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Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 796
EAN num: 9781890536206
ISBN number: 1890536202
Label: Koryu Books
Manufacturer: Koryu Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 317
Printing Date: 2007-07
Publishing house: Koryu Books
Sale Popularity Level: 663373
Studio: Koryu Books
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Rated by buyers 
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'Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition' is an excellent introduction to the history and structure of this immensely important school (the oldest in Japan), from the most credible source there could be, i.e. the head teacher himself. It contains very interesting insights on the ryu's ethics and way of thinking, and also the combative concepts and principles that guide its technical development.
Although it contains pictures showing techniques being executed, in my opinion this is only illustrative. Clearly, it is not the purpose of this book to teach any techniques, or to serve as a technical reference. (By the way, this should NOT be a surprise to any martial arts student, as the place to learn and improve techniques is the dojo, and your technical reference must be your teacher.)
In summary, this book is a precious record of a rich cultural asset, and very useful for students of any martial art, either classic or modern.
Rated by buyers -
I very first encountered The Deity and The sword in the 1970's. Although a student at the time, I aquired the 3 volumes. I have treasured them since. It was for this reason, that I was delighted to hear that a new edition was available. It has not been a disappointment. I find the new volume very easy to read, which was not the case with the original. There are some new background informaton and aditional photos. I found the pictures of the late Don Drager very interesting. The photographic sequences of the katas are less detailed, but seem to better convey a sense of motion. My only complaint is that the photos, as in the very first edition, are to small for the current age of my vision. It is very enjoyable to read and compare both editions. I find this new volume is a very excellent intoduction, and informative work concerning an important cultural entity.
A few years ago, I was very fortunate to observe part of a practice in Chiba. I believe that Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition has captured the essence of that timeless place.
Rated by buyers -
There are many points to practice, but the relevant point of this book is the preservation of a precious ancient tradition. Such traditions are fragile, however, and their integrity is paramount. No kobudo tradition has survived longer than Katori Shinto-ryu (KSR), in no small part because it maintains a high level of integrity and privacy. Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition makes its point perfectly.
Warrior Tradition is the latest entrant from Koryu Books, a publisher both devoted to and possessed of great expertise in these precious ancient traditions. It is clear to anyone who has actually taken part in KSR practice, trained with Otake Sensei, and done so in Japan, that this work represents the ryu. It is equally clear that Otake Sensei and his publisher have each done their utmost to publish a volume that preserves the tradition in written and pictorial form, while maintaining the integrity of KSR.
As a history and guide to the ryu, I find it helpful, humbling, and inspiring. The tale is told and the techniques are explained, but what is private is kept private. The pictures are clear and illustrate what is intended, but no more. It isn't Hollywood, and it isn't manga. It's budo. And again, what is private is kept private. The production values are outstanding. This is an heirloom quality volume. Therefore, I call this book excellent.
What may not be clear to anyone outside the ryu is that if you are interested in the details of any such art, you'll need to work for it. This superb book shows you what it can. Past that, you're going to need to sweat. (For a world class treatment of the topic, see the entire Koryu Books Koryu Bujutsu series, and Ellis Amdur's Old School).
Rated by buyers -
This is a fine new edition from the classic "Deity and the Sword" series by Otake Sensei, Shihan, with updates, and a wonderful glimpse into what is the oldest martial arts school still in existence in Japan dating from the late 1400's.
Our being able to see into techniques that have come to us unchanged, with direct transmission from teacher to student for over 500 years, is outstanding. He shows us a partial curriculum of the ryu, which includes Iaijutsu, Kenjutsu, Bojutsu, Naginatajutsu, Sojutsu, Jujutsu, Surikenjutsu, and Ninjutsu.
Then he gives us a tour of Heiho, from the Esoteric to troop movements, and much in between. Historical aspects and philosophical perspectives, and finishing with the beautiful Sutra on One's Debts to One's Mother and Father, which everyone should read. We are given a second look into the past that continues to be preserved faithfully today.
I have no idea what ryu Shonin (the person who gave this book such a low rating) is from, but he is obviously not directly under Otake Sensei, as these things would not have to be said, and would not be said by a member of the ryu about the Shihan's work. And if he is not under Otake Sensei then he is not a member of Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto ryu, but perhaps Sugawara ha?
The original "Deity and the Sword" are great and very collectable, but I suspect that "Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition" would be considered by Otake Sensei to be a more refined version, and very affordable. We are very fortunate he has republished his great work, and especially through www.KoryuBooks.com , who are compiling and publishing other great material on Koryu arts.
Rated by buyers 
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As a member of this ryu I bought the book hoping I could improve a little on my knowledge of what is admittedly a very complex and discreet art. Although I really didn't expect any of the inside teachings to be revealed in a general work directed at the pubic, I do wish I could get my money back on this one. The excellent text by Don Draeger is left out of this edition. The photography is darker and of a largely poorer quality; and in general, the book does little to familiarize one with the tradition. It is not even useful as a guide by which to compare one's practice. It should have been at least that. If it was not intended in the least for members, then the photography was irrelvelent and should have been left out. It is a confusing and inadequate work.
It is, in my opinion, far less impressive (and useful) than the original(Deity and the Sword) which was published under the direction of Sugawara sensei. For those looking to familiarize themselves with the ryu (as well as those who are practitioners) I recently watched the BBC series on youtube and found this to be a much more useful (and economical) way to get some insight into how the current inheritors of the system practice the art. If you're not affluent enough to get a second hand copy of the original "Deity and the Sword", then save your money and watch the BBC production on youtube in which Master Otake moves magnificently.
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