Customer Reviews

The Secrets of Shotokan Karate

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The Secrets of Shotokan Karate by Robin L. Rielly Is a must have for those who want to get the most out Shotokan-ryu. Together with mister Rielly's Complete Shotokan Karate, ISBN 0-8048-2108-9, no more thorough grounding in Shotokan-ryu can be had. But if what you are looking for is a book for the beginner to learn the fundamentals I would suggest getting Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard C. Brown's Karate: the Art of "Empty Hand" Fighting, ISBN 0-8048-1668-9.

The Secrets of Shotokan Karate details the methods for generating balance, stability, force, and speed. Explained are the principles of distancing, timing, hip and stance shifting, and strategy. Of special interest is the section on hip shifting for it is one of the more subtle connections Karate has with the Chinese arts of Taijiquan and Kung Fu. Separate chapters are devoted to Kumite and Kata. The chapter on Kumite includes helpful drills for mastering this aspect of the art. The chapter on Kata is especially enlightening in explaining what is meant by the "hidden meaning of Kata". Included in the Kata chapter is a detailed step-by-step explanation of Kanku Dai and its applications.

This book takes the Karate-ka from a mere practitioners of an exercise to the mastery of the techniques and principles required for the making of a martial artist.

The Secrets of Shotokan Karate is well-written. The photos, all in black and white are easy to understand, as are the explanations of the fighting techniques. This book is suitable for martial artists at all levels.

I have always advocated subtantial reading together with normal training and R. Rielly has done a pretty good job. His explanations are clear and to the point, supported by numerous photos for visualisation. However, these "words" only come alive if the reader has performed the moves physically. I would have preferred clearer photos with some zoom-ins to stress vital points. On the whole an excellent book for the intermediate to advanced karate student.

The author gives excellent background and history of this martial art form. Excellent descriptions and understand of forms through photos and detail descriptions of movements. Easy to read and put to practical use. Recommend this text for anyone who has an interest in the martial art discipline.

Just to let people know, the last name is rIElly...
watch the author's name...thanks.