Complete Shotokan Karate – full white to black belt series (8 DVDs)

Before I begin my review, here's a little about my experience in Martial Arts : I have studied Martial Arts in some form or another since I was child (approximately 8 years old), and have been thoroughly trained in various styles. I studied 3 Japanese forms of Karate-Do including; Yoshukai Karate (which was directly formed from Chito-Ryu and the grandchild form of Shorin-Ryu), Goju-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu. I've also been trained in American Kenpo, Tai Chi, American Boxing and Kickboxing, as well as some informal training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo at the local MMA gym. I am also a student of the Japanese Language and currently studying Shotokan Karate-Do (using this DVD set) as well as continuing my Tai Chi training. Since Shotokan Karate-Do is (basically) the Father of all Japanese forms of Karate, I've always had an interest in studying the art form. However, in my area Dojos for this form are non-existent (and several other styles have vacated the area as well). So for a long time, I felt that the only way I could learn this style is that I'd have to relocate to another area, or go to Japan (on an extended stay) and study there. As much as I'd love to go to Japan to study, at this point in time, it didn't seem very likely. Besides the (near) impossible idea of relocating to study in a Dojo, taking a class is also impractical for me personally because a few years ago I was in a traumatic accident that cost me my right calf muscle and the ability to walk without using crutches. So for a while, I felt that my Martial Arts career had expired and there was no way I could further my training... That is, of course, until I stumbled upon the "Complete Shotokan Karate" DVD set by Jon Hodge-Sensei. I decided to take a gamble on this DVD set and see if maybe I could at least learn about the art form. Well, I've been following along fairly diligently for the past few weeks or so, and I must say I'm blown away by the results I've received. Not only am I learning a form of Karate that I've longed to study since childhood, I've actually made leaps and bounds in my recovery. I had been out of Physical Therapy for a while, so I've been using this DVD as my guide, and after learning the techniques that Hodge-Sensei teaches, I'm actually moving forward again. I've regained balance and strength within my right leg (can even perform the "Crane Stance" on it, which is a one legged stance), my endurance and stamina is up, and I've even regained some of the motion within my right foot (which was pretty much a stump beforehand). I may not be able to run the New York City Marathon right now, but I'm making a lot of progress that I wouldn't have otherwise. Since starting this DVD set, I've also been incorporating some basic Tai Chi movements into my daily routine as well as an added supplement and they both seem to be paying off. As far as the Instruction and Material on the DVD itself goes, everything is laid out in an easy to follow manner. Hodge-Sensei goes through the stances, techniques, kata, kumite, and self defense portions of each belt multiple times, in many angles, and gives a thorough explanation regarding the Bunkai (Philosophy and Reasoning why each technique is performed). He also provides a step by step instruction, broken into 5 segments, of each Kata that is required at each grade level. He also performs the Kata in two angles at regular speed before hand, and then there's a "follow along" segment following the instruction. Hodge-Sensei definitely makes sure that you understand the Kata before moving onto the next. I'd also like to mention that if you need help, or have questions about the program, you can easily contact Hodge-Sensei or his son (Michael-Sensei) via their website. I've had several discussions with Michael-Sensei regarding the techniques, testing, and so on, and he has been nothing but helpful, supportive, and incredibly generous to me. This is not like a regular DVD set where you JUST buy the DVD and that's all the help you get. After buying the DVDs, you can register on their website and become a "Distance Student" (something I have yet to do), and receive help from Hodge-Sensei or Michael-Sensei. There's also another cool feature this program offers that no other DVD set does.. You can actually test, and get ranked, in the style (all the way up to the Black Belt Levels). You take a video of yourself performing the techniques, Kata, Kumite, and Self Defense for each grade level, and email it to them. Afterwards, they'll grade your video and send you your test results (you can also request the physical belts from them as well). Also, you test when YOU are ready. It's not predetermined by anybody but how YOU think you are doing. Overall, I will rank this video a 5 out of 5. The instructions are clear, precise, helpful, and very thorough. Their support system (aka your Senseis) are available to their students and are very helpful when you need them. And most of all, it's helped me regain something I thought I'd never have again. Usage in my leg. For that alone, I'm beyond grateful for this series. Whether you are a beginner to Martial Arts, or an Advanced Student, this DVD set can benefit your training. I recommend to all Martial Artists interested in Shotokan Karate-Do, whether you take formal training in a Dojo or not. It can supplement anybody's training, you just actually have to do the training. But if you follow along and train diligently, you will receive results. You just have to put the effort in to do the training.

Coming from several years of martial arts study, and a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and Hapkido, I cannot recommend this at-home program enough. The DVD's are well structured and easy to navigate. The picture and sound quality are clearly professional and well done. The instructors are professional, clear and detailed in their instruction. If you are thinking that you can't learn a martial art at home, think again! This program is structured in such a way that with hard work and dedication you can succeed in learning a martial art on your own. Best of all, you can earn actual rank through the unique method of belt testing through video submission with feedback from your instructor. Thank you to Jon and his team for putting together such a quality product and training program.

Wow! I was more than impressed when I saw the quality of these DVD's on screen. But what impressed me most was the method of delivery with which Sensei Jon Hodge so casually teaches by. He verbally explains each move in detail and also provides visual demonstrations from a variety of angles making the moves very easy to comprehend. It is obvious that he is a devoted master of Shotokan karate, and I am very excited to learn from this Sensei.

Best karate home study course period.Production,instruction and explanation is excellent very easy to follow. And instructors are easy to contact and will answer you promptly if you have any questions or concerns.

I found the instructor to be professional and very prompt in answering any martial arts questions. I constantly practice with the videos which I find are in my view top quality production. I am enjoying learning Shotokan karate through this process and I would encourage any person to purchase this program. Very well made program in learning Shotokan karate.

The videos are packed full of info clear and concise, style of video is a little old school quality of recording isn't always perfect. But overall worth buying. The one thing I wish had been included would have been a plan of attack, so much info. So a written schedule at least for the first 100 days would be helpful a pull out plan of what to do each practice... As though I was attending class over a few months... Worth buying but you will need time to sort out your own plan.

Better to just go to the website and order it there so you can officially register. They are not really Shotokan at all! Plus if you have any physical problems or have a disability they tell you to seek eastern medicine! I had severe arthritis of the knee (tkr now) and the head instructor told me to get acupuncture! LOL! No thanks!

I have not been in class in years. The cliché you don't use you lose it is right. This dvd pack helps you find it again. The guidance is easy to follow and had me up to par within the 1st dvd. Awesome buy for the beginner to the advanced.