CONCENTRATED KARATE KNOWLEDGE
In an interview with the Südwestpresse, Fiore Tartaglia (6th Dan) describes his new book as "my most valuable work." In it, he summarizes 45 years of karate experience, which explains the title: " The Karate Essence ."
Born in 1958, he began practicing karate at the age of 16. At the age of 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 is one of the two directors of the Taikikan Karate Dojo. He has published numerous karate books through his Spectra publishing house. His black Kata and Bunkai books are legendary , with their meticulous illustrations that illustrate movement sequences in detail and clearly.
The main part of the book is the first chapter, "Karate in the Dojo." In it, Tartaglia describes the basic principles of karate and introduces the karate techniques, waza. The body parts used in the martial art, stances, defenses, hand and foot techniques—in short, the basics—are described. This is done in concise and clear text, with the detailed illustrations of the gifted graphic artist Tartaglia contributing immensely to the clarification. Years of karate experience and a profound understanding of the martial art enable the author to provide his readers with precise instructions. Of course, breathing, hara, kime, and all the important terms in the budo martial arts are also addressed.
Part 2 offers tips on karate in everyday life, such as how politeness and respect play a role outside of the dojo. Or how you can adopt a back-friendly posture in the bathroom in the morning to march through the day more consciously. Part 3 is titled "The Spiritual Teaching" and explores, among other things, mental attitude, energy forms, and Zen. And in the appendix, you'll find a valuable dictionary with all the technical terms.
Overall, this is an excellent reference work that provides practical and instructive guidance for every karateka. Step-by-step techniques are described in incredible detail and so plausibly that the book will establish itself as a competent guide for anyone who values precision as much as maturity of character.
Fiore Tartaglia: The Karate Essence. Spectra-Verlag, 304 pages, €29.95. Further information: www.budo-books.com .
