Karate for beginners /

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In Karate, it takes speed and practice to be the best. Lightning-fast punches, powerful kicks, and deft blocks and counters make it an exciting, fast-paced non-contact sport. A renowned black belt champion shows you what it takes to climb from one level to the next -- on your way to the top! Every technique is clearly spelled out and demonstrated with drawings of exercises and positions, and great photos of world champions in action, all in full color. For each belt level, you get a list of techniques to master, in order to ace the test. Attack these detailed training programs with hard work and practice, and you'll be well on your way to becoming one of the elite black belts of karate.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-6‘The problem with instructional books on karate is that they often work better as accompaniments to a class than as self-help manuals. This volume is a perfect example: as a guide to Blot's classes of Shotokan Karate, it's great. The author clearly explains the different blocks, punches, kicks, and stances. Almost all of the Japanese terms are translated, sparring competitions are explained in detail, and a short history of karate is included. Readers are taken through the forms and self-defense techniques that must be mastered at each belt level for seven different ranks‘from white on up through black. But herein lies the problem. Students of other martial arts or who are studying karate under different masters may find quite a bit of variation in what's expected of each belt, in the forms they must learn, in the way kicks and stances are performed, and even in the order of the color of the belts. Exceptionally clear, full-color photographs (featuring models of various races and both genders) and diagrams explicate the text. While this book is of better quality than many martial arts manuals, its usefulness will be limited mainly to students pursuing training in the Shotokan style.‘Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Gr. 5^-8. This attractive guide begins with basic information about the traditional karate uniform, training hall, instruction, ranking, and terminology. Most of the book concerns the mastery of skills at different levels, presented in chapters such as "Training for the Yellow Belt." Many full-color photos and diagrams illustrate the stances and movements fundamental to the art, while the text explains the steps in each movement. The book ends with a chapter about karate competitions. Translated from the original French, the text is surprisingly readable, but students will probably choose this book for the clearly illustrated movements. --Carolyn Phelan