Customer Reviews

Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate Part 1 (Tsunami) [VHS]

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This video starts with a brief history of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate and a biography of the Grand Master. Which consist of stills that you will recall from various books. This tape seems Like an after thought. If you wish to listen to the history, this is the tape for you. The "Collector's Edition Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu" by Masterline Vide is a superior tape. Though I will keep this in my library, of course.

This tape is more of a history review. The kata's shown on this tape are only: Kusanku, Naihanci, Fukyugata Ichi, Gekisai Dai Ichi, Sai Dai Ichi and Pinan Shodan with some applications.

If you enjoy programming of the sort to be found on the Discovery Channel and A&E-high quality documentaries aimed at the intelligent, educated viewer, this video was made for you. If you are in to Hollywood martial arts fantasy, and fiction, don't bother. According to the critics, this is the only video that has enjoyed the support and cooperation of the Nagamine family which is why it contains the old movie footage of Shoshine and Takayoshi Nagamine with their senior students, as well as reams of historic photographs, a number of which I have never seem before. But, of course, it's not just a documentary. The hard core technique is there and it's done beautifully. Some of the old film is grainy as one would expect but it shows how karate was fifty years ago, and as such it is fascinating. Apparently, this is the first in a series of videos from the Nagamine family which will present their whole style and act as a technical reference for their many thousands of members around the world. If they maintain the quality of production and content I predict that it will be a best-seller for many years to come. They have certainly made a great start! Ed. Dragon Times

This tape is also incomplete and does not have an ending. I have notified Dragon Productions about the problem and they are investigating and said they are sending me a new tape to replace the one I have.