As a catalogue of martial arts moves, this 90-minute overview by Shawn Neth isn't half bad. Beginning with the warning that some of the techniques are dangerous, Mr. Neth and his cohorts demonstrate stretching exercises, and then move into the main body of the program: blocks, basic punches, basic stands, fighting techniques, and form for each of the following martial arts: Shorin-Ryu (karate), Ji Do Kwan (tae kwon do), Wing Chun (kung fu), Tai Chi, Thai boxing, and regular boxing. Each of the motions are clearly labeled and explained--although the fighting techniques appended at the end of each main section tend to look awfully similar. In addition to the various martial arts discussed, there is a section on the seven most effective techniques for thwarting an attacker from behind (they appear to be sound, but here we get into that shadowy area of information that could either save a life or lose it.) The grand finale is the tape's greatest downfall: a section on weapons-- Nunchaku, Samurai sword, Tonfu sticks, etc. Your average gung-ho teenager could easily give himself a pre-frontal lobotomy with most of these tools--especially since Mr. Neth is standing so far back from the camera, that it's difficult to see what he's doing in any detail. Because of this, we can't recommend the tape--although, as mentioned, the catalogue of moves is pretty good. The World of Martial Arts is a better choice. (See BUYING A NEW CAR FOR LESS for availability.)
Principles Of Martial Arts
(1987) 90 m. $14.95. Academy Entertainment Inc. Home video rights only. Vol. 3, Issue 10
Principles Of Martial Arts
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