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Martial Arts Book Review - The Way of Kata by Lawrence A. Kane

Author: Shawn Kovacich
Date Posted: May 24, 2007

I just finished reading Lawrence Kane’s, “The Way of Kata” for the third time and boy let me tell you that I thoroughly loved this book. It is without a doubt one of the, if not the, finest books ever written on the subject of kata and what the techniques in a kata really mean.

This book should be required reading for any, and I do mean any, and all individuals who practice a martial art that incorporates kata as a requirement for advancement. Although I knew a quite a bit of information that Lawrence had provided in this book, there was just as much if not more that I didn’t know, or had a slightly different outlook on. Needless to say I was very impressed with the information contained in this book.

This book provides information on the history of kata and the principles and strategy behind it more so than the actual techniques of each particular kata. As you may or may not know, the principles behind the techniques are far more important than the techniques themselves. Too often instructors tend to focus on the least important of the two being technique and totally neglect the most important part being the principles behind the technique. Often times this is not truly the fault of the instructors as they are often unaware of the true meaning behind the techniques in which they teach.

Now normally I do a pretty detailed analysis of a book when I review it in order to give the reader(s) of my review a good solid understanding of what the particular book I am reviewing is about, and what they can in turn learn from it. However, in this instance, that is not the case. Not that I am unable to do it, quite the opposite, I had initially wrote quite an extensive review. However, after much thought, I decided to forego that particular review in order to take a more direct approach.

If you are reading this review, “STOP” right now and go to your local bookstore, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or any where that you can purchase this book and buy it now! Literally, it is that simple, buy this book and sit down and read it cover to cover and then when you are finished read it again.

For traditional martial artists who practice kata, this book is easily one of the most influential books that you can buy to improve your skills as a martial artist. Because of the information contained in this book, I would say that it is one of the most important books concerning the traditional martial arts to be published in the last 20+ years.

As the old saying goes, “Practice a technique 1,000 times incorrectly and you will execute it incorrectly on the 1,001 time. However, if you practice a technique correctly 100 times, chances are you will execute it correctly on the 101 time.”

Without hesitation I can say emphatically that you, and more importantly your instructor(s), will see a remarkable improvement in the execution of any of your katas once you have purchased, studied, and implemented the information provided in this outstanding book.

About The Author

Shawn Kovacich has been practicing the martial arts for over 25 years and currently holds the rank of 4th degree (Yodan) black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Shawn is the author of the highly acclaimed Achieving Kicking Excellence™ series.

Lawrence can be reached via his publisher’s web site at: YMAA

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of martial arts book reviews.

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