Although Bushido Masters don't like books, as you can see from the amount of ancient material that has been written about Bushido, this is an interesting book to browse through its well edited pages. It is though a PICTORIAL rather than a teaching material.
It should be used to be watched more than to learn the katas. If your interest is to learn the style the best alternative is to look for a certified Dojo that pratices Katori Shinto Ryu than to try and repeat the things that are seen here.
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Like a Text Book:
Katori Shinto-ryu is a voluminous art, and while this book certainly leaves a lot out, it also contains a tremendous amount of information of interest to any serious student of martial arts. While I am not a student of this art, I find the book very valuable. There are numerous techniques involving sword, staff/spear, and empty hands. Only advanced students will be able to learn much from the techniques shown. I particularly like the section titled "The Elements of Heiho" (4). The depth of this art is... more info
Simply great!!!:
> If you are interested in Martial Arts, specially from Japan, it is a "must read" book! In this book the author, Otake sensei, explains using an absolute understandable way, the tradition of Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto-ryu, the oldest and most famous japanese school of classical martial arts, since its foundation till present days. The book is plenty of pictures, and also full of details not found in other publishing. Aspects of "Mikkyo", the esoteric knowledge, normally lack in the current martial arts,... more info
An exceptional Work!:
I have read this book cover to cover and in the same spirit as the original "Deity and The Sword" series, I believe this book to be a treasure. I find it's content rich and appropriate for our time. I believe that althought the authors intent was not to "teach" the art of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu directly, I felt as though I did learn of the reverence and respect held for this venerable system. In todays times of "instant this or that" I find this book very refreshing. If someone wishes to learn... more info
