Rating: 
Summary: Mistitled
Review: "Basic Forms Without Explanation" should have been the title of this not very instructional DVD. The picture quality was fine. The sound quality was acceptable. The action, while lifeless, was cleanly done and cleary shown. Sadly, the audio commentary, which could have added so much richness, depth and instructional value to this sterile piece was almost silent. With all that silence, I had plenty of time to watch the instructor and think, "That sword must be at least two sizes too big for her," and wonder why her eyes never focused on anything. This DVD was clearly more about some internal type of meditation than sword fighting. Unless you are studying the specific forms covered by the program and have a real live person to work with, I'd recommend you pass on this one.
Rating:
Summary: Mistitled
Review: "Basic Forms Without Explanation" should have been the title of this not very instructional DVD. The picture quality was fine. The sound quality was acceptable. The action, while lifeless, was cleanly done and cleary shown. Sadly, the audio commentary, which could have added so much richness, depth and instructional value to this sterile piece was almost silent. With all that silence, I had plenty of time to watch the instructor and think, "That sword must be at least two sizes too big for her," and wonder why her eyes never focused on anything. This DVD was clearly more about some internal type of meditation than sword fighting. Unless you are studying the specific forms covered by the program and have a real live person to work with, I'd recommend you pass on this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice frame, shame about the picture!
Review: A not badly produced and filmed DVD of utterly appalling Iaido. Here in the UK this standard would not even rate First Kyu, let alone a Dan Grade. Don't waste your money.
David Collins, 5th dan Iaido, 3rd dan Jodo, Kawagishi Dojo, Cornwall, UK.
Rating: 
Summary: An Excellent example of Iaido
Review: Art of the Sword, is very well filmed with a clear and concise script. It is not for someone who has never picked up a sword. But for the practioner who is embarking on the study of Iaido, it provides helpful guidelines, terminology, and reminders for your at home practice. It is not intended to replace an instuctor, but Nomura Sensei's movements make it very easy to follow. The free style sequences and the practice on the beach are well shot and give an example of how one takes Iaido out of a meditative practice to partnering practice.
Rating:
Summary: Very dissapointed
Review: As a teaching tool I can see no one who would benefit from this DVD. It adds nothing to what you can find on the market, the material in this document has been covered quite adequately either in book or video format. The explanations are insufficient for beginners and pointless for more advanced practitionners. Also as a teaching aid I find the video format much more practical than the DVD format.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I agree with those who say this is an excellent Iaido DVD. Nomura Sensei obviously knows her stuff, and her keen awareness of her body and movements really shows. I'm surprised that a couple of the reviewers were so disappointed. Since they give no specifics to back up their ratings, I can only assume they are from a different school or style and think that the way they were taught is the "only" way.
Rating: 
Summary: not a biginers dvd
Review: i am very pleased with the dvd. they show a lot of different angles for the forms. the only thing that i wasn't pleased with is its not very good for beginers. it doesn't go into foot work, it only goes into a few cuts, and it only shows one bow. also in some of the forms the camera is to slow and the sword and hands are off the screen.
Rating: 
Summary: Helpful
Review: I believe this DVD to be more of a visual reference and a helpful supplement to people already practicing Iaido. Having something like this on DVD format is much more convenient than VHS. It also provides rarely seen pairwork. It would have been nice to see more and hopefully there will be some in future releases. Sound quality was a little average and there were some photography problems but still a good trade off. The blooper is something rarely seen in such a serious category and very funny.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and Inspiratinal Training Guide
Review: I found the DVD format very easy to use. One could review different levels of techniques, or go to pairwork easily without having to hunt for it as on VHS. The katas were clearly demonstrated. The setting and music are inspirational. This is definately a wonderful training guide for those who already have some basic knowledge of Iaido.
Rating:
Summary: Poor, with poor bits added...
Review: I have to agree with David Collins here. A well-made DVD with very substandard iai technique. If you have no experience of iai, then you will be knocked out the art of iai and Ms Nomura. If you have aformentioned experience, then you will do what I did - pass it around the dojo for everyone to chuckle at. Our rank beginners pointed out her terminology mistakes, poor cutting ability and overall low level of skill. She is a 6th-dan, yes. But not in iai. Go search for her on the web.
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