In a recent post, I nominated my Top 10 Martial Arts DVD movies. They are all great and action packed, but occasionally what people are looking for when searching for martial arts dvds are documentary-type films or instructional dvds. I decided to put together a list of available “teach yourself” products for various martial arts, so you can see the true arts without all the movie stunts and special effects. Remember though that to learn a martial art properly, you are learning a philosophy and a way of life, rather than just a fighting system – and it is an understanding and appreciation of the philosophy that means we don’t get mass brawls between martial artists on a daily basis! So it is good to get an instructional martial arts DVD as an “add-on”, to review techniques that you have been taught by a qualified teacher – and that’s the point, it is far better to join a class than to try and learn everything from a DVD.
Learn Karate DVD List
Okay, let’s start with karate since this is one of the most popular martial arts that people start learning. Karate – like kung fu – is not a single all-encompassing martial art; it is split into several distinct styles, each putting a training emphasis on different aspects of the art.
The Kyokushin school – or kyokushinkai – is a fairly modern, full-contact karate style. It is all about practical applications in fighting, and there is a definite emphasis on kumite (sparring). The other commonly taught styles include Shotokan and Wado-Ryu. Shotokan is a “power-house” style emphasising the development of strength and power in technique, and is characterised by deep, low stances to achieve balance while delivering punches (see video below for an example of a Shotokan kata called Tekki Sandan). Wado-Ryu is a softer style; and by “softer” I am referring to how a practitioner interracts with an opponent. In Wado the techniques are, to a degree, influenced by jujitsu, so a punch is not met with an arm-shattering block (like in Shotokan); it is absorbed to a degree, while the Wado defender moves both himself and the opponent. This is similar to many of the techniques of kung fu, sometimes called “leading your opponent into emptiness”.
When you think you know which karate style you would like to investigate, it’s time to check out some learn karate dvd ideas. Karate is generally divided into three sections, each with different emphasis depending on style: kihon (basic techniques), kata (shadow boxing routines) and kumite (sparring). You’ll find karate DVDs on these various options.
- Shotokan Karate Knazawa 3 DVD Box set Kihon Kumite & Kata
This is a Shotokan karate DVD set comprising all three key aspects of kihon, kata and kumite. It features a master of the style Hirokazu Kanazawa and is a must for all Shotokan students. - Wado Ryu Karate Vol. 1
This Wado-Ryu instructional karate DVD features the giant 6’8” Sensei Otto Johnson, a 7th dan master explaining and demonstrating techniques and kata. - Kyokushinkai Karate Complete!
This DVD delivers what it says in the title, giving a complete view of the Kyokushinkai style of karate, including warm up exercises, basics of technique, kata and sparring. A great instructional DVD for the beginner. - Isshin Ryu Karate’s Tatsuo Shimabuku
Another karate style – Isshin Ryu – demonstrated by the first generation master Tatsuo Shimabuku. - Goju Ryu Karate Kata (Tsunami)
Another different style called Goju Ryu karate, and a stunning demonstration of its kata by master Morio Higaonna.
I’ll leave it there and let you explore the options. Remember though, if you do get yourself a “learn karate dvd”, find yourself a book that matches the style so that you can read about the art’s history and philosophy. In my opinion, if you find you really like a particular style, don’t rest until you have found a local school nearby, so that you can get instructed in your new martial art properly!
In future posts, I’ll come back to the subject of instructional DVDs, and each time I will focus on a different martial art.
