Shotokan Karate Video Reviews

Independent Reviews of our Productions

Video Review: Masters of the Art Video by Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB): Legend Productions Reviewer: Mark Groenewold

Ged Morgan and Maria Hugh of Legend Productions in Manchester England were kind enough to send me this very fun videotape 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 tape 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 tape 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 tape 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 tape 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 tape, and others, can be acquired by contacting Legend Productions at:

Legend Productions
28 Wood Edge Close
Farnworth
Bolton
BL3 2PD

Telephone: +44 01204 791038
Fax: +44 01706 712102

Email: sales@legendtv.co.uk

Mark Groenewold
www.karatethejapaneseway.com

Copyright Notice
This article is Copyright ©2001 Mark Groenewold

Masters of the Art

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

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.

Gerry Breeze
Chief Instructor - FBSKU - International
Japan Karate Association 5th Dan

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 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 clearly 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 karate’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

"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

"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 happened.

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

"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

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 Karate
Author and Security consultant - Professional Bodyguard

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

Brennan - A Profile

I received this DVD along with ‘The Ultimate Aim.’ I was at a loss. Which one shall I watch first? I have always been very impressed by Frank Brennan, not simply because of his fantastic fighting style, but because of his humble attitude.

With many karateka who have achieved a high level of success, there’s a degree of ego. When you hear Brennan speak however, there’s no chip on his shoulder, he’s simply modest and sincere. You get a very real appreciation of his attitude and fighting spirit’ in one fight in particular showing his opponent punching him on the chin after yame. These days, if this was to happen the fighter would be rolling around in agony trying to get the opponent disqualified. Instead, Brennan takes it, accepts his opponent’s apology and wins the fight in the most respectful manner.

This DVD looks into much of Brennan’s career, looking at his training, his influences, and his successes. On thing however that is obvious throughout the entire DVD is exactly how talented Brennan was. All too often these days we see fighters who, when put in a position where their actual karate technique is put up to the test, they cannot cut the mustard. We often see people who can fight with brilliant speed, but don’t actually do any real type of karate training except for competition. This is the exact opposite however with Brennan. It is made very clear throughout the DVD that competition was not his goal, but rather an outcome. This is both very inspiring, but does make you wonder where karate is heading in the future.

Brennan is recognised primarily as a fighter. There is excellent footage of him performing Gojushiho Sho, Nijushiho and Sochin. If you watch his face in the footage, you can see the passion, commitment and focus, and the power he could create was phenomenal. This is very important footage, because as I have already mentioned, it does illustrate exactly how dynamic he was, and he was not just a fighter, he was a karateka.

There is excellent footage of Andy Sherry and Brennan in the dojo, I assume training for a competition, and you can see the impact Sherry had on Brennan’s fighting style. I was particularly impressed seeing Sherry launching lighting speed gyaku-tsuki (something he was famed for), and you get a very real sense of how well tuned these karateka are.

One very impressive thing about this DVD is the fact that it includes many full-length fights. This I feel is important, because with fighters like Brennan it helps to see exactly how he fights, and how he initially judges his opponent and how he tests the water in each bout. Although these fights are decades old, I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation. When I heard ‘Wazari’, I was also struck with a real sense of nostalgia.

When you watch these fights, as mentioned so accurately in the narration, Brennan was not just fighting for a point, he was fighting for his life. This was the mentality of ippon shobu fighting, and you can see the tension and nervous energy that has in many ways been lost in competition today.

I think this DVD is very useful. Although there is limited narration, you can learn a great deal from just watching this man fight. Half way through, I realised I wasn’t making notes. Not because I was bored, but because I was so encapsulated in the anticipation and excitement of the fight. That’s the point I suppose. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this DVD, and I feel people will be watching this and studying them for years to come.

Mark Thompson
30 August 2006

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