CONCENTRATED KARATE KNOWLEDGE
Fiore Tartaglia (6th Dan) describes his new book as "my most valuable work" in an interview with the Südwestpresse. In it, he has summarized 45 years of experience in karate, which explains the title: "The Essence of Karate".
Born in 1958, he began practicing karate at the age of 16. At 22, he moved from Naples to Göppingen in Baden-Württemberg. Since then, he has worked in the district as a graphic designer and photographer and runs his own online shop. He is also one of the two heads of the Taikikan Karate Dojo. His Spectra publishing house has released numerous karate books. His black kata and bunkai books are legendary, their meticulous illustrations clearly and comprehensibly demonstrating movement sequences.
The main part of the book is comprised of the first chapter, "Karate in the Dojo." In it, Tartaglia describes the fundamental principles of karate and introduces the karate techniques, or waza. He explains which body parts are used in the martial art, stances, blocking techniques, hand and foot techniques—in short, the basics. This is all presented in concise and clear text, with the detailed illustrations by the gifted graphic artist Tartaglia contributing immensely to the clarity of the explanations. Years of karate experience and a profound understanding of the martial art enable the author to provide his readers with precise instructions. Naturally, breathing, hara, kime, and all the other important terms in budo martial arts are also covered.
Part 2 offers guidance on applying karate to everyday life, such as how courtesy and respect play a role even outside the dojo. It also covers how to adopt a back-friendly posture in the bathroom in the morning to move more consciously throughout the day. Part 3, titled "The Spiritual Teachings," explores topics including mental attitude, energy forms, and Zen. Finally, the appendix includes a valuable glossary of all the technical terms.
Overall, this is an excellent reference work that provides practical and instructive guidance for every karate practitioner. Techniques are described in such a plausible and incredibly detailed way that the book will establish itself as a competent guide. It is ideal for anyone who values both precision and character development.
Fiore Tartaglia: The Essence of Karate. Spectra Publishing & Design/ FT-KARATE. More information here .
