Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata (Tuttle Martial Arts) [Paperback]

Paul Budden (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tuttle Martial Arts | Publication Date: November 1, 2000

Derived from the ancient Japanese warrior art of the sword and imbued with the principle of Zen Buddhism, kendo has now gained worldwide popularity for its appealing combination of sport and meditation. In Looking at Far Mountain kendo expert Paul Budden explains the essentials of the art by offering:

* An extensive history of the kendo tradition

* Technical specifics such as form, positioning, and breathing

* Detailed explanations of the kata

* A listing of kendo schools

* A lineage chart of the great kendo masters

This comprehensive volume-endorsed by the premier Japanese kendo body-is sure to imporve and perfect the practice of kendo for students of all levels.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Budden, born in Cheltenham, England, has been studying kendo for more than twenty years. He was a member of England's award-winning team at the European Kendo Championships and often travels to Japan for training. He operates the Kodokan Kendo Dojo in Chesham, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; 1 edition (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804832455
• ISBN-13: 978-0804832458
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #844,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Fencing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A view from Japan, April 1, 2001

By 

M Itoh (Japan At present visiting the UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

Being Japanese it is easy for me to read about Kendo, as there are many books on this subject available in my home country. 'Looking at a far Mountain', or 'Enzan No metsuke' Is the first book in English to study the aspects of Kata in depth. I first discovered it back in 1992 at its first publication. I found it to be extremely informative historically and clear in the technical explanation. The format is unusual, each section following the photographic layout.i.e. Uchidachi and Shidachi and I must say that I really appreciate the endeavours of the author. I am positive that this book, now available in paperback will inform and assist many practitioners of Kendo everywhere Signed: M Itoh.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have for Kenshi, November 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

This book is the perfect companion for anyone interested in Kendo, and more specifically, the kata associated with it. Kata seems to be one of the least written about aspects of Kendo, and by purchasing this book, one is able to improve their kata quite a bit. A must have for Kenshi!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want better information you need to go to Japan, June 26, 2006

By 

Carlos J. Torres (Trujillo Alto, PR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

This book contains detailed information on the kendo katas. It has all the notes one would like to have on how to perform each one. With this I do not need to worry about taking notes after classes and I can focus on performance. I especially like the shidachi and the uchidachi shown in opposing pages, so one can view the complete sequence at a glance. It also have interesting historical information with pictures. This book is a "must have" to practice far from Japan.