An excellent book introducing the reader to the ancient art of Kendo. The book is part of the series in martial arts published by New Holland. Outstanding Photographs takes the reader through the history of the art beautifully illustrating various aspects .The author describes kendo as the art of Japanese fencing. The students wear traditional clothes and the art has many traditions and rituals. The key to kendo is the attack by the sword of the vital organs.

The bushi or warrior class were expert swordsman and the modern art of kendo is similar in many ways  to the evolution of judo from jujitsu, sports developed from lethal battlefield crafts.

The book is structured for the beginner showing the equipment,the warm ups and all of the basics including foot movements, vital area targets and the practical aspects of holding a long sword

The rest of the book describes the attack process called shikake-waza and the defence process Oji waza. Individual photographs show each of the swordsmans moves

An excellent book with a lot of information shown clearly.

A good book for the student of arts using weapons

Tony Sedgwick