The Shambhala Guide to Kendo: Its Philosophy, History, and Spiritual Dimension

by Minoru Kiyota

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 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 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

   •  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.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Philosophy

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 1995

Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike This Is Kendo, this slender volume by Minoru Kiyota doesn’t seek to provide much by way of basic instruction in the art of Japanese fencing. Instead we’re offered a solid introduction to the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the sport. The author includes basic information about Japanese history, the impact of Zen, and the development of bushido. To be sure, the quality of the writing varies a bit. Some parts are fascinating accounts of key – or otherwise interesting – moments in the development of kendo. Other passages are little more than long parades of names that are difficult to sort out in the absence of significant context or illustration. Overall, however, this is a fascinating if all-too-brief treatment of the subject.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book about Kendo and Japanese History.

A must-read for anyone interested in Japanese Culture.

[Gideon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not necessarily a guide to the technical side of kendo, the author does write briefly about some basics in the beginning, it is a great summarized guide to the history of kendo and those responsible for it's development.

[Rainier · Rating 5 out of 5]

speechless

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you don't practice it provides a good outlook on living life (as a modern day office samurai of sorts).