Complete Kendo (Complete Martial Arts) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Kathleen Sweeney (Author), Matthew Donohue (Author) "In the Book of Five Rings, the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi begins his reflections with a consideration of basics..." (more)
Key Phrases: uchidachi steps, suriage waza, left jodan, Miyamoto Musashi, Yagyu Munenori (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A thorough introduction to the Japanese martial way of the sword, "Complete Kendo" covers every aspect of the discipline, from equipment and terminology to technique and strategy. Photos throughout.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (June 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804831483
• ISBN-13: 978-0804831482
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #264,792 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A decent book for beginners, August 1, 2004

By	J. Leigh "jleigh7" (chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This book is slightly better for the beginner than the Heart of Kendo book because it presents materials in the order that most beginners would engage the sport/Way. Ie you learn etiquette, then foot motion, then how to hold a shinai, then basic exercises.

The weakness of this book is it's lack of pictures or pictures that are too small or unclear. I have often found myself ignoring the pictures and simply reading the text and envisioning it in my head because the pictures were so poorly depicted. Furthermore, the pictures are numbered but there is no reference to the numbering within the text.

In general I don't know why Kendo books don't do a better job at presenting technical material. For example, why are movements explained in long paragraphs rather than as enumerated lists that say: Step 1- do this.... Step 2- do this....
If they would just present, for example, the Katas (which involves the actions of 2 people) as tables with 3 columns, where column 1 is what the Uchidachi does; column 2 is what the Shidachi does; and column 3 is the representative photograph; that would make the study of technique so much easier!

Comparing this book against the Heart of Kendo book, I'd recommend the Heart of Kendo book in its descriptions of technique. Complete Kendo presents the material in a more logical order for beginners. Neither books have an index which means you have to hunt thru the book to find something.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book for beginers and intermediate students, November 29, 1999

By A Customer

This book is an excellent companion to Kendo: The Definitive Guide (KDG). While KDG cover ALL of the technical aspects down to the last detail, this book's focus is aesthetics and beginners Kendo. It was recommended to me by one of my school's Sensei who felt it covered ideas and concepts that you would normally only hear through the spoken word: the relevance of Kata, the formal apsects of the dojo, and why there is no defence in Kendo. The author is an antropoligist in NY, and I believe it gives him a nice perspective on the aesthics and ideas behind Kendo that you will not find in most other books, especially those translated from the east. I think begginers and advanced students will learn a lot from this book and I believe it is the perfect companion to Kendo: The Definitive Guide.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I wouldn't be without it, November 1, 2007

By	J. Callaway (New Haven CT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I started studying Kendo with Dr Donohue after the purchase of this title. The class and thte book really compliment each other. I feel that this is as much about the art of the discipline as it is about the initial rudiments. I felt that this was a worthwhile read. It has definitely enhanced my practice.