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Black Belt Karate: The Intensive Course Hardcover – June 21, 2013

by Hirokazu Kanazawa (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 123 ratings
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In Black Belt Karate, Hirokazu Kanazawa, the most respected figure in the karate world, offers a systematic approach to basic karate, and provides an intensive training course.


Karate is a martial art that can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or gender, and can be undertaken at any time during a person’s life. The training system employed in karate comprises three main areas: kihon (basics), kumite (sparring), and kata (forms).


Using meticulously detailed explanations and illustrative photos, Kanazawa provides readers with an intensive self-study training course designed to be accessible to beginners, as well as to those already at an intermediate level. If practiced continuously and diligently over the course of a year, a practitioner will be able to attain black-belt-level proficiency.


Praise for Black Belt Karate:
"By following each and every page of this book as if receiving instruction directly from Mr. Kanazawa, I believe that over time, with careful practice, gaining proficiency is all but guaranteed. For anyone setting out to master karate-do, you hold in your hands a fine book indeed."—The late Masatoshi Nakayama, former chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association and author of Kodansha’s Best Karate series
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  1. Print length
    232 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Kodansha International
  4. Publication date
    June 21, 2013
  5. Dimensions
    7.83 x 0.81 x 10.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1568365039
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1568365039
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A thoroughly "student friendly" and enthusiastically recommended addition to any personal or dojo martial arts reference collection." —The Midwest Book Review

Book Description

A comprehensive self-study course enabling diligent practitioners to achieve black-belt proficiency in a year

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kodansha International; 1st edition (June 21, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1568365039
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1568365039
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.16 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.83 x 0.81 x 10.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 123 ratings

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Hirokazu Kanazawa

Hirokazu Kanazawa

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
123 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Wyspa Wolin
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic and still fantastic!
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2020
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I wish I had this book 40 years ago, when I was falling in love with karate in a closed Eastern European Communist country where practicing this specific martial art was for all practical purposes forbidden and illegal, while books on it where nowhere to be found... Even the best Western karate texts emphasize technique and the physical aspect of the "sport." After spending a number of years in Japan, I realized that this is in sharp contrast with the Eastern attitude, which treats karate not as a sport, but a "do," or "way"--way of approaching (through a strenuous effort to reach perfect technique) not only one's opponent or one's fellow men, but also (if not foremost) oneself, the world and life itself. Kanazawa understands that perfectly, giving a great exposition of the concept in the Introduction. Sadly, the English translation of this part of the book falls short of the mark, as the difficulty of conveying Eastern esoteric ideas to Western audiences are undeniably enormous. Kanazawa lives up to his own lofty principles in the remainder of the book, in which he presents the technical aspects of Shotokan karate. When it comes to step-by-step instructions, it does not get better than that. Admittedly, there are other great books on Shotokan and other styles of karate, but this one is surely among the best.
7 people found this helpful
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R. Ashe
5.0 out of 5 stars Written by Kanazawa , it is a great study into Shotokan Karate.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2022
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This book is a good guide, into the World Shotokan Karate. It has all of the basics to reach the rank of Shodan, or 1st degree. This is the beginning, and means you are now ready to learn the Art of Karate. It's also great to use to condition your body as well. Kanazawa was the last of the old school teachers, sent from Japan, in the early 60"s, worldwide, to spread the art. Sadly, he passed away last year. He was a great fighter and champion, winning the 1957 world Karate championship, using only one hand! He injured his right hand,and had to use his kicking techniques to take the title. A very remarkable man! I recommend this book to those, seeking the true k owledge of "How it used to be"!
2 people found this helpful
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Joseph J. Truncale
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent basic guide to Shotokan Karate.
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2009
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It is important to note that the title can be a little misleading. This book is more for beginners and intermediate Shotokan Karate students. The lessons and photos are clear and easy to understand; however, one cannot learn true Shotokan Karate without actually training under an instructor. The real value of this excellent book is that if it is used in conjunction with hands-on training under a Shotokan Karate teacher, this volume will be of great value. There are six detailed chapters in this text.

In conclusion, this is a book any Shotokan Karate student and/or teacher who wants to further understand the techniques and tactics of Shotokan Karate.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the street).
12 people found this helpful
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paul reynolds
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent technical beginning instructional course
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2015
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An excellent technical beginning instructional course! As a former Educational Teacher and Shotokan Yondan (4th degree black belt). I highly endorse this book's teaching methods and Japanese vocabulary to achieve technical excellence, eliminates short-cutting (follow-me) teaching demonstrations, that will "no doubt" develop one to become a true complete Japanese Shodan (1st degree black belt). "Be technical", develop strength and speed as you progress is ultimately a perfect goal ! Now apply it to Kata!
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Ungur Florin Adrian
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book from a great master
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2008
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From my point of view, Mr. Kanazawa is the greatest karate master alive. I never had the chance to see him "live" on a training course, but lots of video tapes fell into my hand throughout the years. As I love books, I always wanted to read his work, so I've chosen this one to start with. It was not a surprise for me that the book is as good as its author, professionally written and illustrated, in a high quality print.
One person found this helpful
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Another Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Great as an overview and training reference
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2010
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Whether one can learn well enough from books to acheive "Black Belt" level knowledge and skills is very debateable, to be sure. A lot I think depends on the person, how perceptive they are, how much previous training/experience in martial arts they might of had, and so on (even black belt practitioners from a school can vary a lot in quality). Generally, I feel the best use of books like this is as a reference and aid to one who is in a class already, or to one who is looking for a good overview of Shotokan Karate. This book will serve as an authoritative depiction of what is the "kihon," or individual techniques of Shotokan (punches, kicks, blocks, etc.), along with a few kata (forms), an introduction to basic kumite (sparring), and an overview of some training techniques, etc. Thus, all by itself this book will not provide all the knowledge one needs as a "black belt" practitioner. One will also need a lot more in the way of kata and kumite. These latter two can be aquired in Kanazawas other two titles, "Karate: The Complete Kata," and "Karate Fighting Techniques." Also, it's really important to see the techniques in motion, either live (preferable) and/or in video (try Youtube) to get an accurate idea of how the techniques work dynamically. Then it's important to take all the information you have acquired and to practice, practice, practice in a very conscientious way. A teacher can be very important to give objective feedback, but whether one has a teacher or not, there is no substitute for ones own careful attention to detail and diligent practice.

I wanted to note also, that although the title says that this book is an "intensive course," one must be careful not to progress through the material too quickly. In the real world most people need to be very patient with themselves, and should not rush their training; it very important to give oneself the amount of time one needs to build a strong foundation before one progresses further. Failure to do this will result in injury and poor quality technique. Thus, one should not take this book too literally as a do-it-yourself guide to black belt in a year. Keeping this in mind, I feel that this book can be very useful as an overview and an aid in ones overall effort to acquire mastery in Karate-do; that is, if one does not rely on it exclusively.
13 people found this helpful
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Bill Le
5.0 out of 5 stars I bought the book for my children to use as ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2017
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I bought the book for my children to use as reference for their Karate class. The book has a lot of materials for a serious Karate student to have.
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Top reviews from other countries

MP
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic that should be in every karateka library
Reviewed in Germany on March 24, 2024
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In my opinion this is a great book, but it isn't for beginners. I already have a 1st degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and I bought this book because of sentimental reasons.
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Micheal Carpentier
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to begin working on a black belt.
Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2020
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Number 1...Exactly what I was hoping for.
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Micheal Carpentier
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to begin working on a black belt.
Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2020
Number 1...Exactly what I was hoping for.
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Lin Jiali
5.0 out of 5 stars An aid to re-learn karate
Reviewed in Singapore on April 7, 2024
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After so many years of isolation from this martial art which one had learnt in his younger days, it is really refreshing and a relief to be able to re-learn karate in his older years as if his instructor is at his side to guide him. My many thanks to the author who have taken much of his time to put the instructions and his experiemce on records for our benefits. Aregeto gozimas!
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Geoff Wade
5.0 out of 5 stars A Living Legend!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2013
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After being away from Shotokan for almost 40 years and coming back to the sport of karate with my granddaughter Rebecca, I am completely blown away by all of the thorough and impressive coverage and detail to be gleaned on YouTube for example!
This includes demonstrations by many of the greatest exponents of karate in the world, one of the most outstanding being the living legend of Shotokan who is Hirokazu Kanazawa!
This book, like his other publications, is beautifully printed and the many photographs of routines, sets and katas are fairly easy to follow and reproduce, although I feel there is a definite need to "tweak" these routines by training with experienced instructors who will be more able to fine-tune your moves.
Overall, an excellent book ... well worth the price!
5 people found this helpful
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Eduardo
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2020
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I strongly recommend all kanazawa books.
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