Kyokushin Beginner's Guide: Replicating Mas Oyama's Budo Karate in the Western Dojo Paperback – June 30, 2014

The single most important read for any Western practitioners of traditional Kyokushin Karate. Arguably the most important point delivered in this book is the importance of the "how" vs the "what". This book is the "how" in regards to one's approach to Kyokushin Karate, from decorum and proper dojo etiquette, and the practice as a whole. I have read many Karate books with many pictures, but none so profoundly painted the proper picture for me as this one did in helping to develop my Karate-do. A must read.

Very well written and informative book. Should be required reading for any Kyokushin student, especially those of us who live in the west. Many of the topics covered brought new insight to me, I thought I had a good grasp on many of the eastern ways to approach Karate training, however this book was a real eye opener. The author did live and train in Japan, so when in doubt, ask the locals.One does not need to be a Kyokushin student to grasp the concepts here, I would recommend it to Any student of any style of Karate.

Where to start? Okay, the constant over use of typed "yelling". As a way to make a point at times, sure at times understandable. Using it as a device in literally every other, if not every paragraph gets old. It gets old mighty quick. All in all even for a beginning guide to Kyokushin Karate. It starts falling flat almost coming out of the gate. Constantly jumping back and forth from multiple concepts and subjects it fails to deliver any real insight into Karate, Kyokushin or not. Knowing some of the history of the subject Mr. Ligo seems to believe he has a rather lofty leg up on here in America. I can say quite a few of his "facts" are actually just his opinion or in some cases, literally just viewpoints in his own mind. Add on the very strange Americanization of a number of Japanese terms. The random fast forward, rewind, no wait! Go back to... and what you have is much more the author's often juvenile outlook on any number of people/places/things. As well as a huge amount of ego from the man who wasn't actually the first "live-in'" American student of Mas Oyama. Just more of the same ego from the man who as a youth fled in the night and was given an honorary diploma for the young Lion's course by Oyama. Not anything new or substantial to a beginning student of any school of Karate-do. Osu!

Excellent written martial arts book. The author has an understanding of Budo that many seasoned martial artists don't have. I really enjoyed the book.

a great book . I'm pleased with the purchase

This is not a book of techniques, rather it is a book about preserving and teaching karate the way it was intended to by its founder.Although the title says kyokushin beginner's guide, it is suitable for any style of karate and any level of skill. The advice offered does not only apply to the western dojo, in fact any non Japanese dojo benefits from this.It's structured into 118 short articles, touching on the attitude of a student and tips on how to decipher the teacher's words and actions. While reading, I find myself nodding to myself to some statements (read play karate); whilst getting revelations concerning why beginners behave in such manner.Sensei Ligo offers the unique perspective in being Mas Oyama's ushi deshi (live in student) and being fluent in Japanese and English, hence he is able to share his experience and knowledge to us non Japanese speaking folks.If you learn karate as a hobby, this books offers you the reasons why it can be so much more. If you train karate as a passion, this book serves to fortify and improve upon your karate experience.

Training

The book is not impressive at all; no single photo making the book too boring to read. Reading a newspaper is more interesting than reading such kind of books.