Authoritatively written by Darrell Max Craig (a Japanese sword and ritual expert with black belts in ten martial arts, and who has earned the title of Shihan or "master teacher" in Japan), The Heart Of Kendo: A Comprehensive Introduction To The Philosophy And Practice Of The Art Of The Sword is an informed and informative guide to the Japanese discipline of the sword, starting with the basics of the equipment and its care and then moving on to the spiritual virtues of respect and restraint; exercises, grips, stances, strikes, positioning; seven long-sword forms (kata) that form the foundation of kendo practice; and more. An excellent introduction and resource to the physical and spiritual depth of this challenging martial art, The Heart Of Kendo is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, professional, and academic Martial Arts reference collections.