Customer Rating: 
Summary: It can be said that ikkyo is nothing more than kesagiri without holding a sword...
Comment: This book is an essential tool for anyone wanting to practice tameshigiri (or test cutting).
Why would anyone want to cut stuff with a katana? Well, it's fun. But there are a number of other reasons. For myself, I am an Aikido student, and the practice of tameshigiri has a lot to offer in terms of the teaching of ma'ai (distance), timing, form and movement, and perhaps most important, a noble frame of mind.
This book will explain everything necessary for safe and efficient tameshigiri practice. The biggest help I have found is the various cutting patterns and kata that are shown. For students of Shinkendo, this is a training manual. For students of Aikido, this book will show you new doors, and help you reveal the true forms behind your technique.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: A valuable tool for tameshigiri
Comment: Obata-sensei's book on tameshigiri is a great tool for the beginner student (like me). It gives great insight into the history and purpose of tameshigiri in samurai world. This book details various cutting techniques from the most basic to advanced.
The criticism (and it is a small one) is there should be more detailed explanations on cleaning swords after cutting, but this book should be in an every Japanese sword practitioner's library no matter what style you study!!!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Lots of information.
Comment: Tameshigiri is the practice of test-cutting with a Japanese sword. The purpose of tameshigiri is to test not only the quality of the sword but also the technique of the swordsman, and it is an important part of the study of traditional swordsmanship. Today, many people are interested in tameshigiri, but it is essential to first understand the history, purpose, and proper etiquette of tameshigiri in order to conduct practice safely and meaningfully. This book will help provide the correct knowledge of tameshigiri for practitioners studying under a certified instructor. This book covers etiquette, sword selection, care, handling, honor, forms and katas, cutting techniques, materials strength, options, target types, mistakes and how to correct them, sword cleaning, and much, much more.
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