Looking at a Far Mountain

from cover

Looking at a Far Mountain is a remarkably comprehensive survey of the core of kendo, an internationally practiced martial sport derived from the ancient Japanese warrior art of the sword and heavily influenced by the tenets of Shinto, Confucianism, and , particularly, Zen Buddhism. This

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is the first study ourside of Japan and the first in English of the history, philosophy, and technical aspects comprising the system of predetermined sword techniques known as Teikoku Kendo Kata. Lavishly illustrated with historical photographs and encompassing a history of the kendo kata tradition, technical training and advice, the individual kata themselves, lineage cahrts of particular shcools and notable kendo masters, and a complete glossary of kendo terms, Looking at a Far Mountain remains firmly anchored in the Japanese tradition while addressing the growing international corps of kendo practitioners.

Paul Budden was born in England in 1949 and has been studying kendo for more than twenty-five years. He travels to Japan frequently for training and has been a member of Great Britian's award-winning team at the European Kendo Championships. He runs an international exhibition business and operates the Kokokan Kendo Dojo in Chesham, England.

Contents

Acknowledgments, Preface, Introduction
Chapter One--The Kata Tradition
A Personal Interpretation; Enzan No Metsuke; The Kamaes Five Attitudes
Chapter Two--Technical Specifics
Introduction to Technical section; Technical specifics; Rei; Foot positions and distances; Foot methods; Breathing; Distance
Chapter Three--The Kata
Mutual Interpretation; Formal Commencement; IpponMe; NihonMe; SanbonMe; YohonMe; GohonMe; RopponMe; NanahonMe; Kodachi IpponMe; Kodachi NihonMe; Kodachi SanbonMe; Alternative patterns of practice
Thke Kendo Schools Chart
The Kendo Masters Biography Chart
Glossary

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