Karate for Kids (Martial Arts for Kids) [Hardcover]

Robin L. Rielly (Author), Stephanie Tok (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2004 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Martial Arts for Kids

A fun and accessible introduction to studying karate—designed specifically with the interests and capabilities of young martial artists in mind.

First time martial arts students are not just starting a program of physical and mental practice. They are entering a new world—one that not only has new rules, new goals, and even new clothing—but that also offers them lots of new opportunities for fun and accomplishment.

Karate for Kids will help prepare kids to start learning about karate and help them practice at home. It includes thorough introductions to the history and philosophy of the techniques, what to expect in the first few classes, how to warm up and practice, and advice on setting goals.

With over 75 full-color illustrations, including 40 clearly diagrammed karate exercises, along with lots of fun facts and informative sidebars written in kid-friendly jargon-free language, this is the perfect introduction for the younger martial artist.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8 - This text is clearly written in a conversational style, and the logically organized chapters include information on the history of karate, the uniform, the dojo, the structure of a class, and practicing stances. The book is enhanced with watercolor-and-ink line drawings that show children of both sexes engaged in the sport and with boxes that include "Words to Know," "Safety Tips," etc. Rielly also offers ways to spot schools and instructors who "may be more interested in business than true karate." This well-designed title should attract both practitioners and browsers. - Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. Although it's impossible to learn something as complex as karate through a book, this attractive volume will serve as a backup for kids interested in the activity or already in karate class. Rielly begins with a history of karate before going on to information about the uniform, including the meaning of the belt colors, the rules and etiquette of the dojo, and the interaction between student and teacher. The actual stances are clearly portrayed in watercolor-and-ink artwork that features both boys and girls in a number of stances and practicing thrusts and kicks. The book ends with advice for advancing in karate. A small note on the copyright pages advises readers to check with a doctor before proceeding with martial-arts training. There is also mention in the text that karate is to protect oneself, not cause harm, but more could have been made of that point. Boxes throughout offer definitions and training tips. Browsers as well as students will like this volume. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Hardcover with Jacket edition (July 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804835349
• ISBN-13: 978-0804835343
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Martial Arts
  • #96 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Tai Chi & Qi Gong

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Neatly done, November 29, 2004

By 

L. A. Kane (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Karate for Kids (Martial Arts for Kids) (Hardcover)

I wrote a book about teaching martial arts and run a kid's karate class so I believe that I can speak with authority when I say that Rielly's book is well-rounded, easy to read and very child appropriate. It covers all the basics including a brief history of karate, why students might be interested in studying this martial art, an explanation of the karate uniform, description of the dojo (practice hall), discussion of etiquette, overview of warm up routines, explanation of basic techniques, and description of advancement testing practices. If your child is thinking about taking karate this book can help set his/her expectations and increase his/her chance of success. There is a small caveat about the appropriate use of karate in the front but I wish he'd spent a little more time on that particular aspect. New practitioners, especially younger ones, have a tendency to get into trouble for inappropriately trying out their skills on classmates at school. The sensei (teacher) should cover this but it is always good to know ahead of time. All in all, this book is a great overview for kids.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-read" for children enrolled in a karate course, August 8, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Karate for Kids (Martial Arts for Kids) (Hardcover)

Knowledgeably written by Robin L. Rielly (an expert martial artist with decades of experience, a seventh-degree black belt in Shotokan karate as well as a second-degree black belt from Shin Kage Ryu jujutsu), Karate For Kids is a simple but complete introduction to the fitness, self-defense, movements, philosophies, and etiquette of karate for young people. Down-to-earth illustrated instructions and guidelines for proper decorum as well as appropriate physical form make Karate For Kids a "must-read" for children enrolled in a karate course -- or who are considering joining a karate class.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Karate Book, February 25, 2008

By 

S. E. Fox (Bermuda) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Karate for Kids (Martial Arts for Kids) (Hardcover)

This Karate book is just great! My 8 year old reads it. It helped him visually to understand poses, kicks, blows, etc. A good review as well as introduction to Karate. I'm glad we purchased it.