Product Description

Many of the kata performed today in Shotokan Karate were created centuries ago by the pioneering karate masters as a means of practising and remembering the myriad of basic techniques that made up their style. The kata are of vital significance as they provide a vehicle for understanding and developing skill in performing these techniques.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #233835 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

About the Author
Ashley Croft is a fifth dan in Shotokan Karate and fourth dan in Ao Denkou Jitsu. He has trained with some of the top instructors in the world and has studied in China under the instruction of a Master from the renowned Shaolin Temple. Ashley has taught karate for over eighteen years and has successfully instructed many students, from beginners to those at black-belt level. He is currently the chief instructor of the Chiltern Karate Assocation. Resident - Bedfordshire

Customer Reviews

A first grade guide to what to do and not to do!
Whatever the reason you are studying karate this book will help you to get it right. There is an excellent explanation of where each party of the body should or perhaps more important should not be, with good photographs to back up the explanations. I am studying Jukaikido, which is a mixture of many Martical Arts, this book has been of great benefit to improve the Karate aspects of my discipline. The only thing I had hoped would be in the book, and was not, was an explanation of how to do the first Katas. This information I gained from "Shotokan Karate 10th kyu to 6th kyu" by Sensei Enoeda. I found these two books complemented each other.

An excellent guide for all Shotokan grades.
Ashley Croft's book Shotokan Karate is an excellent guide to this style of karate for beginners right through to senior grades. Not only does it make for a very interesting read, covering various aspects such as the history of karate, traditions, and terminology, but it is also an excellent book for reference purposes. He covers all the fundamental basics of shotokan, blocking, striking, kicking and stances. However, not only does he give a thorough breakdown of how to perform each technique but he also lists the most common mistakes, and how the karate-ka can avoid making them. A must for all.

'A very interesting read, suitable for beginners'
The book starts off by telling you about Shotokan Karate itself before actually moving onto any moves etc. It does this very well as it gives you a brief review of it's creation, without being boring. Superb illustrations for the beginner to review. Ace!