Kendo: Culture of the Sword

Prof. Bennett's historical retracing of kendo's beginnings is both educational and eye-opening for me, in that it broke the recurring misconceptions or romanticized ideals I keep hearing or reading about with regards to how kendo is a centuries-old, samurai practice of honor, discipline, and an all-out commitment to face death in battle, when it is in fact an invented 'modern' tradition utilized during the World War as a militaristic propaganda to instill "Japanese-ness" and die hard patriotism/nationalism. Although it is not the author's intent for me to come to this conclusion, but my main take-away from this book is that kendo as a "budo" is very young compared to all other martial arts, and Prof. Bennett's thoroughly-researched and informative book lays out all the socio-historical facts that made kendo the way we know it today, and how it was able to remarkably preserve its 'traditions' throughout modern times.This book makes me appreciate kendo more as a practitioner, and I would recommend it to everyone who is interested to deepen their understanding of the art and educate themselves in the underpinnings of what made kendo the way it is.

If you're looking for techniques, or how to win at kendo, this is not the book that will teach you. What it will teach you is how kendo has evolved from its roots in 13th century Japan to the modern day. Prof. Bennett does not soft-soap the history, and writes about kendo's low points as a means of indoctrinating schoolchildren prior to World War II, as well as its high points, and its eventual evolution as a sport. While it is a history book, it's hardly as dry as you would think a history book would be. Prof. Bennett's delivery style is smooth, and flows very well from point to point. The book is printed in rather small print, so there is a lot of information packed into the book, and it took me several days to read through it (I was also working long shifts while reading it). I found it fascinating and well worth purchasing.

Dr Bennett is a rock star of the Japanese martial arts community, widely acknowledged as one of the foremost scholars in the field. Fluent in the language and history, as well as a high level practitioner of multiple martial arts, he brings unparalleled experience. Years of writing for and editing the world's only English language kendo and other weapons arts magazine have honed his writing skills, which are on display in this work.The practice of Japanese martial arts is rife with exaggerations and misunderstandings even among long-time practitioners. These myths are held as truth, to the detriment of a deep understanding. If you are looking for a clear-headed look at the historical milieu from which modern kendo has spring, this is the book for you.

I bought this book because I have always been a huge fan and admirer of his books and his work. I don't know about kendo enough to realize how outstanding this book is compared to the existing books about kendo, but one thing I'm certain is he managed to publish another very interesting book. He is such a prolific writer that once I start reading it, I can hardly put it down, even when I can't stop yawning because I haven't gotten enough sleep the past several weeks.I recommend this book to anybody who is looking for a quality book. A must read for anybody who is interested in kendo, of course.

It is a great book for the history of Kendo but not so much for training or technique advice.

As life has become busier for me it is increasingly difficult to find the time to read books. This book has been an exception however due to a range of factors including an impressive depth of scholarship while at the same time being a well written accessible read. I have been practicing Kendo for 20 years and learnt a lot from the pages of this book. A must read for anyone interested in Kendo.

Kendo: Culture of the Sword is the most in-depth, thoroughly researched and well-written book ever produced in English about the historical evolution of kendo and it's significance in Japanese culture. Highly recommended for those who seek to learn more about the kendo's history and philosophy!

This book helped me writing an academic paper. Not only is this the first book about kendo to help in academic research, it also has a profound content regarding the history of kendo and international kendo. I'm looking forward to future publications.

I am an ex kendoka (godan) and came across Alex's book online. I also have the priveledge of knowing and practiced with him in the day.The book is well written and researched. Alex, as a foriegner can make some assertions and comments which Japanese kendoka and sensei might not. That makes a good reflection on his book, a deeper understanding of kendo, budo and its complex orogins and not a hagiography.His introduction to the origins of armed and unarmed budo is a must read for all budoka.Today due to various injuries accumulated over the years I do field archery rather than kendo. But many of the mental techniques I learnt in studying kendo come into practice when nocking and loosing an arrow.

The book is well written, well documented and easy to read. As an academic I really enjoyed the organization of the book and its thoroughness. Really recommended for martial artists who want to know more on the institutionalisation of Budo and specifically of kendo in Japan.

Brillant and very interesting especially when you are into kendo or any other martial art as I am.Do not hesitate to buy it :)

As someone returning to Kendō after a long time away, it was easy to notice the changes that have taken place, from when it was more or less a pure martial art, to the sport so many see it as today. Prof. Bennett's book addresses these changes perfectly, and how they are viewed and grappled with within Japan. For me it solidifies what Kendō is to me and what sort of Kendō I want to pursue.If you practice Kendō, or any budo, then this is a must read. Not only is it well researched and written but it helps develop a deeper understanding of what budo is and means culturally, especially Kendō. it strips away the myths and mysticism and lays it out in a way that opens the paths to follow for deeper understanding.

This book contains a wealth of information for anyone who is interested in the history and development of kendo. Dr Bennett’s in-depth research and profound knowledge on the subject have produced a book that will be hard to beat.