Randall G. Hassell, seventh-degree black belt, is a first-generation American to pioneer Shotokan Karate and Chief Instructor of the American Shotokan Karate Alliance. He has written, edited, or contributed to 28 books on karate and more than 100 magazine articles. Edmond Otis, director of martial arts at Riverside and chairman of the American JKA Karate Association (AJKA), is a sixth-degree black belt and one of the permier American karate instructors of his generation.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Good book before you sign up Comment: Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate Overall, not a bad book for a general overview of karate. Would be especially useful for those deciding which type of martial arts to go into or for the beginner. The descriptions of blocks and punches were for the most part, the most useful part of the book. My biggest complaint is that there was very little discussion of the origins and differences between different styles of karate. A good overview, but probably not a valuable reference. Well worth the money. Customer Rating: Summary: first one to buy Comment: I was probably about twelve years old when I bought my first book on karate, and over the last forty plus years have bought a lot more, and for the person just looking into karate for themselves or for their child, this is the first book I'd advise them to buy. There are others, too, like Mark Groenwald's "Karate the Japanese Way" and C.W. Nicol's "Moving Zen," and even Peter Urban's "The Karate Dojo", that are very good, but this is a gem of a book and gives really solid advice about what to look for (and what to look out for) when you're looking to get into karate. Despite its humorous, breezy tone, it's insightful and right on the money, from two fellows who know well of what they speak. After this there are Nakayama's "Dynamic Karate" and Nishiyama & Brown's "Karate: The Art of Empty Hand Fighting" and Nakayama's "Best Karate" series of books for more thorough instructional manuals. Again, before anything else, I'd advise the person looking into karate for the first time to start right here, with "The Complete Idiots Guide to Karate." Customer Rating: Summary: Black Belt material - Certainly not for Idiot's Comment: In addition to the other review here, this book is much more than what has been described. It would suit any Okinawan/Japanese style of karate not just Shotokan. It's a large book & isn't intended as an introduction (IMHO). Many hundreds of subjects are covered, some as deeply philosophical as Zanshin & Mushin etc. Although these subjects are covered very briefly, they are done so in such a concise way that you get the full meaning.
"An Idiot's Guide" is an unfortunate title as many Brown and Black Belt karate-ka would benefit from its HUGE & varied content.
As with all other "Idiot" series books, it is very well & interestingly laid out with lots of diagrams & photo's too.
Should Karate be introduced into the school curriculum, this ought to be the first reference book teachers should source. The authors are well established & highly respected in this field already.
This book puts many so-called "advanced" titles to shame - if the subjects were covered in any more depth, this book could be three times as thick.
Customer Rating: Summary: Good Addition to Your Library Comment: Many years ago when I first was looking for a style to study I came across this book and enjoyed it immensely. It is well written and informed. Ultimately I ended up choosing a style not listed in this book but the principles it covers on how to choose a style were very helpful. I long since gave my copy away to someone who wanted to study the martial arts and one day when I get a chance to clear out my already crowded library I hope to get a new and hopefully updated copy. Customer Rating: Summary: The complete Indiots guide to karate Comment: Whether you are begining Karate, re-entering Karte after a long break or a practicing advanced Karate-ka this books is invaluable. It brings the complicated structure, terminology to an easy understanding level and is unbiased and not self promoting. It really is a great guide.
