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Ashihara Karate: Sabaki – The Essential Guide to Mastering the Art by Hoosain Narker and Erik Petermann is an authoritative and comprehensive manual on Ashihara Karate.
MAHMOOD SANGLAY reviews this book on a dynamic and practical form of full-contact karate developed by Hideyuki Ashihara.
It’s immediately pleasing to note that this book is more than a simple instructional guide. It also serves as a deep dive into the philosophy, techniques and evolution of Ashihara Karate. It is an essential resource for martial artists of all levels, whether beginners seeking to understand the fundamentals or seasoned practitioners looking to refine their skills.
The book is well-organised, systematically guiding the reader through various aspects of Ashihara Karate. Beginning with the history of karate and its evolution into Ashihara Karate, the authors place the style within the broader context of martial arts. The early chapters cover foundational elements such as choosing a teacher, understanding dojo etiquette, and dressing appropriately for training. These sections are particularly useful for newcomers, demystifying the rituals and expectations of karate practice.
As the book progresses, it delves into movement concepts, stances, and fundamental techniques, including blocks, strikes, kicks and throwing techniques. What sets this book apart from other martial arts manuals is its focus on sabaki, the unique movement strategy of Ashihara Karate that emphasises evasion, angling and counterattacks to neutralise an opponent. The book’s explanation of sabaki principles is clear and well-illustrated, making it accessible to readers at all levels.
Later chapters explore advanced techniques, combinations, kata applications, and the strategic aspects of timing and distance. The book also covers competitive sparring, self-defence applications and the mental and physical benefits of training. A particularly engaging chapter, ‘Why I Do Ashihara Karate’, offers personal insights into the philosophy and motivations behind practicing this style, making it a compelling read for both students and instructors.
The final sections of the book provide guidance for aspiring instructors, emphasising not only technical mastery but also the responsibilities of teaching and preserving the art. The concluding thoughts reinforce the book’s central themes: dedication, discipline, and continuous learning.
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One of the book’s greatest strengths is its balance between technical instruction and philosophical depth. While it serves as a practical training manual, it also encourages readers to engage with the principles behind Ashihara Karate, making it more than just a collection of techniques.
The clarity of instruction is another notable aspect. The authors use detailed explanations accompanied by step-by-step illustrations and photographs to break down movements. The visual aids enhance the learning experience, ensuring that readers can follow along even without direct instruction from a teacher.
Moreover, the book does an excellent job of debunking myths and misconceptions about martial arts. In a world where many martial arts books and schools emphasise mysticism or unrealistic combat scenarios, Ashihara Karate: Sabakistays grounded in practicality. The emphasis on sabaki as a rational, adaptable system reinforces the realism of Ashihara Karate as both a sport and a self-defence method.
Another highlight is the inclusion of historical context and personal anecdotes. The authors’ extensive experience in martial arts adds credibility to their insights, and their reflections on training, teaching, and competing enrich the text. The book also acknowledges the evolution of Ashihara Karate beyond its founder, showing how the style continues to grow and adapt in the modern era.
While the book is a fantastic resource, some aspects could be expanded further. For instance, although the book covers self-defence applications, it could have provided more real-world scenarios and drills to reinforce how sabaki can be applied in different self-defence situations. Additionally, while the book includes excellent illustrations, more step-by-step photographic sequences of complex techniques could enhance clarity, particularly for readers without access to in-person instruction.
Some readers may also find that the book assumes a certain level of prior martial arts knowledge. While beginners will benefit from the structured approach, complete novices might need supplementary guidance or instruction to fully grasp some of the more advanced concepts.
Ashihara Karate: Sabaki – The Essential Guide to Mastering the Art is an invaluable addition to the library of any serious martial artist. It stands out for its depth, clarity and practicality, making it a must-read for practitioners of Ashihara Karate and other full-contact styles. Hoosain Narker and Erik Petermann have created a work that is both educational and inspiring, paying tribute to the legacy of Hideyuki Ashihara while ensuring that his revolutionary approach to karate remains accessible to future generations.
Whether you are a beginner looking to start your journey in Ashihara Karate or an experienced martial artist seeking to refine your technique, this book provides the knowledge and insight needed to elevate your practice. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of Ashihara Karate and the power of sabaki as a martial arts principle.
- The book is available at a price of R250 locally and $39.95 internationally. Anyone looking to obtain a copy of the book may contact the author, Hoosain Narker, directly at +27 82 369 6904 or by email at info@ashiharakarate.org.
