Book Description
As the survivors settle into their prison home something has drawn them out into the open... out of the prison... out of their sanctuary. This is a major turning point for the overall story of The Walking Dead, setting the stage for years to come.
Customer Reviews:
The Walking Dead's most shocking story yet.......2007-06-27
In a world filled with Zombies, how would the survivors cope with the daily terrors and psychological horrors of their existence? Robert Kirkman answers this question with "The Walking Dead Vol. 5: The Best Defense" in which we meet a psychopathic villain called the Governor who has been so twisted by the current state of the world that he tortures people for fun, feeds all newbies in his community to the Dead for sport, keeps his Zombie daughter as a pet, stages gladiatorial battles to amuse townsfolk, and keeps a collection of gruesome trophies in fishtanks right in his living room. Of course, Rick Grimes is smack in the middle of it all as he goes toe to toe with this maniac, which just goes to show that the Zombies are merely catalysts for greater evils that lurk in human hearts, which the survivors should truly fear above all else. I enjoyed Kirkman's dialogue and pacing, as always, but was a bit upset about what happens to Michonne in this book (the Governor gets a hold of her, I won't go into details), but that's life among the Zombies for ya. Back at the prison the story also heats up as Carol proposes something outlandish to Rick's wife concerning marriage, while orphan twins have to be dealt with alongside ex-cons and the constant threat of Zombie-intrusion. Excellent characterization and snappy banter make this volume a must read!
Unraveling at the Seams..........2007-06-22
I guess you could consider me a fan of "The Walking Dead" series by Robert Kirkman.
I was introduced to it a couple of months ago, while recovering from surgery, and I immediately found myself enjoying being immersed in a world populated by zombies and unlikely (and sometimes unlucky) heroes.
Up until this volume the characters stayed consistent and true to their nature, regardless of their appeal (or lack thereof in some cases) and, though there were times when those natures seemed to conflict with their established pattern, in this volume the characters begin to step outside of their normal established boundaries to such extent that they are almost unrecognizable to the reader.
A sad fact further demonstrated in this issue's artwork, which feels as rushed as the story does and, in some cases, appear darker than the storyline.
[Possible Spoiler Warning]
As an example, an established character, in this volume, requests a relationship beyond the ordinary one that we'd commonly experience. And, while this character's suggestion for such could plausibly occur, I felt that the character in question made such a strange request to the wrong individuals.
As the writer of the series, I would've have kept the character's previous feelings and relationship in mind prior to such a strange request, as well as, keeping in mind the reality of a person's (real or imagined) psyche and their inability to lose the person that they previously had a relationship with.
As such, rather than the character approaching two unlikely individuals in the hopes that such a strange request and proposal would be accepted, that character would, in fact, realistically propose the strange request to the person that they had been having a steady relationship with, only a couple of weeks prior, in order to try and keep the person that character has grown to depend on.
Because of situations like the one previously mentioned and others similar to it, as well as, the "superhero" elements that are beginning to surface, I found myself skimming this volume rather than voraciously devouring it like the ones prior to it. And though I will continue to read this series in hope that this is not a trend that will follow in future volumes, I find myself shuddering... not in fear of the walking dead, but from the possible loss of my hard earned dollar.
Strayed A Bit . . . .......2007-03-31
Volume 5 (comic books 25-30) strayed a bit for me. We're introduced to a new bad guy, and it just seems like a character we've seen before - the cruel governor of the hopeless town that rules with an iron fist. The man in white in Godfather 2, Gene Hackman's character in The Quick and the Dead, every bad guy in every Zorro movie...
And some of the characters seem... off. Not reacting in ways those characters should be. Rick Grimes wife, the young guy who goes on the search mission with Grimes... off.
Not the best of the bunch, but still a part of the best thing to happen to the zombie genre in 20 years.
A truly great series.......2007-03-08
This series has been a favorite of mine as it goes beyond the initial pandemic of a zombie outbreak and takes a view at the social structure that evolves afterwords as the survivors cope with being in the minority isolated in pockets fighting for supplies and sanity in a world where the majority wants you for dinner
Dead Man (Sleep) Walking.......2007-02-21
So Bob Kirkman's Dead keep Walking. And my mind keeps wandering.
Why is that, do you suppose? Why does getting through this fifth installment of The Walking Dead feel like such a chore?
If the best Defense really is a good Offense, then this fifth installment really doesn't have it: "Defense" is lacking the zombie mojo to take the reader by the throat, sink its gory husks deep into his neck, and shake him around until he begs for mercy.
Look: maybe it's just that the Zombie genre is getting a little long in the tooth. We've seen running zombies, we've seen zombies that talk, use tools, file taxes, combat global warming. Maybe we're just glutted, or the appetite is starting to discriminate a wee bit.
Maybe it's just that the collection of characters here are just too formulaic and dry to have fun with. We're still puttering around with patriarchal cop Rick Grimes, his nag of a wife (who would have been zombie chow had I been Rick, say, well about 4 issues ago. Divorce is a good thing, even better in the post-Apocalypse), former NFL quarterback Tyrese for a little anger-management flavor, the friendly-old-dude/veteran Dale (is it just me, or is Dale a kind of whitebread 'Dumb Donald'---you know, the guy with the pink-knit hat that looked kinda like a squid from "Fat Albert"?), and a bunch of other characters I couldn't care less about.
And they haven't really changed. One of 'em has shaved his head, Dale occasionally removes his head-warmer, Rick's grown whiskers, and they all know how to strip a submachine-gun now, but other that that, they're still as bland as they were the day the realized Grandma wasn't staying in her casket.
Maybe the characters are played out: maybe they're just *not* that interesting.
Or maybe the premise Kirkman started with---back when he had far-better artist Tony Moore riding shotgun---the idea that he was going to run ordinary folks through "Extreme Situations"---maybe that, just maybe, that bold & exciting idea has been a little too toned down, reined back, to the point where what's happening right now feels a tad too---well, comfortable. Familiar. Boring.
Because that's what #5 is: boring. Frankly, I miss the few delicious, bumpy minutes when the prisoners from #3 were in charge, particularly the psycho guy with the penchant for taking heads.
Because for now, yes, "Walking Dead" is really the only game in town when it comes to serial encounters with the guys that see *us* as their Mickey D's quick-chow. But it's not that much of a game.
Think I'm being harsh?
Consider #5's Big Bad, the Governor, who gets about 5 seconds to play around as a real live honest-to-God human being before collapsing like a poker-card pagoda of bad clieches. The originality: a Tom Savini-lookalike who rigs up gladiatorials between humans and zombies! The horror!
I'll keep reading, because, as I said, I'm about as hungry for good zombie-chow as the next brain-eater. But until something really exciting happens---something *really* extreme, that pushes these bland characters beyond the expected---"Walking Dead" is just dead on its feet.
JSG
Book Description
Be prepared "in season and out" with this handy reference book of faith. Timely and biblically based, Josh McDowell's work offers defenses in 60 of the most-challenged areas of faith. All in one easy-to-reference volume, this book will strengthen your commitment and help you stand firm against challenges to the truth.
Customer Reviews:
An EXCELLENT book filled with answers derived at by one who had the wherewithal to find the answers for himself........2007-07-22
I think the title of my review says nearly all that need be said.
If you have ever attempted to deal with atheists in the Intranet forums, you will know just how hard it is to answer some of their questions and rationalizations.
This book is an invaluable aid for the apologist as well as anyone who wishes to find truth concerning it's subject material. Of course this does not mean that everyone is going to recognize or acknowledge it's truths, but their lack of acknowledgment affects nothing or no one other than themselves and those whom they may influence.
A Ready Defense: The Best of Josh Mcdowell.......2007-03-09
This book packs a great amount of detail in one volume. Josh Mcdowell is a super writer and presents his material exceptionaly well. I am dean of a small Christian college and this book is a required text for one of our foundational courses.
Evidence that demands your attention.......2007-03-08
McDowell's evidence is completely compelling. Verifiable sources of the written record can be seen, touched, and studied today. Can ALL of these written records be fake? No way you can escape this. Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus is presented in a very detailed and resonable format. The evidence speaks for itself. It's like the phrase "he cast out demons with the Devil's Power". They didn't say he DIDN'T cast out demons, they just attributed Jesus' power to the dark side. They had the evidence right in front of them. Lazarus was alive and could be questioned. Who covered up for the Roman Guards? How was Saul changed into Paul, the completely transformed former killer of christians? What changed his mind? People do not die for a lie or the perception of a lie. The disciples that saw Jesus Resurrected had no mass hallucination, delusion or craziness. Jesus did die and came back to life. Powerful evidence stated in very no nonsense, verifiable words. You really have to ask yourself, "Is Jesus really alive?" Yep.
Great! Confirms all my doubts are true!.......2005-10-27
It is rare for a Christian to dare ask the questions that every thinking, compassionate person must have, such as "If God is All-knowing, then free will is impossible, right?" or "Why are all the little Hindu children doomed to eternal torture because they had the bad luck to be born in the wrong culture and religion?" or Why would an all powerful God choose such a limited way to reach us? An all powerful God would never have allowed "Satan" to exist unless he was toying with us, right?
Why did God create day and night on the first day, but the sun on the fourth day? Why was God continously causing or advocating genocide and killing of innocent men, women and children in the Old Testament, but requiring of us to not kill but love our neighbors? My morals cannot accept the killing of ANY person.
This book completely sidesteps serious questions or gives the standard circular answers that I've always heard.
I can sum up what you have to believe for this book to be "A Ready Defense": The Bible is true because it says it is. Without that leap of faith (blind belief), it all falls apart.
This book has helped me a lot by confirming my doubts, and has pushed me further on my way to complete disbelief.
Great book.......2005-10-20
This is a great tool in helping us to understand and defend the Bible and our faith against our adversaries.
Average customer rating:
- Best series of books on kata.
- masters
- masters
- Excellent to learn Katas
- Shotokan Katas from beginner to Brown Belt
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Best Karate, Vol.5: Heian, Tekki (Best Karate, 5)
Masatoshi Nakayama
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Karate | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Best Karate, Vol.6: Bassai, Kanku (Best Karate, 6)
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Best Karate 2: Fundamentals
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Best Karate, Vol.1: Comprehensive (Best Karate, 1)
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Best Karate, Vol.3: Kumite 1 (Best Karate, 3)
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Best Karate, Vol.7: Jutte, Hangetsu, Empi (Best Karate, 7)
ASIN: 0870113798 |
Book Description
Kata, the formal exercises of karate training, were the essence of practice in Okinawa and China, and are the core training method even today.
Detailed here in 1500 sequential photos are the five Heian and three Tekki kata, mastery of which is necessary to attain first dan.
Demonstrated by the author and Yoshiharu Osaka.
Customer Reviews:
Best series of books on kata........2004-04-25
I have been practicing Shotokan karate for 10 years now. Even though I attend regular classes and seminars, as well as working out with very qualified karate-ka, I still find myself coming back to Master Nakayma's work in this very fine series of books. Of all the books on kata I have these books are superior.
The instruction is straight forward and to the point. Tips are given to avoid common mistakes. Under the many pictures illustrating the kata is a stance diagram and short concise sentences to describe each move.
Extremely well done by one of the finest karate masters.
masters.......2001-10-22
i think its also so good book but i dont know how bought this book. its for your information i am a black belt of martialarts. i cose so diffrent style of martial arts its use only in tis time Pakisatn but future its must be te king style of the world.
masters.......2001-10-22
i think its also so good book but i dont know how bought this book
Excellent to learn Katas.......2001-07-12
I bought three books out of the "Best Karate" series and the two books about katas are simply outstanding. I use another book which describes the movements in words but it's just too hard to figure it out for some of the tricky movements. The "Best Karate" series has photo series for all katas plus additional information about what people should take care of for the individual katas (for instance, stance changes for Heian Shodan). That way, it's really "easy" to learn a kata on your own, just from the book.
Shotokan Katas from beginner to Brown Belt.......2001-03-31
Excellent book. Those that do not have an instructor close by can learn the details of the katas from this book.
Book Description
At last, the complete and authoritative introduction to all the fundamentals of Aikido, coauthored by the two direct successors to the Founder of the martial art, Morihei Ueshiba. Coauthors Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Moriteru Ueshiba, son and grandson of the Founder, seek to carry on his legacy
and to share with the millions of men and women around the world practicing Aikido today the most important techniques and principles of the art.
This book is the quintessential training aid for all Aikido practitioners-whether beginning or advanced-who wish to further their understanding of the forms and spirit of Aikido.
Underlying the forms, or physical techniques, are the spiritual principles of Aikido, which are based on the notion of ki, or "life force." Ki is the fundamental element to understanding Aikido. But as the authors explain, it cannot be learned merely by watching a demonstration or reading a book.
Rather, one must come to experience it through practice, in unifying body and mind.
Best Aikido helps guide the practitioner to this goal. It offers step-by-step instruction that will complement knowledge learned in the dojo. The text is illustrated with a wealth of never-before-seen photographs that feature Aikido master Moriteru Ueshiba demonstrating the fundamental techniques of
the art.
Best Aikido is authorized by the Aikikai Foundation, the central organization set up by Morihei Ueshiba.
Customer Reviews:
Best Aikido.......2007-06-08
Best Aikido is a book for mid-level students. The pictures are excellent, the descriptions are brief, to the point, and on a level for students who have already mastered the basics. Very easy to understand. I know of no other single book that shows so many different mid-level techniques. This is part one. the Part 2 Book is the master's Course. Together, they are probably the most comprehensive, exhaustive, current, authoritative references for Aikido.
Incomplete.......2007-05-16
Aikido is Budo, as the authors speak of many times in the beginning. But they do not discuss this any further than that in this book. But there is another book by these authors that discusses that. This strikes me as being a little too Capitalistic. What this book does do fairly well is discuss and show the basic moves and steps in Aikido. And since it was written by the Founder's son and grandson, I respect and trust their words very much.
Now for the unfortunate aspect of Aikido, it requires 2 people to learn it. For many, this is fine. This requirement is because the martial aspect of Aikido is purely defensive, so there are no punches or kicks to practice. The funny thing is, that is what I wanted. I should have thought this out on my own and realized that you need someone to attack you before you can defend yourself, in practice or in reality. So I cannot knock the authors for this failure, it is all mine. Just take it as a warning before exploring this art on your own.
In short, this book should be trusted and respected, but it is incomplete for the entire Aikido experience.
Good book for beginners........2007-02-12
This is a well formatted and profusely illustrated volume. All info is basic, but the presentation is very good.
Easy to understand.......2005-05-23
I have read several aikido books that demonstrate visually, proper aikido techniques. This is the first book I have read that was easy to follow, easy to understand and easy to remember. Although it was easy in all these areas, it wasn't at all lacking. The information in this book is "must have" for any beginning aikido practitioner.
Best Book on the Basics of Aikido.......2004-04-06
I have 4 other titles on Aikido and have browsed through quite a few others. I must say this is by far the best on the basics of Aikido. The pictures are reasonably clear and the descriptions are reasonably detailed. However, I would have liked all the techniques executed (and pictures taken) without the hakama on so that the readers can have a good look at the footwork as well.
Average customer rating:
- Absolutely the best
- A timeless Masterpiece
- Excellent production, as is the entire "Best Karate" series
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Best Karate, Vol.8: Gankaku, Jion (Best Karate, 8)
Masatoshi Nakayama
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Karate | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Best Karate, Vol.7: Jutte, Hangetsu, Empi (Best Karate, 7)
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Best Karate, Vol.9: Bassai Sho, Kanku, Sho, Chinte (Best Karate, 9)
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Best Karate, Vol.10: Unsu, Sochin, Nijushiho (Best Karate, 10)
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Best Karate, Vol.11: Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho, Meikyo (Best Karate, 11)
ASIN: 0870114026 |
Book Description
The three kata in this volume are on the Japan Karate Association recommended list and are notable for the sticklike use of the arms-Jitte, the circular movements of hands and feet coordinated with breathing-Hangetsu, and easy, agile movements, combined into continuous techniques-Empi.
Customer Reviews:
Absolutely the best.......2005-01-12
This whole series by Master Nakayama is superior to everything else out there in my humble opinion. All levels can benefit tremendously from every book. The kata described in these books are presented with outstanding camera work and superior foot work diagrams. The tempo of each kata is also demonstrated (usually at the front of the book) so that proper timing and speed can be taught. After each kata is a small (couple of pages) demonstration of a couple moves in the kata describing a particular use and common mistakes.
Brilliant!!!
A timeless Masterpiece.......2003-09-04
It has been over twenty years since I was first introduced to this series of books and they remain timeless classics for anyone interested in Karate. After so many years, so many moves, so many changes, I had lost track of my Best Karate books. This year my son started training and I was thrilled to discover that Amazon.com has this book available.
Excellent production, as is the entire "Best Karate" series.......1998-11-05
This book, and the entire "Best Karate" series, have the typical JKA (former JKA that is), high production values and painstaking attention to detail. With the exception of the first few kata books of this series, novice rank students may find it difficult to understand many of the nuances of the techniques presented, but in fact, the entire series is a virtual warehouse of infomation for the more advanced student, and is perfect as a reference source. The late Mr. Nakayama has always produced publications of high quality, and this series is no exception, even for students not aligned with the JKA or even Shotokan, for that matter.
Book Description
Aikido techniques stem from a harmony of body movement and "breath power" (kokyu-ryoku). Since its founding by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido has become one of the most renowned martial arts in the world, teaching its practitioners the way of harmony as a spiritual path. With its rapid development in
the postwar period, Aikido is now practiced by over a million-and-a-half people worldwide, of all ages and backgrounds. The two direct successors to the Founder have therefore compiled official course books to establish guidelines for the proper practice of the martial art.
Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the Founder, together with his late father, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, coauthored the widely acclaimed Best Aikido: The Fundamentals, a comprehensive training aid for Aikido students from beginner to advanced. In The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2, Moriteru continues the
legacy of his predecessors, providing the essential second volume authorized by the Aikikai Foundation, the central organization set up by his grandfather Morihei Ueshiba.
In this volume, Moriteru shows probably more techniques and their diverse applications than any previous Aikido textbook. Based on a thorough understanding of the principles taught in The Fundamentals, the basic techniques are given a broader application against a variety of armed and unarmed
attacks and against more than one attacker. Many different kinds of pins are also illustrated in both their omote and ura forms, thus facilitating the study of Aikido techniques in a wide-ranging and varied manner.
The Aikido Master Course builds on the principles of entering (irimi) and turning (tenkan) combined with "breath power" taught in the first volume, providing the practitioner with step-by-step instructions that will enrich knowledge acquired in the dojo. Illustrated with over 1,100 photographs of
the author demonstrating each technique, this will be an indispensable guide for students of Aikido who wish to deepen their knowledge of the techniques, which, in the words of the Founder himself, have "unlimited application."
Customer Reviews:
The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2.......2007-06-08
The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2 is a book for advanced students. The pictures are excellent, the descriptions are brief, to the point, and on a level for students who have already mastered the basics. Very easy to understand. I know of no other single book that shows so many different advanced-level techniques. This is part two. the Part 1 book, Best Aikido is a book for mid-level students. Together, they are probably the most comprehensive, exhaustive, current, authoritative references for Aikido.
Very good book........2007-02-12
This book is an outgrowth of an earlier work. It is well-illustrated, and produced by the bona-fide lineage of the Founder, which gives it a definite Aikikai slant (although this is not a bad thing).
Average customer rating:
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Best Karate, Vol.3: Kumite 1 (Best Karate, 3)
Masatoshi Nakayama
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Karate | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Best Karate, Vol.4: Kumite 2 (Best Karate, 4)
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Best Karate, Vol.6: Bassai, Kanku (Best Karate, 6)
ASIN: 0870113321 |
Book Description
In kumite (sparring) basic techniques are sharpened and body movement and distancing acquired through practical application. This volume explains the types and meaning of kumite and the relation between jiyu kumite and basic training in fundamentals.
Demonstrated by instructors of the Japan Karate Association. As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration
of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.
Book Description
Morihei Ueshiba is rightly known as one of the world's greatest martial artists for his creation of aikido, the synthesis of his superb technique and his profound spiritual insight into the nature of the universe. Aikido is much more than just another fighting style, it is a holistic approach
to life that Morihei described as "a divine path inspired by the gods that leads to truth, goodness, and beauty." Sadly, Morihei left few writings to explain his martial arts philosophy, preferring to teach his disciples by direct example.
Aikido students will be familiar with photographs and film footage of Morihei as an old man, effortlessly defeating his much younger opponents, but very little has been published about Morihei's prewar years, when he was perfecting aiki-budo, as aikido was then known. In 1938 Morihei wrote Budo
(Martial Way) as an instruction manual and a statement of the aims and spirit of his martial arts philosophy. Budo, however, was never made available to the general public, and it even contains the injunction that "these techniques ... should not be disclosed indiscriminately to the public."
Now with the worldwide popularity of aikido rivaling that of judo and karate-do, the Aikikai Foundation and the Ueshiba family have decided that it is time for this historic treatise of the martial arts to be translated into English, and made available to general readers and students of aikido all
over the world. Reproduced faithfully from the original, this seminal work contains one of the founder's few personal statements of his basic principles, expressed both in prose and mystical poetry. The text is accompanied by photographs of Morihei illustrating the aikido techniques he describes.
This martial arts classic is preceded by an introductory biographical essay on Morihei by his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the present chairman of the Aikikai Foundation. This enlightening work recounts the founder's early life, his inspirational 'encounter with the religious mystic Onisaburo Deguchi,
and the spiritual revelations that led him to develop the art of aikido.
The volume concludes with a series of action photographs of the founder demonstrating aikido techniques, taken at a private dojo in Tokyo in 1936. This section also includes selected photographs of Morihei in action in 1951. The more than 400 historic photographs shown here provide an unequalled
opportunity to observe the lifelong devotion to aikido and the continuity of performance that characterized Morihei's approach to his art.
Customer Reviews:
Budo.......2007-01-14
Books to do with Morihei Ueshiba are a must for the Aikido student, this book is loaded with great text and photos. Also recommend "The Art of Peace".
Budo: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido .......2007-01-11
This is a fascinating book about the life of O'Sensei, arguably the best martial artist of his time, and the founder of the Art of Peace--Aikido. I believe every serious aikido student should read this book. The photographs and stories help to humanize the reality of this man. Far from diminishing his legend, the book reveals just how impressive in reality this man was both physically and spiritually, especially in light of the personal tragedies and hardships he faced and overcame.
I originally bought this for my best friend..........2003-03-18
I originally bought this for my best friend, a random gift. He use to practice Aikido when he was younger and I was hoping to get him interested in it. However the book never left my house because I read the book and decided to keep it for myself. Greedy? Sure. The book is very nice because of the way it is written. It shows poetry written by O'Sensei as well as a brief story of his life. The most interesting part however is the fact that the person who created Aikido appears in the techniques. He is, by the looks of it, in his 30s and 40s, so he does not resemble the famous old man that people reconize. The photos, for there age, are quite detailed. I recommend this for any martial artist.
Technically interesting, but not for the beginner.......2003-01-25
This is a technically interesting book, with good, interesting pictures of Ueshiba's technique. The pictures are all black and white, and are all of the middle years of Ueshiba's life. Academically, this is a fairly interesting book, with a short, concise history of Ueshiba's life in the preface. It also contains some relatively rare poetry and literary instruction coupled with helpful discourse on it by the translator, John Stevens, which serves to clarify some rather mystifying esoteric principles. In terms of technique, there is a lot covered here, with good photographs of generally about two or three instances of each technique.
As i said in the title, however, this book is probably not the best for beginners: in my opinion, it's explanations of aikido philosophy and technique are overly esoteric, and can be, at times, rather overwhelming. For beginners, i would recomend "aikido and the harmony of nature" by Mitsugi Saotome, which provides a simple, easily understandable, if slightly lengthy overview on the philosophies of aikido. Technique is for learning from a master, not a book.
Budo: Teachings from the Founder.......2001-07-08
This is a book by the founder of Aikido. His own words and photos. A must for the true student of Aikido or martial arts. This book belongs in your library for historical purposes.
Average customer rating:
- Best karate book I've read
- Excellent intro in Karate
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Best Karate, Vol.1: Comprehensive (Best Karate, 1)
Masatoshi Nakayama
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Karate | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Best Karate 2: Fundamentals
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Best Karate, Vol.3: Kumite 1 (Best Karate, 3)
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Best Karate, Vol.4: Kumite 2 (Best Karate, 4)
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Best Karate, Vol.6: Bassai, Kanku (Best Karate, 6)
ASIN: 0870113178 |
Book Description
All the basic points of karate arranged systematically for effective learning, step by step--the parts of the body used as natural weapons, the stances, how to block, how to attack, introduction to the kata and to kumite.
The fundamentals as presented in this volume, briefly but accurately, are the distillation of the author's forty-six years' experience in this art of self-defense. As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this
volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.
Customer Reviews:
Best karate book I've read.......2006-08-17
I studied from this book's spanish version. The precision with which Nakayama Sensei explained each technique is the closest thing to having a karate master teaching you the art. Even when nothing replaces the dojo experience, this series of books are the finest. Totally recommended
Excellent intro in Karate.......1998-01-08
The book is well illustrated, and gives an excellent introduction into the different stances and strikes found in Karate. More importantly, it is probably the only book that illustrates the "flow" of the moves, instead of just showing the ends of the move. Overall, the book is great for a Karate-ka who want to refine certain things in Karate. Finally, the price that Amazon sells it at is really hard to beat! Ron Przygodzki
Book Description
"ENGROSSING...Wilhelm provides suspense and excitement
while adeptly portraying Barbara [Holloway] as a wily and sympathetic heroine."
--Publishers Weekly
The neighborhood in Eugene, Oregon, is blue-collar; the cafe holds only three tables and four booths. But it's the only place attorney Barbara Holloway feels both productive and peaceful. Laptop computer on the table, coffee refilled regularly by the cook, Barbara gets her work done and wants for nothing more...certainly not another explosive, emotionally devastating courtroom case.
Until a woman comes to Barbara with a case she cannot refuse. The sister of "Baby Killer" Kennerman, the tale she tells is so terrifying that Barbara must act. What she unearths is a corrupt conspiracy that will allow a killer to walk away free. And when she finds herself up against a smear campaign of unimaginable proportions, Barbara Holloway realizes that even the best defense may not be enough....
"Better than any [courtroom dramas] I've read in years...Wilhelm has created an appealing and believable character in Barbara Holloway....The courtroom scenes are excellent, and narrative tension is maintained throughout the story."
--Mystery News
Customer Reviews:
The trouble with sequels.......2005-11-10
Give or take 500 words, I might have given this book 5 stars - the problem is, there's reference to a relationship from the first book, and no explanation. If the author really felt the need to drag "Mike" into The Best Defense, she ought to have included some more details. If the Amazon Product Description hadn't mentioned that he died, I'd have assumed a bad break up.
That aside, the book is quite good. Barbara Holloway, trying to come to terms with what she does for a living, and how she does it, sets up shop in a small neighborhood restaurant, offering legal advice to people who couldn't otherwise afford it. Enter Lucille Reiner, sister of Paula "Baby Killer" Kennerman. Barbara takes the case, finding her client entangled in a conspiracy that goes far beyond the death of one child and the railroading of Paula. The complexity is a bit much at times, particularly during the trial, but it's worth the minor effort to keep the threads straight.
It seems obvious that Wilhelm's intention is to carry Barbara's relationship with her father, the neighborhood people and Bill into the next novel. That's fine - I just hope she does the extra work to explain things so that each book can stand alone. Getting people to read the earlier books might be her goal, but it will become annoying to the reader who came late to the series.
Legal thriller.......2000-08-19
This is a book from an obviously highly skilled author. The plotting was compelling, clever and tense and the main protagonists well drawn. The bad guys are clearly delineated if somewhat two dimensional. One slight flaw was the at times confusing detail of the plot. I am looking forward to other legal thrillers written by this author.
Fast paced drama, except for near trial end.......1999-01-29
The book begins well, rich (or at least well off, but playing at being poor) female lawyer is asked to do the impossible, free a woman pre-judged to be a baby killer. Barbara (the lawyer) does a credible job and succeeds. The book bogs down near the end with a lot of shooting off in all directions apparently trying to explain herself. 'Bad guys' are unbelievably bad: making money on abortion formula while mouthing abortion foe rhetoric. A little too overdramatic...a C-minus for such a lack of sublety. The righteous are 'good-good', the other side is 'bad bad'. Author is no John Grisham.
Engaging plot covering abortion, drugs, money, & murder.......1997-08-18
I'm a tough grader - reserve 9 and 10 for all-time greats. This is simply a good read. Very plot driven, with commentary on a number of contemporary issues and personal relationships. It also is about power and greed, and the corrupting influence of money. It touches on the fanatical nature of people's response to abortion, and gives the reader an emotional ride over some very difficult issues. The main characters are complex people, while the supporting characters are a little unidimensional. However, through it all you are engaged in unravelling the crime and discovering whether the truth will prevail or whether money will buy the verdict
outstanding courtroom drama.......1997-03-26
Kate Wilhelm knows her courtroom procedure, and at the same time, she understands the human emotions that underly those procedures. Her characters are strong and believable and her story is gripping. Wonderful read
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