Iai: The Art of Drawing the Sword

Rating:
Summary: A different philosophical outlook
Review: I found this book to be informative, and well done. It has things for the beginner to the expert. I found the drawings very helpful and the drills were very well described. over all i loved it

Rating:
Summary: Good as an introduction
Review: I happened to buy this book amongst others as I have an interest in the history of Japanese swordsmanship and Iai.

I found this book helpful in terms of history, sword-testing and nomenclature; though I found the drawings a big 'sketchy' at best. For reading purposes this is a good book, with plenty to keep it interesting... but if you want to know more on the practical side of the art of drawing the blade I'd suggest "Flashing Steel" by Shimabukuro instead. It uses photographs in illustrating points and offers better descriptions in its' instruction.

Rating:
Summary: Oldie, but goodie
Review: I say "oldie" because the All Japan Kendo Federation has added several new kata to its regimen since the book was published. But the description "goodie" still fits! There's a bit of something for everyone in this book: stories, history, philosophy, and practical tips.

As always, I'm grateful for the many thoughtful reviews here on Amazon. I'm surprised, however, that so many folks think a BOOK is the way to learn any martial art, especially a traditional one like iaido. If you're serious about learning iai (and not just reading about it), find a qualified, respected instructor and practice, practice, practice. Then buy this book as a supplement to your education.

Rating:
Summary: Very helpful and informative
Review: Iai: The Art of Drawing the Sword is good as a refresher, at best. Craig opens his tome with some personal history and stories, which is a fine method of doing things, until he brings his own opinion into it. He gives the impression that spiritualism should account for most everything in iaido; as most practitioners are aware, spiritualism is only one aspect, and technique is equally or more important.

Throughout the book, Craig provides small interludes detailing Japanese history, and other information, some of which is accurate, some of which is very much exaggerated, and some of which is not true. While the thought was nice, he should have researched his facts more.

The drawings accompanying his descriptions of the kata are sketchy and vague; a beginner would have difficulty following them, although someone with grounding in another Japanese sword art such as kenjitsu may have better luck. However, with knowledge of the kata, or at least of the mechanics of the motions, a reader would find this book a helpful reminder, as long as he does not try to base his study entirely on this book.

Overall, this is not a terrible book, but there are much better on the subject, with regards to technique, illustration, and history.

Rating:
Summary: Not fond...
Review: Iai: The Art of Drawing the Sword is good as a refresher, at best. Craig opens his tome with some personal history and stories, which is a fine method of doing things, until he brings his own opinion into it. He gives the impression that spiritualism should account for most everything in iaido; as most practitioners are aware, spiritualism is only one aspect, and technique is equally or more important.

Throughout the book, Craig provides small interludes detailing Japanese history, and other information, some of which is accurate, some of which is very much exaggerated, and some of which is not true. While the thought was nice, he should have researched his facts more.

The drawings accompanying his descriptions of the kata are sketchy and vague; a beginner would have difficulty following them, although someone with grounding in another Japanese sword art such as kenjitsu may have better luck. However, with knowledge of the kata, or at least of the mechanics of the motions, a reader would find this book a helpful reminder, as long as he does not try to base his study entirely on this book.

Overall, this is not a terrible book, but there are much better on the subject, with regards to technique, illustration, and history.

Rating:
Summary: A good guide to understanding Iaido
Review: This book covers a lot of ground! It includes everything from every part of a Japanese sword, seppuku, how the blades were tested (and includes more humane tests one can do at home in this modern age), along with taking care of the blade, dos and don'ts as well as some great history. Great book, I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: More than a little disappointed....
Review: This book covers all aspects of Japanese sword.From examining a sword, ettiquete,seppuku, kata and history. This book is a must reference book for any martial artisit who is studying the sword. Iai, iai-jutsu, kendo etc...

Rating:
Summary: A good history of the Japanese sword!
Review: This book offers a lot of great information. It starts with care of the blade, and a little history. It then progresses into several basic techniques, a history of ritual suicide, the 47 ronin and how the old blades were tested on prisoners, their results printed on the tang (I have actually found blades with such ratings on them). It also covers identifying marks on blades, what to look for when looking at a historic sword and more.

Worth every penny I spent for it.

Rating:
Summary: A good history of the Japanese sword!
Review: This book offers a lot of great information. It starts with care of the blade, and a little history. It then progresses into several basic techniques, a history of ritual suicide, the 47 ronin and how the old blades were tested on prisoners, their results printed on the tang (I have actually found blades with such ratings on them). It also covers identifying marks on blades, what to look for when looking at a historic sword and more.

Worth every penny I spent for it.

Rating:
Summary: Craig's best book
Review: Well laid out and informative. Unlike other reviewers I really liked the illustrations. They are simple, but easy to understand and more than adequate to reinforce the commentary. This fascinating book covers everything from understanding the terminology to selecting and purchasing a sword, to caring for your weapon, to etiquette, to technique. It even shows how to fold your uniform. I especially enjoyed the historical vignettes scattered throughout. The section on sword testing was also captivating. If you want a solid education in the fundamentals of iaido this is an excellent resource. It is not really aimed at advanced practitioners but is well written for beginners and intermediate students. I learned a lot from this excellent tome.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques in the Dojo