Product Details

• Actors: Eihachi Ota
• Directors: Paul Moser
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Dragon Associates, I
• VHS Release Date: April 16, 1999
• Run Time: 40 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305435278
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #553,774 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The art of karate that we can now acquire openly was once taught only to the most trusted student in secret places seen only by the creatures of the night. This excellent presentation of Okinawan karate by Eihachi Ota recreates that feeling of watching something that one should not--of seeing an art so lethal that it should, perhaps, remain secret.  Basic techniques, kata, sparring, bojutsu and the awe-inspiring kama of instructor Ota. Breathtaking images, exqusite music, and truly dynamic action! 

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Performance lacks power, August 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Shorin Ryu Karate-Once A Secret (Tsunami) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

As a Matsubayashi Ryu practitioner, I was very disappointed. This video was a disappointment in the overall performance by Eihachi Ota. The kata were performed at what appears to be half speed, as I'm sure Mr. Ota's skill is much better than what he presented. The draw of these videos is that practioners want to see the "advanced" practioners demonstrating what years of training and experience should look like when performing kata. It's hard to imagine who the target audience was for the kumite techniques demonstrated, as these also appeared amateurish, especially for a martial artist of Ota's caliber. There was no dialogue or explanation from the demonstrator, and the energy was just lacking. The performance does not compare to Morio Higaona's in "Power Training", a much better produced video (also a Tsunami production). The weapons segment in "Once a Secret" was better, with Eihachi Ota demonstrating great dexterity and proficiency in the use of the kama. Overall, more time and energy could have been devoted to the video as a whole by the protagonist.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensei review, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Shorin Ryu Karate-Once A Secret (Tsunami) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have read several reviews and would like to say that the Tsunami videos are the finest quality on the market today. Also, Sensei Ota is clearly one of the finest practitioners in the world. This is a wonderful introductory video presentation!