Download or read book The Shambhala Guide to Kendo written by Minoru Kiyota and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kendo is the art of swordsmanship that was cultivated by the samurai in medieval Japan and it is an increasingly popular martial art studied in the West today. While most books on kendo focus primarily on kata, or the traditional movements or forms, The Shambhala Guide to Kendo provides a succinct overview of the art as a whole: its historical significance, spiritual teachings, and how it can be used by practitioners today as a means of strengthening the body and mind. The Shambhala Guide to Kendo (previously published in hardcover as Kendo: Its Philosophy, History, and Means to Personal Growth by Kegan Paul International, 1995), covers everything from the details of practice--such as strikes, shouts, and stances--to the history and philosophy of Japanese swordsmanship, including an overview of bushido, the code of the samurai. The author also demonstrates how the development of Buddhism influenced two important schools of Japanese swordsmanship. The Shambhala Guide to Kendo includes discussions of: * Kendo as an expression of complete body-mind integration * The historical development of kendo from the twelfth century to today * The cultivation of the "mind of no-mind" in kendo, a state of egolessness and fearlessness * The Buddhist "infrastructure" of kendo * The practice of kendo meditation * The significance of the dojo, or hall of practice The Shambhala Guide to Kendo also provides a useful glossary that includes the Japanese and English rendering of key terms and an informative list of ryu (or school) lineages. This accessible overview of the art will appeal to students of traditional Japanese culture as well as kendo practitioners.
Download or read book The Swordsman s Handbook written by William Scott Wilson and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2014-04-29 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An anthology of the most influential writings on swordsmanship from the samurai era. There is perhaps no more potent symbol of the samurai era than the sword. By the seventeenth century in Japan, the art of swordsmanship had begun to take on an almost cult-like popularity. Swordsmanship was more than a mastery of technique; it was a path toward self-mastery. The Swordsman’s Handbook is the definitive collection of writings by men who saw the study of swordsmanship not only as essential to life and death, but as something that transcended life and death as well. Their teaching, that dealing with conflict is an art that requires grace and courage, speaks to us today with surprising immediacy and relevance. Included in this collection are writings by Kotada Yahei Toshitada, Takuan Soho, Yagyu Munenori, Miyamoto Musashi, Matsura Seizan, Issai Chozanshi, and Yamaoka Tesshu.
Download or read book The Lone Samurai written by William Scott Wilson and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2013-03-12 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An expert on samurai history paints a vivid, multi-faceted portrait of feudal Japan and Miyamoto Musashi—the legendary swordsman who wrote the classic martial arts treatise, The Book of Five Rings Born in 1584, Miyamoto Musashi was the legendary samurai known throughout the world as a master swordsman, spiritual seeker, and author of the classic book on strategy, The Book of Five Rings. Over 350 years after his death, Musashi and his legacy still fascinate readers worldwide, inspiring artists, authors, and filmmakers. In The Lone Samurai, respected translator and expert on samurai culture William Scott Wilson presents both a vivid account of a fascinating period in feudal Japan and a portrait of the courageous, iconoclastic samurai who wrestled with philosophical and spiritual ideas that are as relevant today as they were in his time. For Musashi, the way of the martial arts was about mastery of the mind rather than simply technical prowess—and it is this path to mastery that is the core teaching in his Book of Five Rings. This special volume includes supplemental material on Musashi’s legacy as a martial arts icon, his impact on literature and film, and the influence of his Book of Five Rings.
Download or read book Sword Fighting in the Star Wars Universe written by Nick Jamilla and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2014-01-10 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unlike most makers of modern or futuristic films, George Lucas turned away from the standard special operatives or secret agents when he created the heroes for his epic Star Wars saga. Part knight, part monk, the Jedi Knights were an order of swordsmen that helped rule the universe in accordance with law and lofty principles of justice and honor. Without the Jedi, there could be no Star Wars, and without the lightsaber sword, there could be no Jedi. This examination of the Jedi Knights, their adversaries the Sith and their lightsaber swordplay throughout all six episodes of the franchise evaluates the ways in which Lucas blended science fiction with the most ancient and epic tales of traditional samurai and Western swordsmen. It presents swordsmanship as a way to better understand the Jedi Knights, focusing on the human movement and activity surrounding the weapon and the ways in which traditional Japanese martial arts were adapted for use in the films. Topics of discussion include the powerful effects of the master-apprentice relationship; the technical choreography used in the lightsaber scenes of the Star Wars films; and the historical precedents for the Jedi order, including the Sohei fighting monks of Japan, the Janissaries and Mamelukes of Islam, and the knights of the Templar, Hospitaller and Teutonic orders.
Download or read book The Shambhala Guide to Aikido written by Stevens and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 1996-07-09 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An accessible and highly readable introduction to the principles and practices of Aikido, this guide covers the fundamental training methods and techniques, the philosophical and spiritual dimensions, how to choose an instructor, and more. Includes a Glossary of frequently encountered terms and a biography of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. 71 illustrations & photos.
Download or read book Aikido Weapons Techniques written by Phong Thong Dang and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2012-12-04 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Master the wooden weapons used in Aikido with this comprehensive martial arts training manual. Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced aikido technical tactics as well as conceptual strategies and skills. Building on the authors' belief that no empty-hand system is complete without weapons training, Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido demonstrates weapon use both as a training tool to better illustrate aikido principles, and as a self-defense against weapon attacks, focusing on the three primary weapons used in aikido: Ken--the wooden sword Jo--the wooden staff Tanto--the wooden knife A complete discussion of each weapon is included, with descriptions of the stances, grips, techniques, forms, defenses, and training appropriate for each. With over 200 step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions, this aikido book provides an in-depth exploration of weapons use in aikido--from its spiritual implications to technical theory and practical use.
Download or read book Judo Kata written by Llyr Jones Ph D and published by Via Media Publishing. This book was released on 2016-09-14 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The practice of judo katas has changed over time as a result of perceived purpose. The chapters in this anthology were written by seven authorities in judo history and practice. Their writings clarify the purpose of kata and thus its mode of practice and their place in competition. In 1926, a contest occurred in which thirty-seven of the finest judoka in Japan competed before the Emperor Hirohito. The first chapter by Robert W. Smith details the techniques utilized by each master and also compares their skills with today's judo practitioners. The next two chapters by Dr. Llyr Jones and Biron Ebell deal with the transmutation of judo over the decades. Both authors give ample support that the original guidelines have evolved into competitive sport resulting in a substantial decline in the number of adults practicing judo. Where does kata stand in judo practice today? Dr. Lance Gatling reports on The First Kodokan Judo International Competition (2007). He outlines the background of the competition, the competitors, the motivations for this competition, the historical development of judo katas, and their importance to the correct study of judo. Dr. Llyr Jones' next chapter has two objectives: to explain the purpose of kata in judo, and to critically evaluate the concept of kata championships. To achieve these objectives, Jones offers personal comments, observations from rare Japanese source material, as well as insight into the thinking of world-renowned judo experts. Linda Yiannakis provides two insightful chapters. Her first chapter presents a conceptual framework for examining principles of judo throwing techniques. The principles are classified as primarily structural, operational, or contextual in nature. In her second chapter, she points out that martial artists are acutely aware of the need to develop a sense of timing for the best possible moment to apply techniques in free play or contest. This chapter examines some critical features of patterns and rhythms in a variety of contexts and provides a few basic exercises for the development of awareness and use of rhythm, patterns, and timing in judo. Jones, Savage, and Gatling present an in-depth study into Kodokan Goshin-jutsu-a Kodokan judo exercise formally established in 1956 to teach the principles and techniques of self-defense against unarmed and armed attacks, and to meet modern lifestyle needs. Their chapter reviews the place of Goshin-jutsu among the Kodokan katas, and then summarizes the history its creation. A description of the exercise's structure and technical contents follows, along with an in-depth explanation of its principles and associated teaching and learning challenges. This also includes a review of the most reliable learning texts in Japanese, English and selected other Western languages. Kodokan Goshin-jutsu's performance aspects are considered next. An objective assessment of its practical self-defense effectiveness follows, before finally conclusions are drawn. The short final chapter by Dr. Jones is on Kodokan judo's Nage-no-kata (forms of throwing) and Katame-no-kata (forms of control). Their study helps facilitate the development of free practice (randori) skills. Many look at judo studies as including three dimensions: free-practice, competition, and forms. Kata practice is vital to the other two. If you are involved with judo, this anthology will deepen your purpose and inspiring your practice.
Download or read book Martial Virtues written by Charles Hackney and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2011-06-14 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This martial arts books explores the role of martial philosophy and history in personal character development. Martial Virtues explores the role of martial arts in character development. It focuses on the spiritual aspects of martial arts training, attempting to answer the question of what it means to be a good warrior. In this ground-breaking analysis, Charles Hackney draws from the psychological literature on the development of positive character traits, and from the lives and experiences of admirable warriors of fact and fiction. He analyzes how the virtues of ancient and modern warriors can be developed by practicing the martial arts. Using examples from the ancient Greeks to the samurai practitioners of bushido, from Confucius to Bruce Lee, Martial Virtues explores such qualities as courage, wisdom, justice and benevolence in turn, employing the lessons of modern psychology to understand how these virtues can be cultivated within ourselves and others. You will learn what Bruce Lee and Sun Tzu have to say about wisdom, what Miyamoto Musashi has to say about audacity and courage, and what Yagyu Munenori has to say about justice. You will also learn the stories of many of history and literature's greatest warriors including: Aeneas and Hector of Troy; William the Marshal, called the greatest knight who ever lived; Kuo Chieh, the Chinese Robin Hood; the famous Shaolin master Tid Kiu Sam; the 300 Spartans that turned aside a Persian Army at Thermopylae; the 47 Ronin of Japan who revenged the unjust punishment of their master; Korean General Kim Yu-shin, and Toshitsugu Takamatsu, 33rd Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu.
Download or read book The Heart of Kendo written by Darrell Craig and published by . This book was released on 2002-12-24 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an accessible introduction to kendo, the Japanese "way of the sword", the ancient martial art that originated in the Japanese samurai tradition. The book includes the history of the art, the basic equipment used, a glossary of terms and instructions for all the basic forms.
Download or read book Kendo written by Minoru Kiyota and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-19 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kendo is the modern version of Japanese swordsmanship. This book focuses on kendo's philosophical infrastructure, its history and its potential contributions to personal growth. The purpose of this work is to describe the discipline of swordsmanship cultivated by the samurai in medieval and premodern Japan and to show the relevance of that discipline today.
Download or read book The Way of Judo written by John Stevens and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2013-08-13 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A martial arts biography of the legendary founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, and the colorful coterie of disciples who wanted to carry on his legacy Kodokan judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, and he relentlessly searched for the best way to practice, teach, and perform techniques. This biography shows how Kano saw judo as a vehicle not just for self-defense, but for physical, spiritual, and moral development as well. His teachings clearly emphasize his ideal of judo as a way of self-cultivation that leads to physical health, ethical behavior, and ultimately a better society. Kano was a tireless activist who promoted the practical application of judo’s principles in all realms of life—in one’s personal behavior, for education, in work, for economic benefit, and in both the local and international political arenas. Kano’s students were a colorful, sometimes notorious bunch, and this book reveals how several went on to become famous—or infamous—in their own right. They include a prime minister of Japan, the leader of the Communist party in China, a famous novelist, a spy, high-level military leaders, and a media mogul, among many others.
Download or read book In the Dojo written by Dave Lowry and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2006-09-26 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lively, detailed essays explaining the meaning behind the apparatus, traditions, and etiquette particular to the Japanese martial arts—by an American sword master Beginning students in Japanese martial arts, such as karate, judo, aikido, iaido, kyudo, and kendo, learn that when they are in the dojo (the practice space), they must don their practice garb with ritual precision, address their teacher and senior students in a specific way, and follow certain unwritten but deeply held codes of behavior. But very soon they begin to wonder about the meaning behind the traditions, gear, and relationships in the dojo. In this collection of lively, detailed essays, Dave Lowry, one of the most well-known and respected swordsmen in the United States, illuminates the history and meaning behind the rituals, training costumes, objects, and relationships that have such profound significance in Japanese martial arts, including • the dojo space itself • the teacher-student relationship • the act of bowing • what to expect—and what will be expected of you—when you visit a dojo • the training weapons • the hakama (ceremonial skirt) and dogi (practice uniform) • the Shinto shrine Authoritative, insightful, and packed with fascinating stories from his own experience, In the Dojo provides a wealth of information that beginning students will pore over and advanced students will treasure.
Download or read book The Essence of Budo written by Dave Lowry and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2010-10-12 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A guide to the practice, history, and etiquette of budo, the study of Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation—written by an American martial arts master The study of budo, or the Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward perfection of character. Here, Dave Lowry, a sword master who has practiced and taught budo for over forty years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, kendo, kenjutsu, aikido, and iaido as their training develops. He examines such questions as: • What is the relationship between the student and teacher, and what should one expect from the other? • What does rank really mean? • How do you correctly and sensitively practice with someone less experienced than you? • What does practice look like as one ages? • Why do budo arts put such an emphasis on etiquette? • And many others Lowry also gives practical advice for beginning and advanced students on improving structural integrity in posture and movement, focusing under stress, stances and preparatory actions before engaging with an opponent, and recognizing a good teacher from a bad one.
Download or read book The Book of Five Rings written by Miyamoto Musashi and published by . This book was released on 2010-09 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Miyamoto Musashi's Go Rin no Sho or the book of five rings, is considered a classic treatise on military strategy, much like Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Chanakya's Arthashastra. The five "books" refer to the idea that there are different elements of battle, just as there are different physical elements in life, as described by Buddhism, Shinto, and other Eastern religions. Through the book Musashi defends his thesis: a man who conquers himself is ready to take it on on the world, should need arise.
Download or read book Journal of Asian Martial Arts written by and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship written by Nicklaus Suino and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2007 with total page 181 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After years of practicing persistently and developing technical prowess, advanced students in the Japanese sword arts need to cultivate a strategic mind if they are to advance to the rarefied level of master swordsperson. Rather than passively absorbing the sword techniques, an ambitious student needs to focus more directly on the two ultimate goals of the art--to cut the opponent while avoiding being cut and to move toward perfection of character. In Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship--the third volume in his invaluable series on Japanese swordsmanship--Nicklaus Suino, one of the most respected swordsmen in the United States, clearly and concisely presents a tactical approach to training, grounded in these two objectives. He provides a framework for learning strategy in swordsmanship, and demonstrates techniques and drills that help put the strategies into practice. Some of the topics that Suino covers include: * the nature of strategy, timing, and distance * sword handling * the importance of vision and state of mind * timing and distancing * reading an opponent's intention Suino shows how through careful consideration of the technical issues, consistent practice, and ceaseless reflection, a diligent student can cultivate a strategic mind and learn how to achieve mastery over any opponent. To learn more about the author, Nicklaus Suino, go to www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image. Page 135
Download or read book Kendo written by Minoru Kiyota and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-19 with total page 173 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kendo is the modern version of Japanese swordsmanship. This book focuses on kendo's philosophical infrastructure, its history and its potential contributions to personal growth. The purpose of this work is to describe the discipline of swordsmanship cultivated by the samurai in medieval and premodern Japan and to show the relevance of that discipline today.
