{"product_id":"the-heart-of-kendo-a-comprehensive-introduction-to-the-philosophy-and-practice-of-the-art-of-the-sword","title":"The Heart of Kendo: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of the Art of the Sword","description":"\"The martial arts, if taught correctly, are limitless journeys with no final destination,\" writes martial arts master Darrell Craig. \"They are a way of life.\" He begins that journey here with the basics: sitting, breathing, and the all-important bow, or rei. He describes kendo equipment and its care, then progresses to some of the basic features of a kendo practice session: warm-up exercises, assuming the proper stance, grip, strikes, and positioning. Only then does he move on to the seven long-sword forms, or kata, that are the foundation of kendo practice.\n\nBut Craig's teachings go far beyond mechanics. Through stories and actual recorded conversations with his sensei, Harutane Chiba, thirty-seventh generation of a famous clan of samurai swordsmen, Craig brings you into the presence of a true legend from Japan's imperial dojo. He presents the history of kendo kata, including stories of the kendo duel of old and an appendix describing the goshi, or country samurai, about which little is known today even in Japan. Throughout, Craig emphasizes and demonstrates the respect, restraint, and discipline that lie at the heart of kendo, where the most important opponent to vanquish is oneself.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1590300149\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: DBV.1590300149.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Craig, Darrell Max\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing, but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing, and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. May be ex-library with library markings. Ships promptly!  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dream Books Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41448950235194,"sku":"DBV.1590300149.G","price":8.53,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/6011\/0138\/files\/1590300149-0.jpg?v=1780874343","url":"https:\/\/shop.dreambooksco.com\/products\/the-heart-of-kendo-a-comprehensive-introduction-to-the-philosophy-and-practice-of-the-art-of-the-sword","provider":"Dream Books Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}