Book: The Way of Kendo and Kenjitsu

The old Kendo teachers loved to ask their new students "What is Kendo?" Then they would sit back and listen to them philosophize about the way of the sword.

The question is like a Zen question. If you find an answer, it will always be wrong for there is no answer.

Kendo is something different to each and every student who picks up a Japanese sword. Old Kenjitsu had no rules. Modern Kendo sometimes described as sport Kendo, does. This is the difference between the two.

To learn Kendo properly you must not think of it or practice it as a sport. You must think of it as a way of life. When taking up Kendo the student must keep in mind that the Japanese sword is like no other sword in the world and the skills required to master it are as ancient as time itself.

This book addresses advance level Kendo skills including equipment, exercises, wazas and the last three katas of the All Japan Kendo Federation, which uses the short sword (Wakizashi).

• Equipment of Kendo and its care
• Advanced Waza
• Fundamental Movements
• All Japan Kendo Federation Short Sword (Kodachi) Katas
• About the Samurai and his swords
• Sword Collecting
• Sword Nomenclature

AUTHOR(S)

Darrell Max Craig is a highly regarded teacher of many of Japanese martial arts, and a pioneer in their development in the West for over forty years. He holds multiple black belts and is a U.S. Kendo champion, leading the U.S. Kendo team to the world championships. In 1973 he was awarded the title of Shihan, or Master Teacher. Among his many books on the subject is the widely praised The Heart of Kendo. He lives in Houston, Texas.

REVIEWS

Norm Leff, Menkyo Kaiden Shihan.

"For those of you who are interested in Japanese swordsmanship and the Samurai, you will find this book an excellent how-to manual. It is full of interesting and valuable information...I found this book fascinating and motivating. My youngest son became inspired by reading this book...It's a must have for your Martial Arts library."

Wisconsin Bookwatch. June 2004.

Knowledgeably written by Darrell Max Craig (a renowned martial arts expert and film choreographer with a 6th Dan in Kendo, Karate, and Jujitsu, 5th Dan in Iaido and Kobudo, and a 4th Dan in Judo and Aikido), The Way of Kendo & Kenjitsu: Soul of the Samurai combines the author's personal life experiences, philosophy concerning the way of the sword as has been practiced in Japan since ancient times, diagrams and carefully worded descriptions of techniques, movements, forms, and exercises relating to historical as well as sport kendo, and much more. From extensive guidelines to using basic equipment, to a reflection on the tradition of the samurai and his swords, to information concerning the collection, care and upkeep of swords as well as martial arts training regimens, The Way of Kendo & Kenjitsu is a holistic introduction and highly recommended for anyone fascinated by what it means to better one’s skill with the Japanese blade.