Customer Reviews

Kendo - Japanese Fencing (Tsunami) [VHS]

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Presentation = 2.5 stars; Content = 4 stars; Intent = 5 stars

_Kendo: Japanese Fencing_ is a good historical video for the historian, martial artist, and anyone else interested in kendo. Its content is such that a professor-emeritus I know used this film in his "Japanese History" classes at San Jose State University. The strength of _Kendo_ lies not in its glitzy "bells and whistles" approach -- it has none. Rather, its strength is in its "time capsule" snapshot of kendo as it was in the early 1960s.

For those not old enough to remember, there existed a paucity of authentic information available to the martial art community in those "ancient" days. That which was available was largely judo-centric with some "jiu-jitsu," and a little karate thrown in for "esoterica." Absolutely *nothing* was available to people interested in kendo. Well, I guess this film was available, but only a select few had copies of it.

I'd choose this video over some others I could name; and, after 40 years of obscurity, I am glad that the film was re-discovered and brought to light.

_Kendo_ sits on my shelf right next to the video I have of the famous kendo and iaido master, Nakayama Hakudo. The Nakayama video is grainy and scratchy without sound (heck, it was made in the 1930s), and the images of him in the late 1950s do not show his at his best. But! C-o-n-t-e-n-t!! I get to see a master perform. I have this self-same feeling for Tsunami's _Kendo: Japanese Fencing_ video.

If you want to learn how to score "more-better" points at a kendo tournament, don't buy this video. IF, however, you want authentic historical documentary footage (by a US Army documentary film crew), this is definitely worth your hard-earned money.

Depends on what you're looking for. This is a video of a 1961 B&W film, complete with scratches and splices. If you want to learn Kendo, find another video. Gives cursory attention to basic forms; includes some history and philosophy. No slow motion, no bells and whistles. The narration was dubbed in one take, complete with stumbles and mistakes. If you are a collector of martial arts material, it might be worth the money, since this film gives you a chance to see several masters in 4th-8th dans, most of whom have undoubtedly passed away, given that they were elderly when the film was made 40 years ago. Archaic in production and content. I'd send this one back if they'd take it.

The beginner is unlikely to appreciate the importance of this program, while the experienced kendoka will delight in the performances of the instructors showcased in this 1960's production. This is kendo as it was-an art of fighting not a sport. It's almost impossible to find the power, grace, and fluidity these expert fencers exhibit in modern competition kendo which has abandoned technique and effectiveness in favor of the scoring point, the match, and the trophy. As a former national team member I can recommend this presentation without reservation.While it lacks modern (superficial) video effects it does offer solid, high quality instructional material that is of great practical and historical value to the serious enthusiast.

If you study Japanese sword arts this video is certainly worth the effort of watching. The video encompasses the basics of kendo. It shows basic strikes, several matches, the kata and the Omori Ryu Iaido is demonstrated as well. The film was made in the early sixties which was before the All-Japan Kendo Federation finalized the seven Iaido forms and as such these forms are not demonstrated. The film is also grainy, and occasionally difficult to follow and the commentary is very basic. But, it has the potential to be a very valuable asset in the study of Kendo and Japanese sword arts in general. It is well worth the money and the effort to get.

Not an indepth study, but a very interesting and informative overveiw.

I was delighted to view this video. Produced in the early 1960's the production of the video is not modern but the content is a delight for kendoist. The techniques displayed are all of high standard. There is little time in 30 minutes to be a real instructional video but there is a lot for the beginner to see and to get a good impression of good kendo. The Iaido displayed is a bonus. Be sure to buy it and add it to your collection.