Book Review
| Title: | Waking Dragons | ||
| Author: | Goran Powell |
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| Date of Review: | 3rd May 2007 | Reviewer: | Simon Buck (7kyu) |
| Opinion: |
This brilliant book by Goran Powell (4th Dan), charts his history in martial
arts from youngster doing Judo to 3rd Dan Karate expert taking the 30 man
Kumite test. For those unfamiliar with the Japanese, Kumite essentially
means sparring. Goran had to fight 30 opponents, each for one minute. Not
only that, but these were full contact no holes barred fights against
progressively tougher opponents. Goran is a writer by trade so the book is well-written. Although mainly chronological, at certain points Goran jumps forward to record his views on others attempts to take the 30 man kumite test. This is riveting reading, bone-crunching punches and kicks are described in vivid detail, and you are left in no doubt about the difficulty of the test. The other great moments in the book were when Goran discovered something totally new or different to do with his training, Karate or style. There are 3 or 4 of these revelations throughout the book and the experienced martial artist will probably have experienced the same sort of thing themselves. For anybody who has studied martial arts this is essential reading." |
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| Date of Review: | 15th November 2006 | Reviewer: | Malcolm Bates (Sandan) |
| Opinion: |
This was an excellent book to read. It charted a man's journey through the
hoops and hurdles or karate study and made the reader feel like he was part
of the process. A great book to read when you think your karate training is getting tough and one that most of us older guys will relate to in some way. |
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