Post by fujicolt on Jan 8, 2011 20:47:46 GMT
THE SHOTOKAN LEGACY - a Review by Steve Hyland
Before I give my opinions in this review I wish to make the following fully clear:
Ged Moran
Ged is the founder and owner of Legend Productions. His company has, over many decades, produced the finest Shotokan Karate Videos in the world. They have been acclaimed for both quality and content repeatedly by viewers worldwide.
Ged himself is a 40 yrs served Karateka of high ranking and worldwide respect whom has also worked in the security industry and faced real violence as a consequence. He has travelled the world both teaching and making his exceptional quality MA Videos and DVD’s.
He is also an open minded Martial Artist and Video producer. His company has produced and promoted Videos for various styles of MA including modern approaches such as the works of the British Combat Association. He is far from being against development and change and I would strongly argue that his life’s work has contributed to positive change in a very responsible and worthwhile way.
Ged has been a friend of mine for many years and I have always respected and admired his work. Now I respect and admire his courage and integrity as a commentator on Shotokan Karate past present and future.
THE SHOTOKAN LEGACY
It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends.
-- J. K. Rowling
By producing this latest set of DVD’s from Legend Productions, Ged Moran has, in my opinion, taken a brave and noble step. He has chosen to step up and be counted and voice what many believe but will not say for reasons of protecting incomes and reputations or fear of upsetting the powers that be.
Ged has informed me that his original concept for this program could not be fulfilled because invited contributors either declined, did not respond or asked for unjustifiably high fees to contribute. As a result the finished product is less than envisaged and planned.
Despite this it is my belief that Legend productions have made a set of DVD’s that are not only filled with hugely interesting, thoroughly enjoyable material but are a landmark in cutting edge reporting and comment on a current dilemma that faces all who love and have invested in this thing that is Shotokan Karate.
This 4 volume set is simply compelling to watch and I recommend you clear your schedule for a few hours for your first viewing as you will watch with awe, wonder, a great sense of nostalgia (if you have been around for several decades as I have).
You will be mesmerized as the different volumes chart undeniably the changes - for good and ill - that have occurred since Shotokan Karate was formed and spread throughout the entire world.
You will witness fantastic archive material - both seen before and brand new. You will see a reasoned and demonstrated argument and discussion about various subjects often discussed privately but rarely seen in such an open and public format as this.
This DVD set will upset some - I am sure of it. It will delight and be agreed with and applauded by far more - I sincerely hope!
I am tempted to give you detailed information about its content but shall not and for good reason.
This unique production is far more than something to just watch. No it is a very brave and personal work of a man who has given his life to Karate and feels deeply about it and its future. He is brave because, in this fantastic production he makes statements and poses questions that many would not have the courage to.
He will upset some people as I have stated, some of those have even been (and I hope remain) his friends. He will have critics who may say the Shotokan Legacy is not up to Legend Productions usual slick production standards or didn’t include X or Y and they may have validity in those comments, I for example want to strangle the chap who cannot pronounce Master Enoeda's name - but they have in my honest opinion completely missed the point.
I say this - to those who contributed, ‘Thank you‘. Those whom declined I say ‘Shame on you’ and to everyone else I say ‘Buy this DVD set you’ll love it now and watch it again and again for years to come - I know I will‘.
Volume 1 - Early JKA - awesome early historical footage and information
Volume 2 - Early UK - you’ll watch enthralled and see now famous Karateka as young Dan Grades and gasp at Master Enoeda in his prime showing inimitable power.
Volume 3 - JKA Golden Years - fabulous footage old and new and proof positive that change is the constant thing.
Volume 4 - The Future - compelling viewing and thought provoking content a ‘must see’.
Overall - the most compelling and thought provoking DVD set I have seen in decades.
Ged Moran - we all owe you a debt of gratitude for your courage and foresight in producing THE SHOTOKAN LEGACY. Thank you my friend.
To order your copy contact: Sales@legendtv.co.uk
Or visit
www.legendtv.co.uk/
Author: Steve Hyland. January 2011. Copyright.
Before I give my opinions in this review I wish to make the following fully clear:
Ged Moran
Ged is the founder and owner of Legend Productions. His company has, over many decades, produced the finest Shotokan Karate Videos in the world. They have been acclaimed for both quality and content repeatedly by viewers worldwide.
Ged himself is a 40 yrs served Karateka of high ranking and worldwide respect whom has also worked in the security industry and faced real violence as a consequence. He has travelled the world both teaching and making his exceptional quality MA Videos and DVD’s.
He is also an open minded Martial Artist and Video producer. His company has produced and promoted Videos for various styles of MA including modern approaches such as the works of the British Combat Association. He is far from being against development and change and I would strongly argue that his life’s work has contributed to positive change in a very responsible and worthwhile way.
Ged has been a friend of mine for many years and I have always respected and admired his work. Now I respect and admire his courage and integrity as a commentator on Shotokan Karate past present and future.
THE SHOTOKAN LEGACY
It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends.
-- J. K. Rowling
By producing this latest set of DVD’s from Legend Productions, Ged Moran has, in my opinion, taken a brave and noble step. He has chosen to step up and be counted and voice what many believe but will not say for reasons of protecting incomes and reputations or fear of upsetting the powers that be.
Ged has informed me that his original concept for this program could not be fulfilled because invited contributors either declined, did not respond or asked for unjustifiably high fees to contribute. As a result the finished product is less than envisaged and planned.
Despite this it is my belief that Legend productions have made a set of DVD’s that are not only filled with hugely interesting, thoroughly enjoyable material but are a landmark in cutting edge reporting and comment on a current dilemma that faces all who love and have invested in this thing that is Shotokan Karate.
This 4 volume set is simply compelling to watch and I recommend you clear your schedule for a few hours for your first viewing as you will watch with awe, wonder, a great sense of nostalgia (if you have been around for several decades as I have).
You will be mesmerized as the different volumes chart undeniably the changes - for good and ill - that have occurred since Shotokan Karate was formed and spread throughout the entire world.
You will witness fantastic archive material - both seen before and brand new. You will see a reasoned and demonstrated argument and discussion about various subjects often discussed privately but rarely seen in such an open and public format as this.
This DVD set will upset some - I am sure of it. It will delight and be agreed with and applauded by far more - I sincerely hope!
I am tempted to give you detailed information about its content but shall not and for good reason.
This unique production is far more than something to just watch. No it is a very brave and personal work of a man who has given his life to Karate and feels deeply about it and its future. He is brave because, in this fantastic production he makes statements and poses questions that many would not have the courage to.
He will upset some people as I have stated, some of those have even been (and I hope remain) his friends. He will have critics who may say the Shotokan Legacy is not up to Legend Productions usual slick production standards or didn’t include X or Y and they may have validity in those comments, I for example want to strangle the chap who cannot pronounce Master Enoeda's name - but they have in my honest opinion completely missed the point.
I say this - to those who contributed, ‘Thank you‘. Those whom declined I say ‘Shame on you’ and to everyone else I say ‘Buy this DVD set you’ll love it now and watch it again and again for years to come - I know I will‘.
Volume 1 - Early JKA - awesome early historical footage and information
Volume 2 - Early UK - you’ll watch enthralled and see now famous Karateka as young Dan Grades and gasp at Master Enoeda in his prime showing inimitable power.
Volume 3 - JKA Golden Years - fabulous footage old and new and proof positive that change is the constant thing.
Volume 4 - The Future - compelling viewing and thought provoking content a ‘must see’.
Overall - the most compelling and thought provoking DVD set I have seen in decades.
Ged Moran - we all owe you a debt of gratitude for your courage and foresight in producing THE SHOTOKAN LEGACY. Thank you my friend.
To order your copy contact: Sales@legendtv.co.uk
Or visit
www.legendtv.co.uk/
Author: Steve Hyland. January 2011. Copyright.