The best books for learning Kendo

Kendo is a sword-based martial art that hails from Japan. Originally Kendo was designed to mimic the sword fighting elements of the Japanese Samurai, it is now a martial art in its own right. Here, Kendo practitioners will use their shinai (wooden stick) to learn how to strike each other in a safe environment.

Anyway, if you’re looking to improve your Kendo game and go a step further than physical learning – then sometimes books and literature can take you to the next step. This means that even if you’re not training Kendo, then you can still learn in a visual sense of reading and looking at photograph demonstrations. Here’s the best of the bunch.

Kendo – Fundamentals and Waza to Win by Hirakawa Nobuo

This book is nicely separated into three sections; the introduction that is based on the history of Kendo, then the second chapter that is based on how to stand, use the shinai and other fundamental movements. The last section of the book is based on more specific techniques and their Japanese names. In short, this book is great for beginners and lays everything out as you’d want it to be. Too often, books jump into moves without explaining the methods behind them. This is where chapter two comes into its own.

This is Kendo: The Art of Japanese Fencing by Junzo Sasamori

This is an old but timeless book that dates back to the 80s. Once again, it’s geared towards beginners and focuses on the fundamental moves, so there’s no fancy rubbish here. As you’d expect, this book is supplemented with photographic diagrams too. With this in mind, if you’re a visual learner then this book is ideal.

Kendo Solo Training by Yamamoto Kansuke

As the title suggests, this book is based on solo training within a Kendo setting. It should be noted, this book is based on scrolls that are over 200 years old. These scrolls taught how to train Kendo for the Japanese military. Even though these techniques are 200 years old, they’re still as relevant today as they were back then. For those wanting to train and learn in isolation, this book is ideal and is a good training companion for those in isolation.

Kendo: Culture of the Sword by Alexander Bennett

Firstly, this book is not based on a collection of techniques or how to learn Kendo. Instead, it’s based on the historical origins of the martial art. Here, Bennett does a wonderful job of going back in time and seeing how and why Kendo came about. Interestingly, he also links it to the national identity of Japan. If you’re wary of Bennett’s previous works then you’ll know he’s trusted when it comes to retelling the earlier times of martial arts. In this case, there’s no nonsense or exaggerations here and he does a stellar job.

Kendo Guide for Beginners by Masahiro Imafuji

Simply put, this is yet another great book for beginners looking to learn the art of Kendo. Here, Imafuji shows what to expect from your first class, your expected behavior and other Kendo customs. Just as importantly, it also teaches some very effective techniques, these are taught in a specific way that emphasizes visualization. Because of this, you can progress quickly by using the methods proposed by Imafuji and grow quicker as a martial artist as a result.

Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship by Nicklaus Suino

At over 100 pages, this book is based on practicing drills to make you get better. The good news is that you can train these solo which means you can learn anywhere. Some people frown on drills based on prioritizing sparring instead. However, as all good swordsmen will attest, drilling is a good way to improve your muscle memory. As a result, this book is ideal for all – for beginners and experienced practitioners, these drills will make you better as long as you stick to them and train correctly.

Kendo: Elements, Rules, and Philosophy by Jinichi Tokeshi

This book is a good overview of what Kendo is. It begins looking back at its history but also delves into the basics moves for beginners, and then goes beyond, looking at the correct form, injury prevention by training correctly, and the rules of training and competition. As a result, if you read this book as a newbie, you’ll come away massively more knowledgeable of all areas after reading this book. Tokeshi has left no stone unturned when writing this book and it shows.

The Samurai Sword by Kohshyu Yoshida

The Samurai Sword is filled with photographic guides on technique as well as guidance on choosing the right sword for you, as well as how to maintain it. Further, it also praises and encourages the benefits of meditation. It’s no secret that some of the founders of Kendo practiced meditation so it’s not surprising to see it mentioned here. Yoshida also goes into detail about some of the greatest Kendo practitioners ever which can bring inspiration to readers. Lastly, it also comes with a free DVD which is short but sweet.

Kendo: The Definitive Guide by Hiroshi Ozawa

Like many books on this list, it’s a good reference point for beginners. It also features quite a unique section though that sets it apart from others which is based on a list of global Kendo schools and associations. This is handy if you ever plan on training whilst traveling. As the book was written in 2017, this list is also relatively up to date so you have nothing to worry about. Away from this, it’s generally a solid introduction into Kendo and shows a few of the most common moves.

Kendo: A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Swordsmanship by Geoff Salmon

This book is based on learning Kendo as effectively as possible and here Salmon offers a guide on the most useful and fundamental of techniques. However, it’s not just practical, physical advice that Salmon offers. Having over 40 years of experience in Kendo, Salmon also goes into detail on the spiritual side of Kendo. As you may know, Kendo descended from Samurai, who were known as stoic warriors. With this said, his advice isn’t just philosophical, as it also leaks into the practical elements of training too.