Action Karate

Text and photographs introduce the techniques of karate including stances, blocks, punches, and kicks.

Grade 4-8 A self-instruction manual about the basic techniques of shotokan karate. Although styles and forms of karate vary somewhat, this book does a good job of explaining basic moves that most students of the martial arts would recognize. It includes brief information about the history of shotokan karate, the ranking system, and sparring. A pronunciation glossary of Japanese terms and a good index are also included. The main emphasis of the book, however, is on the basic stances, blocks, kicks, and punches used in fighting. The well-written instructions and clear black-and-white photos would be easy for beginners to comprehend and to imitate. Photos of stances are particularly well done, using tape on the floor to help illustrate the correct foot positions. It's refreshing to see photographs of highly skilled children, rather than adults, demonstrating techniques in a book aimed at a child audience. What a shame, then, that none of the photographs shows girls, particularly at a time when female participation in the martial arts is on the rise. A point penalty against Parulski for that blatant omission in an otherwise well-done book. Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.