This book is about the 'Kendo no Kata' which are the pre-determined techniques that have their origin in the classical feudal methods of actual swordsman-ship. The kendo no kata is a living text book that allows the exponents of kendo to experience the structure and meanings of the combative tactics and apply them to their modern kendo training.
There are ten techniques in the Kendo no Kata; the first seven are O' Dachi (long sword) and the last three are Ko Dachi (short sword). True kendo training is a balance of kata study and kendo application. If there is an imbalance of this concept then the training does not rise to its higher goals. Competition in kendo and the training towards that objective alone will develop an egocentric style of kendo. If the exponent devotes all his time to the study of kata and neglects the application of kendo principles in competition, then his perspective will again be narrow.
When the competitive application of technique is based on the true understanding and study of kata a balance exists between the two. Only then is it possible to bring about a harmony of physical ability with moral and intellectual attainment. In this way kendo becomes a whole and the genuine exponent of the 'Way' becomes a constructive individual in society.