THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO KARATE (Paperback)

~ Randall G. & Otis, Edmond Hassell (Author) "Probably as many reasons exist for wanting to try karate as there are people wanting to try it..." (more)
Key Phrases: samurai strategy, kyu rankings, karate originated, Talk the Talk, The Least You Need, United States (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 1 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (January 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 0028638328
• ISBN-13: 978-0028638324
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #581,240 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT ALL-AROUND KARATE PRIMER!, June 24, 2001

By A Customer

If you've ever been interested in learning about what karate is, why it is, what to do with it, or how it works, THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK YOU SHOULD PICK UP! Written by renowned karate historian Randall G. Hassell and Edmond Otis (a leading technical karate expert), this book is a very easy and FUN read that you'll refer back to for years to come. The authors have over 65 years of karate experience between them and it shows. No stone is left unturned, no punches are pulled (no pun intended!) and they don't talk down to you - every sentence compels you to read the next, and the next, and so on. Excellent photography and graphics help you visualize everything, from techniques to tying your belt, it's everything you need to get started in your karate training!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Describes the Basics Clearly, September 24, 2001

By	Carlos A. Aviado "cybermek" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book not only covers what karate's history and traditions are, but how the basics are performed, and how they should be performed. The book also describes JKA shotokan requirements for each level up to shodan black belt. This book is a must for every traditonal japanese karate-do practioner.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book for traditional stylists!, December 11, 2003

By	David Grosscup (Baltimore, MD. USA) - See all my reviews

I find this book very well written and a must read for students or parents preparing to enter a strict traditional karate school. This book is informative and educational, but also filled with the wit and humor of the authors to keep much of the reading on the lighter side.
The sidebars "Karate Minutes", "Sense Says" and "Talk the Talk", also "Ouch" push home points and various karate meanings that are important.
The downside of this book relates directly to those masters of non-traditional, or mixed martial arts, is that they are given no credit for advancing the new age styles, techniques and katas. What makes the masters of old more qualified to put together an art form than the more rounded, traveled and educated masters of today?
I really enjoyed reading this book and even though I have been involved in the martial arts since 1967, I still learned a few new things and my memory was jogged on information that I had long forgotten.
I give this book an eight rating on a scale of 1 to 10.
Soke
Professor David L. Grosscup
10th Dan
M.P.K.A.
www.MPKA.net