Product Description

This volume is one of a series presenting all karate and "kumite" practiced by the Japan Karate Association. Each chapter contains photographs of an instructor of the Association executing a certain technique.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #73431 in Books
• Published on: 1979-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

Excellent photos and good teaching points
Covers all 5 Heian and 3 Tekki katas which get the beginner a long way.

The photos are very comprehensive. Each move is accompanied by several photos showing movement into and out of the poses. There are also overhead photos for each pose which help a great deal with stances and foot placement. At the end of each kata section are extra photos with additional "important points" which are helpful, though some are a little obscure.

Accompanying the photos for each move are Japanese and English descriptions. The Japanese descriptions are VERY full (e.g. migi ken migi sokumen gedan barai) and a bit heavy going, but there is a glossary at the back and there is always the English to compare it with - nice touch.

My sensei teaches these katas with very slight variations from those shown by Nakayama sensei. This may be true of your sensei too, so beware of it.

My quibbles with this book are very minor, and it is the best I have found illustrating the early kata. It was a great help in getting me up to scratch in Heian Yondan and beginning with Heian Godan and well worth the cost.

Final caveat! These books are a good guide but cannot replace personal instruction....

A must for all students of Shotokan Karate
In my opinion this entire series is invaluable for anyone studying Shotokan Karate. Although nothing compares to the direct experience one gains from watching kata, and studying it directly with one's sensei, all students MUST practice dilligently and continuously, and this practice must inevitably be conducted without the help of an instructor. These books represent the best portrayal of kata in still-photograph form that I have seen to date, and are excellent at ensuring the kata are practiced as correctly as is possible. Buy the lot. You'll get your money's worth.

Nakayama Sensei's book is essential for all karate-ka
This book is by far the best value as far as picture explanations of basic kata. Nakayama Sensei uses many pictures, which can get a bit confusing at times, but are very helpful for understanding detailed movements. At the end of each kata he presents a special section on the hardest part of each kata. Highlights include Heian nidan, Heian Yondan, and, Tekki Shodan. The photographs are clear and the ext is easy to read.