Kendo - by Alexander C Bennett (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Kendo is the first book in English to provide an in-depth historical, cultural, and political account of the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, from its beginnings in military training and arcane medieval schools to its widespread practice today as a global sport. Alexander Bennett shows how kendo evolved through a recurring process of 'inventing tradition', which served the changing ideologies and needs of Japanese warriors and governments over the course of history. Kendo follows the development of Japanese swordsmanship from the aristocratic pretensions of medieval warriors in the Muromachi period, to the samurai elitism of the Edo regime, and to the patriotism of the Meiji state. Kendo was influenced in the 1930s and 1940s by ultranationalist militarists and ultimately by the postwar government, which sought a gentle form of cultural nationalism to rekindle appreciation of traditional culture among Japan's youth and to garner international prestige as an instrument of 'soft power'. Today kendo is becoming increasingly popular internationally. But even as new organizations and clubs form around the world, the sport remains closely linked to Japan's sense of collective identity"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Kendo is the first in-depth historical, cultural, and political account in English of the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, from its beginnings in military training and arcane medieval schools to its widespread practice as a global sport today. Alexander Bennett shows how kendo evolved through a recurring process of "inventing tradition," which served the changing ideologies and needs of Japanese warriors and governments over the course of history. Kendo follows the development of Japanese swordsmanship from the aristocratic-aesthetic pretensions of medieval warriors in the Muromachi period, to the samurai elitism of the Edo regime, and then to the nostalgic patriotism of the Meiji state. Kendo was later influenced in the 1930s and 1940s by ultranationalist militarists and ultimately by the postwar government, which sought a gentler form of nationalism to rekindle appreciation of traditional culture among Japan's youth and to garner international prestige as an instrument of "soft power." Today kendo is becoming increasingly popular internationally. But even as new organizations and clubs form around the world, cultural exclusiveness continues to play a role in kendo's ongoing evolution, as the sport remains closely linked to Japan's sense of collective identity.

Review Quotes

"A thorough, engaging, and well-written survey that will remain a classic for decades to come." -- "Journal of Japanese Studies"

"In this detailed study of kendo, Alexander Bennett, a highly accomplished (and foreign) practitioner himself, picks apart and analyses the roots and evolution of the martial art."-- "TLS" (4/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"Kendo: Culture of the Sword is to date the most comprehensive and accessible history of Japanese swordsmanship in any language."--Wolfram Manzenreiter "Social Science Japan Journal" (9/9/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"You'll be fascinated by this quintessential Japanese sport."--Rashaad Jorden "JQ Magazine" (9/27/2015 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Alexander C. Bennett is Professor at Kansai University. He also serves as vice president of the International Naginata Federation, member of the International Committee of the All Japan Kendo Federation, director of the Japanese Academy of Budo, and head coach of New Zealand's national kendo team. He is cofounder and editor in chief of Kendo World.