CompleteMartialArts.com - Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate

List Price: $199.95
Our Price: $199.95
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
Directed By: George Alexander

Average Customer Rating:

Binding: DVD
EAN: 0692126018993
Format: Color
Label: Yamazato Productions
Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
Number Of Items: 10
Publisher: Yamazato Productions
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2003-10-22
Running Time: 600
Studio: Yamazato Productions

Related Items
The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do: (Shorin-Ryu)

Editorial Reviews:

This video collection is the most comprehensive presentation of Okinawa's Shorin Ryu Karate ever put on video. Shorin Ryu is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of karate and is based on pure self-defense of the Kata (forms), Bunkai (Practical Applications & Self - Defense) and Kumite-Free Sparring. Additionally, you will learn pressure point striking, takedowns and Tuite Joint-Locking and Grappling.

Your instructor is George Alexander, 9th Dan. Trained in Okinawa, Japan he is the "World Pioneer of Shorin Ryu Karate." He has spread the teachings of this dynamic art worldwide and has taught in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. He began training while in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. He journeyed to the orient including Japan, Okinawa and Southeast Asia. He quickly earned a reputation as a rugged fighter. As a competitor he earned the titles: World Karate Champion, International Karate Champion and National AAU Karate Champion.

Tape 1-Basics, Footwork, Body Conditioning, Makiwara Training

Tape 2-Kihon Kata 1,2, and 3; Pinan 1,2, and 3

Tape 3-Pinan 4 and 5

Tape 4-Naihanchi 1,2, and 3

Tape 5-Seishin Sho and Rohai

Tape 6-Passai Dai and Passai Sho

Tape 7-Seisan and Seshin Dai

Tape 8-Chinto and Gojushiho

Tape 9-Kusanku

Tape 10-Kumite

Spotlight customer reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary: Master?
Comment: I did some research on Mr. Alexander after purchasing a few of these videos. His length of study with Yuichi Kuda is certainly questionable and I believe he gained his rank through being buddies with another Karate stylist. His techniques are not good Karate and the videos did little to improve my opinion of this person who is known to use videos and information not of his own for profit. Much better instruction can be found out there, and if you consider this guy a Master, you have never seen true Okinawan Shorin Ryu.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Awesome!!!
Comment: This set is awesome. I really have learned alot. Hanshi Alexander is an excellent teacher & very clear on all the DVDs. You really get your moneys worth. I highly recommend this set.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Real Shorin
Comment: I do not own this set of Mastering Shorin, but I have seen some of the material. Due to a previous negative post, I wanted to make a comment.

This series is produced by an authentic Shorin Karate Master. I have been in the martial arts since 1969 and myself have a 6th Dan Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, and black belts in Hapkido, Jujutsu, and also teach Mantis Kung Fu and two styles of Tai Chi. Over the years I have also studied Shorin Karate. I know the history of the martial arts and the various schools that exist. I also know Master George Alexander's people and they represent authentic Shorin.

A beginner might make a mistake, thinking that all Shorin Karate schools teach the katas exactly the same, but they do not.

As a Master instructor, I can assure anyone thinking about buying these videos that they are the real thing and they are good.

Master Alexander has a school in my own town and they are one of my competitors, so I am not saying this to gain anything for myself, rather, I am saying this so that people will have correct information before deciding to purchase this item.

Master Mike Shaw

Customer Rating:

Summary: Valuable DVD Set-Worth the Price!!!
Comment: I strongly disagree with the previous reviewer. This is an amazing set on traditional Shorin Ryu Karate. It teaches all the forms and bunkai of the kata performed by a world renowned master of Shorin Ryu Karate. The seld defense techniques are awesome also. The 10 volume set is definitly worth the price!!! The material is priceless and a great reference set. It will give you a lifetime of material to learn and master. I know I have learned much of the fine points of karate after owning this set a short time and it made me realize how much I have to learn.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Questionable
Comment: Before purchasing and shelling out money for the entire 10 disc DVD set, I wanted to evaluate one DVD. I purchased Volume 3. The basis for my evaluation.

1. I currently study/practice Shorin Ryu Karate and Small Circle Jujitsu (SCJ) with 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th Dans of Shorin Ryu and SCJ. Our studio student makeup has black belts and national champion from wrestling, Aikido, Judo, TKD, and BJJ.
2. The katas and techniques in Volume 3 (Pinan 4 and 5) were evaluated against other katas and techniques as found in Shorin Ryu Karate literature and DVDs.

Summary/Conclusion:

1. The picture and sound qualities were rather poor and indicative of a home video. Very non-professional.

2. The katas appear not to be performed correctly as compared against other Shorin Ryu Karate katas. Yes, katas are different among instructors and schools based on martial arts background and many other factors but the katas in Vol. 3 don't seem to represent Okinawan Shorin Ryu (e.g. big, open movements). Where's the biomechanics for generating power? (e.g. the use of core and your arms act like a whip).

3. The techniques do not appear indicative of Shorin Ryu. Alexander appears to use big, open movements. These motions are indicative of traditional Japanese movements. These movements are more indicative of such styles where power comes from big motions, strength and in a nutshell, size.

4. Volume 3 may be used as a reference or study aid but I would not recommend it for those serious about preserving the art of Shorin Ryu. Consider "Uchinadi" by Oshiro produced by Tsunami. More professional production.

If Volume 3 is indicative of the set, then I would not purchase this DVD set. Personally, I do not plan on purchasing the set after the disappointment with Volume 3. Overall, just my opinion based on volume 3 and it's your money.

More Reviews

Top 50 Martial Arts Topsites List