Найти книгу: "This is Kendo"

"An excellent introduction to traditional Japanese swordsmanship."—Daily YamiuriThis book introduces Kendo, the exhilarating mental and physical sport of Japan that has gained new popularity, with both sexes now participating, its own evolution and the efforts of a remarkable group of teachers it has progressed through the years to its present position as a sport.This is Kendo is a fully illustrated introduction to the traditional art of Japanese fencing—its essential nature and its basic techniques. It is the first kendo book in English to describe and analyze this famous sport. Features include:Over 100 photographs and drawingsOrigin and History of KendoBasic Kendo Principles and TechniquesTraditions Governing Kendo Etiquette and TechniqueImportant StrikesOffensive and Defensive PositionsTraining ExercisesThe paramount point to be remembered in this book on an ancient art is that no one really stops learning more about the people who invented armor and developed combat techniques. It is our hope that the reader will continue his study beyond the scope of this kendo guide.

Kendo is the first in-depth historical, cultural, and political account in English of the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, from its beginnings in military training and arcane medieval schools to its widespread practice as a global sport today. Alexander Bennett shows how kendo evolved through a recurring process of «inventing tradition,» which served the changing ideologies and needs of Japanese warriors and governments over the course of history. Kendo follows the development of Japanese swordsmanship from the aristocratic-aesthetic pretensions of medieval warriors in the Muromachi period, to the samurai elitism of the Edo regime, and then to the nostalgic patriotism of the Meiji state. Kendo was later influenced in the 1930s and 1940s by ultranationalist militarists and ultimately by the postwar government, which sought a gentler form of nationalism to rekindle appreciation of traditional culture among Japan’s youth and to garner international prestige as an instrument of «soft power.» Today kendo is becoming increasingly popular internationally. But even as new organizations and clubs form around the world, cultural exclusiveness continues to play a role in kendo’s ongoing evolution, as the sport remains closely linked to Japan’s sense of collective identity.

Master the art of Kendo —Japanese Swordsmanship with this illustrated and comprehensive martial arts guide. Kendo or the «Way of the Sword» holds a special place within the martial arts as one of the few practices tracing back directly to Japan's ancient samurai heritage. Modern students flock to kendo for physically—and mentally—challenging activity that combines traditional martial arts values with strenuous physical activity.Author Geoff Salmon has over 40 years of kendo experience gained in and outside of Japan. His goal in this kendo guide is to dispel many misconceptions about the sport and to make kendo training accessible and effective for anyone. His simple, straightforward writing style is especially helpful for beginning students and martial artists from other disciplines who wish to add kendo training to their repertoire.The core of this kendo book is a series of detailed instructional sequences demonstrating the basic kendo techniques. The author also presents the fundamental principles and philosophy that make kendo as much an exercise of the mind as of the sword. For many adherents, the goal is to train your mind to achieve a state of mushin (no-mind). Beyond that, this book also shows you how to win competitions and integrate kendo into your personal fitness routines.This is the first book to clearly link the philosophical and mental elements of kendo to the physical techniques, thereby enabling readers to gain a holistic understanding of the martial art. It offers a comprehensive training program similar to those given by leading kendo teachers in Japan, past and present.

Complete Kendo is a thorough introduction to the Japanese martial way of the sword and a guided tour of the principles and philosophy upon which the art is founded.This martial arts guide covers everything from the care and handling of hakama, the pleated trousers worn by kendoka (practitioners of kendo), all in an easy conversational dialogue that is a great pleasure to read.Structured to echo the organization of the Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, Complete Kendo is a modern version of the swordsman's primer by a martial artist skilled not only in the art of kendo but, like Musashi, in many traditional Japanese arts, and with a superb understanding of the martial tradition and culture of Japan. The author uses lessons learned from a long career of teaching martial arts and academic subjects to impart clearly and concisely the fundamentals of kendo and the martial way.With explanatory line drawings by Kathleen Sweeney illustrating significant points of discussion, a handy glossary of kendo terminology and related concepts, and an unusually helpful bibliography, Complete Kendo is an essential volume for every kendoka's personal library.