Al Weiss' the Official History of Karate in America: The Golden Age : 1968-1986 [Hardcover]

Al Weiss (Author), David Weiss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

Over 1,100 photographs help document the rise of organized martial arts competition in the United States. Compiles from the pages of Official Karate magazine.-large hardback

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Although the title is technically accurate, it is misleading. Al Wiess was the founder, publisher, and editor of the magazine Official Karate from 1968 to 1986. Thus, while this book does cover the recent history of karate in the United States, it covers it from the perspective of that magazine. The format is primarily reprints from issues of the magazine, with biographical information on those determined by the magazine to be leaders in American martial arts. But because of the end date of coverage, currently well-known athletes are not included. Photographs (of poor quality) are used to show self-defense, board breaking, and karate forms. If your library already owns John Corcoran's The Original Martial Arts Encyclopedia: Tradition, History, Pioneers (Pro-Action, 1993) and you don't need to fill in back issues of Official Karate, give this book a jumping side kick to the head for a complete takedown. In other words, not recommended.
J. Sara Paulk, Coastal Plain Regional Lib., Tifton, Ga.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Authored by the editor of the first continually published karate magazine, Official Karate, this book is in many ways an extension of his magazine. During his tenure at the magazine, in karate's "golden years" from 1968 to 1986, the sport became popular in the U.S. Both men and women got involved, safety equipment became mandatory, and kick boxing was adopted as part of the sport. Weiss was instrumental in promoting these innovations.

This book is divided into nine chapters that include biographies of "American Masters" and "Women Warriors." There is a chapter devoted to "Favorite Fighting Techniques," which is actually an edited version of a column that appeared in Official Karate. The entries include biographical information on the experts with photographs that show a particular fighting technique. Karate experts include Chuck Norris (movie star), Joe Lewis (kick-boxing champion), and women black belts Linda Denny and Becky Chapman. Another chapter, "Tournaments," is edited tournament coverage also taken from the magazine. Probably the most interesting chapter is "Breaking and Demos," which is a display of photographs of incredible feats of karate: a participant breaking 300 pounds of ice with his forehead; a devotee breaking nine three-inch marble slabs with his hand. A notice of caution on the verso of the title page warns the reader that illustration and text are for entertainment purposes only and any injuries that may result from practicing these techniques are the responsibility of the reader. Of the hundreds of black-and-white photographs, some are of poor quality. An index helps to locate names and events.

Basically a browsable photo-essay of the history of the sport from 1968 to 1986, the book's use as a reference source is limited. A reference librarian would do better to purchase The Martial Arts Sourcebook [RBB Ap 15 95] or The Original Martial Arts Encyclopedia: Tradition-History-Pioneers (Pro-Action Publishing, 1993). Where demand warrants, this title should be purchased for the circulating collection.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 374 pages
• Publisher: Pro Action Pub (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961512687
• ISBN-13: 978-0961512682
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,493,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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