Customer Reviews

Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was recommended to me by my sensei and I am pleased to share it with others. This is a book of lists, quizzes, and general tips and information presented in an extremely well-organized and interesting manner. It clearly points out key information and has helped me greatly with my studies. Most sources are either overwhelmingly detailed or oversimplified and it is difficult to sort through and figure out key concepts. This book does the work for you and is a convenient (and very portable!) challenging study guide.

This is one of the very few sources of information about Fukyugata San available, with photos and descriptions of Ueshiro Sensei performing the kata.

There are a few errors/debatable answers in the book (the kata information list is a good example), so if something doesn't seem right to you, check other places. This book is by no means a complete resource, but is invaluable when used with other sources of information.

As a student of Mr. Scaglione, I can whole heartedly reccommend this book. He writes the same information in his book as he teaches in his classes, and this book is considered a bible throughout the school(currently 19 dojos). This book offers clear, concise information about the origins of karate and it's kata, about the courtesy involved, and about all the "details" associated with the art. Learn how to store your gi, how to tie your belt, the japanese terms commonly used in karate class, the traditions of the art, etc. This book is not meant to teach karate, but it is an invaluable source for any student of karate.

I like the way this book was set up. It's easy to read with little "quizes" all the way through. It's got great info on the origin of kata (names and creator), information on japanese martial arts terminology, and some interesting "general martial arts knowledge" info. For example, they say that a well executed martial arts punch can generate 600 foot/pounds of pressure and that bone has a structural strength greater than that of concrete. Are these stats true? I'm not sure, but it makes for an interesting read.

I am a blackbelt student and instructor of Okinawan Shorin-ryu karata located in New York City; I started my training in 1997. This text is a great means to introduce yourself to Shorin Ryu karate as a beginner student; it is filled with facts and history of Okinawan Karate. Although I started this review stating it's a great introductory text, I have owned this book for over 13 years now and still reference it frequently and seem to learn something new every time I do.

The next text I would recommend after reading this is Karate of Okinawa Building Warrior Spirit With Gan Soku Tanden Riki by William Cummins and Robert Scaglione. The "green" book focuses on the philosophies of the martial arts and was introduced to me by many of my Senseis upon receiving my Green belt, a number of years ago.

This book gives some of the many questions that are asked about Shorin-Ryu Matsubayashi. This is a good book for new and older students to review from time to time. The answers are thoughtful and colorful.

This is an ok book, wish it was organized a lot better though, namely the question and answer sections. Since its a Q&A book, it would seem inherent that they should organize it better, but they definitely fail in that.

It's hard to find good books on Shorin-Ryu. It could be that I'm picky since I've been studying martial arts since I was 7-- There are a few things I would have to disagree on. They seem to try to go into the philosophy of that art without fully understanding some elements? But I'm no master so maybe I'm missing something.

They give strong opinions without backing them up, which is a bit irritating too. I think if your going to state that you should study weapons before open hand, you should give a darn good reason. Some research is just down right wrong, not sure where they got it from?

but all in all, it has a lot of info you wont find anywhere else. It's a great read, but take it with a grain of salt.

It took me a while to purchase this book. But once I got it, I have no regrets whatsoever. Its informative and eye-pleasing to read. Mr. Scaglione and Mr. Cummings really did a great a job. In fact I recomended this book to several of my students.


Prince Loeffler
Shugyokan Shorin Ryu Dojo
www.alljapankarate.com

I found this book rather laughable and at times. There are some good historical references that are true in regards to the history of karate; however some of his claims are not backed up by any data, or references. I believe he makes reference to one study conducted in 1978 to the question of how many people are currently studying karate. The book I have is a 2002 Third Edition to me that is lazy work if you are still referencing a study in 1978 and you are on your third addition. The question of how long does it take on the average to master one kata? Answer, approximately three years or 3,000 to 10,000 repetitions. Based on what analysis; were did he get this figure from? Next question that totally contradicts the above question is how many kata should we attempt to master throughout our karate career? Answer, we learn many and perfect one. It would take a lifetime to perfect one or two kata. This answer alone does not fall in line with the three years or 3,000 to 10,000 repetitions to master a kata. Another question at what level does one begin to perfect kata techniques? ; Answer; Yondan and above, although not in all cases. Ok so what I gather is that in order to master a kata it takes three years or 3,000-10,000 repetitions, oh wait it takes a lifetime to master a kata, no it take s a Yondan and above to master a kata, are you kidding me. Another question is the cat stance better for defense or for attack? Answer defense, and this answer is based on what?, again no analysis or examples to back up this claim. I will not even waste my time on the how fast can a karate punch travel or how powerful is a kick; again no analysis to back these claims up. Another question, which is most effective attack or strike? Answer the one you practice most come on that is lame answer. How much time is required to master a bo, answer 10 years again based on what analysis. I could go on, but will stop. Bottom line is I have been training in Matsubayashi for twelve years and am a Sandan (3rd DAN) and did not find this book useful and do not recommend it to anyone who is serious about their training in karate. I tend to shy away from books that do not have notes or bibliography to back up claims. This book is basically one mans opinion.