Kendo - Fundamentals and Waza to Win

<p>Kendo - Fundamentals and Waza to Win<br />By Hirakawa Nobuo</p><p>Originally published in Japanese in 1993 Hirakawa-sensei’s book has been a consistent best seller and has been through several editions.</p><p>The book starts with a brief history of kendo and its current state before focusing on the basics in Chapter 2. Hirakawa-sensei provides guidance on how to stand move swing the shinai (bamboo sword) put on bogu (protective armour) as well as basic strikes and defensive moves.</p><p>Chapter 3 delves deeply into shikake-waza (off-the-mark techniques) and oji-waza (applied techniques). The shikake-waza section covers techniques such as taiatari-waza katsugi-waza and creating striking opportunities through body movement and using the shinai tip. Nuki-waza suriage-waza harai-waza maki-waza and many more technique categories are covered in the applied techniques section before finishing with jodan-waza.</p><p>There is also an explanation of the Nippon Kendo Kata using a bokuto (wooden sword) as well as practicing the forms while wearing bogu.</p><p>Throughout the book each technique is explained in detail and illustrated with diagrams and photos to help your understanding.</p><p>Kendo–Fundamentals and Waza to Win is the most detailed instruction guide available in English and is essential reading for both novice and expert practitioners.</p>