Product Description

Iaido is the classical Japanese discipline of drawing and cutting with the long sword in defense of an unanticipated attack, throwing off the blood and returning the sword to its sheath. It is the direct inheritor of techniques perfected by centuries of samurais whose lives and honor depended on their spirit and prowess. Babin brings together all the information needed to pursue a formal study of this art, including how to choose a sword, cut with it, take care of it and assume the clothing. He covers not only the basic moves and positions, but the entire curriculum of forms of the muso shinden ryu of iaido. Equally important, the author puts the art in its historic and social perspective, helping clarify for the reader the spiritual pathway the way of the sword offers. If you want to learn iaido, this is your textbook.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #705260 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

About the Author
Richard W. Babin, BS, M.D., is a practicing surgeon who served two years active duty in the USAF as chief of head and neck surgery at Maxwell Field during the Vietnam conflict. His interest in the martial arts began with several years of judo in the 1960s in San Francisco. Upon entering private practice he began studying yang-style taiji, which he still pursues. He has practiced muso shinden ryu iaido for eight years and has been awarded the rank of Sandan by the All-U.S. Kendo Federation.

Customer Reviews

If you are to have only one manual on Iaido, this is it.
Iaido Sword : Kamimoto-Ha Techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu is in itself a work of art. In less than 250 pages it covers all aspects of Iaido ; historical, philosophical, the etiquette, description and care of the sword and clothing, the different stances and cuts, warm-up exercises, a glossary, references. The 12 katas of the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Iai (SeiTei Iai) and the 4 series of the Muso Shinden Ryu are precisely described in the text and abundantly illustrated with clear photos and graphics as are all the corresponding bunkais. Even if you are a practitionner of another style of Iaido this is a must. A precious learning and teaching tool. The best all around manual on Iaido yet.

A very highly recommended specialized martial arts manual
Iaido Sword: Kanimoto-Ha Techniques Of Muso Shinden Ryu is a straightforward instructional text to the traditional Japanese long sword movements, draws, strikes, and blocks. Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs and respectfully presenting this classic martial art in intricate descriptive detail, Iaido Sword is a superbly presented and very highly recommended specialized martial arts manual, and a truly excellent and accessible reference for anyone seriously dedicated to studying the "Way of the Sword".

Close to Home
As a student of Dr. Babin's iaido instructor, Harry Dach sensei, this book is close to home for me. It covers the techniques of the kamimoto-ha of muso shinden ryu iaido just as I'm learning them, in great detail concerning not only the mechanics of the technics, but the mindset behind them, and their martial roots. The photographs are clear, and the flow clean and concise.
This book serves as a prime companion to proper dojo training.