Customer Reviews

Samurai Swordmanship Vol. 1: Basic Sword Program by Masayuki Shimabukuro

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This video deals with the MJER (muso jikiden eishen-ryu) style of iaido, which is probably the most popular and has a very large number of kata (around 60, and even more if one includes the jodo techniques and waza), providing great diversity and range in the techniques and waza.

I am primarily an instructor of other arts (Kali & JKD), but earned my black belt under Hanshi Shimabukuru a few years back. I wanted to get some knowledge and skill in this famous art even though my main interests lay elsewhere.

I'm glad I did, and that I hooked up with Hanshi's organization. It's a class act in every way, from the quality of the instruction to the people involved, who have always been very professional and dedicated in their desire to disseminate the art of iaido. To help with that end Hanshi came out with this volume.

I've seen many iaido books and videos and sets and this is still my favorite one. This volume goes over basic techniques and principles that are essential to the art, from how to hold the sword to the basic drawing and sheathing techniques. It also covers some etiquette, construction of the sword and its parts, cutting straw mats, and a bit of history. I own the earlier five volume series that Hanshi did back in the 90s also, and that's worth picking up too and has all the waza series, from basic to advanced. Overall a fine video that will help you get started in your iaido studies, or to help you review if you already have an instructor.

Okay, so I'd had a couple of swords hanging on my wall for a while now. Both very good and combat ready, but I didn't know the first thing about how to use 'em. Yeah, we've all seen the Samurai movies, and those guys make it look so easy, right? However, I'm not gonna start swinging around a sharp blade without first learning something about it. So I thought this was a solid investment.

After watching the first little bit (Blah, blah, sword terminology, yadda, yadda, tradition, etc.)I started learning. And learning a lot. First and foremost, what I was doing WRONG. Now it had my attention.

Yes, this is a "Basics" DVD. They're not gonna make you an instant badass off of one video. This is the building blocks of it all, like, oh, for instance, HOW TO HOLD A SWORD IN THE FIRST PLACE! You'd be amazed how many are doing it wrong. Even in those fancy samurai movies. Hell, I was doing it wrong! This is some seriously great stuff. If you're looking to learn how to take care of your sword, know your sword, and know how to USE your sword, this is a great buy. I'm looking forward to getting the next two as well.

.......When I've got the basics down. :)

This is a great companion DVD for Flashing Steel, 2nd edition: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship.

It covers Nukitsuke, Furikaburi, Kirioroshi, Chiburi, Noto, Tameshigiri. It also has two 2 person exercises.

Production values are first rate, the demonstrations are masterful, and the voice "acting" is acceptably good.

This is the best instructional DVD I have yet viewed on the samurai sword, the katana. Lots of basic info, although there could have been more. I can't wait to see volumes 2 and 3.

This video is for those who want to learn the correct method of Japanese Swordsmanship. Not the flashy stuff you see in movies or at a Karate tournament. Swordsmanship is about the little things such as distance, timing and get this .... PROPER TECHNIQUE! If you want to learn what was taught 400 years ago, in the time honored tradition then this is the DVD for you. They will take you step by step, show, explain and demonstrate everthing you will need to become a swordsman. If you want to look like some anime character, then sorry, this is not for you!

I bought this video because it was the style I wanted to learn. The closes school is in Kansas and Missouri, except for a siminar I will not be making that trip. However, I am not totally new to the katana so this is a great learning tool for me. I know you can't really learn everything from a dvd but this guy is smooth and I do have his 2nd edition Flashing Steel book. I'm sorry, Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi is smooth. You can tell he has been training a long time. Very confident and sure of his actions. This is a basic dvd set but we all must crawl before we can walk. This is one of three dvd's by Hanshi Masayuki Shimabukuro, might I suggest you get them all.

Sensei Shimabukuro and Sensei Carl Long explain in very easy to understand step by step sequence so you can readily start to to handle a sword with proper etiquette, its introduces traditional swordsmanship passed generation from generation from over 450 years ago. Its filming is "A" quaity, a rare thing when seeing martial arts videos. Black Belt magazine did a good job producing and editing, showing the techniques in various angles. A "MUST buy" for anyone owning or planning to own a Katana (iaito or shinken) or even a wooden bokken, or even interested in Samurai movies. You will be amazed on how much you learn. Warning: if you do buy this one in the near future you will be buying all three of this set.

If you are like me and do not have access to a Instructor or Dojo,this DVD is the perfect place to begin.

The proper grip and stance and basic strikes were explained and covered in a way that was easy to understand

and informative.I learned more in the first 15 minutes than I had from anywhere else.I am looking forward to

what I will learn in Vol. 2.

This series of videos is a must have for any sword enthusiast who does not have access to in-class training. The first video shows the new "practitioner" how to bow and show respect, as well as gives direction to quite a few simple techniques and katas. The second and third video alow the viewer to experience progressively more complex forms and techniques. I have personally read many articles and own several books written by Masayuki Shimabukuro and have found that every product that he and his American student put out is of the highest quality. Great video quality and very informational. Well worth the purchase.

I bought this DVD for my brother and he loves it! Personally, I haven't seen it yet but he said it's the best...and he's a picky kid when it comes to this kind of stuff.