Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition Paperback – January 1, 2009

This book is basically a reissue/ update on a set of three books called "The Deity and the Sword (vols 1-3)" issued in the 1970's. These books are still available second hand for outrageous prices, but if you have this book, you basically are getting the contents of all three previous volumes in a better quality format. It demonstrates some of the techniques and a very general overview of the Tenshinsho Den Katori Shinto Ryu, the oldest extant bujutsu school in Japan. It was written by Mr. Otake Risuke, who until recently was the chief instructor of the main school in Japan for over forty years (he has now retired). This book is primarily an introduction to the school, its techniques, and its philosophies. The history and the philosophy sections are very well done. In terms of techniques, there are several sections which demonstrate some of the two person forms for various weapons; but even if you wanted to, it would be impossible to learn anything from the pictorial representations of the techniques shown in this book. A video would be a far better way to learn any technique than from pictures in a book, but having said that, while there are many martial arts techniques that can be learned from videos or books, the ko-ryu are not among them. This is intended to be a reference work only, and in that it succeeds admirably. If you are interested in old style traditional martial arts, then I highly recommend this book.

Great book on Katori Shinto-ryu. I gives the history and shows basic techniques. Will not substitute for a live instructor, but what book would. Great for reference to the style and the book goes through all weapons katas. I have been looking for something more intense and depth after seeing a live seminar with two great instructors. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this style.The package came from overseas in great condition. Arrived faster that communicated.I ave no negitives to say about the book or seller.

This is a great book if you want to get the background and philosophy for the style. Some of the photo sequences miss important transitional moves, but if you combine this book with online videos you can get a really good idea of how to do some of the waza. Highly recommended!

Even better than expected. High quality, and if you are a Koryu student - this is a must purchase.Excellent.

This book is amazing. If you are interested in a real Koryu martial art then this book is a must have!

A very nice book for practioners!

Great book! Thanks for fast shipping!

Superb reading, very happy, can't wait fort nex one thank you!!

Excelente libro para quienes conocen un poco sobre la historia de está escuela de esgrima

Tesoro Nacional de Japón, no puede ser de otra manera.

If you are a practitioner of Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto-ryu then this is a must have. The book onlines all of the teachings of Katori Shinto-ryu as well as discussing the history and foundation of the Ryu. Each kata is discussed with hundreds of photos, and whilst not intented as a learning resource this will provide in valuable information to those who are already learning at a Dojo.The book in itself is a combination of the old 'Deity and the Sword' books which Otake-sensei previously produced (now out of print). The book includes both the original japanese text as well as the English translation.I would also recommend this book for those with an interested in budo and the koryu in general since Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto-ryu is formally recognised as the first and oldest of all the koryu.

That's amazing.

Il libro (che presenta al suo interno sia la versione originale giapponese che la traduzione inglese) offre un'ampia panoramica del background storico e filosofico alla base di questa antica e nobile scuola di kenjutsu. Molto dettagliate anche le decine di pagine che offrono fotografie in sequenza numerata dei kata che compongono il metodo di apprendimento, suddivisi nei rispettivi generi (iaijutsu, kenjutsu, bojutsu, jujutsu etc). Sicuramente una lettura interessantissima ed un altrettanto valido modo di avvicinarsi anche praticamente (grazie alle foto sequenziali dei kata), per chi avesse già delle basi di spada giapponese, alla pratica di questo stile di kenjutsu.