Kendo: the Definitive Guide
Education & Reference Psychology & Self-Help Sport & Recreation
Kendo: the Definitive Guide by Hiroshi Ozawa is the 1997 hardcover that practitioners reach for when they want a single, authoritative reference on Japanese swordsmanship. Richly illustrated by Tamiko Yamaguchi, this 244-page Kodansha volume walks readers through kata, footwork, equipment care and dojo etiquette, making it an essential handbook for both beginner and seasoned kendoka.
The book’s visual strength sets it apart: step-by-step photographs break down complex waza, while period drawings illuminate the art’s cultural roots. Ozawa, an experienced sensei, layers practical advice with philosophical context, turning what could be a dry manual into a readable, inspiring training companion.
This vintage first edition arrives with its original dust jacket and remains clean inside; the only flaw is a faint water mark on the underside of the jacket—cosmetic, not musty. It’s an affordable, shelf-ready copy for collectors of martial-arts literature or dojo libraries needing a reliable loaner.
At 265 mm tall, the book feels substantial in hand, ideal for quick checks between practices or quiet evening study. Grab this illustrated classic and give your kendo journey the definitive roadmap it deserves.
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