British karate teacher Chris Denwood presents a collection of his articles and short philosophical thoughts on the analysis of traditional karate for civilian self-protection and personal growth.
Heavily illustrated with over 230 pictures, covered in this book are thought-provoking sections on history, kata bunkai (analysis),training
methods, theoretical study, pragmatic application, overarching concepts, as well as some of the author's personal insights, experiences and stories.
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By david Forsythe
Jul 5, 2011
The author describes the book as “a collection of lessons, thoughts & beliefs on the analysis of traditional karate for self-protection & personal growth”. That was enough to hook me in but having now read the book, this description is very much an under-sell of the delights within and the key thing that sets this book apart from the many other traditional karate books out there. That is that it doesn’t just provide a single perspective manual of what to do and how to do it, it provides the reader with encouragement and a set of tools to learn how to learn. No one can learn karate from a book and so this additional aspect of improving how we learn, question, understand and then develop using the book as a guide makes it applicable and invaluable to anyone starting out on their karate journey as well as those already some distance though it, regardless of style or rank. The author achieves this unique benefit by treating each chapter as if it were a postcard from some... More > particular place, time or experience on his own phenomenal karate journey. Like a postcard, each chapter tells the reader what that time, place or experience looked and felt like from the author’s perspective but more importantly how he used it to learn and develop. In doing this, he allows the reader to not only share his learning but provides a reference to come and visit the same place and learn using the same tools and techniques; very much a “wish you were here!” sticking with the postcard analogy. The reader doesn’t have to agree with the author’s conclusions or even see that time, place or experience in the same way but he will arrive there with a head start on what to look for and how to find it when he gets there. The postcards cover a wide range of experiences (from using basic techniques and lessons for exploration of the many layers that encompass this fantastic art, to developing focussed functional fitness for real world applications; from learning how to warm up properly to developing the skills for your own analysis of kata). However, common themes do emerge very quickly and these obviously reflect the author’s strongly held beliefs and principles about the original intent of traditional karate and the rediscovery and preservation of that intent through modern thinking applied to traditional principles and methodologies. This is not a historical look back to drag the reader into the past. Far from it; it is modern and innovative approach to bringing the traditional principles to the modern dojo and the real world as it is today. This book isn’t going to gather dust on a shelf. Once read, this collection of “postcards” becomes an invaluable travel guide to anyone on or starting a karate journey. Read any chapter and just like a postcard it gives the reader an opportunity to learn something about that time or place. It doesn’t need to be read cover to cover; just dip in to reflect the time and place or experience you are in and find something to help you explore. Had I had the depth of knowledge, experience and understanding to write a book like this, I’d have called it the karateka’s guide to a lifelong journey of learning because I believe that’s that what it is. I strongly recommend you take this guide on your own journey.< Less
This is one of those books I'll keep coming back to time after time,just like Iain Abernethy's Bunkai Jutsu. The wealth and depth of information in this book is just mindblowing, full of those 'insight moments' when a sudden realization dawns on the reader. I had great fun trying out applications and many "WOW" moments along the way, have already highly recommended to members of dojo and club. You need this book in your collection! A great companion to the outstanding 'Acorns to Oak Trees' DVD, a real "MUST BUY"!!!!
Chris is an Awe inspiring martial artist, his passion for his art is next none and this passion is demonstrated through his articles. In-depth, detailed and easy reading with lots of visual additions, what else could anyone wanting to buy this book need? A magnificent book, containing many fabulous writings but Chris is also a respected, one in a million martial artist. 5 Stars! A book worth its weight in gold!
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