Content in this issue: Editorial By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime In the editorial, Michael Ishimatsu-Prime reflects on visiting the 109th Kyoto Embu Taikai in May and discusses some of the highlights, most notably the participation of the last two Hanshi 7-dan sensei who are 99 and 90 years old, and also the bout between Sakud Masao-sensei and Hamasaki Mitsuru-sensei which was the epitome of "katte-utsu" - "win and then strike." The upcoming Sport Accord Combat Games that will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia, is also discussed along with Olympic kendo. Kiwada Daisuke Interview By Blake Bennett KENDO WORLD EXCLUSIVE Staff writer Blake Bennett visited the Osaka Police training centre to interview the current All Japan Champion, Kiwada Daisuke. Kiwada discusses his motivations, difficulties and aims in kendo. Hanshi Says Hanshi Says is a popular series in which Japan's top Hanshi teachers give hints of what they are looking for in grading examinations based on wisdom accumulated through decades of training. This issue features Aoki Hikoto-sensei from Oita prefecture who passed the 8-dan examination in 1987, and was awarded the title of Hanshi in 1995. He talks about the importance of cultivating one's overall capacity and using seme effectively. Nuts n' Bolts of Kendo: Effective Training Methods - Kirikaeshi By Nakano Yasoji (Hanshi 9-dan) In this article, Nakano-sensei discusses the importance of kirikaeshi and points to consider for both the kakarite and motodachi. sWords of Wisdom: "Remember, then forget" By Alex Bennett H z in In'ei was a Buddhist monk at the K fuku-ji temple in Nara who founded a prominent school of s jutsu (spearmanship) known as the H z in-ry . This article discusses In'ei's encounter with another renowned warrior of the Warring States period called Kani Saiz, and a valuable lesson that he taught him. Reidan Jichi: Kihon D sa - Part 4 By ya Minoru (Kendo Ky shi 7-dan) Kihon-d sa, or basic movements, refers to kamae, footwork and manipulation of the shinai. In other words, it entails all of the principles behind the striking and thrusting movements for scoring y k -datosu (valid attacks) in kendo. This article examines striking basics and the theory behind striking motion. Unlocking Japan Part 24: Gaijin Style By Lockie Jackson Lockie Jackson's column continues as he ruminates on the image of foreign men in Japan. The 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taik Kendo Taikai By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime On Sunday February 17, 2013, Michael Ishimatsu-Prime visited the Kangawa Prefectural Budokan in Yokohama to report on the 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taik Kendo Taikai (The 43rd Kanagawa Prefecture Four Team Kendo Competition). This exciting competition pits 15-member teams of the prefecture's strongest police, teachers, company workers and students against each other in a league. The Kendo Coach: Sports Psychology in Kendo: Part 9 - Aggression in Kendo - part 4 By Blake Bennett Blake Bennett's continuing series of articles on aggression in kendo uncover the factors as to why the kendo student is willing to undergo and tolerate ongoing harsh training methods. Following on from part 3 of this series, this article will examine the issues of kitae and shitsuke (discipline) in the dojo, in addition to discussing group identity, the use of j ge-kankei, and the idea of k ken-chiai in an attempt to show how the objective of polishing the mind in kendo is facilitated. Overall, the various aspects of kendo that generate a motivation in the student to willingly undergo and tolerate ongoing harsh training methods will be examined. ... .... ....

Rapier fencing and duelling during the 16th and 17th centuries was dominated by the Italian masters, whose systems of sword fighting became increasingly sophisticated. Breaking away from this trend, Nicoletto Giganti developed something different: a frugal system of fencing that cut to the core of what a swordfight was and how to win it. Giganti's Scola overo Teatro, or The School of the Sword, became one of the most influential systems of fencing across Europe in the seventeenth century. In this remarkable new translation by historical fencing instructor and historian Aaron Taylor Miedema, author of Bayonets and Blobsticks, Giganti's work is presented fresh to the modern reader. Copiously illustrated with redrawings of dozens of Giganti's original plates, over 60 new photographs, and even a new plate, Giganti's detailed curriculum is augmented by comprehensive annotation and commentary. Regardless of whether you are a historian, a casual reader with an interest in the sword, or an accomplished swordsman, Nicoletto Giganti's The School of the Sword is a fascinating guide to the art of rapier fencing."

Serving as an instructor at the elite Japanese Naval Academy in Etajima in the late 1800s, Francis James Norman was one of the first Westerners to take up the study of the two "noble sciences" of kenjutsu and jujutsu. With sections on kenjutsu, Japanese military history and education, sumo, and jujutsu, his book, originally published in 1905, provides a fascinating insight into the Japanese martial arts and society around the turn of the twentieth century. After publishing this book, however, he mysteriously disappears from sight. Apart from a brief mention in The Times of his participation in a jujutsu and kenjutsu demonstration in London, nothing was known of his fate until Dr. Alex Bennett uncovered the facts behind the remainder of his life after residing in Japan. This republication of F.J. Norman's book is meant to serve as a celebration of the man's intrepidness, and demonstrate how far ahead of his times he really was.

Of all Professions, that of Arms has in all Ages, since their Invention, been esteemed the noblest and most necessary; it being by them that the Laws preserve their Force, that our Dominions are defended from the Encroachments of our Enemies, and ill designing People kept in the Subjection due to their Sovereigns; and of all Arms, the Sword is probably the most ancient: It is honourable and useful, and upon Occasion, causes a greater Acquisition of Glory than any other: It is likewise worn by Kings and Princes, as an Ornament to Majesty and Grandeur, and a Mark of their Courage, and distinguishes the Nobility from the lower Rank of Men. The Attitudes which are in the Book, are copied exactly from the Originals; tho' I might perhaps have made some Alterations, in my Opinion, for the better, yet I chose rather to leave them as they are, than to run the Hazard of spoiling any of them.

In recovering from this Thrust, the Wrist must be in Tierce, and the Sword without the Enemy's whilst the other Parts take their Situation. The Parade of this Thrust is made by a Half-circle of the Sword within, the Wrist raised in Quart, and the Point low. See the 7th Plate.

In recovering from this Thrust, the Wrist must be in Tierce, and the Sword without the Enemy's whilst the other Parts take their Situation. The Parade of this Thrust is made by a Half-circle of the Sword within, the Wrist raised in Quart, and the Point low. See the 7th Plate.

"Fencing: Steps to Success" covers all of the essential skills of the epee and foil forms of fencing. This book will serve as the perfect training guide for less experienced fencers and students of fencing, as well as a valuable reference for instructors of this highly technical sport.

One of the most recognized fencing figures in the United States, author Elaine Cheris shares her expertise as both a fencer and instructor. In each progressive learning step, she carefully describes each major skill, presents sequential illustrations (approximately 150 in all) to show how to perform the skill, and then provides a series of drills to refine the skills through practice. The book's step-by-step teaching method is both challenging and fun for the student, promoting skills development and motivation to learn more. It's the perfect technique-development guide and a valuable reference.

Having made the U.S. Olympic team in both epee and foil, Cheris covers both forms in this book, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the sport. A highly accomplished instructor, Cheris owns and operates the Cheyenne Fencing Society and has been the chairperson for two World Championships. She has instructed many notable students, including pop music stars Neil Diamond and Jimmy Buffett.

See all the titles available in the Steps to Success Series.

This new edition of Mathewson's work is intended to be useful to those wishing to recreate the training regime of one particular fencing master from the reign of George III. This particular manual is of relevance and use because it seems to have been written with the intention of offering instruction at varying levels starting with the complete beginner and is therefore, unlike many earlier manuals and indeed some contemporary ones, suitable for those modern fencing masters who have recruits to teach. One envisages it as being of value to three categories of people, as well as hopefully being of interest to those with a more general interest in the history of fencing. Firstly to those within the Western Martial Arts community who may wish to study a different master's works from the earlier ones that seem to be the most commonly followed. Secondly I hope it will be of value to those re-enactors who portray the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century enabling them to produce a more authentic representation of sword work of that period and for displays away from the battlefield I particularly draw their attention to the drill en masse as presented in appendix 1 which would make an interesting display in those circumstances where fighting may not be appropriate. Finally, this work may be of some value to those staging theatrical events in that it gives these a grounding of correct sword moves and postures. Indeed to all the foregoing the particular value of this work is that it draws attention to the differences between sword drill as taught and practised in the Napoleonic period and the modern versions of it that are based, as is modern sport sabre, on the late Victorian sabre drill as exemplified by Alfred Hutton's works.

In recovering from this Thrust, the Wrist must be in Tierce, and the Sword without the Enemy's whilst the other Parts take their Situation. The Parade of this Thrust is made by a Half-circle of the Sword within, the Wrist raised in Quart, and the Point low. See the 7th Plate.

Building on the book Learning Fencing, this book explains how to train for technique and tactics in the sport of fencing and shows why fencers must improve their endurance, strength, and speed. Young fencers learn to go beyond practice bouts and enrich their training with exercises that may seem to have nothing at all to do with fencing. They discover how important it is to warm up before training and competitions and learn how an athlete gets stiff muscles. The book also includes suggestions about what young athletes can do on their own to improve their skills and to monitor and evaluate their progress. With the help of this book, young fencers learn to manage their own development and to take responsibility for their own behaviour.