Do you think it is possible to learn karate from a book ?

Betsy · 10-21-2009, 04:07 AM

I have a beginners karate book at my house and I want to learn how to defend myself since I am a girl and everything ... Im sure my parents wont get me a tazer of pepper spray and I cant classes so yea .

Mrs. Edward Cullen · 10-22-2009, 04:05 AM

possibly...but your better off watching. If you dont want to pay for lessons watch videos. .

Psycho Panda · 10-22-2009, 04:05 AM

Well, it's obviously more recommendable to receive classes from an instructor and usually karate is more of a light contact, competitive sport and it usually has some degree of focus on the ceremony involved in the martial art itself.
I've found some great self-defense videos on the internet that are immediately focused on teaching quick and practical ways to defend yourself and give you a more emergency-centered focus on what a battle is.
Karate is a great tool to defend yourself, but since you have no competitors or teacher, it's harder for you to have a measurement of your own capacities when encountering an attacker.

It is possible, but I'd would use it just as a guide or complement to actual self-defense learning.

Kenneth R C · 10-22-2009, 04:06 AM

Hello Betsy Good Luck with that. Seriously its better than nothing. Maybe its worse if you dont know what you are doing. With out teacher to give proper attitude its like dance. With any effort the more put into it may give better results. Get books from library, etc. Find class you can afford. Y?

LIONDANCER · 10-22-2009, 04:08 AM

No, absolutely not. ....and you can't learn it from a video either...

travisr26 · 10-23-2009, 04:03 AM

You can study it all you want but until you actually experience it first hand, you won't get a lot out of the book I don't think. Perhaps try working on self defense with a friend or something. Make sure that you be safe and never try to hurt each other while doing so. Good Luck!

AFIfreak · 10-23-2009, 04:03 AM

Um...like anything learning from a person is more effective, but ya learning from a book works to. Teaching yourself can probably get you good enough to defend yourself but learning from a teacher and taking a class will be more effective and such.

budzka · 10-23-2009, 04:04 AM

have you heard of rich franklin? he's a former light heavy weight champ in the ufc. anyways, he started out with the "how to" videos and hitting bags in his backyard and eventually became LHW champ in the ufc. anyways, you can try it. it definitely isn't going to hurt anything. also, check youtube for tips and techniques.

meisme · 10-23-2009, 04:05 AM

It would be difficult...but give it a try! You can do anything! [:

Jane S · 10-23-2009, 04:06 AM

it is possible but it is not convenient. You don't have a master to make sure that you are doing your form properly