Kendo: The Way of the Sport Sword

Rating:
Summary: A reasonable attempt at explaining the complexities of Kendo
Review: I pestered my local library to replace its lost copy of this book, thereby doubling its library of kendo books to two. However, I cannot get enthused about this work and it does not compete well with, or complement the text of, 'This is Kendo' for example. Ok, it is a reasonable overview of the sport but I find its layout, grammar, method and diagrams confusing. I sincerely doubt the ability of any reader to pick up this book and to be able to go off and 'do' kendo. Perhaps kendo, like many martial arts and sports, defies the printed word the ability to adequately convey its essence, speed, vitality and books like this one make it all look so very dull. Kendo is an exciting, vibrant sport and this book does little to pass that on to the reader. If you want to learn or sample kendo, go to your nearest dojo! I have been a kendoka for twenty years, my daughter less than 6 months- neither of us were inspired (although the epilogue does provide the best part of the book!).

Rating:
Summary: Good book to use with "This is Kendo" by Junzo Sansamori
Review: This is a good supplement to use with "This Is Kendo" by Junzo Sansamori. Both books are very affordable and cover lots of info. "Kendo : The Way and Sport of the Sword", is not as strong on history, but makes up for this by having more terminology, pictures, and diagrams of basics.

Rating:
Summary: A reasonable attempt at explaining the complexities of Kendo
Review: This is a good supplement to use with "This Is Kendo" by Junzo Sansamori. Both books are very affordable and cover lots of info. "Kendo : The Way and Sport of the Sword", is not as strong on history, but makes up for this by having more terminology, pictures, and diagrams of basics.