

Series: Martial Arts for Kids
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Hardcover with Jacket edition (July 15, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0804835349
ISBN-13: 978-0804835343
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #467,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #67 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Health > Fitness #102 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > For Children #114 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Outdoors > Martial Arts
Age Range: 4 - 9 years
Grade Level: 5 - 3

I wrote a book about teaching martial arts and run a kid's karate class so I believe that I can speak with authority when I say that Rielly's book is well-rounded, easy to read and very child appropriate. It covers all the basics including a brief history of karate, why students might be interested in studying this martial art, an explanation of the karate uniform, description of the dojo (practice hall), discussion of etiquette, overview of warm up routines, explanation of basic techniques, and description of advancement testing practices. If your child is thinking about taking karate this book can help set his/her expectations and increase his/her chance of success. There is a small caveat about the appropriate use of karate in the front but I wish he'd spent a little more time on that particular aspect. New practitioners, especially younger ones, have a tendency to get into trouble for inappropriately trying out their skills on classmates at school. The sensei (teacher) should cover this but it is always good to know ahead of time. All in all, this book is a great overview for kids.Lawrence KaneAuthor of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
Knowledgeably written by Robin L. Rielly (an expert martial artist with decades of experience, a seventh-degree black belt in Shotokan karate as well as a second-degree black belt from Shin Kage Ryu jujutsu), Karate For Kids is a simple but complete introduction to the fitness, self-defense, movements, philosophies, and etiquette of karate for young people. Down-to-earth illustrated instructions and guidelines for proper decorum as well as appropriate physical form make Karate For Kids a "must-read" for children enrolled in a karate course -- or who are considering joining a karate class.
This is a good book for kids to use along with class instruction. If you want to help your child to practice what he/she learned in class, proper respect for the Dojo, etc then this book is for you. Keep in mind different martial art systems may have some variances to the techniques in the book but for the most parts the basics are the same for any karate class.
This Karate book is just great! My 8 year old reads it. It helped him visually to understand poses, kicks, blows, etc. A good review as well as introduction to Karate. I'm glad we purchased it.
It's not too easy but makes them work. It's a good intro for them. Just have some room for the kicks. And they do push ups and crunches that not all kids are up to at first, so be there to show your kids knee pushups and to give them some encouragement. The kids on the video are in good shape and have good form. Your kids might not be at first :)- Joe
I gave this book to my granddaughter. She has not really mentioned the book. She did say her and her mom read it for her reading time. I hope she is also learning the steps too.
Karate for Kids (Martial Arts for Kids) The Kids' Karate Workbook: A Take-Home Training Guide for Young Martial Artists Rumi Maki Fighting Arts: Martial Techniques of the Peruvian Inca Zen in the Martial Arts When Buddhists Attack: The Curious Relationship Between Zen and the Martial Arts The Tae Kwon Do Handbook (Martial Arts (Rosen)) Taekwondo: Essential Tips, Drills, and Combat Techniques (Martial and Fighting Arts) Judo (Martial and Fighting Arts) Bruce Lee (Martial Arts Masters) Fightnomics: The Hidden Numbers in Mixed Martial Arts and Why There’s No Such Thing as a Fair Fight Striking Distance: Bruce Lee and the Dawn of Martial Arts in America Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainment Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters (Tuttle Martial Arts) Legends of the Martial Arts Masters This Is Gonna Hurt: The Life of a Mixed Martial Arts Champion The Karate Mouse (Geronimo Stilton, No. 40) The Young Lions: 1,000 Days of training under a karate master and the 100-man Kumite. Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook: Arcane, Divine, and Martial Heroes (Roleplaying Game Core Rules) The Court-Martial of Daniel Boone Fight for the Forgotten: How a Mixed Martial Artist Stopped Fighting for Himself and Started Fighting for Others