Shinkage-Ryu Sword Techniques, Vol. 1 [Paperback]

Shihan Tadashige Watanabe (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Japan Publications (USA) (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870408879
• ISBN-13: 978-0870408878
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,542,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for beginners, December 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Shinkage-Ryu Sword Techniques, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

This book has a lot of commendable qualities, but also a lot of flaws. It includes 22 profusely illustrated kata from shinkage-ryu swordsmanship. These are the real meat of the art, and what distinguish shinkage-ryu from other styles of kenjutsu -- which is all well and good if you have experience in Japanese sword techniques. However, the introductory elements to the book explain only guidelines for shinai (bamboo sword) lengths, and a very brief section on stances. Basic techniques, which are necessary for all martial arts but especially for a more obscure art like kenjutsu, are not covered at all.
Also, if you're not a very visual learner, be forewarned that the explanations for each of the kata are very short and mostly rely on the reader understanding the photo. To add to the confusion, some of the number labels for the pictures are impossible to read. That said, I think this book has enough to reward someone with experience in kenjutsu, kendo, etc, but beginners should look elsewhere.

5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shinage-Ryu, the lost art......., March 1, 2000

By 

Fitz Otaku (Tokyo-3) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shinkage-Ryu Sword Techniques, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

You would think this is a lost art but,far from it! It gives you a new awarness of the style and finesse the Japanese had with their sword arts.

Very well done!