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 - DisappointingI feel quite disappointed abut this product: The original pictures by master Funakoshi (more than 50% of the book) were replaced by similar pictures of the translator doing similar examples. This information was not available online, I just realized this when I received the item. I've been told that a new english edition has been released by ITKF recovering the original pictures of the author. Rating:  - A must own for Japanese and Korean StudentsIf you want to see the evolution of Okinawan Karate from Shuri-te into Shorin-Ryu, Shoto-Kan , and eventually Korean Tang Soo DO You need to have this book and also Karate Jutsu. Then study Hwang Kees Two texts on Tang Soo Do vol 1 and 2 and you'll see Tang Soo Do is the Korean version of Shoto-Kan (which is nothing to be ashamed of). Even though the Koreans don't like to admit it, there's no question where Tang Soo Do's roots lie and it's not in a 2000 year old Korean art or anything Mstr. Kee learned in China! You will also see the changes that evolved, from the High original stances of Okinawan karate (Karate Jutsu) that Funakoshi was taught by Itosu, to the deeper and longer stances that later developed in shoto-kan, as well as many Shoto-isms particular to both styles such as Pinan 1 and 2 being reversed from Itosu's original order. You'll notice the single index finger knife hand blocks in Seishan Kata (Hangetsu), which modern Shoto-kan no longer uses but Tang Soo Do still does, the commonality of the total kata and the overall simularity which is remarkable especially when Tang Soo Do's leaders and most Koreans refuse to admit it. Rating: - A classic for all martial artistsThis book is good glimpse of a budo master and his art in early 20th century Japan. Through this work, one can really learn about the "Do", or the spirit of karate. Even if one is not a karate student, I do believe practicing these kata can also help improve themselves in the art. I've done taekwondo for 10 years, and practising these forms (which are also practiced in tang soo do schools) help improved myself greatly as a martial artist. If one is studying karate, or its similar arts, this books is not only good in explaining how to do kata, but also how to use various techniques practiced through them. I even just enjoyed reading the section on each kata before I practiced them. This book also does put a perspective on the relationship between Japanese, Korean, and Chinese martial arts, however divergent they are today. This is a book for all masters and students in the arts. Rating:  - Dogmatic and out-of-touch with the realities of free-sparingThis is the manual for Shotokan karate. What I find most objectionable is that this manual confuses the purpose of a punch and a kick. The Shotokan method of punching is to lunge forward all-out and push the fist as far forward as possible. You lean your body and head and everything forward to get that last added bit of power and striking range. The Shotokan punch is often used at a distance from the opponent that in other styles would be exclusively reserved for kicks. Yes, someone hit that way will be in a world-of-hurt. He'll be throwing up and on-the-ground and it's game-over. There will be a fist-sized belly-button on his back. But if your opponent blocks one of these punches then you're in real trouble. Not only are you leaning forward and off-balance, but your remaing arm is way behind you. You have no hand available to block a swift counter-attack. Your mobility is constrained by having all weight on the forward leg. Expect to get your head ripped off in that position, because you're bent over and presenting it to your opponent! There is one extremely laughable line in this book relevant to this. It states that the initial attacker usually looses the fight. Yes, if you attack without consideration to your position after a block then you'll loose! However, if you practice a normal martial art then attacking first is an advantage. If your opponent is 4 feet away then you can try a kick before diving at him with a punch. If you want to try to kill you opponent in one move then by all means do that by kicking. Flying punches will get you into serious trouble. Rating:  - Fundamental part of your Martial Arts libraryJust commenting on the Kata reference portion. I think the walkthrough kata pictures are a bit sparse, but the text descriptions are very good. Personally, I prefer something like "Best Karate" for specific, take with you in the gym bag, reference materials for the kata. But this is a very good "core" book to keep on the shelf. In addition to the other topics in the book, the kata presented are: Taikyoku: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan Heian: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan Bassai, Kwanku Tekki: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan Hangetsu, Jutte, Empi, Gankuku, Jion Ten no Kata ("Introductory kata to sparring") (yes that's alata kata for one book)
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