This is our pick of the mont selection. These titles are excellent study books for all students of karate-do

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Product Description

The Kata are the backbone of Karate. Continually practising them allows the whole spectrum of possibilities contained in Karate to be revealed. The Kata consist of a fascinating multitude of techniques, which permit defence in close contact as well as at medium and long distance with your partner. Situations where the Kata can be applied are comprehensively explained in this book. Additionally, the special features of any Karate style are expressed through the Kata. The Kata contained in this book have their roots in the Shotokan Karate style. The book aims to assist in understanding them better, to get to know the situations when they can be applied, and how to improve them in the daily training routine as well as in grading tests and competitions. 17 Kata are presented in detail using the Bunkai method: Heian 1 to Heian 5, Tekki 1 - the basic Kata up to the brown belt; Tekki 2 and Tekki 3; Bassai-dai, Empi, Jion, Hangetsu and Kanku-dai -the first of the master Kata; and Bassai-sho and Nijushiho, Gojushiho, Gojushiho-dai - the advanced master Kata.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #402515 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
Joachim Grupp was born in Stuttgart in 1959 and has been practising Karate since 1976. He holds a 4th Dan in Shotokan Karate and he is the leader of a Karate Club in Berlin. His book "Shotokan Karate - Kihon-Kumite-Kata" has already been published successfully by Meyer & Meyer Sport.

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Customer Reviews

Shotokan Karate Kata - Joachim Grupp
This is good reference book for those learning Shotokan Karate. The brief historical section at the front of the book provides a condensed version for those who have only a passing ineterest in the origins of the art they are studying, however, there are plenty of references for those who want to know more.

The pictures and descriptions of the various Kata are good, but only as a reference since the interim information of how the practitioner is to get from one position to the next is not given. There is, as the author states, no way of replacing the practise of Kata in the dojo. This book will however get the beginner started with the basic moves and their orientation.

On the whole, a good book to have on the shelf for both the beginner and the more experienced Karate Ka.

Excellent Work
The quality of the book and karate is extremely high - a must for all serious karateka!

29 03 2009
This book is a great kata reference tool for any student of Shotokan Karate. The descriptions of the kata movements, and the pictures are clear and easy to use.
This is by no means a substitute for learning from an instructor, but serves as a guide for those moments when training alone and your memory goes blank or you are having trouble remembering a kata.
Volume 2 is the perfect companion to this book, and provides a reference for all of your Shotokan kata.