Karate Handbook

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6 An acceptable introduction to the sport, but a little on the dull side. The book works either as a self-instruction handbook or as a review to accompany techniques learned in class. Basic kicks, blocks, and punches are all clearly explained generically enough to pertain to many styles of martial arts. Also included is information on uniforms, warm-ups, meditation, and tournament competition. The self defense techniques and forms, or katas, shown here are simple but dull. They are easy enough for a child to do, if the child does not get bored with the whole thing first. The black-and-white photos of children and teens help, but details are not always clear, particularily in the sequence on how to tie one's belt. For more flash and variation, try Karate Power!: Learning the Art of the Empty Hand (Contemporary Bks, 1985) by George R. Parulski, Jr. Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library