The Heart of Kendo

Rating:
Summary: The Heart of Kendo is the heart of a Sensei
Review: I am a former (16 year) student of Craig Sensei in judo and taiho-jutsu. Craig Sensei, in my biased by humble opinion, is one of the true great Western master of traditional Japanese martial arts and ways, advanced holding rankings in kendo, judo, karate-do, jodo, aikido, jujutsu, and kobudo. Craig Sensei is of that disappearing breed of true, dedicated martial artists which were forged in the post WWII occupation of Japan. Craig Sensei, and other teachers with whom I have been fortunate to be acquainted with, who received their martial training in Japan at the beginning of the cold war, were unique men at a unique time. The conditions rarely exist to produce professional exponents of this caliber anymore.

I am not ranked in the art of Kendo but have seen it practiced at the Budokan and other dojo. For years, I have seen Craig Sensei give demonstrations in various arts, but his Kendo is unique among them. I believe his understanding of the spiritual, mental and physical requirements for expert Kendo are unparalleled, certainly compared to most Western teachers.

I have read Heart of Kendo. It is very well written and organized. His anecdotal experiences with Chiba Sensei are worth the price of the book alone. I have several other books on Kendo and can recommend, wholeheartedly, that this should be one on your shelf also. It is an excellent reference for both the beginning and intermediate student. Advanced exponents will find it useful as both a resource and a refresher or new approach to their own practice. The Heart of Kendo reflects the heart of a true master practitioner.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting but not very useful
Review: An excellent, excellent book, that should be read by all kendo practitioners. In the first portion of the book Mr. Craig touches on all the important basics. He includes many kind, and thoughtful anecdotes. (The story of his first kendo taikai is wonderful.) In the latter half of the book he deals extensively with kendo kata. It can only be hoped that people will take Mr. Craig's writings to heart and practice these important forms. Overall this is a book that will inspire new kendoka, and help remind old timers why they're training

Rating:
Summary: The Heart of Kendo
Review: As a person who has practiced Kendo and Iaido for almost twenty years, I judge The Heart of Kendo to be one of the best martial arts books ever written. One of the serious challenges any author in the martial arts field faces, is the need to convey concepts and ideas in a manner that provides guidance for the beginner and the experienced practioner. Craig Sensei meets that challenge. The Heart of Kendo is the type of martial arts book that will appeal to persons who are seriously studying a traditional Budo and to those who are just beginning their journey on this path.

As one of Craig Sensei's students, I can vouch for the amount of work and many hours that were spent by Craig Sensei writing and rewriting the book's text. The section of the book containing some of Craig Sensei's many conversations with Chiba Harutane Sensei is absolutely priceless and conveys a sense of the connection between our modern society and Kendo as it was taught to Chiba Sensei by his father in an almost feudal atmosphere.

I sincerely recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn and understand more about the practice, and daily application in the real world, of a traditional Japanese martial art.

Rating:
Summary: The Heart of Kendo
Review: As a person who has practiced Kendo and Iaido for almost twenty years, I judge The Heart of Kendo to be one of the best martial arts books ever written. One of the serious challenges any author in the martial arts field faces, is the need to convey concepts and ideas in a manner that provides guidance for the beginner and the experienced practioner. Craig Sensei meets that challenge. The Heart of Kendo is the type of martial arts book that will appeal to persons who are seriously studying a traditional Budo and to those who are just beginning their journey on this path.

As one of Craig Sensei's students, I can vouch for the amount of work and many hours that were spent by Craig Sensei writing and rewriting the book's text. The section of the book containing some of Craig Sensei's many conversations with Chiba Harutane Sensei is absolutely priceless and conveys a sense of the connection between our modern society and Kendo as it was taught to Chiba Sensei by his father in an almost feudal atmosphere.

I sincerely recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn and understand more about the practice, and daily application in the real world, of a traditional Japanese martial art.

Rating:
Summary: the last samurai
Review: One of the best books I have ever read. Mixes many personal antecdotes with a lot of history. It's not a how to, as much as it is a why to. Very insightful about a mysterious part of Japanese culture.

Rating:
Summary: Awsome a true American samurai
Review: One of the best books I have ever read. Mixes many personal antecdotes with a lot of history. It's not a how to, as much as it is a why to. Very insightful about a mysterious part of Japanese culture.

Rating:
Summary: the last samurai
Review: Sorry to disagree with other reviews but I thought the book was not a good read. Pretty much just as worthless as watching "kill bill."
Just a lot of flash in the pan with no real substance. How could an american really be a true samurai anyways? That is like a Japanese man trying to play basketball here in America.