Kendo-Elements, Rules, and Philosophy

by Jinichi Tokeshi

2003

Library's review

All students of kendo-the formal art and practice of Japanese swordsmanship-will welcome this manual by an advanced practitioner with a deep undrstanding of the martial art. The work begins with a history of kendo in Japan, followed by a study of basic equipment and its proper care and use and a
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detailed description of forms and rules-essential aspects of any martial art. Beginners will find this section particularly helpful because of the close attentinn paid to fundamental techniques of kendo, including the reare two-sword (nito ryu), largely unknown outside of Japan. Each technique is accopainied by clear, easy-to-follow illustrations. The Nihn Kendo Kata and shiai and shinpan rules and regulations are useful references for those learning the kata and praticipating in matches. The author, who is also a practicing physician, is attentive throughout to injury prevention and safety concerns-often overlooked in martial art manuals.

The elements of kendo philosphy, which can mystify even experienced practitioners, are explained in simple terms to aid understanding. The manual concludes with biographies of Japan's most celebrated swordsmen, an extensive glossary of kendo terms, and a history of kendo in Hawai'i, where it has been practiced for more than a century and can be found some of the world's top practitioners.

Jinichi Tokeshi, M.D., was born and raised ini Japan. After completing his medical studies in Hawai'i and Michigan, he opened a private practice in Honolulu and began teaching at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i. He has attained a yondan in kendo and a sandan in judo.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I Evolution
1 The history of kendo
2 Shinai (bamboo sword)
3 Kendogi (kendo uniform)
4 Bogu (protective gear)
5 How to don the Bogu
6 How to put away the bodu
Part II Basic elements
7 Dojo (place of practice)
8 Reiho (etiquette)
9 Kamae (stance) and Datotsubui (target areas)
10 Nito ryu (two-sword school)
11 Ma'ai (distance)
12 Ashisabaki (footwork)
13 Keiko (training)
14 Waza (skills or techniques)
Part III Forms and rules
15 Nihon kendo kata
16 Shiai (match)
17 Shiai/Shinpan Kisoku (match and refereeing regulations)
18 Match and referee procedures
19 Kendo Shogo/Dan'i Shinsa Kisoku (ranking and honorary title examination rules)
Part IV Kendo philosophy and concepts
20 Kendo as a spiritual art
21 Suki (opening)
22 Kensen, ma'ai, and sen
23 About seme
24 Tokui waza (forte)
25 Eyes, feet, courage, and strength
Part V Personages
26 Ito Ittosai Kagehisa
27 Miyamoto Musashi
28 Yagyu Taima no Kami Munenori
29 Sukahara Bokuden
30 Chiba Shusaku
31 Mochida Moriji, Kendo Hanshi Tenth Dan
Part VI Appendixes
Appendix A Dr. Nouburu Akagi
Appendix B History of kendo in Hawai'i
Appendix C Kendo and health
Glossary
Refences (bibliography)
Index
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ISBN

824825985

Publication

A Latitude 20 Book University of Hawai'i Press Honolulu
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