2 comments about Shorin Ryu Karate Matsubayashi - d.

1. Considering the film is 22 minutes long and the footage on this DVD is currently 40 years old, it is not a bad visual of Traditional Okinawan Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate...However, only long time and dedicated students of this system and style would benefit from this DVD the most for its historical emphasis.
   
   All of the footage is done mainly at normal fighting speed. Those studying the style will enjoy watching the performances of the kata as a visual reminder of what techniques are done in what order.
   
   The only 'bunkai' seen on the DVD is of Pinan Shodan where the one performing the kata is 'attacked' by two other students who aid in the demonstration of how each technique of the kata is applied to defense.
   
   There is really no audio except for the narrator explaining how old the film is. And nothing is in English (all descriptions of what is going on is in Japanese text) - so unless you are familiar with the style you might not know which kata is which. I, personally, was able to follow along from katas Fukyugata Ichi to Naihanchi Shodan. (aka White to Brown Belt level).
   
   So, if you are hoping to learn a new style/system of karate by buying this DVD - your money would be better spent on something else.
   
   However, if you are a long time student/Instructor of this System/Style and would enjoy an old video clip featuring Matsubayashi founder Shoshin Nagamine then this is the DVD for you.
   
   -- KM (Ikkyu rank of Okinawan Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate)



2. The video quality of this video is horrid and I don't buy the excuse that it is because the footage is old. Even the computer graphic opening menu is blurry and full of macroblocks. Whoever mastered this video should be shot for this chump hack job! Save your money. It is a shame that a video covering the grand master is so shoddy.

No comments about NAGAMINE SHORIN RYU KARATE - D.

No comments about Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 9.

No comments about Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 4.

3 comments about The Essence of Shorin Ryu Karate.

1. What a great dvd. So much information about kata applications and what they really mean. Clearly explained....I finally understand wha the movements behind the kata mean...its about time someone let the mystery out. I now have a new appreciation for this timeless art.



2. I am so glad I bought this video! Wow! This video explains and teaches so much about Shorin Ryu Karate, I don't know how I got along without it. Great for anyone looking to improve their techniques and gain a better insight into this awesome style of Karate.



3. The tape is informative to someone who knows little about shorin ryu. However it fails in the sense that Mr Alexander has poor kata resembling that of a yellow belt.

No comments about Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate Vol. 3.

1 comments about 3 Major Schools of Okinawa Karate (DVD Volume 2) ==> Uechi-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shorin-ryu.

1. If you truely like classical Karate, if you want a true insight to where it all came from and you want to learn about multiple styles - you just hit the gong. I have both volumes of this in VHS. I will get both in DVD.
   There is some very good information and outstanding instruction from some devasting Kyoshi's & Hanshi's. The production quality shames Yamazato & Rising Sun Production Co. and eclipses Tsunami (whom I consider to be of above all the rest). You will not be wasting your money. View and enjoy

5 comments about Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate.

1. Before purchasing and shelling out money for the entire 10 disc DVD set, I wanted to evaluate one DVD. I purchased Volume 3. The basis for my evaluation.
   
   1. I currently study/practice Shorin Ryu Karate and Small Circle Jujitsu (SCJ) with 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th Dans of Shorin Ryu and SCJ. Our studio student makeup has black belts and national champion from wrestling, Aikido, Judo, TKD, and BJJ.
   2. The katas and techniques in Volume 3 (Pinan 4 and 5) were evaluated against other katas and techniques as found in Shorin Ryu Karate literature and DVDs.
   
   Summary/Conclusion:
   
   1. The picture and sound qualities were rather poor and indicative of a home video. Very non-professional.
   
   2. The katas appear not to be performed correctly as compared against other Shorin Ryu Karate katas. Yes, katas are different among instructors and schools based on martial arts background and many other factors but the katas in Vol. 3 don't seem to represent Okinawan Shorin Ryu (e.g. big, open movements). Where's the biomechanics for generating power? (e.g. the use of core and your arms act like a whip).
   
   3. The techniques do not appear indicative of Shorin Ryu. Alexander appears to use big, open movements. These motions are indicative of traditional Japanese movements. These movements are more indicative of such styles where power comes from big motions, strength and in a nutshell, size.
   
   4. Volume 3 may be used as a reference or study aid but I would not recommend it for those serious about preserving the art of Shorin Ryu. Consider "Uchinadi" by Oshiro produced by Tsunami. More professional production.
   
   If Volume 3 is indicative of the set, then I would not purchase this DVD set. Personally, I do not plan on purchasing the set after the disappointment with Volume 3. Overall, just my opinion based on volume 3 and it's your money.



2. I strongly disagree with the previous reviewer. This is an amazing set on traditional Shorin Ryu Karate. It teaches all the forms and bunkai of the kata performed by a world renowned master of Shorin Ryu Karate. The seld defense techniques are awesome also. The 10 volume set is definitly worth the price!!! The material is priceless and a great reference set. It will give you a lifetime of material to learn and master. I know I have learned much of the fine points of karate after owning this set a short time and it made me realize how much I have to learn.



3. I do not own this set of Mastering Shorin, but I have seen some of the material. Due to a previous negative post, I wanted to make a comment.
   
   This series is produced by an authentic Shorin Karate Master. I have been in the martial arts since 1969 and myself have a 6th Dan Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, and black belts in Hapkido, Jujutsu, and also teach Mantis Kung Fu and two styles of Tai Chi. Over the years I have also studied Shorin Karate. I know the history of the martial arts and the various schools that exist. I also know Master George Alexander's people and they represent authentic Shorin.
   
   A beginner might make a mistake, thinking that all Shorin Karate schools teach the katas exactly the same, but they do not.
   
   As a Master instructor, I can assure anyone thinking about buying these videos that they are the real thing and they are good.
   
   Master Alexander has a school in my own town and they are one of my competitors, so I am not saying this to gain anything for myself, rather, I am saying this so that people will have correct information before deciding to purchase this item.
   
   Master Mike Shaw



4. This set is awesome. I really have learned alot. Hanshi Alexander is an excellent teacher & very clear on all the DVDs. You really get your moneys worth. I highly recommend this set.



5. I did some research on Mr. Alexander after purchasing a few of these videos. His length of study with Yuichi Kuda is certainly questionable and I believe he gained his rank through being buddies with another Karate stylist. His techniques are not good Karate and the videos did little to improve my opinion of this person who is known to use videos and information not of his own for profit. Much better instruction can be found out there, and if you consider this guy a Master, you have never seen true Okinawan Shorin Ryu.

1 comments about 3 Major Schools of Okinawa Karate (DVD Volume 1) ==> Uechi-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shorin-ryu.

1. If you truely like classical Karate, if you want a true insight to where it all came from and you want to learn about multiple styles - you just hit the gong. I have both volumes of this in VHS. I will get both in DVD.
   There is some very good information and outstanding instruction from some devasting Kyoshi's & Hanshi's. The production quality shames Yamazato & Rising Sun Production Co. and eclipses Tsunami (whom I consider to be of above all the rest). You will not be wasting your money. View and enjoy.

4 comments about Traditional Shorin Ryu Kata - d.

1. I expected to see more than just the gross movements of the katas. I had hoped from the summary provided on this site that some bunkai would be illustrated. The tape shows each kata done from 2 angles and at varied speeds. You can see angle, direction and stances, but there is no discussion about technique, body mechanics or anything else for that matter. I expected more.



2. This is a little known but wonderful area of martial arts. My husband studied it for years, and I bought this as a reference for him. He was surprised, and enjoyed viewing very much.
   
   Of course, the katahs are not exactly what he was doing, and the production was a bit amateur, but it is a great gift for the martial arts enthusiast.



3. I do not know if I like this dvd yet or not; because I have NOT yet received it. It takes your company over 2 weeks to deliver. I have placed similar orders to OTHER companies who sale such items, and received them within 2 BUSINESS days. I do NOT plan to purchase from you again, if I can the items I want someplace else. I am very surprized you people are still in business after all these years.



4. For the student of this style, the video is worthwhile. The actual steps in some of the kata can very from those taught by Soshin and Takayoshi Nagamine, however. Unfortunately, no bunkai are explained.
   I would hope that Master Ota would furnish an addition to his three videos discussing the bunkai of these traditional Okinawan kata.