A good introduction book to karate for somebody that starts out with karate. All the basic stances, blocks, kicks and punches are well documented and illustrated with photos. Some terminology are explained and karate is held in very high regard by the author (who is actually practicing judo) but he is also a good karateka. The book ends with basic kumite advice and rules as well as one kata explained and few self-defence techniques using karate. It must be said that this book is only a"basic" book as the title says - "Basic Karate" and as such it is a good basic karate book.