Posted by Max Roach There is no substitute for a good Iaido teacher. Books can be extremely helpful but it is the place of your teacher to help guide you through the philosophical elements of practice. That said, you will develop your own understandings and have "ah ha moments" just through repetitive practice of the kata. This often takes years but it is well worth it. Books can only take you so far, at some point it is you that internalizes the information and in doing so you will make self mastery your own. Each of us needs different things and because of this what I needed may not be what you need. Iaido has a way of showing us to ourselves. Read and enjoy the ideas of others as they may guide you but your journey is your own. Here are some books that I have enjoyed for various reasons. They cover various topics and ryu of Iaido. Some were more applicible than others but these have good info in them: Misc: Iaido: Sword smithery/history/nomenclature/collecting: History: Feel free to contact me directly with any further questions. Good Luck, Max Roach
Link: http://yamaoroshi.com
on April 4, 2004, 11:08 pm, in reply to "Re: iaido and religion"
LJ,
- Zen Mind Beginner's Mind, Suzuki
- Autumn Lightning, Lowry
- Angry White Pajamas, ? I forget but very funny
- In Search of the Warriors Spirit, Heckler
- The Japanese Art of War, Cleary
- Hagakure, ???
- Book of Five Rings, Musashi
- Japanese Swordsmanship A Manual... Suino
- Japanese swordsmanship, Warner & Draeger
- Japanese Sword Drawing,Zier
- Flashing steel, Shimabukuro & Pellman
(Hello Len!)
- The craft of the japanese sword, L&H Capp & YoshindoYoshihara
- The connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords
- The Japanese Sword A Comprehensive guide
Anything by Carl Friday is great.
- Samurai Warriors, Stephen Turnbull
Note: Turnbulls illustrations are good but I have serious questions about his book on Ninjas... Then again I am not a professional historian (I teach First Grade... and Iaido).
Well, that should get you started on some good reading. Again, there is no substitute for a geeod teacher. I am Lucky to have studied under profound and masterful Iaido sensei.
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