Karate The Art Of Empty Hand Fighting: Amazon.ca: Hidetaka Nishiyama: Books

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First Sentence
The literal meaning of the two Japanese characters which make up the word "karate" is "empty hands." Read the first page

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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews

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4.9 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Early work but still great, Oct 5 2000

By

magellan (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Karate The Art Of Empty Hand Fighting (Paperback)

Considering this book came out originally in 1960 and was the first large-format book on Karate I had seen up to that point, it is remarkable that it has rarely been exceeded in the all time since. The photos of the basic techniques are very clear. The applications sections are generous with good coverage of sparring and self-defense.

I have a personal story about Nishiyama, although I didn't study with him myself, but someone I know did. Nishiyama was in Los Angelos for some time back in the 60's and he was conducting a training session. One of the students, a guy by the name of Ray Dalke, who later led the U.C. Riverside Shotokan club to the national championship title, was in the class. I met Dalke when I was a doctoral student at UCR back in the early 80's, but I actually heard this from one of his students. Ray had never been very loose in the legs, especially the groin stretch, where you sit on the ground in a quasi-lotus position and bounce your knees up and down and try to get them all the way to the ground.

Anyway, Nishiyama came around to Dalke, and noticed his problem. He says to Dalke, "You want to have loose lap?" (Sometimes Nishiyama's English was a bit rough, but the meaning came through loud and clear). Dalke says, "yes, Master, I do." Nishiyama says again, "Are you sure you want to have loose lap?" Dalke says, "Yes, yes, Master, I want it more than anything!" At that moment Nishiyama jumps up into the air and comes down with both feet planted squarely on Dalke's knees, driving them all the way to the floor.

Well, he said Dalke's scream of agony could be heard for two city blocks. They had to get an ambulance and take Dalke away. But he survived and was back later after he healed with the "loosest lap" you've ever seen. I hope Ray doesn't mind my telling his story. Like I said, I met Ray in about 1980 when he was the faculty karate instructor at UC Riverside and he was really a pretty cool guy, as well as an excellent instructor. He loved the Shotokan katas and I recall having an enjoyable discussion with him about some of the more advanced forms.

Anyway, Nishiyama is one of the greats of the Shotokan style and this book is still one of the finest books on the subject. I will say one more thing about Nishiyama, which is that he has the most vicious-looking front kick I've ever seen. I've tried to emulate his style on this one but he's basically got the patent on it.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Fundamental Shotokan Karate, Mar 16 2002

By

"jvaldezcg5" (Burbank, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Karate The Art Of Empty Hand Fighting (Paperback)

Karate: the Art of "Empty Hand" Fighting by Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard C. Brown is the perfect starter book for any one wishing to learn Shotokan Karate. It describes all the stances, punches, strikes, blocks, and kicks. An explanation of the application of Karate techniques in self-defense situations is given. Briefly outlined is the history and principles of the art but what is indispensable in the book are the recommended schedules for the different training situations which make this book a perfect guide for the student and helpful manual for the instructor. After learning what is in this book I would suggest moving on to one of the books by Robin L. Rielly; either Complete Shotokan Karate, ISBN 0-8048-2108-9, or The Secrets of Shotokan Karate, ISBN 0-8048-3229-3. My only wish is that the chapters on Kumite and Kata would be expanded but that is why I recommend the two books above as well.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all serious practioner of Karate, May 9 2001

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Prince Loeffler (Hermosa Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Karate The Art Of Empty Hand Fighting (Paperback)

This book should be considered a bible to all martial artist and students who are serious about studying the Japanese Style karate. It is very informative and still up to date. As an Instructor I find this book as a great source of reference.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A very informative book
This is a great book for any student who is trying to polish their techniques a bit. Nishiyama's book is loaded with all the information you would need to refine your skills... Read more

Published on April 4 2000 by Mike Troxel

5.0 out of 5 stars May be the best karate book ever written
This is the most complete instructional karate book I've ever seen. It came out in 1960 and has still not been improved on. Read more

Published on Jan 6 2000