The Heart Of Kendo: A Comprehensive Introduction To The Philosophy And Practice Of The Art Of The Sword

The Heart of Kendo: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of the Art of the Sword

About the AuthorDarrell Max Craig has black belts in ten different martial arts. In 1973 he was awarded the title of Shihan or master teacher-the equivalent of a knighthood in Japan and an honor rarely bestowed upon foreigners.Here is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Kendo, the Japanese "way of the sword," the ancient martial art that originated in the Japanese samurai tradition. Kendo is a way of life shaped by the discipline that produces perseverance, alertness, concentration, and introspection. It is very closely tied to Zen: it adepts traditionally also train in Zen meditation, and numerous Zen masters have been adept at the art of Kendo. Kendo's principles of ethics and mindful action have had a formative effect on the other Japanese martial arts practiced in America, such as Aikido.This book includes the history of the art of the sword, the basic equipment used, a glossary of terms, and instructions for all the basic forms - illustrated with more than 230 line drawings.