Читать книгу Complete Kendo онлайн

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I make no claims that this is a definitive work in a technical sense. Kendoka look primarily to their sensei for guidance in training. This book is in no way meant to replace the absolutely vital technical and spiritual guidance that the trainee receives in the dojo. At the same time, however, many of my fellow trainees, who were attracted to the art precisely because of its philosophical and cultural depth, lament the absence of any holistic treatment of Kendo.

In the final analysis, I am convinced that the insights I have gleaned as an anthropologist—a grasp of Japanese history, culture, and philosophy, and an understanding of how they relate to the martial arts in general, and to Kendo in particular—could help other martial artists and those interested in Japanese culture come to a deeper appreciation of Kendo.

So this book is "comprehensive" in the sense that I have attempted to provide as complete and balanced a treatment as I could. I do not mean to imply that this will (or should) be the final word on the subject. I do hope, however, that it gives the many people interested in Kendo a clear picture of what the art is and what benefits it provides. If this little book helps in this regard, I shall be very pleased. The Way is long, its significance profound, and I have but begun to walk this path. I would, however, like to share some of the insights I have gained along the journey so far.