Product Description
Miss Angela Michaels, the new karate teacher in Bailey City, who is also the school crossing guard, is so kind and generous that Melody becomes convinced that she is a guardian angel. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

the best book
hi my name is Abbie and i love the book it is very interesting i never wanted to stop reading it it was mestiries and funny.

Angels
There are weird grownups in Bailey City. But could the new karate teacher who seems to be guarding the kids and granting wishes really be an angel. The Bailey School Are Going To Find Out!

Angels don't know karate
I like this book because I like to do karate. It is very intresting.And it is also funny.These kids always get the problom solved.

Excellent for Young Children
I remember reading these books as a kid - they take up half of my bookshelf!The plots are entertaining enough to get kids to read and the books are short enough so that they won't get bored. If you're looking for a book for your second to fifth grader to read, especially if they're not interested in reading, this series is a good one.

Angels are entertaining though...
Angels Don't Know Karate by Debbie Dadey and Maria Thornton Jones
This story takes place in the school yard with friendly Eddie, Howie, Liza and Melody.
Eddie doesn't believe in angels.Eddie is double dared to climb a tree.He tries, but Eddid fell out of the tree, and is caught by a stranger.His friends try to convincehim that she was his guardian angel.The stranger hands them tickets to a karate demo to watch the stranger.The next day Melody believed the strangers angel MissMichael was a guardian angel. The four friends spied on Miss Michaels for proof that she is an angel.They found no proof and she leftthe school.Melody still believed she was an angel but Eddie didn't because angels don't do karate.
I really liked the book because it was aboutan angel.I think that everyone that believes in angels like I do would really like the story.If you don't believe in angels you might change your mind after you read this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great information
A great collection of impressive breaks and excellent self defense techniques. Jack Hibbard keeps it real!

Good Info for New Breakers
This book is filled with information.Most of the items, however should have been taught to you by your sensei when you were instructed on how to break.If your system doesn't incorporate breaking, then this is a great plae to start!This book has some excellent drills to work, before you start breaking.These are designed to develop the speed and power needed to break.

The Real Deal
As someone with over 15 years of training in the martial arts, I highly recommend this book. Mr. Hibbard presents realistic training and breaking techniques emphasizing their direct application to practical self-defense. The martial arts needs more representation from people like Mr. Hibbard, the real deal.He emphasizes perfection of the basics, a step by step process for developing technique and physical conditioning.One recommendation: include more data on: (1) the amount of force required to accomplish various breaks and (2) the effect such force would have on the human body.Martial artists should understand that their ability to break several boards, a brick or bottle translates into obliteration of bones, nerves and blood vessels.At Mr. Hibbard's level of mastery, control of this devastating if not deadly power becomes an important consideration for any serious martial artist.

Excellent. & informative
A very interesting book!Anyone who practices the tameshiwari will thoroughly enjoy this book, and will no doubt get something out of it.This is one of the very few teach-yourself books on the market of anyvalue, and of them one of the most valuable; you'll love this one.Mostschools these days won't have anything to do with breaking (and have apretty long list of empty reasons why).If you're determined to learn,then you're on the right track and this book is a good place to start.

Karate Breaking Techniques : With Practical Applications to
This book is the most in-depth book on Karate Breaking Techiniques I have ever found.I have never before found such extensive information on this subject compiled in one place before.If you are looking to masterbreaking techniques I would definetly recommend this book.This book givesextensive tips and secrets that has helped me go from an average competitorto constantly placing in the top 3 in breaking competitions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

A must have
A great book that should be in every karateka's library. It has everything you need to know and practice. A good source of information.

Ideal for karate students new and old
I haven't studied Shotokan karate for over 20 years and wanted to get back into it. I ordered this book to remind myself of the basic techniques I learned way back when and got so much more, I wishhad this book when I was studying back in the 80's. Although the photos are B&W and a little dated the book is clear and concise and has great detail on a wide range of techniques broken down into seperate body parts and subjects, such as posture, stances and so on. Conditioning is covered, including makiwara boards, and basic exercises and limbering up routines. As for kata, Heian no.4 is overed to give insight into what a kata is all about, if you want more detail on kata buy this book coupled with Karate: The Complete Kata by Hirokazu Kanazawa and you will be all set, especially if you are a rookie.

Even though both these book are very old and I am sure there aren't many more modern book that can touch them for completeness. Well recommended!

Nishiyama Sensei's book - classic
Nishiyama sensei was 9th Dan black belt when he passed away in recent years. He is Kancho Kanazawa's senior by the way. One of my university club black belts say his sensei says it was the only time he saw Kancho bow to a sensei regarding as a senior :)

Aside from that, Kancho once was not greeted by the attention and Rei/bow of the students in a club in Cork. Kancho proceeded to have them all sit in seiza and lecture them for the whole two hour seminar on Rei, respect, and reasons for it. What a fun story, one my instructor is fond of from hearing from his senseis.

Back to the book.Can I compare this to Nakayama sensei's book? Well, they are similar in ways, but also equally inspiring.It covers the basic foundations of karate syllabus, albeit with the energy of a metal cut lean karate-ka in his prime.The Bruce Lee-like body we sometimes associate with Kanazawa's youth is shown here in Nishiyama's equal zeal for perfecting the body. Actually a young Kanazawa features in may of the photos :)

Further into the book it covers various kumite techniques from basic, to freestyle, and these are a little different from what I saw in Kancho Kanazawa's "Karate Fighting Techniques" book, which is pretty much the whole SKIF syllabus bar the 25 or 26 Kata. Worth investing in for the variaion.
Some may find it outdated for its references to women for taking karate to "improve their figures" but hey, I truly advocate that (add a little blush here and fond memories of getting own butt kicked).Or its small finishing sections in the back on self defense, knife defense, pistol defense, club defense. But hey, that was the way it may have been taught in the days when karate was first big in Japanese Universities.

Any Karate-ka must have this in their collection, if not to be inspired for training, but to aspire to be like them.

A fantastic guide to Shotokan Karate by the late Master Hidetaka Nishiyama.
As a student and teacher of Shotokan Karate for more than 40 years, this is the first book I have always recommended to my students to read and study along with actual training in a dojo.I believe this was one of the first karate books written in English that focused on Shotokan Karate. Though Master Nishiyama always rejected titles such as "Master" there was no doubt as to his influence of Shotokan Karate in the United States.This book has passed the test of time in that it is still one of the very best karate books ever published.This text covers the warm up exercises and all the basic Karate techniques.Though it is weak on showing kata; nevertheless, this book used in combination with actual training under a Shotokan Karate instructor will produce excellent results.Rating:5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: combat Karate for the street, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician).

A classic
Nishiyama's book, along with Nakayama's "Dynamic Karate," are probably the best two books ever done on karate technique, regardless of style. If nothing else, this book is simply a classic, and should be on the shelf of anyone training in Shotokan karate.Nishiyama, before his passing last year, was probably the most widely respected teacher of Shotokan in the world, especially after Nakayama Sensei's death in the late 80's. ... Read more

Product Description
In Black Belt Karate, Hirokazu Kanazawa, the most respected figure in the karate world, offers a systematic approach to basic karate, and provides an intensive training course. Karate is a martial art that can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or gender, and can be undertaken at any time during a persons life. The training system employed in karate comprises three main areas: kihon (basics), kumite (sparring), and kata (forms). Using meticulously detailed explanations and illustrative photos, Kanazawa provides readers with an intensive self-study training course designed to be accessible to beginners, as well as to those already at an intermediate level. If practiced continuously and diligently over the course of a year, a practitioner will be able to attain black-belt-level proficiency. Praise for Black Belt Karate: "By following each and every page of this book as if receiving instruction directly from Mr. Kanazawa, I believe that over time, with careful practice, gaining proficiency is all but guaranteed. For anyone setting out to master karate-do, you hold in your hands a fine book indeed.The late Masatoshi Nakayama, former chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association and author of Kodansha's Best Karate series ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great as an overview and training reference
Whether one can learn well enough from books to acheive "Black Belt" level knowledge and skills is very debateable, to be sure. A lot I think depends on the person, how perceptive they are, how much previous training/experience in martial arts they might of had, and so on (even black belt practitioners from a school can vary a lot in quality). Generally, I feel the best use of books like this is as a reference and aid to one who is in a class already, or to one who is looking for a good overview of Shotokan Karate. This book will serve as an authoritative depiction of what is the "kihon," or individual techniques of Shotokan (punches, kicks, blocks, etc.), along with a few kata (forms), an introduction to basic kumite (sparring), and an overview of some training techniques, etc. Thus, all by itself this book will not provide all the knowledge one needs as a "black belt" practitioner. One will also need a lot more in the way of kata and kumite. These latter two can be aquired in Kanazawas other two titles, "Karate: The Complete Kata," and "Karate Fighting Techniques." Also, it's really important to see the techniques in motion, either live (preferable) and/or in video (try Youtube) to get an accurate idea of how the techniques work dynamically. Then it's important to take all the information you have acquired and to practice, practice, practice in a very conscientious way. A teacher can be very important to give objective feedback, but whether one has a teacher or not, there is no substitute for ones own careful attention to detail and diligent practice.

I wanted to note also, that although the title says that this book is an "intensive course," one must be careful not to progress through the material too quickly. In the real world most people need to be very patient with themselves, and should not rush their training; it very important to give oneself the amount of time one needs to build a strong foundation before one progresses further. Failure to do this will result in injury and poor quality technique.Thus, one should not take this book too literally as a do-it-yourself guide to black belt in a year. Keeping this in mind, I feel that this book can be very useful as an overview and an aid in ones overall effort to acquire mastery in Karate-do; that is, if one does not rely on it exclusively.

An excellent basic guide to Shotokan Karate.
It is important to note that the title can be a little misleading.This book is more for beginners and intermediate Shotokan Karate students.The lessons and photos are clear and easy to understand; however, one cannot learn true Shotokan Karate without actually training under an instructor.The real value of this excellent book is that if it is used in conjunction with hands-on training under a Shotokan Karate teacher, this volume will be of great value.There are six detailed chapters in this text.In conclusion, this is a book any Shotokan Karate student and/or teacher who wants to further understand the techniques and tactics of Shotokan Karate. Rating: 5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Martial Art Myths, Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques Manual, Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

Good basic guide for karate practicioners
For those entering the shotokan karate world, here is a basic, yet detailed and authoritative book for developing their karate in the right way. It explains everything, from appropriate state of mind, through breathing, and to the training of basic techniques and main combinations, in the form of comprehensive lesson-like chapters. It lacks one important point, though - the teaching of all Katas until Blackbelt; if not for this, the book would have got 5 stars. The Kumite forms are shown in another excellent book from Shihai H. Kanazawa, "The Complete Kumite."

Good, but not the same as a school
In east Asian martial arts circles it has long been known that some people have a "genius" for martial arts.People who can interpret and learn book information, and apply it well against untrained or poorly trained opponents.Thing is, against properly trained opponents it is also known, they were almost always defeated.In east Asia, martial arts manuals have historically been used to preserve knowledge, more than anything else.

It is not impossible to learn martial arts from a book; some people are intelligent, and some just have way too much time on their hands, so it isn't impossible.However, constantly using applications against flesh and blood human beings is the only way to sharpen skill.I took the time to eye this book at a book store not far from here, and as far as the basics are concerned this work is pretty complete.I have taken Karate before, and, there were training methods in this book some of which I had never even heard of.Then again I did Goju Ryu, not Shotokan.

Case in point though; it is not impossible, but since statistically speaking, and even by east Asian tradition, martial arts geniuses are only one in a million, it is better to learn from a school, or, to pick up a book title if you have already studied Karate before under formal instruction.Myself personally I study Katas as an "emergency" measure before I can find a school again.However, a word of warning, it would have been impossible for me to understand ANY of the Kata manual I own, if it hadn't been for the instruction I received prior to the fact, that is me owning the text.If you are one of those people whose school closed down, who has taken Karate before, and wants to continue by all means use manuals.If you have studied the art before then manuals are easy to understand; pugilism is not the same as grappling, in all things pugilistic, you can easily learn proper form from manuals if you train hard enough.

However for people who have never had a formal class, or even made it as far as yellow belt, this book is not for you.Myself I was about to test for green before the place I studied at closed.If you're like me, then by all means; get this primer.It is easily the most comprehensive work on basics made, the one problem being it lacks crucial movement arrows, hence the reason why you need instruction prior to owning this and hope you have a good memory.If you want a "complete" self taught training course you will need to purchase this book in conjunction with Sugiyama's work "25 Shotokan Kata," which I will say, is excellent.

However, sooner or later, you will have to sharpen your skills with a flesh and blood human being, and because Karate is not completely pugilistic in nature, you will need a well trained instructor to teach you the grappling techniques.The truth is the Shotokan style actually has almost as many grappling techniques as the likes of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, only, the emphasis is defense against strikes, tripping, locking, and almost all of it is "stand up."Indeed, skillful Karateka have, in the past, outgrappled Judoka and Catch Wrestlers; that is how comprehensive the stand up grappling training in Karate can be.However, genius or no, while I disagree if its with regards to the pugilistic nature of Karate, regarding the grappling moves I agree 100%; it is impossible, genius or no, to learn grappling from a book.And Karate, has quite an extensive library of throws, locks, trips and escapes.The Shotokan style, has some from Judo, some from Shaolin Chin Na, and some from indigenous wrestling forms of Okinawa.That much grappling, even if its only "stand up," you can not learn from a book.

However this title should be in the shelves of all instructors, students, or people whose schools closed on them.Good luck.

Nice Prestige Hardback Karate Text
Hirokazu Kanazawa's "Black Belt Karate" is a nice text, hardbound, with a strong binding.It really is a prestige format karate book.This is the type of book one purchases to read and add to their library. On this level, the book works well.Much like his "Karate Fighting Techniques" book, Kanazawa discusses certain ideas and concepts.He touches on how karate training fosters strong people who act mercifully, courageous, and who seek justice.He speaks briefly about certain techniques to give a karateka an edge in sparring or training or just in life in general.

The book really is a primer.In this case, it may seem over priced to someone just wanting to learn the basics.Basic striking points and targets are shown and briefly discussed.Stances, kicks, and punches taught as well as one-five sparring and kata. The photos are of a high quality and the layout of the book easy to read.

As a primer, however, there are cheaper alternatives and as a prestige martial arts primer there is a better version also.For a good paperback primer on karate, I suggest "Winning Karate" by Joe Jennings or the "Sabaki Method" by Ninomiya.The "Sabaki Method" is actually a great book for novice and advance practitioners.For a real nice prestige hardbound alternative or addition karate primer, "Karate: Technique and Spirit" by Nakamara.All in all, this is a nice addition to one's library, and if one is a Shotokan artist (I'm not), I imagine this is a must have.
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Customer Reviews (12)

A good read, with some great historical tales.
I picked this up one day because it was on sale.The book was a good primer on daily training, but to me the best part was the collection of stories at the end.There is one about how Master Funakoshi came to be the one chosen to promote karate to the Japanese and a really cool one about the graduation ceremony for a Shaolin Monestary (those guys were really tough) and several others that really help you appreciate the budo.I find myself rereading them about once a year.

The Karate Dojo: Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art
Very good book for any martial artist, beginneror master.Great stories, I really enjojed it!A very pleasent and easy read.

Every Martial Artist should own
As a black belt and teacher/student I constantly reference this book as a source of inspiration and knowledge as I continue on the warriors path. This is a must have book for anyone considering trying karate, wondering what the heck karate is, or at any level in their training. Participants of other martial arts would also benefit from reading and recognizing the shared characteristics and spirit among us.

"The Weaponless Weapon"
As a ShoDan assistant instructor of Shiho Karano Kenpo Karate, I strive to educate myself about the martial arts.I've found some good books on the subject, and I'm always on the lookout for more.Since "The Karate Dojo" has been in print since 1967, I figured it must provide valuable direction.It does, mainly by portraying a snapshot of martial arts history that challenges the budo practitioner to forsake mediocrity for mastery and character.

The book has three basic parts.First, the author provides a somewhat Karate-centric view of martial arts facets such as the dojo, belt ranking systems, and character self-analysis.In the second section are a number of martial arts parables that teach through historical narrative.Finally, Sensei Urban uses the last chapter to discuss the "contemporary" Karate scene (i.e. the mid-1960s).The overall theme is one of extreme discipline and perseverance within the martial arts, necessary to achieve a seemingly mystical level of physical, mental, moral, and spiritual ability.In other words, it takes hard work and commitment to become a "weaponless weapon."

"The Karate Dojo" is a quick read - I finished it in less than a day.There are a number of stylized line drawings and black-and-white photographs to complement the text.It's a portrait of an era in Karate that seems to be almost mythical - and mostly lost, at least in the West.The author fondly discusses harsh daily training under the strict discipline of a revered master in a dojo where everyone's practically family.I've tasted some of that, but nothing close to what Sensei Urban describes.And that's where I differed with the author.Yes, optimal mastery of any activity requires the type of commitment he advocates, and that's OK for some.But I believe it's possible to benefit from a consistent and disciplined practice of the martial arts without making an all-consuming religion out of it.

At any rate, despite some dated aspects and a monkish focus on martial arts that may be beyond what many would bear, "The Karate Dojo" contains worthwhile insights for the martial artist.If nothing else, its high standards may challenge one to take their current commitment and practice to a higher level.

Simple Book, Simple Stories, Simple Teaching - Nice
Peter Urban was a pioneer in American karate and helped not only spread the art of goju ryu, but the ripple effect helped the promotion of other martial arts as well in the 60s and 70s. While a little eccentric, Urban was true to the bushido roots, while adapting karate for an American population.

This book covers karate philosophy in its mid-twentieth century form and promotes the positive aspects of discipline and etiquette.The book deals with attitude and motivation of spirit.The second half of the book has "dojo stories" that help embody the essences of karate training.

This is just a nice and simple book worth the read.
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Product Description
Fully described and illustrated in this volume are the widely practiced Bassal and Kanku kata from the JFA recommended group. The student learns fast and slow techniques, the dynamics of strength, how to turn weakness into strength, changing directions, jumping and going to ground.

Here is a list of all volumes in this series:
Vol. 1: Comprehensive
Vol. 2: Fundamentals
Vol. 3: Kumite 1
Vol. 4: Kumite 2
Vol. 5: Heian, Tekki
Vol. 6: Bassai, Kanku
Vol. 7: Jutte, Hangetsu, Empi
Vol. 8: Gankaku, Jion
Vol. 9: Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho, Chinte
Vol.10: Unsu, Sochin, Nijushiho
Vol. 11: Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho, Meikyo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Simply the Best
The Best Karate Series are the definitive books for learning the art of Shotokan karate. They have been around for many years and still none have surpassed their excellence. They are very helpful for the beginner and the advanced student alike. I have read them all and have found that each book in the series is excellent. Although you can't learn a martial art from a book alone, these books are an excellent supplement to your training and are very helpful in learning the finer points of the art of Shotokan. Each book in this series sets the standard for books on Shotokan training. There are simply none better, at least none better that I have found, and I read a lot of martial arts books. I highly recommend these books for anyone who is interested in improving their karate or who is interested in Shotokan. They are simply the best! Highly recommended. 5 Stars.

Bohdi Sanders, Shotokan Blackbelt and author of Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior's Path

Excellent Addition To Training
Nakayama Sensei's series of books have been a great addition to my twenty years of training in Shotokan. There are so many kata's in Shotokan it's easy to forget a single step that will stop you cold. This series of books explains each kata in numbered steps, each step broken down by a series of pictures showing how they should be performed including where the kiai's are. At the end of the step by step instructions are a series of pictures showing the application of the kata moves.

Nakayama founded the Japan Karate Association along with Gichin Funakoshi and was the head of JKA until his death in 1987.

It is extremely important to note that you cannot learn karate from a book. There are so many aspects to correct karate training you can easily develop bad habits. A qualified instructor can help you overcome those mistakes. But you will find the best instructors have a set of these books as well.

Learning Bassai
This kata is very demanding.This book lays out the kata very thoroughly (much more so than in Best Karate, Vol.5).It also gives you a front and side view which are essential to practicing at home.

Karate Ressurrection
Sensei Nakayama's book is excellent. Its advantages are that the techniques are explained in full detail and they are all performed by top JKA instructors.

While its a great book during Nakayama's time (and probably till the late 80's), its my humble opinion that this book is a little outdated. Many JKA masters today have improvished on some of the techniques so perhaps its more advisable to get a more up to date version by either Sensei Kanazawa or Sensei Enoeda.

Having said all these, its nevertheless a book which has no equal in the world of Shotokan.

Best Karate is the Best
Best Karate Series books are excellent and this one is no exception. The transistion from technique to technique is excellent. Most other books just show the end result of each "move", Best Karate shows YOU how toget there. I also liked the Bunkai (application) section for each kata. ... Read more

Product Description
The three kata in this volume are on the Japan Karate Association recommended list and are notable for the sticklike use of the arms--Jitte, the circular movements of hands and feet coordinated with breathing--Hangetsu, and easy, agile movements, combined into continuous techniques--Empi.

Here is a list of all volumes in this series:
Vol. 1: Comprehensive
Vol. 2: Fundamentals
Vol. 3: Kumite 1
Vol. 4: Kumite 2
Vol. 5: Heian, Tekki
Vol. 6: Bassai, Kanku
Vol. 7: Jutte, Hangetsu, Empi
Vol. 8: Gankaku, Jion
Vol. 9: Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho, Chinte
Vol.10: Unsu, Sochin, Nijushiho
Vol. 11: Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho, Meikyo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Series of Books!
The Best Karate Series are the definitive books for learning the art of Shotokan karate. They have been around for many years and still none have surpassed their excellence. They are very helpful for the beginner and the advanced student alike. I have read them all and have found that each book in the series is excellent. Although you can't learn a martial art from a book alone, these books are an excellent supplement to your training and are very helpful in learning the finer points of the art of Shotokan. Each book in this series sets the standard for books on Shotokan training. There are simply none better, at least none better that I have found, and I read a lot of martial arts books. I highly recommend these books for anyone who is interested in improving their karate or who is interested in Shotokan. They are simply the best! Highly recommended. 5 Stars.

Bohdi Sanders, Shotokan Blackbelt and author of Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior's Path

Excellent Addition To Training
Nakayama Sensei's series of books have been a great addition to my twenty years of training in Shotokan. There are so many kata's in Shotokan it's easy to forget a single step that will stop you cold. This series of books explains each kata in numbered steps, each step broken down by a series of pictures showing how they should be performed including where the kiai's are. At the end of the step by step instructions are a series of pictures showing the application of the kata moves.

Nakayama founded the Japan Karate Association along with Gichin Funakoshi and was the head of JKA until his death in 1987.

It is extremely important to note that you cannot learn karate from a book. There are so many aspects to correct karate training you can easily develop bad habits. A qualified instructor can help you overcome those mistakes. But you will find the best instructors have a set of these books as well.

Beat shotokan resource materials
If you are a shotokan karateka the best karate series is one of the best resource materials around. Buy it today!!!

Required Reading for Shotokan Karate Students
You need this book and all the books in this series if you are a Shotokan Karate student.

Shotokan Karate is one of the most practiced styles of karate in the world, and this series of books by Sensei Nakayama will give you a fairly complete introduction to the style.

These books were designed and distributed before we had dvds, and they were designed to provide a reference of correct technique in a world without enough qualified Shotokan Instructors.

This volume provides the sequence and execution of three katas in the correct form as taught by Sensei Nakayama before his untimely passing.The kata shown in this volume are jitte, hangetsu, and empi. This book will not teach you to how to perform these katas correctly; for that you need a qualified instructor. However, these volumes are an unmatched reference for Shotokan Karate students. This and all the other books in the series provide the best reference yet for the entire syllabus of Shotokan Karate.

If there is a downside to this volume, it's that the book is light on bunkai, or the application of the kata. And the applications that are shown are fairly superficial. On the other hand, the primary goal of this series was to provide a reference that Shotokan students all over the world could address as to sequence and form.

The Entire Series, Not Just This Book, Is A Fantastic Resource For Shotokan Karate Kata
NOTE: This review, along with the other reviews of the books devoted to katas in this series, are identical in nature as the subject matter for each book only differs in the actual kata or katas being demonstrated. The layout and format are identical and that is what these reviews are based upon.

This book, along with the rest of the books in the series, is an outstanding source of information on the correct execution of the Shotokan Karate katas in which this particular volume demonstrates. Now if you don't know anything about karate and purchase this book, it will do you about as much good as a screen door in a submarine. However, if you are already a practicing Shotokan Karate student, then this book is a must have for your continued advancement in the martial arts.

Every book in this series that deal with the various katas, utilizes the same format throughout each book in order to show you the correct execution of each kata demonstrated. Admittedly there aren't a whole lot of words describing the various moves in the katas, but there are an abundance of photographs taken from various angles that pretty much show you exactly how your body should be positioned not only for each individual move, but also how your body should be positioned as you move from one position to another.

At the end of each book is a special section devoted to particular points of interest in each kata that you should pay particular attention to. A nice addition to this already wonderful book.

If you are a student of Shotokan Karate, or a student of another style that utilizes the same katas, I would highly recommend that you purchase these books in order to advance your knowledge of whatever particular kata or katas that you are currently working on. You won't be disappointed!

Shawn Kovacich
Martial artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series. ... Read more

Product Description
All-Japan Karate Champion Demura demonstrates the movements and fightingapplications of the nunchaku. This book features gripping stances, blocking, striking, footwork, nunchaku and karate similarities, and more than 20 defenses against other weapons. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Review of DVD, not of book...
Note that Amazon has accidentally loaded this DVD product with reviews of Demura's nunchaku book.Apples and Oranges.

I participated in a series of kobudo seminars in which Fumio Demura taught his Kobudo Kihon Kata. Readers will need a little context to understand what is going on here in the DVD series.

Master Demura decided that kobudo was not being taught intelligently, with too much emphasis on learning just one weapon and only two or three kata for the black belt. He also thought the Okinawan kobudo kata were too long for the common purposes of testing and competition. He said he can judge your performance in the first five seconds, so why wait three minutes for a 200-step kata to finish?

For these reasons he created six "Kihon Kata" for kobudo. They are beginner kata, exactly like the Heians (Pinans). The six kata cover the basic moves of bo, tonfa, nunchaku, sai, kama and ekubo. Each kata is about 20 moves long. Short and sweet. Perfect for beginners; perfect for contests and testing.

Add these katas to your Shotokan curriculum, one per kyu rank parallel to the Heians. Your students will be greatly enriched.

It is a pity that Demura marketed the Kihon Kata as six separate videos. Their special utility cannot be appreciated until you see the entire curriculum. The set of six kata is a milestone in kobudo teaching, but presented one-by-one the kata naturally disappoint kobudo experts. This is a set for beginners, and for people who teach beginners. In that light, these six kata are absolutely outstanding.

Only the most basic of techniques
I have yet to find a decent book on nunchaku and this book is no exception. It covers only the most basic of techniques and that is my main issue with this book. What it covers is covered very well with good explanations and clear pictures but nowhere does this book indicate that it is only an introductory text to nunchaku. There is a follow-up to this book called advanced nunchaku which I haven't read but I believe that this is also fairly basic. I believe that this is a hole in martial arts texts that is waiting to be filled as people have always held an interest in the nunchaku due to their flashy nature - the problem is most people aren't particularly good at using them and they are dismissed as being a weapon for show with little practical application.

I've given this book 3 stars because it is the best book of its type out there that I have seen on nunchaku. Ultimately though it suffers from the same issue that all books on nunchaku suffer from - it is far from complete. As such it can only be recommended to the absolute beginner - someone who has never picked up a nunchaku before.

Good BASIC Kobudo book
Fumio Demura's basic books on Kobudo (I have Nunchaku, Bo, Sai, Tonfa) are good. They include some historical data, basic stances and grips, as well as useful drills to train grips, blocks and thrusts. This book on basic Nunchaku, however, does not present a Kata with the weapon, as the Bo book does. Some more on Japanese nomenclature would have been great, also. Still, I recommend it for beginners.

great introduction to an endless art
The pictures could not be easier to follow, the clarificatons and applications of each strike, swing, block or movement are nicely explained and demonstrated. Also the self defence application section is a great way to remain motivated. A beginners' form would be sweet to have. But its a great buy. And yes, I think you must have some martial art experience before you pick up this book.

Hmmm...
this is a biased review... that's why I gave it 3 stars (average)... I'm not really interested in karate anymore and when I was, I didn't learn anything from reading this book.Unless you practice karate or a martial art requiring the use of Nunchaku, you're probably not going to learn anything from this book that you couldn't pick up from watching your favorite Bruce Lee movie... ... Read more

Product Description
No other classic work has had as dramatic an impact on the shaping and development of karate as The Bubishi. Treasured for centuries by karate?s top masters, studied, applied, and plagarized, The Bubishi is a classic Chinese work on philosophy, strategy, medicine, and technique as they relate to the martial arts. Referred to as 'the bible of karate' by the famous master Miyagi Chojun, for hundreds of years The Bubishi was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. Now made available to the world in paperback, incorporate its eternal insights into your martial arts training. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

The Bible of Karate- Bubishi
Great work by an experience Martial Artist, to avail secrets to one and all practitioners.Great work.

Good read with interesting theories
This is a great read for any martial artist, that provides many great theories in martial science. My advice for any beginner martial artist who may be reading this, please remember that many of the theories and ideas written in the book have under gone possible loss of meaning through translation; as well as the fact they were written in a less scientifically developed time. The ideas and expressions held there in should be sifted through and practiced with logic and extreme caution. Remember there is no hard scientific proof for the so called "Pressure point" theories. Also before trying any of the herbal remedies please consult a licensed herbalist. Altogether this book was very interesting and well written. I recommend it to any martial artist who wishes to expand their horizons.

Bubishi : Karate's History Revealed
Patrick McCarthy provides a valuable service to the martial arts community, in particular those who study the fighting arts of Okinawa.Sensei McCarthy does a phenomonal job in relating the history of the Bubishi to a Western audience as the details of the "Bible of Karate" are outlined to the reader.While a bit sketchy in places, the overall depth of the book is well worth the reader's time.For avid martial arts students, this book is a valuable historical look at the foundations of karate and is highly recommmended.

Sensei John Terry
2nd Dan - Shorin Ryu Karate
River Valley Martial Arts
Russellville AR

Karate Bubishi - a rare gemstone!
A MASTERPIECE!!!..Really.....this book is an extremely rare work!....Could not believe that i just happened to stumble upon it....I had not heard about it nor seen it before. And i'm glad i found it....or rather was found by it!
It is deep......really deep and just perfect. I recommend it to anyone who's ever wanted to go beyond the 'surface' of martial arts study and research.
This will truly be one of my best readings...and no I'll NOT be lending it out....even for a minute.....BUY yours :-)

The title is exactly what it is.
This is a great book.Everytime I look at it I learn something new.The best part of the book, the more you now, the more you'll get out of it. ... Read more

Product Description
For a decade, Advanced Karate-Do has been an indispensable technical resource book known for clearly and concisely analyzing, in detail, the advanced concepts of Shotokan-style karate.Now, this completely revised and expanded edition includes a brand-new chapter on sparring techniques, and more than 130 photos to further illustrate Dr. Schmeisser's unique training methods. The "in-breath" forms of all 26 Shotokan kata are included, as well as a huge Japanese-English glossary of karate terms, rank test requirements, dojo ettiquette, and much more... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Excellent and different
This is a interesting read not only for karateka, but for people interested in Japanese arts.

It's different because the author manages to raise the concepts to a level where he also can discuss them in relation to other arts, and modern science. And that without becoming too speculative. It's also different in the sense that I find that despite the book being about shotokan, I believe he sometimes end up saying the same things that those who critique traditional arts tend to say. (!) Or to put it in another way, he closes the distance between the traditional and the modern.

The book also have several appendix that are especially useful for reference for shotokan students and instructors, such as a pretty good glossary, class outlines, and kata run through.

Highly recommended!!

A concise, excellent manual.
There's a lot of good advice for refining stances, power generation, and teaching tips.The book is worth it alone for the sections about breathing.A cheap little paperback everyone should buy a copy of when they reach black belt.It will really help your ability to teach and give you an insightful revamped look at some of your basics.

Coming Back in to Print
This book is coming back in to print from Damashi press, with revisions included.Don't waste your money on the outrageous prices being posted for used copies.Wait a few months or sooner, and you'll get a brand new copy at a fraction of what the used sellers are posting it for.

[...]? You've got to be kidding!
Sure, this is a fine book for advanced karate students and instructors, but with 2 copies available on Amazon.com at [...], well, for that price it should come in a solid gold binding with the author personally available for individual consultation. As it is, it looks like it was printed in someone's garage. Besides, if that folk hero to the weak of mind, Rob Redmond likes it, I hate it. I can't think of a worse person to endorse anything!

This Is Not An Introductory / Novice Text
As the title clearly state this book is intended for advanced students and instructors. The text in this book is technical and intended for people whom already posses a moderate to high level of knowledge in karate-do.I had to read most sections of the text 2-3 times before I was able to fully understand what was being conveyed. I believe this would be typical for the average reader, due to the nature of the material. Rob Redmond summarized the book far better than I can when he wrote on his web site: "Schmeisser's work is not for beginners. Novices to Shotokan will find the concepts in the book difficult to understand and will be overwhelmed with information that they are not capable of multitasking while moving around a dojo. But for the advanced student, this book is a godsend. It is the essential text for the advanced student."R.Redman -Shotokan Planet, Oct. 2000- ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a well-known figure in the Martial Artsl arts community noted for his outspokenness, this book is an engaging and rich text, certain to provoke and please.Okinawan Karate, long sought after by connoisseurs of Okinawan Martial Artsl arts, is the definitive survey and examination of traditional Martial Artsl arts of the island.With detailed lineage charts of most of the major Okinawan Martial Artsl arts systems, sequential photographs displaying the distinctive techniques of his subjects, solid reportage, and frank quotes from his interview subjects, Okinawan Karate is a complete and encyclopedic source of information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Unfortunate flaws
This book has great potential to be a serious exploration of the history and traditions of Okinawan karate. Unfortunately (as had been repeatedly mentioned by others) this pompous author is unable to resist tainting the book with personal bias and baseless conjecture.

The authors' research method seems to have included showing-up un-announced, and without recommendation, at various dojo and asking probing questions about the background of the school and its instructors. This suggests an acute lack of sensitivity toward Okinawan/Japanese culture and manners.

When this faux-pas resulted in a cool reception or otherwise reticient attitude on the part of his subjects, these people were presented in a negative light by the author.It seems that nothing short of immediate and full access to family and dojo genealogies, a demonstration of technique and an invitation to dinner were necessary to earn a favourable review!

Bias - Shorin Ryu Marketing
Although we have to admit that Mr. Bishop put a lot of research on the history of the Birthplace and Development of Karate, there is too much of his opinions imprinted on the writing style... all in favor of the several branches of Shorin Ryu and at a certain point minimizing the importance of the other Okinawan Karate Koryu... Further more on his excerpt titled Goju and Health, Mr. Bishop presents an irresponsible and highly biased personal opinion disguised as a "medical proven fact" of the alleged health effects caused by Sanchin Kata (Three Battles Form). Reality has it that Mr. Bishop is not a health licensed professional and according to my research there has never been a scientific study performed or any type of medical lead investigation that supports his misguided and fantastic allegations about the Danger of the Practices included in Goju Ryu Karate Do... He goes to the length to even propose that Goju Teachers die at an early age, this cannot be further from the truth, e.g., Yagi Meitoku Dai Sensei founder of Meibukan Goju Ryu and Successor of Miyagi Chujun O'Sensei founder of Goju Ryu Karate Do, died at age 91, and reportedly, practiced Sanchin Kata until the dawn of his days (1912-2003)... The book relays interesting information to include apparent gossips of the Okinawan Karate Koryu, and excellent tables of lineage... Certainly NOT a technical book and NOT for beginners. Otherwise recomended as a good source of record of Okinawan Karate Teacher-Student Lineage and Geneolocial Tree... Juan Javier Adames / USA - Philippines

Unfortunately does not show Kanji / Chinese characters
Okinawan Karate, and its history tends to be contradictory, or ambiguous depending on who does the telling, and how long the "telephone game" was.Bishop's english language book adds to that history as he saw it.What's missing are Kanji / Chinese characters for the various people, locations, and styles.Kanji have multiple pronuciations (i.e. Japanese is a language full of homonyms).Since this book is in part intended to perserve Okinawan history it would be considerably more useful to have the correct words.

Excellent Historical Reference
For those who study the Okinawan martial arts, this is an excellent historical review of the origins of these arts.While a bit "dry" in places for those who might not understand the historical significance of many of the founders, Mark Bishop does a great job in preserving the heritage of the Okinawan arts, and shares insights into the lives of its origniators.Many of these founders are overlooked in other publications, this is a "must-read" for those who want to know the true history of the Okinawan martial arts.

Very good book
In this book, Bishop tries to show all the branches in Okinawan Karate-do. It details the well known stiles, interviews with the responsible masters and so on. It also includes valuable information on some rare styles. But if you are looking for the "secret techniques" they are not here, of course (try training with your Master for 20 years ;-) ).Very good and recommendable book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

THE REAL DEAL
Back in the early 1970s when kung fu-mania was exploding and every layman on the street was naming Bruce Lee as the greatest martial artist who ever lived I would always ask them how they would rank Mas Oyama.And as laymen they had no idea about who I was talking about as that Oyama was not a movie star, though in later years there would be more than a few movies made about his life.Mas Oyama is an icon in the world of martial arts.The founder of kyokushin-kan karate Oyama was known for his super-human feats of strength and endurance such as his 100-man kumite and his unarmed battles against bulls.Kyokushinkai karate is known as the "fighting karate" and it's founder practiced what he preached.Mas Oyama's Essential Karate teaches the very basics of kyokushinkai demonstrating katas,setting-up excercises,self-defense and breaking techniques and is lavishly illustrated with photographs.I wish the book would have featured a mini-biography of Oyama himself,but it's still a great guide for a beginner to start off with.

This book overviews Kyokushin basics very well.
I do not think anyone could go wrong with this book. Also, for those whohave not noticed. The new work out titled "Mas Oyama's Complete KarateCourse" is in fact THIS book with a new title. Enjoy. It's worth everypenny!

A definative explanation of KyokushinKia-Kan Karate
Mas Oyama's book "The Essential Karate" is perhaps the easiest source for a beginning martial artist to use to gain knowledge about this interesting artform. KyokushinKai-Kan Karate, also known as the assocaition for the search in ultimate truth in Karate, was founded in the early 1950's.Matsutatsu Oyama, the founder, created a Karate style that is derived from Shotokan and Goju-Ryu.In doing so he started one of the most powerful and most widely respected martial forms.Kyokushin is extremely popular with over ten million practitioners in the world today. This book will enable the beginner and the expert to unravel Master Oyama's thoughts on how this art should be performed. It will explain in detail and with photos all of the basic manuevers.Each page is well illustrated with reasons why each attack or defense is done.Also included are basic self defenses and a history of martial arts. Due to both of Master Oyama's other book being out of print this manuel is a indespensable tool for any martial artist. Further more it is clearly the best available and affordable tool for the adherent to this style.I cannot recommend this book highly enough.It will put the extra umph into each punch and kick that you do. ... Read more

Product Description
A Goju Ryu Guidebook: The Kogen Kan Manual for Karate gives the reader a tool to navigate the history, exercises, equipment, techniques, kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karatedo. The purpose of this guidebook is to serve as a training aid in furthering the development of karate students and instructors from the Kogen Kan specifically and all karate students generally; however, if it helps only one person, then I will consider it a success.

Please keep in mind that much of this information is in notation form and may only make sense with proper instruction. This guidebook is only a tool to help in the retention of instruction and is not a substitute for it. Also, please keep in mind, that although others have assisted with this guidebook, all errors are my own. This guidebook is formatted in such a way as to be the beginnings of a filing and retrieval system. As each student collects more information, they can organize it by adding it to the "notes" area of the respective sections. It is hoped that all students will research, collect and share material about karate. It is this type of systematic approach that brings science to the art.

It is also written so that a lesson plan can be developed quickly by choosing one or more activities from several sections. If more details are needed while teaching, they can quickly referenced in the rest of the manual. Each chapter is given a table of contents to further hasten referencing. It has a spiral coil binding so it will lay flat for easy viewing during training. Large font also helps in referencing the information from a distance.

Much of this guidebook is written in Japanese. This is done for two reasons: first, it is important to learn Japanese, as it will help standardize everyone's martial arts training; and secondly, this will help keep this information in the purview of the serious. It is a barrier, which will hopefully weed out some who may not use the martial arts for purposes which they were intended, namely the protection of self and others.

Thank you for reading this guidebook.

Michael P. Cogan, MSE ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

karate histoty
This book should be required reading for every martial arts student of all styles.
It's concise ,accurate (with plenty of names and dates)and even proper kanji to show the reader what certain words look like in Chinese.
An excellant referance when a point of history is in contention !

A really good treatment of a complex history
This book does an excellent overview job on the "big picture" of the growth and development of Karate, including how it has spread in the United States. Some of the statements about other martial arts reflect some small bias on the part of the author, but that is minor and understandable.The book serves to answer most basic questions a reader might have, like "Who first taught this-or-that", or "Where was the first school?" and things like that.I don't mean to imply that this book is basic, or superficial.The history is complete and detailed, and covers a large time period.Any dojo owner or teacher out there needs to read this book to intelligently answer questions raised by students and lay people.

Martial Arts content and education has changed so much over the last, say, fifteen years that this book serves as the model for other studies that need to be made.The book is readable without sacrificing accuracy or clarity, complete, coherent (i.e., it keeps its focus consistently), and logically arranged.Anyone that wants to publish work that amplifies or follows up this work would do well to study its composition.Thank goodness this history was compiled when it was, before so much could be lost or forgotten.

A believable source for MA history
Martial Arts history is so intertwined with myth and legend, that its hard to separate true historical facts. This book does a good job of pointing out when parts of the traditional history are likely to be just fictional, yet also pays respect to a very eastern perspective; sometimes myth represents better the essence of the idea than a myriad of facts, which are by nature, disjoint and subjective.

A Clasic Text
A Clasic Text treasured by Martial Artist for over twenty years, Karate's History & Traditions was long recognized as the most authoritative source on martial arts history and technique. Now Bruce Haines, historianand martial artist, has updated this rich source to reflect changes thathave taken place in the last two decades. ... Read more

Product Description
In kumite (sparring) basic techniques are sharpened and body movement and distancing acquired through practical application. This volume explains the types and meaning of kumite and the relation between jiyu kumite and basic training in fundamentals.

Demonstrated by instructors of the Japan Karate Association. As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.

Here is a list of all volumes in this series:
Vol. 1: Comprehensive
Vol. 2: Fundamentals
Vol. 3: Kumite 1
Vol. 4: Kumite 2
Vol. 5: Heian, Tekki
Vol. 6: Bassai, Kanku
Vol. 7: Jutte, Hangetsu, Empi
Vol. 8: Gankaku, Jion
Vol. 9: Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho, Chinte
Vol.10: Unsu, Sochin, Nijushiho
Vol. 11: Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho, Meikyo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Simply the Best
The Best Karate Series are the definitive books for learning the art of Shotokan karate. They have been around for many years and still none have surpassed their excellence. They are very helpful for the beginner and the advanced student alike. I have read them all and have found that each book in the series is excellent. Although you can't learn a martial art from a book alone, these books are an excellent supplement to your training and are very helpful in learning the finer points of the art of Shotokan. Each book in this series sets the standard for books on Shotokan training. There are simply none better, at least none better that I have found, and I read a lot of martial arts books. I highly recommend these books for anyone who is interested in improving their karate or who is interested in Shotokan. They are simply the best! Highly recommended. 5 Stars.

Bohdi Sanders, Shotokan Blackbelt and author of Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior's Path

A fantastic guide to Shotokan Karate Kumite techniques.
This fantastic book was written by the late Nakayama, Sensei, who was the Chief Instructor for the Japan Karate Association.As with all his "Best Karate" series, this volume is comprehensive and detailed.The focus of this text is sparring techniques (Kumite).The author explains the progression of learning karate sparring.Beginning with five step sparring, moving to three step sparring, and than to one step sparring.There is also semi-free sparring and the ultimate level being free sparring.All serious students of Shotokan Karate should have this book in their personal library.Rating:5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Karate Self-Defense Techniques, Multiple Striking techniques of Karate, Tanto Jutsu, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, Police Yawara Stick Techniques).

This is simply a necessary addition to your Shotokan Karate library
You need this book and all the books in this series if you are a Shotokan Karate student.

Shotokan Karate is one of the most practiced styles of karate in the world, and this series of books by Sensei Nakayama will give you a fairly complete introduction to the style.

These books were designed and distributed before we had dvds, and they were designed to provide a reference of correct technique in a world without enough qualified Shotokan Instructors.

This volume provides an overview of many Shotokan sparring techniques, although it won't make you a figher or a Shotokan student. For that, you need a qualified teacher.

On the other hand, this and all the other books in the series provide the best reference yet for the entire syllabus of Shotokan Karate. ... Read more

Product Description
Gichin Funakoshi is a legendary figure and the founder of Shotokan karate, the most popular style of Japanese karate, with millions of practitioners worldwide. In The Essence of Karate, Funakoshi creates, in his own words, a narrative of modern karate. He explains the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings and includes memories of his own training, as well as recollections of other karate masters and the history of the martial art.He also discusses the importance of winning without fighting, and the reason why many great martial artists improve with age.

The preface has been contributed by Hirokazu Kanazawa, President of the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (and Funakoshi's disciple). He fondly writes of his memories of Gichin Funakoshi during his youth and what he learned from the master. In the afterword, the founder's great-nephew, Gisho Funakoshi, shares previously unknown personal anecdotes about his "Uncle Funakoshi." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Useful little book
This is another useful little book on Funakoshi's ideas and we should be greatful to the translators and publishers for keeping the price low.Too much of the translated martial arts literature is far too expensive.But I wish those with an interest in translating early pieces on karate would focus on others besides Funakoshi, such as Mabuni, Nakasone Genwa, Motobu and others.There is still much to be done, and what is available is often ridiculously expensive.

A Little Gem
This book has, quite naughtily, been promoted as previously unpublished works by some retailers, which it certainly is not. Nevertheless, the Karate enthusiast, historians and geeks should glean a lot of joy and some new snippets of knowledge and insight from the Master of Karate and the man Shotokan was named after, Gichin Funakoshi. Many of the stories have been produced before in works by Funakoshi and others, yet there is something so engrossing and comforting about this gentle man's life that make his words, repetetive or not, completely tireless.

Fundamentally, a small collection of memories, short anecdotes and words of wisdom from the great man; this book is quite the little gem. I read it in little under an hour, so don't buy it as holiday read unless you intend to study it carefully, then take a note book with you aswell and you'll stretch it to a day two.

There are, as always with Funakoshi's works, glimpses and clues as to the true nature of Karate-do, in particular for me the line, and excuse me as I'm paraphrasing here, "the true nature of Karate can never be reproduced in the sporting arena" is particularly telling. With these few words Funakoshi is clearly informing us that the true nature of Karate as the most effective self-protection system ever devised, is so brutal and dangerous that it's techniques, used as they were intended could never be re-produced as a sport. Funakoshi then reveals what most pragmatic karateka already knew but many others choose to deny, that "kata is the essence of karate" for within each kata are held complete fighting systems waiting to be unlocked and revealed.

The Essence of Karate give us wonderful insights into Funakoshi himself but also much more than I've ever read before about his great masters, Itosu and Azato, their similarities and differences and the effect of their fighting styles upon unfortunate opponents.

The forward by Sensei Kanazawa is quite interesting in itself but the afterword by Gisho Funakoshi, his nephew is filled with warmth, respect and awe for an uncle he briefly knew but left an ever lasting impression.

The Essence of Karate by Gichin Funakoshi is an absolute must for any Karate enthusiast. ... Read more

Product Description
KARATE CLASS SHOULD ALWAYS BE THIS EXCITING!

Karate class begins and students come together to practice their blocks and stances––from crescent kicks to front kicks to tuck roll stands.Dynamic black-and-white artwork of children bowing, kicking and sailing through the air contrasts with their brilliantly colored karate belts in this rhythmic read-aloud that explores the action and philosophy of karate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Karate comes to life with lively text and stunning artwork
Karate Hour's powerful, rhythmic text captures the flow of karate, while the stunning illustrations make you feel like you're right there.My preschooler likes to follow along with the movements, even though he's not studying karate yet. This is one book you'll want to read again and again.

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

Amazing Illustrations
The illustrations in this book are incredible. They come at you from unusual and creative angles. They are so detailed and realistic you would almost swear they were photographs. They are primarily black, brown and white, with the only splashes of color coming from the karate student's belts. It surprising the illustrator did not win the Caldecott Medal for this book. Hopefully he'll do another book soon and get the deserved recognition.
The author does a nice job introducing the reader to the basic history and beliefs of karate in the note at the end of the book but her poetry in the main section is content free and requires some rather strained routes to close out her rhymes.
This book would be a great gift for any child under 10 just getting introduced to karate.

Wonderful Verse and Illustrations
Karate Hour is a beautifully done book. It is done in verse, very cleverly, as the book goes through the karate class. The illustrations are breathtaking and look like photographs.. Although Karate Hour is in many respects, non fiction, it is also a work of art, where poetry and visual arts combine. Very well done. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Presentation of Goju Ryu Karate
This is an excellent addition to any martial arts library. Not only is it the best presentation of Meibukan Goju Ryu in print but it is also one of the best books on Okinawan Goju Ryu in existence.

The organization of material is presented very clearly and in the order of a curriculum. Starting with history, basics and then more advanced training and concepts. In this way the anatomy of the style is presented to the reader progressively. What sets it above the rest of books in the same genre is its attention to detail and the fact that Mr. Opdam is an avid reader of current research on the martial arts. Therefore, there is a good balance between the traditional history and more scientific views.

To note particularly is his discussion of body mechanics and Qi comparing modern western physiological concepts with traditional ones. A discussion of Qi in a book on Karate is not often seen and is an important contribution. His exposition of the Kata Sanchin is also one of the most complete seen in the space he had.

On a historical note Mr. Opdam is a student of Anthony Mirakian who learnt from Meitoku Yagi in the 50s while stationed in Okinawa, and so it is interesting to see how this curriculum differs from the one currently developed in the Meibukan.In this way it is also a kind of snap shot of the Karate of that time.

I highly recommend it to any serious student of the martial arts and the Goju Ryu style in particular. A solid traditional martial arts book like this one is a welcomed addition in a publication world obsessed with violence and the next martial arts fad and gimmick. For this credit must also be given to the publishers.
... Read more

Product Description
Scooby-Doo is on the trail of another spooky suspectŠ and this could be one of the gang¹s toughest cases yet! Do Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, and Daphne have the skills to defeat a full-fledged ninja warrior? ... Read more

Product Description

The most important book in karate history from the greatest martial artist: The World Champion Judah Friedlander.

Customer Reviews (9)

Makes all other books irrelevent regardless of genre
Perhaps you think you could stand a chance in the Octagon. Maybe you think you could take out everyone in a biker bar given the right situation. Or perchance you'd like to go toe-to-toe with a drunk midget wrestler. Well, after you read this book there is no more "maybe." The fact of the matter is that after you read all 208 action-packed pages, you will be able to UTTERLY ANNIHILATE ANY OPPONENT regardless of size or strength.

I am a serious student of the martial arts. I have studied a variety of deadly fighting styles on two continents. But after reading this book I realized my skills were akin to those of a drooling toddler attempting Tai Chi. Fortunately, Judah's instructions make everything crystal clear when it comes to using the magnificent gift that is the human body to maim and destroy people you don't like.

Five out of five stars. Martial Arts has a new name, and its initials are Judah Friedlander.

BALLS TO THE WALL!
This book is EPIC. I laughed my way into preparation for any battle that may come my way. Lol. Such a great book!

The FUNNIEST Book you will read
What can I say.GET IT!You will laugh on EVERY page, or every half page, or every sentence.
A whole new dimension for the World Champion: text, photos, art drawings, and seemingly empty but actually fully loaded pages.
Not just really funny but spiritually uplifting and a guide for living.
GET IT AND ENJOY!

Judah's High School Friends Review
The Most Entertaining Book Ever!! I am Not an Avid reader, but I read this book front to back and to front 3 times tonight at the Bar and EVERYONE got a Big Kick out of it!!
It is a big hit with all of Judahs Fans here in his home town of Gaithersburg/Montgomery Village, MD

A Choice Find!
If there ever was a book on How to Beat Up Anybody...THIS is that book! Wonderfully insightful, masterfully written, and most importantly, insightfully written by a master. Judah takes the art of hand-to-hand combat to an entirely new level. There's hand-to-foot, hand-to-face, rear-to-face, and many more combinations than I could have imagined. With new foes you wouldn't even think to suspect, I've not only heightened my awareness, but am now keenly sensitive AND suspicious of those creepy individuals whom I NEVER thought would attack me in the past. But now I'm prepared. This book is a hilarious pictorial showing even the most skilled attacker that I'm about to learn to kick some butt...World Champion style! And if you thought you'd seen every flipbook there was...there's one more. ... Read more