Customer Reviews

Shotokan Karate: Unravelling the Kata

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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The purpose of this book is to give a practical explanation of the Shotokan Kata bunkai. It provides illustrations of practical techniques from the Shotokan Katas that can be applied in self defence situations.

Even though the bunkai was good, I didn't like the way the Kata techniques were illustrated in this book. The stances weren't good and some techniques did not look correct. Coming from a Shotokan Karate school, I can tell when the technique of the Kata is performed correctly or not, and few weren't performed correctly in this book.

On the other hand, I liked the Kata techniques that were translated into throws. For example I loved the fact that two moves in Hein Godan can actually be interpreted as 2 Judo throws, which are Morote Seo Nagi and Ogoshi. However me having some Judo background, I know for a fact that the throws weren't performed correctly in the book, but its ok as long as it provided a practical application for the Kata techniques.

Despite some of the criticims I provided above, I believe the book is a must for every Shotokan Karateka. Many senseis do not provide such good interpretation of Kata. This book will provide it, however always remember that there is no definite explanation of the Kata because it was kept a secret for centuries with very little revelation of the true applications.

A good Shotokan beginner's book with LOTS of clear colour pictures showing the first six kata's in the Shotokan canon up to Heian Godan.

A good compliment & natural progression from Ashley's first two titles -"Shotokan" & "Secret Karate". There are some very small mistakes in techniques though (eg. Yondan).

It begins with a good general history of karate & its development, with details of its key founders & ancient masters. Vital pressure points covered (again). As for the bunkai (application of kata moves) there are some strange & sometimes awkward moves. Some are new, some are advanced but many don't accurately follow the moves of the kata (ie. Oyo Bunkai).

However they do give a good interpretation of how throws can be incorporated. A good book overall & worth reading, as there are very few good books covering this subject.

Despite the style & interpretations used, it's still one of the BEST books on Bunkai I've seen for a very long time.

Far from being just another book on karate, A. Croft has given us a valuable look into the future of traditional karate.

this is a very good book. i will add it to my library and use it to teach my students bunkai. delivery was very fasl also.