Product Details

• Directors: George Alexander
• Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 10
• Studio: Yamazato Productions
• DVD Release Date: October 22, 2003
• Run Time: 600 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00015400A
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,248 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

This video collection is the most comprehensive presentation of Okinawa’s Shorin Ryu Karate ever put on video. Shorin Ryu is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of karate and is based on pure self-defense of the Kata (forms), Bunkai (Practical Applications & Self - Defense) and Kumite-Free Sparring. Additionally, you will learn pressure point striking, takedowns and Tuite Joint-Locking and Grappling.

Your instructor is George Alexander, 9th Dan. Trained in Okinawa, Japan he is the "World Pioneer of Shorin Ryu Karate." He has spread the teachings of this dynamic art worldwide and has taught in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. He began training while in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. He journeyed to the orient including Japan, Okinawa and Southeast Asia. He quickly earned a reputation as a rugged fighter. As a competitor he earned the titles: World Karate Champion, International Karate Champion and National AAU Karate Champion.

Tape 1-Basics, Footwork, Body Conditioning, Makiwara Training

Tape 2-Kihon Kata 1,2, and 3; Pinan 1,2, and 3

Tape 3-Pinan 4 and 5

Tape 4-Naihanchi 1,2, and 3

Tape 5-Seishin Sho and Rohai

Tape 6-Passai Dai and Passai Sho

Tape 7-Seisan and Seshin Dai

Tape 8-Chinto and Gojushiho

Tape 9-Kusanku

Tape 10-Kumite

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exellent training tool, September 10, 2005

By 

Andres R. Prieto "Everyday holds a great oppo... (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate (DVD)

As I had said before this is an excellent addition to any serious martial artist collection.

It was mentioned earlier that the katas in this series vary from those found on books or other sources. That is true and it is because the style, even though okinawan shorin ryu, varies from different schools. There are different association that regulate certain styles but the truth is that the styles have changed slightly through the course of time. I have investigated books, schools, and other videos which have help me come to this conclusion. Though there are many other arts that haven't changed much and mostly because they are rather new such as Judo, Krav Magra, and Aikido. Others arts much older such as Juijitsu, Karate, and Kung fu have many varieties of the style and even branch off into almost new styles altogether.

As far as the video quality is concerned it is not the best but it is good enough to learn and clear enough to show the techniques. In a way it gives you a feel like you are in the dojo and watching from where the other students would be.

The movements shown on the video are explained through the bunkai or practical application part of the tape. Some one mentioned that they appear to be very open as to show that the style more indicative of such styles where power comes from strength. Shorin ryu is a style where power is derived by speed more than strengh but it would be more apparent if that person would have seen the other videos. Shorin ryu conscentrates on speed as apposed to Shorei ryu which is focussed on power and strenght.

My responce to this comment;

"...Volume 3 may be used as a reference or study aid for street fighting or mixed martial arts as seen in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) but I would not recommend it for those serious about Shorin Ryu."

In my opinion the UFC uses poor low quality fighters which for the most part lack technique and discipline could use ANY martial arts study aids to improve their fighting. This is a good tool for serious martial artist especially if you want to learn about Shorin ryu karate beyond just the fighting techniques.

" Karate lies niether in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."

-Yasuhiro Konishi

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Master?, July 25, 2007

By 

ShorinAngel "ShorinAngel" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate (DVD)

I did some research on Mr. Alexander after purchasing a few of these videos. His length of study with Yuichi Kuda is certainly questionable and I believe he gained his rank through being buddies with another Karate stylist. His techniques are not good Karate and the videos did little to improve my opinion of this person who is known to use videos and information not of his own for profit. Much better instruction can be found out there, and if you consider this guy a Master, you have never seen true Okinawan Shorin Ryu.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Questionable, October 10, 2005

By 

Critic 101 (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate (DVD)

Before purchasing and shelling out money for the entire 10 disc DVD set, I wanted to evaluate one DVD. I purchased Volume 3. The basis for my evaluation.

1. I currently study/practice Shorin Ryu Karate and Small Circle Jujitsu (SCJ) with 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th Dans of Shorin Ryu and SCJ. Our studio student makeup has black belts and national champion from wrestling, Aikido, Judo, TKD, and BJJ.

2. The katas and techniques in Volume 3 (Pinan 4 and 5) were evaluated against other katas and techniques as found in Shorin Ryu Karate literature and DVDs.

Summary/Conclusion:

1. The picture and sound qualities were rather poor and indicative of a home video. Very non-professional.

2. The katas appear not to be performed correctly as compared against other Shorin Ryu Karate katas. Yes, katas are different among instructors and schools based on martial arts background and many other factors but the katas in Vol. 3 don't seem to represent Okinawan Shorin Ryu (e.g. big, open movements). Where's the biomechanics for generating power? (e.g. the use of core and your arms act like a whip).

3. The techniques do not appear indicative of Shorin Ryu. Alexander appears to use big, open movements. These motions are indicative of traditional Japanese movements. These movements are more indicative of such styles where power comes from big motions, strength and in a nutshell, size.

4. Volume 3 may be used as a reference or study aid but I would not recommend it for those serious about preserving the art of Shorin Ryu. Consider "Uchinadi" by Oshiro produced by Tsunami. More professional production.

If Volume 3 is indicative of the set, then I would not purchase this DVD set. Personally, I do not plan on purchasing the set after the disappointment with Volume 3. Overall, just my opinion based on volume 3 and it's your money.