Latitude 20 Book)

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Jinichi Tokeshi provides a succinct albeit comprehensive guide to Kendo and all that is entails. It begins with a short history of Kendo in an effort to familiarize the reader with the origins of the "sport". Tokeshi then spends some time on the necessities such as equipment and the correct manner in which to wear the kendogi and bogu! He also pays strict attention to appropriate etiquette and behaviour. The book deals with the movements, strikes, general philosophy, rules, regulations and ends with short biographies on historically significant samurai/Kendo masters! All in all the book amicably demonstrates the "elements, rules, and philosophy" of Kendo and as a new student to the Japanese art of fencing it has proved indispensable.

Dr. Tokeshi's book is great. It covers everything from the philosophy and history behind kendo to waza (techniques) and the basics of equipment care. Not to mention the comprehensive section on nitto ryu and the Nihon Kendo Kata. Using Dr. Tokeshi's book I've learned to take apart and maintain my shinai and how to fold my keikogi and hakama. I especially like the sections where he explains the reasons behind the different kamae and what the different kata is supposed to teach you.

I am a beginner in Kendo so take this all with a grain of salt.

I thought this was a tremendous book. Well written, clear, and thorough. I think it rivals "Kendo: the Definitive Guide" as one of the two best Kendo books. Particularly interesting, though not useful unless you're already a sandan or so, are the sections on Nito and Jodan. I haven't seen info on those kamae in English anywhere else.

Good book and a worthy addition to your library.

The book is exactly as the title states. It explains the philosophy, history, and rules of Kendo. It also has illustrations for the techniques so you can learn them. You still need to study Kendo in person to learn it, but this book is good as a reference book in case you haven't practiced something in awhile. It also has the terminology, which is useful to know as a student.

THE most complete work in Kendo I have ever seen.
Cover techniques with one and two swords (shinai), as well as KendoKata. Good text and good imagery. If you practice the way (Dõ), or are interested in the art, you need this at the side of your bed.

Jinichi Tokeshi's book is a great supplement to the modern kendoka. However, I would recommend getting Kendo: The Definitive Guide by Hiroshi Ozawa since Kendo: Elements, Rules, and Philosophy is not as thorough with its waza and keiko.

This book has concise and understandable vocabulary, making it easy for many people to read. It simplifies most of the concepts in the book. Tokeshi-sensei starts off with the history of kendo, which was rather segmented. He then proceeds to introduce the equipment necessary for kendo: the shinai, gi, hakama and bogu. For each equipment, illustrations are provided on how to maintain them or wear them.

The waza and keiko in this book are explained in paragraphs, only giving the reader an overview. There are illustrations in many waza and keiko that can help one reference back. Tokeshi-sensei also provides some insight and tips on waza.

Just like the rest of the book's contents, the philosophy was concise. He cut straight to the chase, and I have yet to see any personal bias he wrote regarding the philosophy.

In all, this book is a great reference.