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.
Rating: 
Summary: Unlearning the Way of the sword
Review: I thought this video was well-produced, and the Sensei did an excellent job in presenting the material. Some voice-over commentary would have been a nice touch, but it is not important if one is truly seeking to learn the basics of Iaido as I am. I find it interesting to read some of the critiques of the Sensei's technical ability and style. It seems to me that those making the critiques are displaying the need to unlearn what they've learned from their training. A true martial artist would not expend energy criticizing or ridiculing others, especially other Senseis. Instead, they would channel their energy into positive endeavors, such as archiving their Sensei's teachings and sharing it. In this way, they would be sharing their knowledge of Iai with the world, which would be of great benefit to us all. However, this is merely my opinion. Criticism, when it is constructive, is a noble virtue but there was not much to build on from the negative comments of a few reviews. I believe there is always something to learn from someone else if one opens their eyes and looks for it. Are we all not better off learning about all the styles and interpretations that make up Iaido?
Rating: 
Summary: Very good Iaido reference DVD
Review: I was pleased when I received this DVD. The production value was better than I expected (especially compared to other martial arts videos I own). In order to really benefit, though, I recommend that you have some working knowledge of swordwork. The different shot locations gave some nice dynamics, and I appreciated the Sensei's comments on Iaido.
Just the blooper clip was worth the price of admission :)
Rating:
Summary: Helpful for my Iaido practice
Review: I've been practicing Iaido for several years and was looking for a DVD that clearly shows some Iaido systems to help develop my sword skills. I thought the DVD was put together well, with the sensei showing the kata from different angles. The addition of some outdoor beach shots was a good dynamic, I thought. Hearing the sensei's thoughts in the interview made the DVD more personal. I like the fact that it is a DVD as I get really tired of rewinding and fast-forwarding some of my other Iaido tapes. Much easier to navigate.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work!
Review: Overall, I was very impressed with this DVD. The swordsmanship of Sensei Nomura and her students is impeccable, and I appreciated the level of detail presented in such a compact format. That being said, this type of DVD is not intended for beginners; no book or video can replace the training one would receive from a qualified sensei. However, as a supplement to dojo training, this DVD is invaluable.
My only complaints are some minor problems with photography and sound, particularly in the scenes shot on the beach. These flaws don't detract from the overall quality of the performances, though; the beach scenes give a nice change from the usual dojo setting. The guitar music is very nice as well.
Rating:
Summary: The Art of Iaido
Review: Simple and easy to use training tool.
Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful
Review: The examples were clearly demonstrated by Nomura sensei, and the camera work was very good overall. The names of the techniques were spoken and written (in English characters), which helps a lot. I liked the beach scenes too, especially the blooper! Although it was not perfect, the quality of this DVD was much better than most martial arts tapes I have seen, and the DVD format is much more useful than tape, so that is why I am giving it a 5.
Rating:
Summary: Iaido, well done!
Review: The Iaido forms executed by Nomura sensei are technically clean, well done, and graceful. Impressive are the Chuden and Shindo Munen Ryu forms which, although not for beginners, are beautifully illustrated in this DVD. I would highly recommend this video. It is very instructive for all levels. Beginners can study very clean and graceful intermediate and advanced forms of Iaido and middle level students (with a good foundation in basic Iaido techniques) will certainly benefit from the techniques demonstrated and taught in this video.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT TEACHING AID !
Review: This Iaido dvd is a valuable teaching aid for students who already have a working knowledge of sword etiquette, Shoden, and Chuden. The Systems demonstrated are not in the advanced level, but in the middle level, which is apparent to any advanced practitoner of Iaido. Showing the forms visually from different angles is a helpful aid. Minimal text usage, avoids distractions while viewing the forms. The dvd format makes it easy to click into segments, instead of rewinding, or fast forwarding in VHS formats, which are time consuming. Efficent use of 60minutes. Artistic and well done.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Iaido DVD
Review: This is an excellent instructinal guide for pratitioners who already have some basic knowledge of the art. The background music and setting is inspiring. The various levels of techniques are clearly demonstrated, and the pairwork demonstrates practical examples. One can go back and review the levels whenever necessary.
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