Rating: 
Summary: An excellent text for any serious karateka
Review: As Kancho Ninomiya developed his style from Ashihara Karate (which in turn derived from Mas Oyama's "Kyokushin" style of Karate), I believe this *excellent* text should be of interest to anyone studying Kyokushin-derived styles of Karate.This book is essentially THE textbook for anyone studying Enshin Karate, and for any karateka who believes that rational, scientific principles will develop better technique. Obviously, nothing beats practice and more practice, but this book provides valuable insights on what students should focus on AS they practice. Without resorting to "easy" tricks or the usual platitudes, this book presents a studies "breakdown" of principles karateka should study in order to make their karate _effective_. (Specifically, the book has invaluable sections on the importance of sizing up distance, timing, and getting to the "outside" of the opponent's direction of attack, so as to take advantage of their "blind spot".) Though the book is heavily illustrated (many sequential photos are included to illustrate Enshin's principles), the text included is just as useful. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve their karate technique and strategy!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: Joko Ninomiya (Kancho is a title, not a name) was a champion of kyokushinkai full contact karate before breaking away to found his own style -enshin karate (although he spent some time in ashihara karate inbetween). This book is of great use for any practicioner of a kyokushin derrived style (Kyokushin, enshin, ashihara, seidokaikan, seido juku, world oyama etc etc). Practicioners of other styles may find it of great interest awell.
This book is awesome! It is one of the few books to focus on the fighting aspect of full contact, knockdown style karate (where most only focus on formal technique and kata). While many of the techniques and combinations shown are not allowed in knockdown rules (even in Ninomiya's own organisation and their rule variation), what matters is the movement pattern and tactic that is taught.
This is a introduction to jissen kumite (full contact karate fighting) as it is supposed to be.
If I must find something to complain about, it is that some of the photos are to small. But that is the price to pay for cramming so much good stuff into the book.
Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Martial Arts Text
Review: Kancho Joko Ninomiya (founder of Sabaki Method-Enshin Karate) and Ed Zorensky have produced an outstanding text in martial arts sparring and fighting strategies. Though this book quickly goes over basic punches and kicks, it is not a primer on the subject. These techniques are more of an introduction to prepare the practiciner for the rest of the book. It is filled with much information on distancing, takedowns and follow-ups, offensive and defensive strategies. The still photos gives you a visual assessemnt of what is being discussed and drills you can use to train with. There is a short section on self-defense training and kata that is somewhat out of place; However, this book is so good compared to most martial arts instruction books, that these sections are easily overlooked. The authers probably should devote another book to those topics, especially self-defense. A highley regarded text that every karateka who is serious about either sparring or "real" fighting should own. The only other book comparable to this on the subject of sparring is "American Freestyle Karate" by Dan Anderson.
Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Martial Arts Text
Review: Kancho Joko Ninomiya (founder of Sabaki Method-Enshin Karate) and Ed Zorensky have produced an outstanding text in martial arts sparring and fighting strategies. Though this book quickly goes over basic punches and kicks, it is not a primer on the subject. These techniques are more of an introduction to prepare the practiciner for the rest of the book. It is filled with much information on distancing, takedowns and follow-ups, offensive and defensive strategies. The still photos gives you a visual assessemnt of what is being discussed and drills you can use to train with. There is a short section on self-defense training and kata that is somewhat out of place; However, this book is so good compared to most martial arts instruction books, that these sections are easily overlooked. The authers probably should devote another book to those topics, especially self-defense. A highley regarded text that every karateka who is serious about either sparring or "real" fighting should own. The only other book comparable to this on the subject of sparring is "American Freestyle Karate" by Dan Anderson.
Rating:
Summary: 220 pages packed with information...
Review: Most of the martial arts books in print are tired reproductions of each other. This is something totally different! The only other books like it (in English, that I know of) are out of print (Fighting Karate & More Fighting Karate by Ashihara). Based upon what has proven to be effective in bare-knuckle full-contact karate competion, this book is not theoretical. There is a wealth of information that would take years to digest. The companion video, Sabaki Method II is the #1 selling instructional martial arts video in Japan. True fighting karate at its best!
Rating:
Summary: This the best book on true fighting karate!
Review: Most of the martial arts books in print are tired reproductions of each other. This is something totally different! The only other books like it (in English, that I know of) are out of print (Fighting Karate & More Fighting Karate by Ashihara). Based upon what has proven to be effective in bare-knuckle full-contact karate competion, this book is not theoretical. There is a wealth of information that would take years to digest. The companion video, Sabaki Method II is the #1 selling instructional martial arts video in Japan. True fighting karate at its best!
Rating:
Summary: 220 pages packed with information...
Review: This 1998 paperback version is filled with techniques, principles explaining WHY the presented techniques work, and strategy. Content is well organized; from the basics to more advanced techniques and topics. As with any Martial Art "how-to" book, it is extremely difficult to get into the intricate details of describing motion on paper without confounding the key elements.
The black and white sequential photos allow you to "scan" the sequences from left to right, and with some diligent study, begin to visualize the complete technique. The authors also add
a "second angle";(overhead) sketches which are unique and very helpful. Straight line and angular arrows provide yet another way to clarify the motions and positions which make up the techniques. The contrast on the photos and sketches are very good - Mr. Ninomiya and his Uke are clearly distinguished from one another. This book deserves serious praise for it's technical presentation. To get more, you'd need a video or DVD(available?).
The predominant composition of the book involves Kumite, but there are some basic solo exercises and techniques covered in detail.
This will be a valued addition to my collection, but not one which will collect dust!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent text for any serious karateka
Review: This book takes a look at one of the most practical and effective karate styles known; enshin. A must for any martial artist. Hundreds of action photos from all angles take the reader through step by step movements.
Rating:
Summary: sabaki method
Review: This book takes a look at one of the most practical and effective karate styles known; enshin. A must for any martial artist. Hundreds of action photos from all angles take the reader through step by step movements.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Book - a book that shows the true way of Karate
Review: This is a great book that should have been made years ago. Kancho shows his style of true fighting Karate with a tremendous amount of high quality photos and some inspiring words. This book shows why Kancho Ninomiya won the All Japan Championship.
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