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Product Description
There have been numerous books written on the subject of Karate, including many that claim to show an easy, step-by-step, way of becoming a black belt by the third chapter. In a martial art such as Karate, it is extremely rare to find a book that can help the student with the physical aspect of Karate to any great degree. However, every now and then a publication appears on the bookstands that can do just that. One such book is this one. The following pages contain a wealth of information on the Kihon, Kata, and Kumite aspects of Traditional Shotokan. Written in an easy to follow manner, and supplemented by an extremely comprehensive set of photographs, this handbook is easily one of the more superior publications available.
About the Author
Gursharan Sahota
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Bought this book in 1999 and never looked back. This book (in conjunction with regular classes, and the instructional video's that go hand in hand with the book) helped me achieve my black belt (Shodan) in Shotokan Karate.
In my opinion this is one reference book that everyone in Shotokan Karate should have on their shelf.
-Ken
In my opinion this is one reference book that everyone in Shotokan Karate should have on their shelf.
-Ken
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I've been carrying Gursharan's books around in my bag now for the last ten years and swear by them. Of all the hundreds of book that I have about Shotokan karate, I always fall back and end up using Gursharan's two books for simplicity and ease of use.
Yes, there are other kata books on the market which may be better pictorially (e.g. Nakayama) but Gursharan's have everything you need as a quick reference guide in just two volumes. The content is very neatly and logically laid out. If you're already practising karate, Gursharan's books will be the perfect handy reference guide for you.
I agree mostly with the other positive reviews here too. As for different moves etc in one review, even though we're all learning Shotokan, you will naturally find slight variations from style to style and association to association. The art is hundreds of years old and has been passed down from a variety of different masters, each of whom have added to or taken away parts of the kata that they favoured or disliked the most.
If you can find an association that follows the traditional line of teaching that focuses more on kata & bunkai, as opposed to sport or competition, then you'll be on the right path. As Supreme Grand Master Funakoshi said - "Karate will take a life time". Karate is more importantly about perfection of character and less about kicking & punching etc.
As for teaching yourself karate from a book, you can't teach yourself just by looking at a few pictures, but if you're already attending classes, Gursharan's book (and videos) will help you revise, keep up or even get ahead of your class mates. The pictures and diagrams are quite adequate. No book could ever replace an instructor and teach you about the proper timing and kime that's involved in performing your kata.
These two volumes have stood the test of time, are as complete as they should be and very affordable, considering the amount of content that they offer. They contain all of the 27 kata from the Shotokan canon and all of the associated stances, kicks, blocks, & punches etc that you need to become a very competent karate-ka and much much more.
Yes, there are other kata books on the market which may be better pictorially (e.g. Nakayama) but Gursharan's have everything you need as a quick reference guide in just two volumes. The content is very neatly and logically laid out. If you're already practising karate, Gursharan's books will be the perfect handy reference guide for you.
I agree mostly with the other positive reviews here too. As for different moves etc in one review, even though we're all learning Shotokan, you will naturally find slight variations from style to style and association to association. The art is hundreds of years old and has been passed down from a variety of different masters, each of whom have added to or taken away parts of the kata that they favoured or disliked the most.
If you can find an association that follows the traditional line of teaching that focuses more on kata & bunkai, as opposed to sport or competition, then you'll be on the right path. As Supreme Grand Master Funakoshi said - "Karate will take a life time". Karate is more importantly about perfection of character and less about kicking & punching etc.
As for teaching yourself karate from a book, you can't teach yourself just by looking at a few pictures, but if you're already attending classes, Gursharan's book (and videos) will help you revise, keep up or even get ahead of your class mates. The pictures and diagrams are quite adequate. No book could ever replace an instructor and teach you about the proper timing and kime that's involved in performing your kata.
These two volumes have stood the test of time, are as complete as they should be and very affordable, considering the amount of content that they offer. They contain all of the 27 kata from the Shotokan canon and all of the associated stances, kicks, blocks, & punches etc that you need to become a very competent karate-ka and much much more.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this book to be incredibly helpful in learning the basics of Karate.
The photos are clear and easy to follow. The descriptions are fairly concise.
One word of advice, don't try to use this book to teach you Karate, it should only be used in conjunction with Karate lessons, to review katas or techniques you've already learned. Otherwise you might find yourself very confused!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Extremely Visual, less descriptive and very informative
Although this book was written in early 90s, it is one of the few visual and illustrative guides to Shotokan Karate covering a wide variety of skills: Kihon (basic techniques),... Read more
Published 6 days ago by Gisrs
Shotokan Karate Handbook Beginner to Black Belt
As someone who finds co-ordination a problem I did find this book very helpful, being able to look at the step by step pictures.
Published 1 month ago by Shrimp
not too bad
good book, not as many kicks demonstated as i thought their would be, more for katas, well packaged, good use for someone, just not me
Published 2 months ago by dww76
Excellent Book for parents of budding Karate champs
A great book for parents who know nothing about karate and have to help their kids practice their moves and kata's
This is just what I needed.
This is just what I needed.
Published on 14 Sep 2009 by T. Scattergood
The Beginner's guide to shotokan karate.
Excelllent book. I'm very pleased with it pictures are easy to follow. I shall enjoy reading and practicing the movements. Exellent postage very quick came on the day stated.
Published on 29 July 2009 by emily
Shotokan
This seemed like a good book but I had to return it as the Shotokan style in the book is different to the one my daughter is doing.
Published on 4 April 2009 by Colinkingshott
Excellent beginners guide
This is an excellent book for all those learning Shotokan Karate - in conjunction with training sessions with a Sensei. Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2009 by D. Pidcock
Very good but
This is an excellent book that covers virtually all the basics and Kata you will need to go from beginner to black belt. Read more
Published on 3 Mar 2007 by S J Buck
good, but...
overall the book is very good. but following some techniques are difficult to follow due to a lack of directional arrows. this book has an excellent page of different fists.
Published on 31 Aug 2005
AMAZING
This book was writen by the 6th dan cheif instructor of TISKA senseiGursharan Sahota. It is an excellent book and invaluable training aid. Read more
Published on 23 April 2004 by "jamierox13"
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