| | Karate StylesGeneral | Okinawan Karate - Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques by Mark BishopInterestingly this book starts with a useful insight into the failings of many schools of karate to cater for a more holistic approach in the tutelage of martial arts. Mark Bishop lived the martial arts life for 15 years on the Ryukyu Islands off Japan before returning to the UK in 1990. As a result he gained an extensive and expert knowledge in a cross section of oriental self- defence, meditative and manipulation techniques from Karate to Shiatsu. The book delivers a fascinating insight into the origins of karate as a necessary aid of self-defence in an era some five centuries ago when weapons were outlawed in an effort to stop feudalism. An important point that readers with a background in Shotokan karate may be unaware of is that of lineage. Using historical tables the book painstakingly tracks the progress from the earliest practising masters of various schools of karate that lead to the emergence of the unique Okinawan style. A revised edition which includes historical tables and vital striking point charts, as well as information on the past and 20th century karate, kobudo and ti (or te) scene in Okinawa. From their roots in China, the historical development of each karate and kobudo system can be traced, via the teachers who formulated them, into the many fragmented styles practised today throughout the world, from Shotokan to Goju-ryu. | |
Gojo-ryu | The History of Karate by Morio HigaonnaGojo ryu, one of the main styles of karate on Okinawa, has benefitted greatly from the expertise of Sensei Higaonna, the author of this well-reasearched book. He is a master technician of combat and also, in keeping with tradition, an accomplished man of letters. Thus he is a modern embodiment of the scholar/warrior that is held as the ideal in both Western and Asian cultures. Concerning the text of his book, it is endorsed by a virtual "who's who" of Gojo ryu. He covers in great detail, in an engaging style, the various aspects of martial arts on Okinawa and the surrounding islands, including the Chinese influence. After this general background, he goes into much detail with the history of Gojo ryu's masters and influences. Some great photos add to Higaonna's gift of story-telling. | 
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| The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide to Deciphering Martial Applications 'The Way of Kata' is a thoughtful, thorough and informative analysis of the 'hidden' fighting applications of kata. This superb book is essential reading for all those who wish to understand the highly effective techniques, concepts and strategies that the katas were created to record. "Theory of Japanese Kata & Practical Application" is what I would have titled this terrific book on Japanese karate & kata. The authors draw from traditional Japanese roots in Goju-Ryu Karate but also incorporate ideas and modern points of view from a variety of martial artists. It is densely filled with information that is hard-to-find elsewhere. If one were to find any flaw at all in this work, it would be that it builds from a foundation of Goju-Ryu karate, which may not be very well known to students of other schools or non-Japanese styles. That does not mean you will not benefit from reading it -- you will, and if you read it seriously you may think about "what kata is" more deeply. And with greater understanding & appreciation. While many books will teach you the specific technical moves in a kata (i.e. Nakayama's excellent BEST KARATE series) this book discusses why you learn kata, the benefits, the intentions of creators of kata, the art, tradition, and psychology of kata. Ideas applicable to all schools where kata are learned. I would say without any hesitation this book can fairly be placed in the "top 10 books" that belong in any martial artist's library, regardless of school or background. |  |
 | Kata Tensho: Ancient Form to Modern day Application (Book) Tensho, which literally means 'turning hands', is one of the two main forms of the Goju-Ryu school of karate-do. This book covers 500 years of the history of this form together with 160 step-by-step illustrated instructions for its use today. I can't see how a book of this nature can be improved upon. It is a pragmatic and well-developed guide into the practise of a kata that is believed by Chris Rowen to have universal appeal to the martial arts community. The step-by-step guide black and white photos are of good quality and the historical pictures are well chosen. The text is informative without being impersonal or padded out. It's a concise and well-written 160 page reference book that always seem to contain something new each time you pick it up. | |
| Kata Tensho: Ancient Form to Modern day Application (DVD) Tensho, which literally means ‘turning hands’, is one of the two main forms of the Goju-Ryu school of karate-do. This book covers 500 years of the history of this form together with 160 step-by-step illustrated instructions for its use today. This kata emphasizes the soft aspects of Goju Ryu. Tensho, along with its harder counterpart sanchin, was developed by Goju ryu founder Chojun Miyagi from earlier Chinese forms. Tensho may be a variant of the Southern Chinese Kung Fu form Rokkishu. Chris Rowen is highly regarded in the martial arts world, having qualified in Japan under the legendary 10th Dan Gogen Yamaguchi, and his direct karate lineage can be traced back to the fifteenth century. He is also the presenter of several martial arts DVDs. |  |
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ESKA Open Day Results Part of the English Shotokan Karate Association 
2006 Calendar
