Zen Shaolin Karate: The Complete Practice, Philosophy and History

Rating:
Summary: Excellent material for extra knowledge
Review: A must have book for any martial artist who practices karate.
Not necessarily a technical book, but it does give an alternate opinion on the history of karate.
And the kata are very useful for distributing energy.

Rating:
Summary: Certainly Puts a New Spin on Naifanchi and Sanchin
Review: Since most of what I have to say has already been said, but better than I could, I will keep this brief.

If you practice OMA or the JMA derivitives, get this book.

The presentation of the sets and their application is awesome. I practice Isshinryu karate, so of course my sets differ in appearance from these, but it's obvious that the root is the same, and so is the potential for application.

Before this book, I was ready to consign my Sanchin practice (sans Ibuki breathing) to a mere upkeep level. But, since I read this text, it is going to be on the front burner of study, along with Naifanchi and Sunsu.

With the exception of the obligatory "crotty history" and certain apparently style-specific techniques on pages 1-79, this book is awesome.

Now, read the other reviews, then buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Interpretations of Sanchin and Naihanchi
Review: The title of this book, "Zen Shaolin Karate" unfortunately conjures the image of an Americanized kenpo style. Nothing is farther from the truth--Author Nathan Johnson offers a superb interpretation of two of the most widely practiced fundamental kata (forms) of Okinawa Karate, the Sanchin Kata of Goju Ryu, and the Naihanchi Kata of Shorin-ryu. Johnson has researched these two forms, and reconstructed them as he believes they were performed before being altered to teach to the masses. We see for the first tome in an English language publication, Sanchin performed open handed. Naihanchin is presented as one complete form in three parts (as researchers believe it was performed prior to Itosu's time). For both forms, bunkai emphasizing locking and grappling is demonstrated, including close up photos showing how the locks are performed.

Johnson is in essence, apparently attempting to reintroduce the older Chinese methods of study, a growing trend among some Okinawa Karate stylists. My one sticking point with this book is Johnson's lack of bibliographic sources, he isn't very specific about how he did his research and how he reached his conclusions. What were his influences, who did he talk to, who did he study with, what articles and volumes did he read? Johnson's second volume, "Barefoot Zen" does much to remedy these questions. Both volumes are excellent studies which will be helpful to anyone going through the stages of paring down and understanding thri art.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Interpretations of Sanchin and Naihanchi
Review: The title of this book, "Zen Shaolin Karate" unfortunately conjures the image of an Americanized kenpo style. Nothing is farther from the truth--Author Nathan Johnson offers a superb interpretation of two of the most widely practiced fundamental kata (forms) of Okinawa Karate, the Sanchin Kata of Goju Ryu, and the Naihanchi Kata of Shorin-ryu. Johnson has researched these two forms, and reconstructed them as he believes they were performed before being altered to teach to the masses. We see for the first tome in an English language publication, Sanchin performed open handed. Naihanchin is presented as one complete form in three parts (as researchers believe it was performed prior to Itosu's time). For both forms, bunkai emphasizing locking and grappling is demonstrated, including close up photos showing how the locks are performed.

Johnson is in essence, apparently attempting to reintroduce the older Chinese methods of study, a growing trend among some Okinawa Karate stylists. My one sticking point with this book is Johnson's lack of bibliographic sources, he isn't very specific about how he did his research and how he reached his conclusions. What were his influences, who did he talk to, who did he study with, what articles and volumes did he read? Johnson's second volume, "Barefoot Zen" does much to remedy these questions. Both volumes are excellent studies which will be helpful to anyone going through the stages of paring down and understanding thri art.

Rating:
Summary: Good book for the practicioners of the art.
Review: This book is excellent. It starts off giving the history and origin of Karate which is very interesting. Then it goes right to the point learning. If you want a book that teaches you to relax and also teaches you some self-defence this book is for you. If you learn by reading instructions for the applications of moves it includes that along with detailed pictures. This book is a must have for all martial artists.

Rating:
Summary: Good book for the practicioners of the art.
Review: This book is excellent. It starts off giving the history and origin of Karate which is very interesting. Then it goes right to the point learning. If you want a book that teaches you to relax and also teaches you some self-defence this book is for you. If you learn by reading instructions for the applications of moves it includes that along with detailed pictures. This book is a must have for all martial artists.