The Advanced Shotokan Karate Handbook

Rating:
Summary: The Advanced Shotokan Karate Handbook
Review: I must admit, this is a very good and honest attempt at trying to compile the Kata series. The quality/angles of photography and the depth of bunkai applications could have been a little better. The kumite sequences and sets are pretty interesting.

Over-all... a good book for upto brown-belt grades... to be used as a tool for quick reference.

But watching Mr Sahota in action, certainly makes me want to train with him when I visit England next.

Cheers.

Rating:
Summary: We've seen it all before
Review: Nothing new in this book except it shows some of the more obscure advanced kata not found in "Best Karate" which is much more complete in its description. Also, every kick is unrealistically high. Pass.

Rating:
Summary: We've seen it all before
Review: The photographs of kata and kumite are excellent. The application of kata are also well-illustrated. The major failing of the book is that it relies too heavily on the pictures with little or no explanation. A good intermediate or advanced student will benefit but only with careful analysis. The section on kumite techniques is unique in that many combinations are presented which are not a normal part of JKA karate. I recommend this book to any who are interested in a good technical manual and who are not mentally restricted to karatedo from previous teachings.

Rating:
Summary: Quit... unpleasent
Review: Unfortunately, this one is quit like the other book written by Sahota: "Beginners to black belt":

A lot of not-too-good pictures, few explanations, techniques of doubtfull quality, and an author who gives me the unpleasent feeling that he is ego-tripping all over the book, starting with the front cover.

Rating:
Summary: Quit... unpleasent
Review: Unfortunately, this one is quit like the other book written by Sahota: "Beginners to black belt":

A lot of not-too-good pictures, few explanations, techniques of doubtfull quality, and an author who gives me the unpleasent feeling that he is ego-tripping all over the book, starting with the front cover.