Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate

Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate


Director: George Alexander
Studio: Yamazato Productions
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
This video collection is the most comprehensive presentation of Okinawa's Shorin Ryu Karate ever put on video. Shorin Ryu is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of karate and is based on pure self-defense of the Kata (forms), Bunkai (Practical Applications & Self - Defense) and Kumite-Free Sparring. Additionally, you will learn pressure point striking, takedowns and Tuite Joint-Locking and Grappling.

Your instructor is George Alexander, 9th Dan. Trained in Okinawa, Japan he is the "World Pioneer of Shorin Ryu Karate." He has spread the teachings of this dynamic art worldwide and has taught in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. He began training while in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. He journeyed to the orient including Japan, Okinawa and Southeast Asia. He quickly earned a reputation as a rugged fighter. As a competitor he earned the titles: World Karate Champion, International Karate Champion and National AAU Karate Champion.

Tape 1-Basics, Footwork, Body Conditioning, Makiwara Training

Tape 2-Kihon Kata 1,2, and 3; Pinan 1,2, and 3

Tape 3-Pinan 4 and 5

Tape 4-Naihanchi 1,2, and 3

Tape 5-Seishin Sho and Rohai

Tape 6-Passai Dai and Passai Sho

Tape 7-Seisan and Seshin Dai

Tape 8-Chinto and Gojushiho

Tape 9-Kusanku

Tape 10-Kumite
Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome!!!
  • Real Shorin
  • Valuable DVD Set-Worth the Price!!!
  • Questionable
  • Exellent training tool
 Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate
Director: George Alexander
Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Instructional | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do: (Shorin-Ryu)

ASIN: B00015400A
Release Date: 2003-10-22

Description

This video collection is the most comprehensive presentation of Okinawa's Shorin Ryu Karate ever put on video. Shorin Ryu is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of karate and is based on pure self-defense of the Kata (forms), Bunkai (Practical Applications & Self - Defense) and Kumite-Free Sparring. Additionally, you will learn pressure point striking, takedowns and Tuite Joint-Locking and Grappling.

Your instructor is George Alexander, 9th Dan. Trained in Okinawa, Japan he is the "World Pioneer of Shorin Ryu Karate." He has spread the teachings of this dynamic art worldwide and has taught in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. He began training while in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. He journeyed to the orient including Japan, Okinawa and Southeast Asia. He quickly earned a reputation as a rugged fighter. As a competitor he earned the titles: World Karate Champion, International Karate Champion and National AAU Karate Champion.

Tape 1-Basics, Footwork, Body Conditioning, Makiwara Training

Tape 2-Kihon Kata 1,2, and 3; Pinan 1,2, and 3

Tape 3-Pinan 4 and 5

Tape 4-Naihanchi 1,2, and 3

Tape 5-Seishin Sho and Rohai

Tape 6-Passai Dai and Passai Sho

Tape 7-Seisan and Seshin Dai

Tape 8-Chinto and Gojushiho

Tape 9-Kusanku

Tape 10-Kumite

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Awesome!!!.......2007-02-08

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 out of 5 stars Real Shorin.......2006-09-06

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

5 out of 5 stars Valuable DVD Set-Worth the Price!!!.......2005-10-19

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.

1 out of 5 stars Questionable.......2005-10-11

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.
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.
3. I briefly studied and practiced Shotokan Karate.

Summary/Conclusion:

1. The picture and sound qualities were rather poor and indicative of a home video.

2. The katas were not performed correctly as compared against other Shorin Ryu Karate katas.

3. The techniques do not appear indicative of Shorin Ryu. Mr. Alexander appears to use big, open movements. These movements are more indicative of such styles where power comes from strength and in a nutshell, size.

4. Volume 3 may be used as a reference or study aid for street fighting or mixed martial arts as seen in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) but I would not recommend it for those serious about Shorin Ryu.

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.

5 out of 5 stars Exellent training tool.......2005-09-11

As I had said before this is an excellent addition to any serious martial artist collection.

It was mentioned earlier that the katas in this series vary from those found on books or other sources. That is true and it is because the style, even though okinawan shorin ryu, varies from different schools. There are different association that regulate certain styles but the truth is that the styles have changed slightly through the course of time. I have investigated books, schools, and other videos which have help me come to this conclusion. Though there are many other arts that haven't changed much and mostly because they are rather new such as Judo, Krav Magra, and Aikido. Others arts much older such as Juijitsu, Karate, and Kung fu have many varieties of the style and even branch off into almost new styles altogether.

As far as the video quality is concerned it is not the best but it is good enough to learn and clear enough to show the techniques. In a way it gives you a feel like you are in the dojo and watching from where the other students would be.

The movements shown on the video are explained through the bunkai or practical application part of the tape. Some one mentioned that they appear to be very open as to show that the style more indicative of such styles where power comes from strength. Shorin ryu is a style where power is derived by speed more than strengh but it would be more apparent if that person would have seen the other videos. Shorin ryu conscentrates on speed as apposed to Shorei ryu which is focussed on power and strenght.

My responce to this comment;

"...Volume 3 may be used as a reference or study aid for street fighting or mixed martial arts as seen in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) but I would not recommend it for those serious about Shorin Ryu."

In my opinion the UFC uses poor low quality fighters which for the most part lack technique and discipline could use ANY martial arts study aids to improve their fighting. This is a good tool for serious martial artist especially if you want to learn about Shorin ryu karate beyond just the fighting techniques.

" Karate lies niether in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
-Yasuhiro Konishi
Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 2
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 2
    Starring: George Alexander
    Director: Damien Chambers
    Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
    Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
    ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
    SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
    Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
    Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
    ASIN: B000A3E8QY
    Release Date: 2005-06-29
    Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 7
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 7
      Starring: George Alexander
      Director: Damien Chambers
      Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
      ProductGroup: DVD
      Binding: DVD

      GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
      GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
      GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
      GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
      Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
      ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
      Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
      SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
      Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
      Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
      ASIN: B000A3E8SC
      Release Date: 2005-06-29
      Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 8
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 8
        Starring: George Alexander
        Director: Damien Chambers
        Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
        ProductGroup: DVD
        Binding: DVD

        GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
        GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
        GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
        GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
        Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
        ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
        Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
        SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
        Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
        Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
        ASIN: B000A3E8SM
        Release Date: 2005-06-29
        Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 1
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 1
          Starring: George Alexander
          Director: Damien Chambers
          Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
          ProductGroup: DVD
          Binding: DVD

          GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
          GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
          GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
          GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
          Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
          ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
          Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
          SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
          Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
          Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
          ASIN: B000A3E8QO
          Release Date: 2005-06-29
          Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 9
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 9
            Starring: George Alexander
            Director: Damien Chambers
            Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
            ProductGroup: DVD
            Binding: DVD

            GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
            GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
            GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
            GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
            Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
            ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
            Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
            SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
            Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
            Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
            ASIN: B000A3E8SW
            Release Date: 2005-06-29
            Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 6
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 6
              Starring: George Alexander
              Director: Damien Chambers
              Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
              ProductGroup: DVD
              Binding: DVD

              GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
              GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
              GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
              GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
              Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
              ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
              Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
              SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
              Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
              Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
              ASIN: B000A3E8S2
              Release Date: 2005-06-29
              Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 4
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 4
                Starring: George Alexander
                Director: Damien Chambers
                Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
                ProductGroup: DVD
                Binding: DVD

                GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
                GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
                GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
                GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
                Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
                ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
                Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
                ASIN: B000A3E8RI
                Release Date: 2005-06-29
                Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 3
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 3
                  Starring: George Alexander
                  Director: Damien Chambers
                  Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
                  ProductGroup: DVD
                  Binding: DVD

                  GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
                  GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
                  GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
                  GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
                  Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
                  ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
                  Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                  SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                  Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                  Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
                  ASIN: B000A3E8R8
                  Release Date: 2005-06-29
                  Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 5
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    		Mastering Shorin Ryu Karate Volume 5
                    Starring: George Alexander
                    Director: Damien Chambers
                    Manufacturer: Yamazato Productions
                    ProductGroup: DVD
                    Binding: DVD

                    GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
                    GeneralGeneral | Martial Arts | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
                    GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
                    GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
                    Martial ArtsMartial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
                    ( M )( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
                    Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                    SportsSports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                    Special InterestsSpecial Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video
                    Independently DistributedIndependently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
                    ASIN: B000A3E8RS
                    Release Date: 2005-06-29

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