My little nephew wants to start "practicing" Karate by himself. I already told him that it is a TERRIBLE idea, because:

1) You can't learn karate from a book

2) You need to combat (spar) with someone else to develop the reflexes and instincts

3) Some don't even consider Karate that good for self defense (I don't agree with that), so imagine getting that from a book... to which he replied that he doesn't care about the self-defense aspect, so that's ok.

As you know I practice shotokan myself, but he isn't sold to any style in particular.

He will practice Karate anyway, with out without my approval (I tried to convince him to take real classes, anywhere), by learning the katas and practicing the techniques in a punching bag. So I figured, I might as well recommend him a good book that will teach him how to do the techniques correctly (especially the kicks!) so he doesn't hurt himself (keep in mind he will be kicking/punching the heavy bag). Any kata content would be a bonus.

What book should I recommend him?

Thanks

i read a lot of books when i was young, but it was just a supplement to the classes i was taking... it's been awhile but i remember that i always thought, "Dynamic Karate," by Nakayama was one of the best books i had... it was a long time ago, but from what i remember, it was extremely detailed w/tons of pictures, descriptions, photos from old JKA tournaments, scientific studies on techniques etc...

I can second Dynamic Karate after my Sensei recommended it.

It's a great book and written in a way to make it very understandable.

Karate the Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting by Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard C. Brown

Karate the Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting by Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard C. Brown

I used to have that book! It's quite good.. I loved it.

likeke34 and gary, thanks for the recommendation guys, I'll check it out!

How old is your nephew?

If he is interested in any kind of Karate, you can help him with Shotokan, and the Karate-do Kyohan is quite comprehensive, so he could "learn" on his own. If you can guide him along, that would be ok. That is, if you're qualified to teach the basics.

Also, remember that youtube can be a wonderful tool. I hate video learning, but he'll at least see the full range of motion in the kicks if he can see them broken down on youtube. It would take dozens of pictures to accomplish the same thing.

If he is trying to study on his own, getting him a book probably will not help. He may only look at the pictures, not understanding anything he sees. I would get, and lend him one of those bags with a base that is filled with water (so that it rocks when hit), and let him practice with that. He will probably get tired, or decide to find a teacher. If he quits, you can take it back, and use it.

How old is your nephew?

If he is interested in any kind of Karate, you can help him with Shotokan, and the Karate-do Kyohan is quite comprehensive, so he could "learn" on his own. If you can guide him along, that would be ok. That is, if you're qualified to teach the basics.

Also, remember that youtube can be a wonderful tool. I hate video learning, but he'll at least see the full range of motion in the kicks if he can see them broken down on youtube. It would take dozens of pictures to accomplish the same thing.

I second this notion. Also, the books I have read of the "Best Karate" series have been quite good. I hear Kyohan is quite a good book, too. Funakoshi also produced a book second to Kyohan, called "Karate-do Nuyman." It might be worth checking out as well.

This Is Karate by Mas Oyama