Karate for Kids (Martial Arts for Kids Series)
I wish I had had a book like this when my boys first started karate lessons. I would have understood words like "gi" (uniform) and "dojo," (karate school), have been better able to tie the belts, and have known exactly when and where to bow.
The book is divided into eight chapters. The first chapter, "What is Karate?" gives a brief history of the sport and explains why it's a good thing to learn. In the second chapter, students learn all about the uniform and the different belt colors. I wish an illustration of belt-tying had been included. Also, the shading on the belt colors seemed off, making most of them appear pastel. Children will learn karate etiquette and safety rules in the third chapter, "The Dojo." Chapters four through six cover "The Class," "Warming Up" and "Practicing Karate." The chapter on practicing is the longest in the book and includes detailed explanations and diagrams of stances, blocks, kicks and other moves. Belt testing and tournament participation is discussed in chapter seven, and chapter eight is about the physical and emotional benefits of karate.
The book is easy to read and understand, and will serve as a great supplement to karate lessons. It also serves as a great review for my sons, who have been out of karate training for about a year due to a move. However, this book would be best for the new or aspiring karate student. If you are planning to give karate lessons as a gift to a child, this book would make an excellent accompanying present. After all, it's a bit hard to wrap a dojo.
