Wind Warrior: The Training of a Karate Champion [Library Binding]

Christopher J. Goedecke (Author), Rosmarie Hausherr (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1992 | Age Level: 8 and up

Action photographs and information-packed text follow the training schedule of thirteen-year-old Nick Armitage, a brown belt, as he practices for a big state-run karate competition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- Karate books are a little like books on sculpture; it's difficult to capture three-dimensional energy in a two-dimensional format. Most children interested in studying karate would be best off observing or attending a class or two, to see what it's really about. Still, this photo essay does a fairly good job of explaining it. The book follows the day-to-day training of 13-year-old Nick Armitage, and gives a realistic view of the training involved in learning katas (or forms) and the warmups and practice needed to get in shape. It also gives a detailed explanation of how tournaments work and the history of karate in the East. Notes at the back give tips on how to choose a school. Although the text mentions women, they are relatively scarce in the black-and-white photos, as are black participants. Parulski's Karate Power (Contemporary, 1985 ) is more integrated in its instructional photos. --Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

A New Jersey karate instructor and a photographer team up to follow Nick, a 14-year-old brown belt, from the rigors of training to a pair of medals at a statewide tournament. Young readers will get a good sense of what happens in class--exercises, sparring, katas (Nick also practices with weapons in an adult class)--and how tournaments are conducted and scored. Girls and women are obviously much in the minority here, but they get nearly equal attention. A cautionary safety note is present, though buried in the acknowledgments; the author closes with advice to parents on choosing a martial arts school. The look of karate, as well as some of its excitement, are nicely captured in b&w photos and photo sequences. (Nonfiction. 9-12) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Juv) (April 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027362620
• ISBN-13: 978-0027362626
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,895,372 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kids Get Their Karate Kicks!!!, August 7, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Wind Warrior: The Training of a Karate Champion (Library Binding)

I have been involved in the martial arts for more than half of my life and much of that time has been spent teaching children. Without a doubt this is one of the best books for children about karate! It follows Nick, a real-life young karate-ka, during his preparations for a karate tournament. Throughout the story the reader is introduced to the various aspects of karate, including history, philosophy and training. Not designed to teach young people how to hurt each other, this book gives the reader a true picture of what real karate is all about. A must read book for all young karate students and parents of future karate champions! Henry McCann (3rd dan Shorin-ryu Karate, 2nd dan Isshinryu Karate)