Videos or books?
 

I will most likely be beginning Kendo and Aikido classes at The Toyoda center in Grand Rapids this fall, but until then does anyone know of any good instuctional books or films that i could get to learn some basics until i start my training? Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Grant

Your sensei may have a reading list - ask him once you have started.

Search the net for a kendo terminology list. That's the only thing that will be useful until you get practicing...

that you.

Grant

Grant,

With more than all due respect to my UK sempai, Scott, my advice to you would be to read everything you can get your hands on, but NOT with an eye toward "learning the basics", i.e. the physical mechanics and movement of kendo. I cannot think of anyone who would advocate trying to "learn" kendo from a book or video, excpet perhaps some idiot who doesn't know anything about kendo. The learning you speak of, as noted by Scott, can ONLY happen with qualified instruction. So if that's your goal, with all due respect to your enthusiasm, give it up. Your good intentions will only end up screwing you in the end. However, there is much that can be discovered about the history, evolution, terminology, equipment, philosophy, etc., of the art, and sport of kendo. In that regard, there is in my opinion not a lot to go by; a handful of decent books, a couple of dvd's or video's. Learning can be defined a lot of ways. Knowledge IS power. But if you intend to try learn the art froma book or video, forget it. Good luck to you.

with regard to aiki
books are definately not something to 'learn' out of.
but you can pratice the basics at home, eg tenkan, irimitenkan, and learning the terminology.
ratti is meant to be a good book, though i dont like it much. dynamic aikido by shioda is good, and so is anything by ueshiba sensei. but it depends what style you are practicing as well.
ask you teacher to be for a reading list is probably best.
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