Author: Lawrence A. Kane, Kris Wilder Binding: Paperback ISBN: 1594390584
$15.00
Features:
ISBN13: 9781594390586
Condition: New
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The ancient masters developed kata, or "formal exercises," as fault-tolerant methods to preserve their unique, combat-proven fighting systems. Unfortunately, they deployed a two-track system of instruction where an 'outer circle' of students unknowingly received modified forms with critical details or important principles omitted. Only the select 'inner circle' that had gained a master's trust and respect would be taught okuden waza, the powerful hidden applications of kata.
The theory of deciphering kata applications (kaisai no genri) was once a great mystery revealed only to trusted disciples of the ancient masters in order to protect the secrets of their systems. Even today, while the basic movements of kata are widely known, advanced practical applications and sophisticated techniques frequently remain hidden from the casual observer. The principles and rules for understanding kata are largely unknown.
This groundbreaking book unveils these methods, not only teaching you how to analyze your kata to understand what it is trying to tell you, but also helping you to utilize your fighting techniques more effectively--both in self-defense and in tournament applications.
· Fifteen general principles to identify effective techniques · Twelve discrete rules for deciphering martial applications · Comprehensive insights into kata history, strategy and tactics · Vital physiological considerations · Well organized materials for easy reference and comprehensive understanding
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Indispensable!:
The Way of Kata by Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder is a book that should be read and studied by all practitioners of the martial arts! I am a teacher of Shotokan and Jujitsu and yet I found this book to be one of the great manuals of kata bunkai for all styles, not just Goju-ryu, which the authors practice. Yes, they do use the goju kata to demonstrate their principles and rules, but these concepts are universal and most important. In a world where art has turned into sport, practitioner/researchers such as... more info
Excellent Explanation of the Reasons for Kata:
I have enjoyed very few martial arts books, but this one that I did enjoy. The authors develop their ideas in a very well thought-out manner (even if the book's physical layout isn't done very well - figures and their captions are one example, as anyone who has looked at the book will know). Some things may be a bit overstated; for example, the authors state that each and every kata contains a complete self-defense system. However, this book is really good and well-written to boot. However, I am left with... more info
Excellent Book! Every martial artist must have it!!:
In a nutshell, this book is about self defence. It focuses on Kata, but it does because Kata provides all the techniques required to survive in a life or death situation. It doesn't give you the interpretation of the Kata techniques and asks you to accept it. It rathers gives you the tools that will help you decipher the application of the Kata techniques yourself. If your interpretation applies to the listed rules and priciples to decipher Kata techniques, then your interpreation is correct. Yet the... more info
What is Kata all about?:
Am I one of the few people that still believe in katas? Today most people have no idea what a kata is, let alone the intricacies of a well studied and practiced kata. It is a thing of beauty, although described as a dance, it is not at dance. Embedded in all the ancient katas were secret combat techniques of self-defence and death. Yeah, I said it, death. Katas were invented to pass on the knowledge to the next generation and to test ones sincerity, truth and trustwothyness in training. Today katas are... more info
