Shito Ryu Karate

Rating:
Summary: Good for the basics
Review: All the hand and leg techniques are perfectly shown; but I wish moving and turning were included, as well as a kata or two.

Rating:
Summary: This book is an excellent resource for Shito-ryu stylist
Review: This book has all the pictures and Japanese terminology associated with the movements. Most traditional karate dojo's use these terms to conduct there classes, this is a great book for reference whether you are training in Wado-ryu,Shotokan,Goju-ryu or Shito-ryu. This text will benefit you in your training.

Rating:
Summary: Demura Sensei is a martial arts legend
Review: When reading Sensei Demura's books, you're getting martial arts info from one of the most realiable sources in contempoary times. His book is knowledge and informative. A must oen for any karate stylist.

Rating:
Summary: Demura Sensei is a martial arts legend
Review: When reading Sensei Demura's books, you're getting martial arts info from one of the most realiable sources in contempoary times. His book is knowledge and informative. A must oen for any karate stylist.

Rating:
Summary: Authentic Shito-Ryu Handbook for Practice & Belt Exam
Review: You may be confused by a different title printed on the cover 'Black Belt Karate'. Don't worry, it's probably some kind of cover design. In fact it's printed as 'Shito-Ryu Karate' on the side of the book and also the first page inside the book. It's indeed an authentic handbook of Shito-Ryu Karate, just like the hand notes you may recieve when you join any major karate dojo that practicing Shito-Ryu style. However, this handbook is very complete and helpful. It contains the following topics:



- History of Shito-Ryu Karate

- Striking Points

- Target Areas

- Standing Positions

- Hand Techniques

- Elbow Techniques

- Kicking Techniques

- Blocking Techniques



For each topics like standing positions, it provides each stance with the proper terminology, spelling, picture, application, and description of how to do the stance, such as the forward stance, Zenkutsu Dachi.



This book covers the history and techniques, it does not provide any kata forms. If you're interested on practicing Shito-Ryu kata forms, you may want to look at the DVD from amazon.com named 'Shito Ryu Karate Original'. It shows you different traditional Shito-Ryu kata forms in both slow and correct speed & timing, as well as from different side views.



Overall, if you practice Shito-Ryu karate, this is a very good and authentic handbook to help you practice and prepare your belt tests. If you're looking for a book to show you overall how-to-do karate, this may not the one you should be looking for.



(Reviewed by Otto Yuen, 13-Aug-2004)