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The Art of Iado - Way of the Sword - Featuring Gloria E. Nomura

Rated:
NR
Format: DVD
3.4 3.4 out of 5 stars 16 ratings
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Product Description

Iaido, the Way of the Samurai Sword

with Gloria E. Nomura, Shihan

Iaido, the Way of the Samurai Sword, is the art of drawing and using the traditional Japanese sword (katana). Iaido is a non-combative physical and mental discipline formulated in 1932, largely through the efforts of Nakayama Hakudo and Oe Masamichi Shikei. Iaido is a way of self-cultivation through self-realization and spiritual development. The samurai swordsman, through his skill, has the capability to kill, yet does not. He has no conscious intention to harm others and wields the sword only to master his "self."

Here Nomura Sensei instructs on basic Iaido skills and demonstrates a variety of Iaido systems, including Shoden, Chuden, and Shindo Munen Ryu. The forms are shown in sitting and standing positions. Every form (kata) in each system is demonstrated from different angles accompanied with explanations to clarify the movements. Also included are free-style movements and pair work.

Product details

  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)
  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.1 x 5.42 x 0.58 inches; 2.93 ounces
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0000ACXT8
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.4 3.4 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

Customer reviews

3.4 out of 5 stars
3.4 out of 5
16 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Tyler Goslin
3.0 out of 5 stars not a biginers dvd
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2004
Verified Purchase
i am very pleased with the dvd. they show a lot of different angles for the forms. the only thing that i wasn't pleased with is its not very good for beginers. it doesn't go into foot work, it only goes into a few cuts, and it only shows one bow. also in some of the forms the camera is to slow and the sword and hands are off the screen.
3 people found this helpful
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Robert Keith Collins
5.0 out of 5 stars Unlearning the Way of the sword
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2004
I thought this video was well-produced, and the Sensei did an excellent job in presenting the material. Some voice-over commentary would have been a nice touch, but it is not important if one is truly seeking to learn the basics of Iaido as I am.
I find it interesting to read some of the critiques of the Sensei's technical ability and style. It seems to me that those making the critiques are displaying the need to unlearn what they've learned from their training. A true martial artist would not expend energy criticizing or ridiculing others, especially other Senseis. Instead, they would channel their energy into positive endeavors, such as archiving their Sensei's teachings and sharing it. In this way, they would be sharing their knowledge of Iai with the world, which would be of great benefit to us all. However, this is merely my opinion.
Criticism, when it is constructive, is a noble virtue but there was not much to build on from the negative comments of a few reviews. I believe there is always something to learn from someone else if one opens their eyes and looks for it. Are we all not better off learning about all the styles and interpretations that make up Iaido?
6 people found this helpful
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J. M. Prudhoe
1.0 out of 5 stars they did not know they were near water.
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2004
Verified Purchase
This was passed around and everyone said that it did not show anything of use to a novice iaidoka, etc.They should be ashamed of themselves, . Do not buy, purchase the book Flashing steel. domo arigato. In fact I really would like a refund, perhaps!! Ki ken taino icchi.
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Daniel Reid
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2003
Overall, I was very impressed with this DVD. The swordsmanship of Sensei Nomura and her students is impeccable, and I appreciated the level of detail presented in such a compact format. That being said, this type of DVD is not intended for beginners; no book or video can replace the training one would receive from a qualified sensei. However, as a supplement to dojo training, this DVD is invaluable.
My only complaints are some minor problems with photography and sound, particularly in the scenes shot on the beach. These flaws don't detract from the overall quality of the performances, though; the beach scenes give a nice change from the usual dojo setting. The guitar music is very nice as well.
8 people found this helpful
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ScottusMaximus
1.0 out of 5 stars Poor, with poor bits added...
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2004
I have to agree with David Collins here. A well-made DVD with very substandard iai technique.
If you have no experience of iai, then you will be knocked out the art of iai and Ms Nomura. If you have aformentioned experience, then you will do what I did - pass it around the dojo for everyone to chuckle at.
Our rank beginners pointed out her terminology mistakes, poor cutting ability and overall low level of skill. She is a 6th-dan, yes. But not in iai. Go search for her on the web.
6 people found this helpful
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Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2004
I agree with those who say this is an excellent Iaido DVD. Nomura Sensei obviously knows her stuff, and her keen awareness of her body and movements really shows.
I'm surprised that a couple of the reviewers were so disappointed. Since they give no specifics to back up their ratings, I can only assume they are from a different school or style and think that the way they were taught is the "only" way.
7 people found this helpful
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Joseph Perkins
4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for my Iaido practice
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2003
I've been practicing Iaido for several years and was looking for a DVD that clearly shows some Iaido systems to help develop my sword skills.
I thought the DVD was put together well, with the sensei showing the kata from different angles. The addition of some outdoor beach shots was a good dynamic, I thought. Hearing the sensei's thoughts in the interview made the DVD more personal.
I like the fact that it is a DVD as I get really tired of rewinding and fast-forwarding some of my other Iaido tapes. Much easier to navigate.
2 people found this helpful
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David Collins
1.0 out of 5 stars Nice frame, shame about the picture!
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2004
A not badly produced and filmed DVD of utterly appalling Iaido. Here in the UK this standard would not even rate First Kyu, let alone a Dan Grade. Don't waste your money.
David Collins, 5th dan Iaido, 3rd dan Jodo, Kawagishi Dojo, Cornwall, UK.
10 people found this helpful
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