Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword Book

Another summer read, I've mixed thoughts about this little tome. Dave Lowry is a thought provoking writer and has written an excellent column for Black Belt magazine for years. His book Autumn Lightening is one of my favorites. I enjoyed this book very much. It's first three chapters are informative--history, anecdotes and advice--if somewhat short. They contain excellent warnings concerning misconception and suppositions stereotypically held by Westerners interested in Japanese martial arts.

Lowry's story is unique among Western martial artists, as Autumn Lightening explains. A serious student of the Yagyu Shinkage tradition, the following chapters five chapters are grounded in sound techniques and tried and true methods that reach back to the ryu's founder Yagyu Muneyoshi. Thus, the authenticity of the techniques demonstrated is without question. I'm not sure, however, I like the sub-title…Art of the Japanese Sword. Though I understand that use of the bokken can be elevated to the status of an art, the title is misleading in that while the practice sword, "bokken" is indeed part of the overall training experience of Japanese swordsmanship, it is suggestive that bokken training is Kenjutsu or that, via the photos, the book will teach said art to the reader. Better it had been called: "Bokken: Training With the Japanese Practice Sword." I suppose however, according to an editor or publisher, such a title wouldn't sell as well and one must never forget the bottom like, I suppose.

The techniques and exercises are basic and at first glance, might seem too fundamental. But as with all things Japanese, what at first seems deceptively simple has a tendency to get very complicated in execution very quickly. Let me assure the reader, trying the movements, training with them in simple repetition will soon change the perspective of a would-be kenshi. It IS hard, grueling work that will leave muscles sore in its wake.

I have many "sword books" in my library, some of which outline training, but because I'm a little stingy with my dollar, I try to be discerning as to which ones I buy...too many rip-offs, too much B.S. out there. I feel very good about this little book. Knowing something about the author's background lends to that feeling. I recommend this book over many of the more expensive and weighty tomes to anyone who might be interested in adding practice-sword training to their martial diet. Be warned however, it is no more than it presents itself to be: a basic training guide. Lowry makes it clear that it is no substitute for a legitimate instructor. That being said, its seemingly basic nature lends itself more readily to implementation by the neophyte. That, and the fact a bokken will cost seriously less, $40.00 to $50.00, than a katana, which can run into the thousands even for the most basic of authentically made swords, gives the book even more appeal.

On another note: for those general readers interested in the history of the Samurai, or even more specialized, in the history of certain ryu, this is NOT the book for you. At less than 200 pages, most of them photos, you would do better with something else.