Dojo News & Blog
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Kyudo -Way of the Bow
Earlier I have written about Iaido as modern form of training that derives from ancient traditions. Another Japanese Budo is “Kyudo”, the “Way of…
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Keiko and Renshuu
Keiko and Renshuu are two terms that usually come out in English as “practice”. However, they are not interchangeable. In fact, they should be…
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Legacies of the Sword: The Kashima-Shinryuu and Samurai Martial Culture
Previously I have written about books that attempted to uncover the background of Japanese martial arts. Another important book of this type is “Legacies…
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The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan
I started Aikido training in 1975 just as I was completing my M.A. While I had learned a lot about the history of Europe…
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“Lookers” and “Swingers”
In a discussion of Japanese swords I like to think of “lookers” and “swingers”. The “lookers” are those who collect swords to appreciate their…
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Japanese Swords Books
If previous entries have aroused an interest in Japanese swords, here are three books to consult. “The Craft of the Japanese Sword” by Leon…
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Japanese Swordsmanship
In Part 1 of “Japanese Swordsmanship” (1982) Gordon Warner and Donn F. Draeger provide a good overview of the development of the Japanese sword…
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Aikiken and Iaido
Aikidoists who practise Aikiken often become interested in the Japanese metal sword in addition to the wooden sword (“Bokken” or “Bokutoh”). There are various…
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Bokken Practice
In Aikido, bokken practice is for the art of living, not the science of killing. Aikiken differs from Kenjutsu in that it is not…
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ARMS AND ARMOUR OF THE SAMURAI.(Final)
Here are some further and final comments from ARMS AND ARMOUR OF THE SAMURAI. You are welcome to borrow my copy of the book…