25 Shoto-Kan Kata
by Shojiro Sugiyama
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Book Summary Information
Author: Shojiro SugiyamaEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1984-01-01
ISBN: 096690480X
Number of pages: 350
Publisher: Shojiro Sugiyama
Book Reviews of 25 Shoto-Kan Kata
Book Review: Excellent supplement to Dojo training
Summary: 5 Stars
I was once told by a Tai Chi Chuan master "you can learn forms from a book, but a master can teach you to learn them well." With that in mind, the same line of thinking applies to this book. Some martial arts books are so well-made its possible to learn forms and Katas solely from those books. Not as well as from a good teacher mind you, but it is possible. This is not one of those books. One should pick this up only if 1) You have had prior Karate experience and know what a kata should look like or 2) You are currently training at some dojo.
Some important details on the techniques are missing, namely how to properly execute a forward snap kick. With many of the most important and fundamental blocks, there are no movement arrows describing the crucial paths the hands are supposed to take while blocking. A person who has never studied Karate before in a school or from a parent will have no idea what some of the moves mean. However, regardless of style, someone as amateur as an orange belt of any style will immediately recognize the blocks and kicks, and know how to do them. Personally, I think this book has just enough detail for someone who has studied Karate before, or is currently studying Karate. It is not meant for someone who has never set foot in a dojo. Even so, I personally would not recomend learning Kata from a book anyway if it can be helped.
As far as the critique of the book as a Kata manual, let me say this; the only place you will find a better Kata training manual is at the headquarters of the Japan Karate Association in Tokyo. Even then their manuals are not nearly as comprehensive, although they are much deeper. However, this book was meant, ultimately, as a reference guide for instructors and advanced students. Some martial arts prodigies can take a few Karate classes, and learn every single Kata in this book within two weeks. However, most Karate Shihan would strongly disaprove and for good reason; unless you live in a remote area where you do not have access to a good school, there is no reason to leark Kata from a book unless you can go to a club. If you live in a remote area, and if you can help it....THEN MOVE! Besides, the Shotokan style of Karate is something you can learn for free; it is actually cheaper to go to an American Shotokan Karate association chapter than to buy this book. Assuming of course, you live in a city that happens to have such a chapter.
Now, some very rare individuals may be able to learn all the Kata in this book, and execute the moves with frightening precision and accuracy. However, in any given style of Karate, there are joint locks, throws, and a wide assortment of other self-defense techniques that Kata does not teach. Not too mention of course the eight man Kumite; where one person stands in the middle, and 8 people "attack" from 8 different directions. This very advanced exercise is crucial for advancement in any given style, and to my knowledge, a Kata has not yet been developed that simulates the "8 men attacking from 8 directions" pre-arranged Kumite.
The book is meant primarily as a reference work, not a "how-to" manual, and in that function it is superb. In fact, some of the techniques dropped by many American dojos in certain Katas are left untouched, and the movement arrows do their job. There are also special "zoom" drawings that describe in lurid detail the application of seemingly impractical techniques. If you are an instructor, or a Shotokan style black belt, then this book is for you.
Summary of 25 Shoto-Kan Kata
What is Kata?A kata is a series of defensive and offensive moves against imaginary attacks from different directions. Also, a kata includes many moves for physical exercise and for connection to subsequent moves rather than for actual application.
Why practice Kata?
Because of the tension of fighting, it is difficult to maintain tranquility in order to examine and understand the details of techniques during sparring. Therefore, Kata are made for studying the details of the external movements.
Why this Kata book?
1. All movements are illustrated by drawing insted of photographs. Therefore, you can understand the movements more clearly.
2. The drawings employ a three dimensional perspective and use compass points for easy orientation.
3. To complete the learning of each Kata, the rhythm and timing of movements are clearly described.
4. For clear understanding, step by step explanations accompany each diagram.
Note: Instructions provided in English, Spanish and Japanese.
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