Tsuyama Katsunori
Part II: Keri, Uke, Kumite
Video: The Guide to the Karate-do of Tsuyama Katsunori, Part II: Keri, Uke, Kumite, by Champ Videos
Reviewer: Mark Groenewold
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| The Cover of Tsuyama Katsunori Part II: Keri, Uke, Kumite |
Part II of this two-video set picks up where Part I left off. There is still a lot of ground to cover in explaining and demonstrating karate basics and this tape does a pretty fair job, even though it is a little hurried in some spots.
Tape II focuses on three area: Keri (kicking), Uke (blocking) and Kumite (sparring) and is quite interesting to see. Each section is pretty thorough and although there seems to be much material to get in one video, this tape is 20 minutes longer than the first one. Regrettably, there is still some of the fake falling cherry blossom stuff going on.
I enjoy watching this video again and again as you can really see the total focus of the models throughout. They have brilliant technique and the training is sensible, hard, yet balanced. Follow along if you can. This is not for the feint of heart. The kumite section is particularly interesting as they break down some of the very basics of how to spar, how to jab, how to measure your distancing. For people interested in improving your kumite, this is an excellent source of instruction.
The only down side of this video set is that it is all in Japanese. This video set was not designed for a foreign market really. If it was, they would have asked any of the gaijin training at the Honbu to check the bad English on the video cover. For beginners (and teachers too!!) you might be better off starting with the Essential Shotokan video series with Ed Otis, which is, in my estimation essential. This set is more like icing on the cake.
After reviewing the Practical Karate series I am so glad I have this to introduce to readers as well. This is much much better. So if you have deeper pockets than most I suggest you pony up the dough with Champ videos and order this set. You will have a rare chance to see some of the best karate going on in Japan today.
Mark Groenewold
Kanazawa, Japan
October, 2002
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