Shotokan Karate

History (more)

Shotokan's Secrets: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins by Bruce D Clayton

Learn how the hard-style karate that became shotokan took shape in 19th century Okinawa as an embattled king with an unarmed force of bodyguards faced an armed invasion from overseas. In this new 328-page book, author Bruce D. Clayton, Ph.D., uses rare sketches, footnoted historical research, archival lithographs, period photographs and contemporary technique demonstrations to reveal shotokan’s deadly intent and propose modern practical applications of such knowledge. Achieve a new level of theoretical understanding and fighting ability by learning Shotokan’s Secret for yourself! His writing style allows us to read the book almost as a novel and yet at the same time the reader is aware that this genuinely may be the secrets...not the myth...of the origins of shotokan karate. Highly recommended to anyone who believes that karate is more than just moving up and down the dojo. Absolute must for your library...but keep an open mind as you read it..Bruce challenges almost everything!!!

Kihon (more)

The Heart of Karate-Do by Shigeru Egami

Shigeru Egami was president and chief instructor of the Japan Shotokai. Born in 1912 in Fukuoka, he began practicing karate-do while a student at Waseda University, whose karate club he helped to establish. After the Second World War he studied under Master Funakoshi and assisted him in teaching. This is a revised edition of "The way of Karate beyond technique" published by Kodansha in 1976. A translation of the japanese edition "Shin Karatedo". An excellent Shotokai Master Text. Old pictures are shown in some chapters.

Shotokan Karate - In Search of Excellence by Ashley Croft

Shotokan Karate is one of the most widely practised styles of karate in the world. For most of its history it has been taught clandestinely, with past masters only entrusting their secrets to a select few pupils. This approach has changed dramatically over the last 75 years, with karate being exported throughout the world. Topics include: fundamental principles and philosophy; main striking, blocking and kicking techniques; detailed instructions of moves with descriptions of the most common mistakes; flexibility training and the physiology of stretching, and finally provides an insight into the mysterious art of Kyusho Jutsu.

This book focuses exclusively on basics and goes into great detail about how each technique should be executed. It breaks down the moves with detailed instruction and describes the most common mistakes.

Kumite (more)

The Complete Kumite: Karate Fighting Techniques - Hirokazu Kanazawa

Hirokazu Kanazawa is the most renowned karate master in the world today, and a close disciple of Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate and founder of the Shotokan school. Having earned his impressive reputation in Hawaii, the mainland United States, and Europe as an official trainer for the Japan Karate Association, Kanazawa founded Shoto-kan Karate-do International Federation in 1979. This association now has branches in more than 90 countries throughout the world. This book is Kanazawa’s first complete guide to kumite, or sparring. The karate training process comprises four areas: basics, kata (forms; prearranged movements and techniques), kumite, and competition. Kumite—"the art of grappling with opponents," as it might be called—is the application of kata, and is the key to success in karate tournaments.

Karate Fighting Techniques teaches all the various kumite techniques, and presents a systematic approach to applied kumite that is designed to provide essential information for match-style kumite and tournament kumite. The author also writes with great affection of his experiences with Master Gichin Funakoshi, and offers some insight into the true spirit and teachings of Shotokan karate. With 700 photos of the author, his students, and some rare photos of the late Gichin Funakoshi and his famous disciple Masatoshi Nakayama (author of the popular Best Karate series), Karate Fighting Techniques is the first book of its kind to provide such a comprehensive guide to kumite and its role in Shotokan karate. It will be an indispensable resource for all karate practitioners.

The Advanced Karate Manual by Vince Morris and Aidan Trimble

"The Advanced Karate Manual" is designed as a companion volume to "Karate-Do Manual". Written for those who have already achieved proficiency in the sport, the book aims to help the reader attain the increasingly high standards of speed, strength and skill required for modern karate Kumite competition. The book also looks at advances in training methods and provides a catalogue of exercises and sequences which can be practised with or without a partner. Other sections cover the psychological aspects of training, the use of equipment, the execution of advanced techniques and the nature and role of the karate coach. Vince Morris is a winning karate competitor, referee and administrator. He established the English Karate Federation and has been the Chairman of the Martial Arts Commission. Aidan Trimble, while in the Shotokan Karate International, was three times British Champion, twice European Team Champion, first World Individual Kumite Champion and winner of several other titles.

Kata (more)

Shotokan Karate International Kata Vol 1 - Hirokazu Kanazawa

Shotokan Karate International Kata Volume 1 - Hirokazu Kanazawa

The third of Sensei Kanawaza's books on karate first published in 1981. Sensei defines kata as "the legacy left by masters who created these techniques through gruelling practices, personal encounters, spiritual and emotional experiences." The book is written in English, Japanese, French and German.

Sensei provides a clear ethos for kate - "The shodoka (calligrapher) creates art form on white paper with sumi (black ink), likewise Budoka (exponent of the way of martial arts) expresses his personality with his techniques. When performing a Kata, to remain calm and with a clear mind , we must always concentrate and maintain our "Ki" until the last movement . We should co-ordinate the mind and power in each movement with proper breathing."

Volume 1 includes descriptions of the five Heian (Pinan) Katas, Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Enpi, Sochin, Meikyo, Ji'in and Gojushiho-dai.

Kubudo (more)

Nunchaku: Karate Weapon of Self-defense by Fumio Demura

All-Japan Karate Champion Demura demonstrates the movements and fighting applications of the nunchaku. This book features gripping stances, blocking, striking, footwork, nunchaku and karate similarities, and more than 20 defenses against other weapons. Fully illustrated.

Karate "Bo" Take-aways by Guy Trimble III

This book describes in detail the techniques of "bo" or staff disarms found in some karate Kata and it also describes "grappling in Armour techniques" found in some karate Kata. This book describes the techniques and shows how old Kata had real function in combat 500 or 1000 years ago and not the punching and kicking interpretations that are used at this time in history.

The author Guy Trimble III has trained in Shotokan karate for close to 30 years. He has done extensive practice and research into many Kata including both Japanese and Chinese Kata and (5) staff or "Bo" Kata. Guy's research into Kata has a historical weapons orientation including knifes, swords, pole-arms and staff weapons. It is Mr. Trimble's view that old Kata should show realistic combat techniques.