Shinkage-Ryu Sword Techniques: Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Vol.2 [Paperback]

Tadashige Watanabe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1993 | Series: Shinkage-Ryu Sword Technique (Book 2)

In this second volume, the author introduces the theories behind this ancient sport, and instructs in the movements specific to Shinkage-ryu style of kendo or swordplay.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Japan Publications Trading (October 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870409263
• ISBN-13: 978-0870409264
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,309,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for the experienced swordsman!, January 23, 2000

By 

Michael Cummings (Charleston, West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shinkage-Ryu Sword Techniques: Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Vol.2 (Paperback)

Tadashige Watanabe dared to boldly go where no one has gone before! The techniques of the Shinkage Ryu have been closely and jealously guarded for centuries. To find not one, but two books on the shelf concerning this magnificent and ancient art is astounding. To my knowledge, Watanabe's are the only books on Shinkage Ryu swordsmanship in print. Although this book lacks indepth technical instruction, the hundreds of photos allow the moderatly experienced swordsman, no matter the style, to gain an insight into the technique, practice and application of each kata (form). Although the novice might find this a bit confusing, with a little patience and a lot of practice the "way" will soon begin to become more clear. As mentioned previously, this book is a first for Shinkage Ryu swordsmanship, and to anyone with knowledge of the Japanese culture, the lack of written detail is not surprising. There are, perhaps, those who opposed the release of this manual, but thanks to Tadashige Watanabe's diligent effort, this traditional and secret warrior method can now be glimpsed by all. A must for any martial arts library.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehnsive reviews of the underpinings, June 25, 2006

By 

Seeker "V" (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shinkage-Ryu Sword Techniques: Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Vol.2 (Paperback)

I am very early in my studies of shinkage ryu, although I have practiced other martial arts for more than 25 years. My teacher is a student of Watanabe Sensei.

Like books about all styles, this volume is meant not as a stand-alone course, but as a reference to be used in conjunction with face-to-face training. As it is not a video, but a series of still photographs, there are necesarily some details left out. One can no more learn sword from a book than learn how to do a spinning tae kwon do back kick, a shiho nage aikido throw or a proper one two punch. All these take place in three dimensions and require an expert to convey their true essense.

What this book, and it's companion volume, do provide are a reference to some of the basic techniques of one of the greatest surviving sword systems as practiced by one of the world's foremost masters.

If you want to learn Japanese sword, buy the book AND find a genuine teacher. You won't be disappointed with either.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not for beginners, December 3, 2004

By 

Eric L. Castaner (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shinkage-Ryu Sword Techniques: Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Vol.2 (Paperback)

The first warning is that you should have some experience in the traditional (older) fighting system. this book is not a tool for the novice. It does however bring a wealth of information of the Koryo Kata's of Shinkage-Ryu. Even those that are not practioners of ShinKaGe can glimpse and acquire knowledge from the volume of pictures. If you are a novice buy it and review it every six months to see if your understanding has grown.