The book will discuss is, like many American books I have, useful and confusing time.
Useful that makes available to the general public the main iaido katas style that outside of Japan, there be very short of written documentation. So I applaud the author for his contribution. Although I started in the ryu mugay recently, I can say that some figures are clearly accessory, for example Chiburi shown in the book is clearly Tokugawa source. The undersigned author does not need a hakimachi head.
However, I have to say that the list of katas and its variants has helped me a lot. It provides an anchor point to memorize katas, which is no small feat. Drawings can not be compared with photographs, but I am of the opinion that we must not be so descriptive. A photograph, although it is well done, can not and should not replace the teachings of a sensei or shifu, nor can help meet daily or constant practice. Only serves as a light point to the lack of memory.
Confusing because the author does not give an overview of Mugay ryu, only the particular teachers, defect I have observed in several martial masters. It is confused by inserting stories and facts which, although nice to explain, do not come to regarding the style of which is intended to be a guide and introduction. See the history of Nin Keigo ronin or Tokugawa shogunate. In my view, these texts should be treated in another volume.
Fortunately, I can recommend this book, but with caution. One should begin in the iaido hand of a competent and patient instructor, to teach all the tricks and phenomena draw, with proper iaito Zamak to start. Nothing replaces the training, not even a good book, which is written very correctly and its author budoka of worth.
