Kendo

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Undoubtedly an essential for Beginners - Rated
This book cannot be too highly recommended for a beginner of Kendo.
With plain English descriptions, clear images and thorough detail throughout, Kendo: The Definitive Guide is the best Kendo book I know of.
Perhaps uses a little too much Japanese, which can become confusing when trying to learn combinations, however this quickly sinks in - especially if it is used in the Dojo.
I have no problem recommending this book to anyone learning Kendo.

You will not regret buying this book - Rated
Before I recently started Kendo I decided to buy this book to get more of an insight into what Kendo is all about, and whether I would enjoy it or not. Not only did it make me want to start learning Kendo straight away, but it is proving to be very useful in helping me learn the Japanese terms, etiquette, techniques, etc. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Get it!

Very useful for beginners - Rated
I am new to Kendo and found this book very informative and easy to follow. It breaks down all the basics into clear pictures and paragraphs. I will be using this book a lot during my time learning this demanding but ultimately rewarding martial art.

Definitive - well, close anyway - Rated
This is a really excellent book on kendo. As far as definitive goes, it is very good for beginners or those wishing to teach. If you are an advanced learner then you will probably find this too limited in scope, especially in the number and detail of techniques described. One of it's strengths for me was the superb description of the All Japan Kendo Federation Kata. All seven long sword and all three short sword techniques are quickly and accurately described.

The main drawback is the small number of techniques explained, but enough are covered to gain a real feeling of the options available in a match.

Illustrations throughout are black and white line drawings, but clear enough for the purpose. As I said, the descriptions are not very detailed, but all salient points are covered. I found this book a great help, especially in the run up to my grading tests.

I would recommend this to any beginner and intermediate practicioner of kendo.

Everything the beginner needs - Rated
With information on many, many techniques, kata forms, armour wearing and footwork and more, this book is ESSENTIAL for the beginner! I learned a lot, and so will YOU. It cannot take the place of a proper instructor, but it holds most of the knowledge of one. Only one small complaint....some information on how armour and shinai are made wouldn't have gone amiss, just out of interest. Nevertheless, if you are just starting or EVEN IF YOU HAVE BEEN DOING KENDO FOR QUITE A WHILE, BUY IT!