****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Finding excellent or good manuals on Japanese swordsmanship is not difficult, however, finding even a passable manual on Korean swordsmanship (in English) has been difficult, until now. Master Laurita has compiled what might be the most definitive English language manual on the instruction of Korean sword usage. He covers grip, stances, types of cuts and angles, as well as offensive and defensive strategies, and how to actually cut with the sword. The pictures are full color (and often from multiple angles) and descriptions are clear ensuring that with careful study and practice, skill can improve. While it is no substitute for live instruction, it is the next best thing for any student wanting to practice at home. This is a must have for any Korean sword practitioner! Why you should care about my review: I hold a second degree black belt in Kummooyeh (Korean swordsmanship). I started my sword training in (Japanese) Iaido back in 2001, and switched to Korean swordsmanship a few years later. I have trained with several instructors both in Japanese and Korean swordsmanship in the 22 years since I first took up sword training, and I will admit that Master Laurita has been one of them. When I trained with him he had a matter-of-fact teaching style which made it easy to learn. He brings this to the page making the book easy to follow. I will also point out that while I have trained under Master Laurita, it has been roughly ten years since I trained under him and this review is unsolicited. If you are interested in Korean swordsmanship, buy this book!
