Channan: Heart of the Heians

Anyone reviewed or know anything about "Channan: Heart of the Heains" by Elmar Schmeisser?

I've heard about it


[This message has been edited by Akiba (edited 11-02-2004).]

received the book last week. poured over it all weekend. fascinating!!

the writing and analysis is first rate. if you are familiar with the author this is no surprise.

the kata channan dai & sho are remarkable. think southern chinese origins okinawanized but not shotokanized. cat stance instead of back stance, side thrust instead of side snap, alot more open hand techniques. the similarities to the heains are obvious but these kata are richer in technique and more brutal.

what most amazed me was how it broadened my understanding of heain sandan. these techiniques are less stylized and you see purpose in the technique.

these kata are also very sophisticated and will be challenging to do, but rewarding. they are easily "black belt kata."