Near perfect..., 5 Jul 2004

The photographs are detailed, and deal with difficult techniques by shifting between camera angles, ensuring that the reader always has a clear and sound understanding of whats going on. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words, but to a good teacher, a thousand words is certainly not too much trouble. Certain finer details concerning technique are always described, sometimes at length, but always with that enthuisiasm that makes reading it a pleasure.

The authors start by explaining the mentality of a good swordsman, then move to techniques. This is quite normal for a book of this kind, where it truly differs is towards the end... Detailing iaijutsu tournaments, and how best to conduct, judge and regulate such events. The final part is the most pleasing, as it suggests ways to truly intergrate the ideals of the iaijutsu arts into your day to day living. Provoking contemplation, reflection and inspiration, in very much the same way as a good martial arts teacher does.

I could write much more about this book, but really, it just needs to be read. Why do I only give it 4 stars? In the spirit of all true martial paths, perfect is never good enough. I believe the authors are sure to write a book that betters even this astounding effort. Until then...

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What can i say..., 12 Mar 2004

This book is a serious must for any practitioner of Iaido or even, to a degree, Kendo

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