Best Karate, Vol.3: Kumite 1 (Best Karate Series)

I cannot sing enough praises to this series of books. Together with the title Dynamic Karate, they form a foundation upon which to advance your karate with rock solid kihon information.I started to practice karate at the age of 16. After a long period of medical school and residency training during which practicing karate was out of the question, I got back to it at the age of 38. In my comeback I found out that the spirit of karate had changed. When I started, the emphasis was on learning good kihon and good kata, so that your kumite skills would have a strong foundation. It was also on the moral values of karate. Now, I feel that much of that is being lost and kumite and competition is all many karateka think of.This series of books presents karate in the light of an era of change. Sensei Nakayama lived in a generation marked by the transition of the karate as taught by Funakoshi, who believed it was unsuitable for competition, to an era where competition, if not the single purpose, has become one of the main goals of karate practitioners.When you read Funakoshi's books, it is easy to grasp how he viewed karate: a martial art meant to discipline ones body, improve ones health and lifespan, rein in ones violent impulses, and promote the sense of respect and politeness towards others, especially ones would be opponents. In summary, karate was to span a persons whole being and attitude, both inside the dojo as well as outside. Maybe especially outside.Sensei Nakayama clearly inherited that way of thinking and added to it a scientific view of body mechanics and systematic organization of techniques and concepts. He also presents excerpts of famous tactical experts of the past, many of whom where not karateka, but swordsman or strategists as they were called. Those excerpts represent the concept that all martial arts are the same in terms of rational, only the methods and weapons vary. The need for strategy, for constant training and for the understanding of the spirit is of paramount importance.While learning Karate-do from a book is impossible, complementing what we learn at our dojo with technical information provided by this series of books is certainly very desirable. I dare say it is desirable regardless of your karate style. I hail from Kenyu-Ryu karate, which tends to use karate stances that are higher. But still, I feel that 100% of the books still apply.

The beginning of this book is excellent. It describes preparing for combat/kumite and the different types. After that, there are lots of pictures describing various kumite techniques. For someone new to Shotokan (or new to martial arts), it is valuable. If you already have a foundation of experience, it's less valuable. The issue I had is despite the many pictures - the written descriptions, which are not shown step by step, are just summarized at the bottom of the page. So, sometimes you can figure it out by seeing the pictures, but sometimes there are gaps between how a technique went from one step to the next step. And it leaves the reader unclear. Overall, worthwhile for learning the basics about Shotokan.

This fantastic book was written by the late Nakayama, Sensei, who was the Chief Instructor for the Japan Karate Association. As with all his "Best Karate" series, this volume is comprehensive and detailed. The focus of this text is sparring techniques (Kumite). The author explains the progression of learning karate sparring. Beginning with five step sparring, moving to three step sparring, and than to one step sparring. There is also semi-free sparring and the ultimate level being free sparring. All serious students of Shotokan Karate should have this book in their personal library. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Karate Multiple Strikes Techniques for Self-Defense).

Best book recommended to learn Kumite for Shotokan Karate.

Comprehensive and easy to understand, for every practitioner, newbie or advanced!I wanted more explanation on kumite, but pics are detailed and you can get a deeper understanding

This is a fantastic series for any serious Karate students. Insofar as the Kata are concerned, the pictures, diagrams and descriptions are excellent and have really helped me with my Karate. Incidentally, if you are not a Karate student I would strongly recommend this as a sport for an individual of any age. The physical excercise and mental stress relief are unsurpassed by any other sport.

Perfect guide to remember tips

Great books on Shotokan karate. Well explained, lots of pictures.

Good one good I'm happy

This is a good series of karate books for a student to learn the history and details of the art.

great technical resource book for Shotokan Karate

Excellent series of books

Perfect