As a new student of Kendo, the art of Japanese fencing, one drawback I've observed is that, many times, in-class slow analysis of what we're doing isn't possible. For a beginner (who is barely grasping the concept of how to stand & move, much less attack with a bamboo sword), the experience can be overwhelming and frustrating; particularly when one's sensei calls out a new 'kata' or exercise by its Japanese name and the student has no idea what they're supposed to do next while the rest of the class quickly springs into action. While full immersion into this new art has its benefits, luckily, as a supplement to one's dojo work, there's Looking at a Far Mountain. Having seen kenjutsu practitioners (including my sensei) largely praise the book as 'essential', I can see why. The step-by-step breakdown of all the kendo katas, that isn't always possible in class, is readily presented here in plenty of real person illustrations rather than stick figures or drawings. As kendo students know, katas are usually broken down into the 2-person role played by paired-off students. The book effectively breaks down the role that each of these students play during a given kata. What's more, the book gives philosophical insights into how the katas came to be, and the mindset one should have when engaging in dojo work. Lastly, and thankfully, a glossary of commonly used Japanese kendo terms is included. Amazingly, the paperback book is not very thick (perhaps half an inch thick), small enough to fit into mostly any gym bag or book bag, and be reviewed without dealing with a massive tome. One should note, though, that the book is not meant to replace working with an actual kendo master in their dojo. Even the book itself clarifies that it would prove difficult to learn the art simply from reading its contents. While a great guide, it can't replace the on-the-spot guidance a kendo master can give. If anything, again, its a GREAT book to consult outside of class for further guidance as to what you were shown in class, and a reference to review when practicing at home.Read full review
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