Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Japanese Swordsmanship - More Technique than Practice, June 19, 2001
Swords have always fascinated mankind. Throughout the ages, a simple piece of steel has somehow managed to hold our attention and fascination like few things can. From the mystical and mighty Excailbur to the advanced lightsaber, swords have been and will remain a part of our society for generations. However, no culture has been able to create a sword quite like the smiths of Japan. The katana and tachi still serve as testaments to their incredible metallurgical talent and their rich history. Through the ages, these swords were refined, and so were the methods of making and using them. Warner's Japanese Swordsmanship deals with the history, etiquette, and use of the japanese sword. It explains how the art evolved over the decades into what it is today, and why people still practice this ancient and deadly martial discipline. The first two-thirds of the book are filled with historic information, modern use of the art, and etiquette. All of this is very interesting, especially since many of these traditions are hundreds of years old and still practiced today. Each movement or change in position (in all of the sections ranging from etiquette to the actual practice) is meticulously detailed by high-quality black and white photographs taken from multiple angles of an experienced practitioner. The book also anticipates problem areas and attempts to correct these by showing diagrams of the WRONG way to do things, and then emphasizing the CORRECT way. Typically, mistakes made early in training can become problems later on, but each and every section also brings to light important points that the beginning student should focus on. Breath control, posture, and thought process are all important aspects that are easily overlooked when the beginning student begins his training, but the book stresses that TECHNIQUE often precedes PRACTICE. Another interesting aspect of the book is its discussion of each form. It explains the situations from historical, practical, and modern viewpoints. Whereas in feudal Japan, a samurai looked upon each day of practice as one that is essential to his continued survival, the modern martial artist no longer lives in such a world and can concentrate on the more meditative and fulfilling aspects of practice. The book also describes how each form could be used in actual practical application (although it's not often that people are seen walking down the street in full samurai dress with a katana tucked into their belt). In general, Warner has done a splendid job of being very detailed and specific, and I've found myself referring back to his book many times, either for clarification purposes or pure reading enjoyment. Although a bit short on forms (try Niklaus Suino's The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship for more advanced forms), the book excels at bringing newcomers into the field with rich, detailed explanations and a wealth of pictoral guides. I'd recommend this book to any martial artist looking to expand his collection or be introduced into the tradition-rich and engrossing world of japanese swordsmanship.
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Important classic, June 15, 2003
Although a little outdated as the book now has only 10 of the 12 new Setei kata, which were added after the book was published, this is still an essential classic on the history and practice of Iaido. If you need info on the katas and practical techniques, however, there are better sources these days than a book--such as the many videos that are often available used for less than the price of this book new--so if it's that's what you're interested in, I would refer you to those. However, for an in-depth study of the history of the Japanese sword, the different styles and periods of craftsmanship and how they differ, the practical aspects of sword making, and many of the other cultural aspects surrounding the practice of the Japanese sword, and so on, Draeger's book is still the best one I know out there.
I did have one other comment to make. Draeger comments that, especially since WWII, as a result of various changes in the teaching curriculum of Iaido it has become a more formalized, aesthetic art and has lost touch with the original combative, samurai aspect of the art. While I certainly respect Draeger, and his redoubtable skill, knowledge, and opinions in many arts, I would point out that this problem isn't unique to Iaido. It's a problem with all the martial and combative arts of both the east and west.
For example, students of karate have the same problem. A student, even a skilled black belt, can do all the point sparring he wants, but unless he actually puts on the full-contact gear and risks getting his head bashed in, he isn't subjecting himself to the ultimate combative aspect of his art, either. So the problem isn't unique to Iaido. So although I respect Draeger and understand that his concern is genuine and arises from that fact that he's a sincere, hard-nosed traditionalist on this issue, I would point out that it's not really practical to do this anymore.
The samurai of old practiced and trained in the discipline of Iaido in the dojo because their lives depended on it, and then their skills were ultimately tested and forged on the crucible of the battlefield and in individual duels and combat. As I said, this is no longer the case and is no longer practical, either. So although I might agree with Draeger that perhaps something has been lost, nevertheless, unless one is proposing to recreate much more realistic but impractical sparring practices I don't see any remedy for the situation.
So overall, a fine book on learning about this fascinating art.
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23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book!, January 21, 1999
By A Customer
Perhaps the finest book I've read on the practice and history of Japanese Swordsmanship.The text is clear, the pictures are accurate and the information is priceless. As a Sensei of IaiJutsu swordsmanship, I highly recomend this book.
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