Hello, I am wanting to tech myself the Muso Shinden Ryu style of swordsman ship. There are no dojos near me that teach it, so I wanted to get a book on it, and teach it to myself(I have the disaplen to try it). The book, I was looking at was titled "Iaido Sword : Kamimoto-Ha Techniques of Muso Shinden Ryu"
As for the sword, I have seen on websites the "stealth ninja sword" for like 30$, can I use this sword to practise the art with. here is a link to the sword. I would prefer not to use a bokken, as I have used sharpened steel swords before.
http://www.karatedepot.com/wp-sw-09.html
Also, are thre any books that teach you how to train with Sais?

Let me know if this is a good Idea
Thanks
Zero

Firstly, you shouldn't try to teach yourself Iai from books, as you will probably pick up bad habits, and not have them corrected. It is important to find a sensei who can correct your posture and cuts as you perform them.

Secondly, that sword is not at all suitable for Iaido. You should really start using a bokken with a plastic saya, then progress onto using an iaito. Only high ranked sensei use shinken (real swords).

At least the book sounds alright.

Try http://www.tozando.com

Find a proper Sensei - there are plenty of good quality Muso Shinden one's about. Your profile doesn't say where you come from so I can't help you with location.

I own the book you are talking about. I don't know if you bought it already. I was already practising Iaido - from another ryu - before I bought this book. It contains lots of information, but if you have never practised iaido before, it might be a little difficult to learn from this book as it does not have many pictures to describe the katas, though they are explained in detail, but it is not always easy to figure out what the movement would be like unless you already have some knowledge of Iaido, even from another ryu. It might help if you can get some videos of the katas - i know it is available on the net but I dot remember from which website. Anyway, if you really want to learn iaido, learn it from someone qualified - I know I'm not the first person to say this, but it's like that. There is nothing you can do. Self learning is extremely dangerous because there will be nobody to tell you what you are doing is good or not - and it is very difficult to judge it by yourself.

Zero, I have talked with Shihan Wehrhahn and some of his student and I highly recommend his advice and video tapes. If you can not take personal lessons a book isn't the answer and either is a video but at least you can see proper movement from a video. Good luck with your Iaido training.

PS..Don't cut your thumb! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif[/IMG]
http://www.mountainteachings.com/index.html