Overview

"Kata have long been used as a method of examining Karate students for their next belt. Often the emphasis in practice has been on the performance of the art rather than on what the moves are actually used for. A prime exampple of this is found in the kata ""Bassai Dai"", which is often used for students to obtain the Black Belt rank. Translated as ""to storm a fortress, major version"", this kata is usually misunderstood. Author John Burke takes us through the kata and shows some of the things normally taught, and why they won't work, and then gives realistic and practical alternatives to make sure that students of real self defence get value from and have a use for their kata."

Full Product Details

9780955034008

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Reviews

Fortress Storming has been postively reviewed by Traditional Karate magazine, and by Shotomag.com. I love reading your stuff - Bob Sykes, editor Martial Arts Illustrated magazine I have known John Burke for about 9 years now, and have seen him grow from a 1st kyu in Shotokan to one of the most knowledgeable and able Kata Bunkai experts in the UK. John has moved rapidly through the ranks due to his uncanny ability to absorb knowledge and information, and more importantly his ability to pass on that knowledge in a clear, precise, and easily understood manner. Essentially the quiet, unassuming man of the Karate world, it is time for this eloquent and engaging Karate-ka to break out, so to speak, and show the Shotokan World what they have been missing. John is highly intelligent, thought provoking, easy going, yet extremely serious student of the Arts. He is continually looking at new ideas and innovations to pass on to his ever growing family of students. I am proud to say that over the years, not only has John been a fantastic student of mine, but he has become a friend also. His latest work on the kata Bassai, a full 200 page book is both absorbing intellectually for the very experienced Kata Bunkai Karate-ka and exciting to those Martial Artists that are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel . I can pay this work no higher compliment than to place it at the very top of my list of recommended products. Keep up the great work, John Russell Stutely Summer 2004, Cyprus Reading the book at the moment which is suitably engrossing - 1/2 way already and I only got it late last night ! I wouldn't have believed in pressure points if I hadn't experienced it myself. I'm also in agreement with you about the sort of bunkai-baloney that's out there and feel that this does nothing but diminish karate's reputation and put many intelligent students off - I know I've nearly packed it all in a couple of times. This work seems to be as much a political statement as it is a martial arts manual and it somehow teases itself nicely into a new niche within a genre which I thought - mistakenly- was already crowded. Oh, and the endorsement from Russell Stutely couldn't have been better - this book will be in my karate holdall for some time to come. Regards _________________ Kevin Peat Hi Just finished my first reading of your book and this is a truly great analysis of one kata and the whole karate ethos as intended by the original masters. I mentioned earlier that you'd managed fill a niche within a market which had already seemed to have been cornered by Summersdale authors; I'd thought I'd elaborate in case you had in mind any projects for the future - after all I'm the sort of person who actually buys this stuff. In so far as I'm aware a detailed analysis (on DVD or book) on basic basics is missing from the market - perhaps I'm wrong and this product already exists but I haven't seen it. Geoff Thompson et al advocates a thuggish approach to self-defence (rightly) that deviates quite widely from our art - this virtually makes much of karate redundant in the pavement arena - not really an advert for our style of training. On the other hand Iain Abernethy strives to make kata work and, in doing so, often changes it beyond a reasonably recognisable form. Geoff tends to play the market offering thin texts at high prices - ok, he makes sense but is poor value; Iain packs so much information in that, in an honest attempt to try to teach us a lot, he actually teaches us little, the fine detail which makes a technique work is often missing. If I use the centre-lock as an example, Iain teaches this on a number of occasions but only fleetingly - very little use is made of close up camera, there is no breakdown of common errors or juxtaposition of poor technique against good technique, no mention of line theory of facing the opponent's spine, leave no gap, quadrants etc. Less would truly be more. Rather like Tommy the builder on Ground Force, he assumes we all know how to mix cement - well we don't and that's why parts of my garden look like something from a multi-storey car park. Instruction on a few basic techniques like these (err, not cement mixing) but covered in detail so that one could fully understand the mechanics of it appears to be missing. Just to let you know what I'd be looking for in the shops. Dear John, Just received a copy of your new book and wanted to congratulate you on your publication. I know exactly how much work it takes to accomplish such a task and I am proud of you. Keep up the great work. Working in the same vineyard ______________ Patrick McCarthy Hanshi 8th dan DIRECTOR - International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society ANTA Dip. Martial Arts Instruction Certificate IV Workplace Assessment & Training IMAC Executive Committee Web: www.koryu-uchinadi.com Osu Hi John I met you at the Super Seminar on Sunday (I asked about Heian Sandan, and about your DVD). I just wanted to drop you a line to say I very much enjoyed your session and even though our school views kata similarly to you, I felt I learned a lot in your session. I was wondering if the DVD that you had on the stand has been released yet? You mentioned it was to come out yesterday but I have not found it on your site. If you could let me know I would be very grateful. Also, I was wondering if you have other DVDs out (I noticed that Bassai was Volume 8) as I would be interested in your other kata DVDs? Thanks again Stuart ================================ Stuart Sadler Jin Sei Kai Instructor for NCSKC Trevelyn Studios 5.30 - 7pm Mon 5.30 - 7pm Wed really enjoy the book and dvd very easy to follow and understand. - Andy Wray, 2nd kyu Just wanted to let you know I must have read your book half a dozen times by now and loved it each time! There were a few typos here and there but it has taught me alot about Bassai and kata in general. What other katas have you covered in book or dvd form and how can I get a hold of them? - Ryan, shotokanwarrior85

"Fortress Storming has been postively reviewed by Traditional Karate magazine, and by Shotomag.com. ""I love reading your stuff"" - Bob Sykes, editor Martial Arts Illustrated magazine I have known John Burke for about 9 years now, and have seen him grow from a 1st kyu in Shotokan to one of the most knowledgeable and able Kata Bunkai experts in the UK. John has moved rapidly through the ranks due to his uncanny ability to absorb knowledge and information, and more importantly his ability to pass on that knowledge in a clear, precise, and easily understood manner. Essentially the quiet, unassuming man of the Karate world, it is time for this eloquent and engaging Karate-ka to break out, so to speak, and show the Shotokan World what they have been missing. John is highly intelligent, thought provoking, easy going, yet extremely serious student of the Arts. He is continually looking at new ideas and innovations to pass on to his ever growing family of students. I am proud to say that over the years, not only has John been a fantastic student of mine, but he has become a friend also. His latest work on the kata Bassai, a full 200 page book is both absorbing intellectually for the very experienced Kata Bunkai Karate-ka and exciting to those Martial Artists that are looking for the ""light at the end of the tunnel"". I can pay this work no higher compliment than to place it at the very top of my list of recommended products. Keep up the great work, John Russell Stutely Summer 2004, Cyprus Reading the book at the moment which is suitably engrossing - 1/2 way already and I only got it late last night ! I wouldn't have believed in pressure points if I hadn't experienced it myself. I'm also in agreement with you about the sort of bunkai-baloney that's out there and feel that this does nothing but diminish karate's reputation and put many intelligent students off - I know I've nearly packed it all in a couple of times. This work seems to be as much a political statement as it is a martial arts manual and it somehow teases itself nicely into a new niche within a genre which I thought - mistakenly- was already crowded. Oh, and the endorsement from Russell Stutely couldn't have been better - this book will be in my karate holdall for some time to come. Regards _________________ Kevin Peat Hi Just finished my first reading of your book and this is a truly great analysis of one kata and the whole karate ethos as intended by the original masters. I mentioned earlier that you'd managed fill a niche within a market which had already seemed to have been cornered by Summersdale authors; I'd thought I'd elaborate in case you had in mind any projects for the future - after all I'm the sort of person who actually buys this stuff. In so far as I'm aware a detailed analysis (on DVD or book) on basic basics is missing from the market - perhaps I'm wrong and this product already exists but I haven't seen it. Geoff Thompson et al advocates a thuggish approach to self-defence (rightly) that deviates quite widely from our art - this virtually makes much of karate redundant in the pavement arena - not really an advert for our style of training. On the other hand Iain Abernethy strives to make kata work and, in doing so, often changes it beyond a reasonably recognisable form. Geoff tends to play the market offering thin texts at high prices - ok, he makes sense but is poor value; Iain packs so much information in that, in an honest attempt to try to teach us a lot, he actually teaches us little, the fine detail which makes a technique work is often missing. If I use the centre-lock as an example, Iain teaches this on a number of occasions but only fleetingly - very little use is made of close up camera, there is no breakdown of common errors or juxtaposition of poor technique against good technique, no mention of line theory of facing the opponent's spine, leave no gap, quadrants etc. Less would truly be more. Rather like Tommy the builder on Ground Force, he assumes we all know how to mix cement - well we don't and that's why parts of my garden look like something from a multi-storey car park. Instruction on a few basic techniques like these (err, not cement mixing) but covered in detail so that one could fully understand the mechanics of it appears to be missing. Just to let you know what I'd be looking for in the shops. Dear John, Just received a copy of your new book and wanted to congratulate you on your publication. I know exactly how much work it takes to accomplish such a task and I am proud of you. Keep up the great work. Working in the same vineyard ______________ Patrick McCarthy Hanshi 8th dan DIRECTOR - International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society ANTA Dip. Martial Arts Instruction Certificate IV Workplace Assessment & Training IMAC Executive Committee Web: www.koryu-uchinadi.com Osu Hi John I met you at the Super Seminar on Sunday (I asked about Heian Sandan, and about your DVD). I just wanted to drop you a line to say I very much enjoyed your session and even though our school views kata similarly to you, I felt I learned a lot in your session. I was wondering if the DVD that you had on the stand has been released yet? You mentioned it was to come out yesterday but I have not found it on your site. If you could let me know I would be very grateful. Also, I was wondering if you have other DVDs out (I noticed that Bassai was Volume 8) as I would be interested in your other kata DVDs? Thanks again Stuart ================================ Stuart Sadler Jin Sei Kai Instructor for NCSKC Trevelyn Studios 5.30 - 7pm Mon 5.30 - 7pm Wed really enjoy the book and dvd very easy to follow and understand. - Andy Wray, 2nd kyu Just wanted to let you know I must have read your book half a dozen times by now and loved it each time! There were a few typos here and there but it has taught me alot about Bassai and kata in general. What other katas have you covered in book or dvd form and how can I get a hold of them? - Ryan, shotokanwarrior85"

Author Information

John Burke is a senior Black Belt in the Eikoku Karate-do Keikokai. He is a grading examiner and runs three schools in Devon, England. His seminars have been taught natioanlly and internationally, and honest student are always welcome at his schools. John's articles have seen print in Martial Arts Illustrated magazine, where he has also been interviewed twice.

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