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Testimonial by Chris Lee |
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Dear Ged Moran,
Thank you for your very efficient service. I've received all the 4 DVDs which I have ordered in good order and in excellent condition. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the DVDs and admire the British Courage of the KUGB Shotokan Karatekas. It is truly inspiring watching the Shotokan Karatekas going through their gruelling training and power pact Jiyu Kumite.
The DVD on Sensei Enoeda is truly awesome. Many would have wished, that we could have trained with Sensei Enoeda at least once in our life-time. Nevertheless Ged, thank you for making these DVDs and timeless footages available for us to appreciate and admire the KUGB Shotokan Karatekas and also the JKA Masters.
Warmest regards,
Chris Lee
Singapore |
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Testimonial by Mark Groenewold |
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Ged Moran and Maria Hugh of Legend Productions in Manchester England were kind enough to send me this very exciting DVD entitled, "Masters of The Art", a few weeks ago. I have watched and reviewed it several times now and have enjoyed it tremendously.
This video highlights the banner year for the Karate Union of Great Britain of 1986. It was this year that British karate ruled the roost, and after watching this film there is little to wonder as to why this was possible. Filmed in four different locations, this video is a barrage of matches between Britain and the rest of Europe. Carefully edited we can see the decisive points in each match, several shot from different angles. It is important not to blink at any time while watching this film. The action is extremely quick.
In 1986 I knew nothing about karate. I was too busy in a high school haze of making trouble, skipping my classes, and being a basic delinquent. In 1986, Frank Brennan, Ronnie Christopher, Elwyn Hall, and Ian Roberts were tearing the place up in Shotokan karate. Now that I am a little older and wiser I can appreciate the incredible technical abilities this British team demonstrates in karate.
Technically speaking, Frank Brennan and Elwyn Hall are incredible to watch. They are incredibly quick, have a razor sense of maai, and are able to generate laser-beam precision in their attacks. Both use leg sweeps followed by combinations, often resulting in their opponents not only being swept off their feet, but as they are falling down get hit with second and third attacks. Both gentlemen are able to utilize fundamentals in hiki-te (retracting hand) with such quickness that they are able to launch additional attacks at will. So often overwhelming their opponents they are able to draw on a wide variety of attacks, including tobi-geri, uraken, and gyaku-mawashi-geri. Anyone interested in seeing dramatic kumite and to see how funadamentals work "for real" ought to pick up this tape.
This DVD was also nice in that is simply showed the matches. There were a few group shots with the karate-ka standing with their myriad trophies, but they were quite short. The programme is a rapid sequence of dozens and dozens of matches. Quite enjoyable. Also, the music used for the background was tolerable, even though I personally would like to simply have no music at all.
One thing that I had noticed with this DVD is that during the matches there was a lot of contact between the competitors. Many men seemed to be hit with some force to the face and head, several falling to the floor cupping their mouths with their hands. A certain amount of grabbing the opponent's gi was also permitted throughout. The officials did not seem to give warnings for excessive contact at all, so it leaves me to wonder if this is the common practice today. Kumite training is something that is supposed to enhance both participants, and although there can only be one winner it does not necessarily have to be at the expense of someone losing their teeth.
I liked this DVD a lot though. I thought that the production, considering the source material is 15 years old, was quite good. Watching Brennan and Hall dominate the floor reminded me of all the things I keep getting told for my own kumite, "Keep your elbows close", "Relax your shoulders", "Watch your distancing", "Follow up your attack!", "Don't telegraph", "Retract that hand/foot more quickly!" Thank you very much for the lesson gentlemen. The next time someone tells you that "real karate" only comes from Japan, please go and find these men and ask them to teach you what they know about their martial art.
Highly recommended for competitors in kumite.
This DVD, and others, can be acquired by contacting Legend Productions at: |
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Testimonial by Paul Mannion |
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Although most of what passes as traditional martial arts these days, is really nothing more than playground antics, there was a time when it really was a dangerous art. I feel privileged to have been a part of that era, a time when control was very necessary. I recall vividly being at the edge of an area at Crystal Palace, and seeing Elwyn Hall hit his opponent with a back kick which resulted in the guy being hospitalised.
I was fortunate enough to see that technique and many many more, when I purchased a copy of Master of The Art. After watching and then re-watching many times, seeing all that power and spirit, it’s a little sad to realize that it will never be the same again. I had the misfortune to attend the recent big EKGB event held at Manchester’s new Velodrome centre – I left before the end of the first day. If it hadn’t been so sad, I would have called it comical, something that I could never recognise as a martial art.
At least I now have something to remind me how it used to be, thank you Legend Productions.
Paul Mannion
Former KUGB squad member 1983-84 |
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Testimonial by Gerry Breeze |
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Elwyn Hall Looks Back
I have recently had the good fortune to view a video programme called Elwyn Hall Looks Back. This video is from Legend Productions and I can honestly say I enjoyed every second of it. The clips are from Elwyn’s career with the Karate Union of Great Britain, spanning some eight years with both junior and senior squads. It’s no wonder the 1986 German team gave him the name ‘Herr Blitz-krieg’ for this is a one man demolition squad.
Although the KUGB team was always a formidable force during this period (1970-1990) there was always the mix of strong tactical fighters, as well as the fighters who generally went out first to soften the opposition up – one might say to put The Fear of God into the other team! In the 70’s it was the likes of Bill Cristal and Terry O’Neill who carried out this task – in the 80’s it was Elwyn Hall and Ian (Animal) Roberts who did the job.
This video shows clip after clip of Elwyn destroying his opponents, all over the world, not just in the UK. It seems that nothing stood up to his foot sweeps and if that didn’t take you down, the following technique usually did. His back kick is the best I’ve ever seen, and there is a clip of him using this technique, which resulted in the other fighter losing his spleen. I know - I was there.
Usually things get better with the passage of time, but sometimes they do not, and in this instance there is nothing about today that I can remotely compare to this man’s fighting ability and spirit. Even after taking a very hard elbow strike to the face, he carried on - true Shotokan fighter.
Gerry Breeze
Chief Instructor - FBSKU - International
Japan Karate Association 5th Dan |
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Testimonial by Geoff Thompson |
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The Art of War
"One of the reasons I left traditional karate was because 90% of what we did in the Dojo was based upon a scripted scenario, or pre-arranged sparring. The 10% that was real – kumite – was hard, but still lacked the element of reality that you can only experience in a street fight, or when being violently attacked.
The only time I ever question my own thinking on that statement, is when I look at any one of my four volumes of The Art of War. These men from the KUGB could go toe to toe with anyone I’ve ever met, in the street or anywhere else. The principal physical aim of karate is to take your attacker out with one technique and the power that you see demonstrated in these clips is awesome and would certainly 'Take you out.'
This principle is clearly demonstrated in almost every clip and what’s also remarkable is the dignity and composure they always seem to have. A real street fight is very scruffy and usually ends up on the ground. However, there are exceptions and these guys would be such an exception based on their speed and power alone. Anyone who has doubts about shotokan’s ability as a fighting skill must take a look at Legend’s stuff, even though competition karate has been neutered by modern rules and 'politics' this is vintage karate, maybe the last remaining vestige of the true art of empty hand combat."
Geoff Thompson
Japan Karate Association 3rd Dan
Best selling author and playwright – Self Defence Consultant.
Coventry 1999 |
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Testimonial by John Cheetham |
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I must have watched The Art of War dozens of times, and each time I feel like I’m watching it for the first time. The action is so fast and so strong. There’s nothing like it anywhere else. Nothing compares to this level of martial combat."
John Cheetham
Japan Karate Association 4th Dan
Editor Shotokan Magazine |
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Testimonial by Charles Gidley |
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"These recordings pay tribute to Shotokan karate in so many ways. The nobility and fighting spirit of the Samurai are there for all to see, and I feel honoured to have been a part of British Shotokan during the years these sequences were recorded.
The Karate Union of Great Britain was, and in my personal opinion still is, the finest Shotokan organization in the world. Their proven ability to dominate European karate is shown in these programmes time and time again and yet even when subjected to the most partisan treatment and poor judging, their dignity and world class sportsmanship shines on through.
You will not see any instance of a KUGB fighter showing discontent or poor behaviour in these sequences, not because they have been edited out; they simply never happen.
If you really want to see what traditional Shotokan should look like, take a look at any Legend video programme – be prepared for none stop wall to wall kumite, fighting spirit of a magnitude you will never witness again."
Charles Gidley
Japan Karate Association 3rd Dan
Chief Instructor – British Shotokan Kyogi
JSKA 7th Dan |
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Testimonial by Tommy Casale |
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"After watching these KUGB guys, I’m just very glad my time with the USA National team followed their retirement! Seriously, even the women are very strong fighters and are better than many rated male fighters I’ve seen over the years.
These videos are the very best available, you can learn more from watching these top international fighters than any instructional video I’ve ever seen. The tapes are inspirational and you watch them over and over again, there’re so thrilling it’s like seeing your favourite thriller movie again and again. I must add that all the JKA stuff I ever looked at paled, in terms of excitement, compared to The Art of War. I would go as far as saying that some of the fight clips could be termed as 'clinical savagery.'"
Tommy Casale
Japan Karate Association 3rd Dan
Former United States of America National Team Member |
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Testimonial by Peter Consterdine |
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The Heat of Battle
"It’s difficult to give my opinion on The Heat of Battle using a couple of simple statements, but I’ll try. Elwyn Hall makes a genuine attempt to focus on the real dynamics of karate. He shows the techniques that are best suited to finishing off any mugger, or attacker.
There’s no point scoring here, just violence. The re-enactments of actual documented attacks are well produced, even when viewed by the medium of television; a real sense of fear is generated. Even the instructional dojo sequences are clear and simple to follow – no complicated and fancy kata moves – just 'how to hit – where to hit and when to hit.'
It’s easy to say that Elwyn makes it work because he’s that kind of fighter and that has to be acknowledged, but my own experience in combat has taught me that the simple direct technique, so long as maximum power is used, will do the job."
Peter Consterdine
7th Dan British Shotokan Federation
Former British National Squad (1967/74)
Author and Security consultant - Professional Bodyguard |
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Testimonial by Mark Thompson |
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The Ultimate Aim
When Sarah Amos informed me that I would be reviewing ‘The Ultimate Aim’, I was thrilled. I had watched a ‘Legend’ video many years ago, on VHS, believe it or not (if anyone remembers what they are), and I was always impressed with the standard of their products. When I placed this in my DVD Player however, my excitement was justified, because this is an excellent piece of material.
The DVD opens with a small introduction into the history of the art, and a little information of Master Funakoshi. This, although brief, sets the scene that eventually highlights how traditional the KUGB were, and remain to this day.
Advocating this deep respect for the KUGB, along with an insight into the wonders of the art is an interview with Harry Cook, which is broken down throughout the DVD. Highly respected Cook provides a valuable academic insight into the art and its practices. This is wonderfully juxtaposed with an interview with Sensei Gerry Breeze, who sincerely discusses his memories of his start in Karate. Comically, when talking about the fist time he saw Enoeda Sensei, he said to himself ‘Shit’, with an exclamation of shock and awe. This gives the DVD a personal feel, and is vital in portraying both the KUGB and Enoeda Sensei.
One major thing that I was extremely impressed with was the calibre of karateka being interviewed for the video. Clearly, there were many people who simply felt a need to honour the work of Enoeda and the success of the KUGB. Talking throughout is, as already mention Harry Cook, but also people like Ken Smith, John Mullen, Charles Gidley, and Peter Consterdine. When Richard Amos came on the screen though, I was just blown away. He is currently a very significant man in the world of karate, so to hear him talking was very impressive, and brought the professionalism of this DVD to a new level.
Craig Raye, personal friend and student of Enoeda also provides his memories of the Master, discussing how although he grew very close to Enoeda, he always knew, Enoeda was the ‘Guvnah’. This kind of personal touch is very heart warming, and made you appreciate the impact Enoeda had on his students.
The most spectacular part of this DVD is the amount of archive footage. It’s both beautifully presented and is so alive and fresh that you can almost smell the sweat from the fighters. There’s fantastic footage of Terry O’ Neill kicking with brilliant precision and speed, Andy Sherry doing an impressive demonstration using a Bo, and Frank Brennan, Elwyn Hall and Bob Poynton fighting with extreme passion and commitment.
Particularly special is the footage of Enoeda Sensei teaching in his dojo along with Andy Sherry. You also see Enoeda land a nice kizami-tsuki on Brennan’s jaw, after which Enoeda tapped Brennan on the shoulder, as if to say well done for taking it.
The section of the DVD, which deals with the sad news of Enoeda Sensei’s death, is very moving. To the footage of Enoeda performing Kanku-Dai, the narrator reads a letter from Nishiyama sensei describing his sad grief at the terrible news. This was so poignant because the letter, saying how Enoeda’s spirit will forever live-on through karate, was coupled with the Kanku-Dai performance (The Kata which is representative of the universe), and made you realise that Enoeda Sensei’s soul will forever live on through his teachings and his students.
Bravely, this DVD also deals with a topic few have the courage to openly speak out about. The Olympics. They discuss how entering the Olympics may lead to a destruction of the heritage of karate, and how a commercial games such the Olympics would result in a loss of tradition. Whatever your views on this, you’ve got to give Legend their due for speaking their mind.
This is a fantastic DVD, which I look forward to watching again. Quite commonly when you watch a DVD that deals with the history of Karate, it can get a little bit boring, but this DVD just keeps you on your toes. It gives history through archive footage that is beautiful and neatly edited. The footage of the demonstration by Kanazawa Sensei and Enoeda Sensei is nothing less that inspiring, and when you watch Kanazawa punch faster than you or I can blink, you can be nothing but inspired.
This DVD will educate you on how Karate began in England, the karate of Enoeda, and will undoubtedly inspire you. Enjoy.
Mark Thompson
30 August 2006 |
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Testimonial by Shaun Banfield |
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JKA Masters
With the gulf between Traditional Karate and Sport Karate quickly becoming smaller and smaller, there are a few Traditionalists out there determined to secure and preserve the heritage of our art, ensuring its values stay intact despite the growing trends that seem to almost ignore the real essence of the art.
One such group is the team for ‘Legend Productions’. Ged Morgan, Legend Producer, is a very passionate gentleman, who works hard to produce high standard DVDs that will educate and enlighten you.
Many may suggest that footage of the Masters from the 60’s and 70’s is useless, and they’ll say ‘Things have changed since then’, and when it comes to the latter part, they are probably right. For the better I wonder? I’m not so sure.
Here, you get a rare glimpse into history, and you’ll have the privilege of watching Master Kanazawa and peers perform kata. Granted, the athletes of today are very perfect and precise, and rarely will they stumble. However, when you watch these Instructors perform kata, you see past the minor imperfections, and realize you are watching a human being so absorbed in the moment that aesthetics are of little significance. This is the real essence of kata!
Whether you’re a staunch traditionalist, or a modern athlete, you will undoubtedly learn something from this footage! Techniques and aesthetics aside, I dare anyone not to be inspired by this DVD!
The DVD opens with footage of Master Kanazawa performing Unsu, Ji’in, and Gojushiho-Sho. This is then followed by Asano Sensei performing Bassai Dai and Nagai Sensei performing Nijushiho. Quite amusing, is the fact that these karateka are practicing kata on grassland, and just behind, you can see cars and vans driving past. As I watched, I could just imagine the baffled look on the faces of the passers by.
These inspirational men then engage in ippon-shobu basic kumite, and at one point Kanazawa Sensei blocks an attack launched by Asano Sensei, and he immediately counters with a shuto-uchi – perfectly controlled, but overflowing with energy. Feeling inspired, I stood up, strolled into the center of the living room and decided to perform the same technique. I was quickly deflated however when I realized I was never going to be the next Kanazawa. A realization thousands of karateka worldwide have encountered I’m sure!
The DVD also includes excellent footage of Tanaka Sensei, both in competition and during demonstrations. With perfect timing, he gracefully defeats all opponents unlucky enough to be pitched against him. With mesmerizing power he manages to easily tear through four pieces of wood using a gyaku-tsuki, empi-uchi, mae geri and shuto-uchi. And with a ferocious determination, he executes his famous opponent lifting demonstration followed by a mae geri against an oncoming attacker. This is impressive stuff, and I must admit, a bit frightening.
I also loved the beautiful footage of Master Enoeda, the tiger of Shotokan. When you see this footage, you’ll clearly understand why he gained such a reputation. With footage used in the Best Karate kumite books, you can watch this immensely powerful man destroy the legs of his opponent in one seemingly effortless movement, rendering them totally defeated. More wonderful however is the footage of Enoeda Sensei performing Sochin. In total awe, I loved watching this Master perform this powerful kata with ultimate passion and commitment. Again, my self-esteem took a battering!
This DVD is a gem. Although short, only approximately 30 minutes in duration, the footage squeezed into this time is both inspirational and mesmerizing in equal proportions. The only thing that would have made this DVD better would be a little narration, providing some information. That said, a part of me wonders whether this would merely act as an annoying distraction from what you are really interested in, which is indeed the archive footage of Masters that changed the world in their own small way.
Well recommended!!!!
Shaun Banfield
18 October 2006 |
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Testimonial by Frank Marko |
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| THE ART OF WAR - wow. I waited a few months before I bought the set because I thought it was over priced - I was wrong. The dammed stuff is addictive and although expensive, you forget the price after the first viewing. Heavy shit this, just makes me sad that it aint like that anymore - now for sportsmen and not hard fighters. |
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Testimonial by Gary Forrest |
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I had forgotten how great some of these Shotokan greats really were. To watch Bob Poynton demolish his attackers was thrilling. To watch Dave Hazard knock the s**t out of his attackers was breathtaking. To view Elwyn Hall dispatching the poor muggers to the hospital had my pulse racing. BUT... when Enoeda sensei murders Tomita sensei - brute force married with incredable skill - it brough it all back to me. Thank you Legend Video.
Gary Forrest |
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Testimonial by Shoto man |
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| Smooth as a flying bullet, Ronnie was always Mr Cool and never lost his temper. This video brought back some great memories and almost had me wanting to start training again, but its not the same anymore. |
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Testimonial by Steve Hyland |
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This is, in my opinion, a groundbreaking addition to the Karate Training and Instructional videos that are now available throughout the world. It is groundbreaking because, for the first time to my knowledge, it is NOT a step by step, move by move instructional video aimed at assisting you to learn a given Kata. Instead it is a very well presented piece that aims to address why and how we should do Kata and what benefits can be gained if the advice given is followed. However, it also presents the viewer with far more.
The advice is given via the normally unpopular 'talking heads' approach rather than a 'professional voice over' but i believe this is actually helpful as the information is aided by the fact that the intent, emphasis and meaning of the advice and information that is given is aided by watching as those commenting talk freely and openly about the core subject: Kata – and the many factors that they believe will contribute to your development.
The genuine personal belief in the information given becomes apparent and is often supported by further information that helps in the understanding of how and why such beliefs and opinions have been arrived at. It is the explanations, anecdotes, analogies etc gleaned from their own experiences and study that, i believe makes this 'heads talking sense' rather than just 'talking heads'.
The main contributors/advisers are Harry Cook and Alistair Mitchell (with a short section featuring Milorad Stricevic) and i applaud them all for their not insignificant courage in participating so fully in this production. Yes, i say courage because they voice some opinions that may well cause upset in certain quarters.
I would, however, strongly urge the following:-
Listen very carefully and take each comment and/or opinion in the context of the whole spectrum of information that is eloquently given – then add to that contextual overview the fact that those speaking are seasoned and experienced Karateka with many decades of study and training under their belt.
All contributors are balanced and reasoned in their advice and opinions and I personally not only agreed with the vast majority of their comments but actually welcome the fact that they have so clearly shared their wisdom, experience, knowledge and opinions. In doing so they have contributed in a unique way not only to the study of Kata but to the debate about how karate is and has changed for good or ill.
I am sorely tempted to give here quite a number of direct quotes but for two reasons I shall largely avoid that desire.
Firstly, because it would be an injustice as the DVD as a whole needs to be listened to very carefully to give the correct context and meaning to everything said and secondly the comments and opinions given are greatly assisted by the visual content of the DVD and i fear that without that perspective selective quotes may be misunderstood. Trust me: This DVD needs to be seen and heard to maximise it's value to you.
I will however touch upon one quote from each contributor.
One from Alistair that I feel is hugely important. He comments on his belief that some karateka and karate schools appear to be locked 'in a time warp'! He then explains his reasoning for this opinion by stating that he believes those he speaks of are still practicing the karate they learned years ago when in depth instruction was 'not widely available' and thus the karate mentioned has not developed. He suggests this is because those participating have not sought out and taken advantage of the in-depth knowledge that is now available and more easily accessible. I highlight his comment here, not only because I agree with him, but also because I feel (and would wish to add to his comment) that DVD's such as this one also add to the knowledge now available and all karateka should take advantage of the advances made and use the technology now available. I also echo Alistair's comment in relation to the availability of really high quality Instruction that is now much more accessible – more on this point below.
I urge you to contemplate carefully Milorad's considered comments about Karate and the Olympics and why he believes Kata should not be included!
As for Harry, well he is being – as usual – a mine of historical information but also very balanced and reasoned about his concerns and observations regarding the current developments in Karate. I did laugh out loud at his suggestion that some developments may be wasteful as those making them may benefit more by studying 'Wushu' - as that is already developed as 'gymnastics with a Martial element'. An interesting observation to say the least and Harry being Harry at his best!
You are all probably aware that Legend Productions are known as the foremost producers of fine Shotokan Karate related publications and you may therefore assume that this DVD would as a result only be of real benefit to Shotokan practitioners. I would strongly suggest that it would be a worthwhile purchase for ANY Karateka (Irrelevant of Style or Grade). I say this because the verbal information given and the stunning footage that accompanies it is relevant to all-styles and all grades because it simply and fluidly gives information – both visually and orally – that will help you understand the how's and why's of studying, performing, understanding and teaching KATA!
Also of interest is the fact that the DVD not only contains excellent archive and modern footage of Kata performance, it also contains some stunning Kumite footage, fantastic examples of both Japanese and Okinawan Kobudo (the speed and obviously deadly capabilities of a Katana slicing through thick green bamboo poles is always awesome Neh?), Street Defence applications, Various demonstrations, and clips from a number of well known Dojo as training is carried out.
The list of world famous karateka to be seen is extensive but some of the archive footage contains so many well known karateka from as far back as the 1930's to the modern day - you could amuse yourself for hours counting how many you could name both participating and in the background observing –
I DID and twas great fun and well worth the asking price for that exercise alone!
One thing that really impressed me about this DVD and it's contributors was the fact that they have gone on record to voice personal opinions that echo similar that are often only whispered or discussed quietly but are rarely openly and honestly aired to the worldwide Karate Community. Nevertheless, it is done with a sincerity, honesty and obvious passion for Karate-do that I found particularly pleasing for one very important reason:
With all of them, at NO point, did I ever sense a feeling of 'self promotion'. Quite the opposite was my perception and all the more interesting for it!
Instead I had a sense of information being openly given to students that outlined what you should be receiving from your Instructors and how to utilise that information and additionally, information being given to Instructors on what you should be doing and how to best fulfill your role – bloody marvelous IMHO!
This is a DVD aimed to help you enhance your study of Kata but i feel it is much more and should be applauded for taking a new approach to imparting knowledge via the DVD medium. I totally recommend it and hope it is the first of a chain of Legend videos that continue to explore and expand the ways that modern technology can assist the development of Karate-do practice and enjoyment.
I also believe that this video can assist with far more than Kata study IF it is watched closely and regularly – there are huge amounts of visual and oral info available.
Do I agree that everything said or observed is 'how it is or should be?' –
NO I do not but on a scale of 0 – 100 i agreed with about 95% of it and on the other 5% I am grateful for the opportunity to address and consider it anew.
I would, without reservation recommend that - if you have the opportunity to do so – you go and train with Harry, Alistair and Milorad. I am absolutely confident you would find it of value irrelevant of grade or style. As for this DVD – I believe it will touch the Hearts and Minds of anyone who views it and really absorbs the huge amount of material available within it!
To close I wish to explain why I personally enjoyed this DVD and why i think that it may – initially – be viewed as being somewhat controversial.
Firstly the main contributors in the 'heads talking sense' sections are of similar age and 'time served in Karate' as I am. We have all been and remain professional Instructors, have all competed and all came to love Kata because of factors not initially within our formal Karate training.
These factors – whether they be experimenting with full contact sparring, serving as a police officer, working the 'doors' or scientific study have all made us – as individuals, realise that something was lacking in the instruction we were receiving and thus we had to view Kata in a new light and thereafter search out information and instruction that would assist our expanded study.
This has made us analyse Kihon, Kumite and Kata study from both the students and the Instructors perspective – because we have been and are both.
We have all had our ideas and thoughts published and our differing journeys have brought us all to not dissimilar conclusions in many areas. For that reason alone I enjoyed this DVD because it echoes much of my own thinking, experiences and approaches and I am so pleased to see these fine Karateka standing up and saying out loud and for the record what they think!
I know for a fact they are not alone but they must surely be applauded for 'standing up and being counted'. However, by doing so they may well fuel some dissonance within the Karate community because students or instructors viewing this DVD may well be somewhat uncomfortable to realise that they are either not being taught or are not teaching Kata as suggested in this DVD. The subsequent 'fall out' in either case may well cause some upset initially but, if i may be so bold, i believe that this DVD could initiate a new and IMHO improved approach to Kata Study and Instruction that in the long term will benefit Karate in many many ways in, and for, years to come.
As Alistair Mitchel so clearly points out within the DVD – in depth information and instruction is now available to all in a manner not previously so accessible. I hope this DVD inspires Karateka everywhere to take advantage of that happy fact!
Secondly, as usual with Legend this DVD contains awesome footage that is edited and presented professionally and informatively. Another great job by the Legend team and a fine tribute to the memory of Enoeda Sensei! |
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Testimonial by Roberto Sant Anna |
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I have been Client of Legend Productions for long time and have never found any other Karate Video Company as serious like that.
Mr. Moran has been very kind to me all the time informing about the new releases and projects.
All I have to say is a Big Thank you for your KIndness Mr. Moran.
Click here for additional information |
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Testimonial by Bob Linicare |
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| After watching art of war I can see why this type of karate was banned! I would like to know if anyone was actually killed or seriously injured in that period. But I guess that's why shotokan is so highly regarded, one hit from any of these guys and it's - game over. |
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Testimonial by C Porter |
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| The Art of War really lived up to its name - great to see the real old style Shotokan. I trained in the art for 13 years under Gerry Breeze and loved every lesson where no prisoners were taken. The Art of War set brought back all the memories - my wife hates it cause she's sick of seeing it. Great video and well worth the money. Cliff |
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Testimonial by Ben Frobisher |
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| I thought I had seen some hard guys in my 25 years of Shotokan. I was wrong - this art of war stuff amounts to legal assault and battery. No wonder they call it the art of war. Watchable and rewatchable! |
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Testimonial by Gary Forrest |
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| This is a little bit of magic. Although I had the VHS tapes, I purchased the full set of dvds for ease of use so I could just move quickly around the katas. But when I watched the new inserts it was a little bit of magic - Dave hazard aged about 25 - Andy Terry and Bob and a teenage Jane Naylor in Sensei's new house. The very sad section dealing with Enoeda Sensei's death - it all came flooding back, the years rolled away and I was back in a time that was really magic for all us Shotokan oldies. |
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Testimonial by John Mitchell |
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| I already own the original Master Text and advanced kata tapes, but I purchased the DVD set simply to gain the ability to skip chapters quickly and to see what new material had been added. Apart from the obvious improvement on quality, the additional stuff was what made the purchase well worth the money. It seems that Legend video must have the oldest shotokan video or film library in existance - Enoeda, Sherry Poyton Terry O'Neill as young men - really great to watch. - John Mitch. |
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Testimonial by Rob West |
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| DAVE HAZARD & AIDAN TRIMBLE - wow simply the best! Brilliant performance by two of the all time greats. If you want to learn how good shotokan should be done, get all of these dvd's. Great product. |
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Testimonial by Gary O'Connor |
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| After watching the art of war clip on Youtube, I took a chance and ordered the set. Sorry I did because it made me realize that the training I do now as a 2nd dan is simply fast action completely lacking the power of these men. Every time I watch the dvd's I'm left feeling as though I missed out on the real world of karate - as well as a whole world of pain! Brilliant stuff and highly recommended. Gaz |
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Testimonial by Eric Moore |
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| The Art of war set is just brilliant only trouble is it leaves you feeling a little inadequate. Solid hard hitting stuff from a time when karate was proper combat stuff. I have trained with Geoff Thompson and Peter Consterdine and the fighting on the art of war dvd's is the closest I have seen to their stuff - real one hit stopping power. |
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Testimonial by Bill Taylor |
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The Shotokan Legacy was a birthday present, I have never purchased any martial arts videos myself. Apart from the history that these DVDs contain, I was impressed with the detailed history of the British karate scene dating back to the 1950s. The concluding 4th DVD left me feeling frustrated - frustrated because there is no doubt that karate in general is going down the toilet, due to the so called McDojos that now spring up all over the place. The people that operate these dojos are simply interested in money and have no idea of real budo. It is made clear that there are still many good associations and dojos, but their numbers decrease by the year. The Shotokan Legacy is both entertaining and educational, as well as sadly showing us the future - IMHO.
Bill Taylor - KUGB |
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