Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

The Golden Hand - River Rock
I found Nakamura's devotion to karate admirable.I liked his work ethic.The ideas of love (discovering why men suffer), obedience, and zen were made in a very clean presentation.The most impressive feat in the book was the portion where Nakamura demonstration his power by breaking river rocks.This is no cheap trick. The breaking represented, the complete symbolism of:giving a 100 percent, seeking mental clarity, releasing extreme power through joining as one with the material.The verbal discussion of zen being manifest as action. One can reason, breaking the rock is simply the principle of the fulcrum and leverage being applied to a material through a mechanical forces. However, one must experience the physical and mental pain associated with failure to perform such a feat to understand the simplicity and perfection illustrated by Nakamura.

My teacher talked about breaking river rocks in the mountain.He told me it was a matter of timing and speed.Apparently, the his first attempts at breaking the rocks were unsuccessful and he wanted to quit.After receiving encouragement and demonstrations that it was possible, he proceeded to break many rocks.Also, my first attempt to breaking a 6 inch piece of ice using a full circle chop failed. I thought about power only and failed. I turned inward focusing internally and broke the ice with a one inch slap.People want to know what was the difference in technique.Zen was the difference, and it produced the power needed to break the ice.The difference in breaking quality was noticeable.Nakamura inspired me to encourage my students to give a 100 percent at every practice.He demonstrated katas as a means to strengthen the mind of the body.I hope for significant improvements in concentration and desire.Nakamura karate is very good, no wonder he became a karate legend.
The photos in the book create a strong connection to natural beauty of the sunsets, waterfalls, rock textures, and the whiteness of snow. His tradition links philosophy and spirituality links back to feudal Japan.

Living Legend Bearing Gifts

Nakamura is a living legend. He brought Mas Oyama's Kyokushinkai from Japan to the United States,and later formed his own style, Seido, which is now nearly 25 years old. This book is virtually a textbook for Seido students, and since Seido is a traditional style, it would be of use to students of any Japanese style. The book includes all "natural" weapons (body parts), stances, striking and blocking techniques, with detailed photographs and diagrams, and also includes discussions on the history of martial arts, its relevance to modern life, proper breathing and stretching, the meanings of the names of various traditional kata and why kata is important to a karete-ka's training regimen, karate's relation to Zen, and several of Nakamura's own meditation lectures he gives to his own students on a weekly basis. Anyone can write a book about karate technique, but Nakamura not only has expert knowledge of the techniques shown in this book, he is among a handful of true exponents ofthe spirit ofKarate-Do: The ---Way--- of Karate, and he has made it his life's work to instill that spirit in his students. Seido has dojos all over the world.

A Gem
This book, may at first glance, seem a bit "pricey", however, it is a great primer book, printed on high quality paper.The techniques are standard karate type fare:Blocks, punches, and kicks.What makes thisbook such a collectable is that the author and publisher, write a beautifulintroduction as to what the spirit of karate is really all about.Theyarrange the photos, bioagraphies of students, demonstrations, and martialarts tenets in a masterful way.This book will probably not add much tothe black belts (assuming he is well studied) knowledge of the subject ofkarate, but, it will add much to his vision on a masterful way to write andpublish a karate primer book.He or she will further just enjoy the bookfor what it is: a great work of art.

To the beginning or intermediatestudent, this book will engage his or her imagination.The section onethical and moral values of karate is short, sweet, and to the point.Thelast chapter on "Karate Meditation Lectures" is outstanding andnot pretentious.If you are a karateka - purchase this book for the beautyof it.

All you need to know about true Karate: Mind, Body & Spirit
Respect, love and Obedience are the three principles.This book will show you the correct paths to take when training in martial arts.I learned about the history and beliefs of Seido (The Sincere Way).This showed the natural weapons in karate and how to use the against an attacker.There is also a section on the traditional karate weapons ( Bo, JO, Sai). I was able to see how to do proper techniques, step by step in detail.This book helped me with expanding my variety of stretching exercises and martial art warm-ups. I personally love the mediation lectures in the book.This is the spiritual side of karate.In the mediation lectures I learned that karate is not just when I put on my GI and begin training.It is apart of my daily life and how I choose to live.One of my favorite lectures was Nana Korobi Ya Oki (If you fall down seven times, get up eight times).This showed me that no matter how hard life becomes and even if I am going against almost impossible odds, I must never give up.Even if I was to fall one hundred times, I must get up one hundred one times.We all make mistakes and we can not be assured on what the next day will bring, but we must go on and never surrender. I suggest that anyone no matter what style of martial arts they take should read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Karate-do Nyumon literally means a passage through the gates of the Karate way-in other words, an introduction to the world of Karate. Karate-do Nyumon is the result of Master Funakoshi's wish to clarify Karate thought and practice for those who know nothing about it. It comprises unpublished writings from the years before his death in 1957, together with simplified kata-sequences of movements-synthesized by Funakoshi from the traditional Okinawa Karate-do kata, for beginners.

Master Funakoshi begins by exploding some of the myths of Karate:

"Karate-do is a noble martial art, and the reader can rest assured that those who take pride in breaking boards or smashing tiles, or who boast of being able to perform outlandish feats like stripping flesh or plucking out ribs, really know nothing about karate. They are playing around in the leaves and branches of a great tree, without the slightest concept of the trunk."
In his description of what Karate is, the Master describes the history of Karate-its origins in the ancient methods of unarmed combat in China, and its growth as a fighting method in Okinawa, a country where arms were banned in a succession of decrees from the Japanese mainland. In order to prevent it being subjected to control, or more importantly, to prevent the Japanese overlords from knowing and using the techniques, the practice of Karate was kept a secret. To preserve this secrecy, the habit persisted until very recent times of keeping no records. Master Funakoshi, however, recognized in this book and others the need to formulate the kata precisely, so as to establish a standard of true Okinawan Karate.
The kata in this book are not traditional kata, but they serve to establish the correct habits of stance, thought and action, and to facilitate the eventual mastery of the true Karate-do kata. All these special kata are clearly explained and illustrated by photos.

Lastly, Master Funakoshi recalls stories of men who were living legends when he was a youth in Okinawa, men whose reputations overcame even the secrecy that clung to Karate until the middle of this century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Worth having as a piece of Karate history only....
Karate Do Nyumon was Gichin Funakoshi's book for beginners and introduced us to the little practiced Ten No Kata. Ten No Kata is a fantastic tool for teaching fundamentals and introducing beginners to rehearsed kumite. As it is practised on the spot it takes up very little room and can be practised anywhere.

As far as the book goes, that's pretty much it. All of the stories and background can be found in Karate Do Kyohan which is a far superior work and the stories of Azato and Itosu are repeated in virtually all Funakoshi's work. The techniques displayed in the photographs are for me being a Shotokan karateka, shockingly poor and I shudder at the thought of a complete novice having this book and thinking that what he/she was looking at was good form.

However, this is Funakoshi's text and being a complete karate geek the book, for, me is worth having as a piece of Karate's history only.

Good history
I enjoy history and origins of martial arts, and this book fits in very nicely with other books of this nature. The sender was very prompt and the book was in perfect condition.

A fantastic introduction to karate by Master Funakoshi
This introductory text should be in every Shotokan karate student's personal library.In this text, Master Funakoshi clarifies what his philosophy of karate is and how it relates to proper training.He provides a basic historical view of the ancient masters of karate in this volume. He also gives a basic bio of some of the karate masters in this book. He emphasizes that students must be serious in their study of karate-do.This is also the only text that contains Funakoshi's Ten-No-Kata.In my karate school, Ten-No-Kata was part of the curriculm. Unfortunately, most Shotokan karate schools do not practice this basic kata.In conclusion, this book is an important part of Shotokan history. Rating:5 stars.Joseph J. Truncale, (Bushi Satori Ryu: Author: Monadnock Defensive Tactics System-MDTS)

For a true Martial artist
Very good introduction to Gichin Funakoshi's Shotokan Karate.It's an introduction worth reading before Karate Do Kyohan.Great if you're interested in traditional karate from a true karate do master.

Remember - this is an introduction to the way of Karate
I bought this book as I have heard much of Gichin Funakoshi through my training in Shotokan. It is the first book I've read which was written by Funakoshi.
I expected, as the book's title suggests, an introductory text. It therefore delivers.
It is interesting to read the master's thoughts on the way karate-ka should develop. I would say this is a must read for anyone who sees Karate as purely about technique. My teachers have always tried to instil that it's more than that. This book underscores the principle that it should be about enhancing one's self, that through Karate you should develop as a person.
Some interesting points about his teachers, and an interesting Kata i'd not heard of before (Ten No Kata).
I'll be buying Karate-Do Kyohan
... Read more

Product Description
This book is for the beginner to the Balck belt. With illustrations with all instrucitons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Sahota's book is excellent
I often recommend this book and it's companion, THE ADVANCED SHOTOKAN KARATE HANDBOOK, to my students.It is easy to follow, clearly written, and the position arrows under the pictures of kata moves really helps when you're learning a new kata.I tell my students that they should have several kata books as references because the more resources you have, the better you will learn kata and the better and more detailed your kata will be.Both books are important additions to the Shotokan karateka's library.

Very good but
This is an excellent book that covers virtually all the basics and Kata you will need to go from beginner to black belt. Like previous reviewers have said though, don't buy this thinking you can teach yourself Karate. You need to go to classes as well.

I bought this as a complete beginner (at the age of 45) in 2005. The Kata photographs are good but some sometimes difficult to follow (even with directional arrows) because when Sahota is facing you and steps forward to punch with his right-hand you tend to want to punch with your left hand.

The other problem is that whilst the number of Kata covered is very comprehensive, at neither of the two clubs I've belonged to have the Katas been exactly the same as in this book. My advice would to any beginner would be to join a club first, and then get your Sensei to advise whether a book like this is worth purchasing.

Shotokan karate book at its best
I am interested in martial arts only because my wife has taken up the art and I was looking for a karate book, and came across this one.It is very easy to follow, excellent photographs and descriptions, Mr. Sahota makes it look easy, which is always a good sign of someone who has taken time to learn his art.An excellent book to have from the novice to the student who has been training for several years infact a lot has been packed into this edition.
Excellent value.

Beginner to Black belt
This book is by far the easiest shotokan karate book that I have used. Each section is easy to follow with well illustrated diagrams and photographs. It is easy to train away from the dojo using this book as it has a simple step by step approach, especially the kata section, No excuses for not continuing your training..even on holiday. Great for beginners and advanced karateka alike, this book goes with me wherever I travel.

karate review
I think this book is amazing. Being a karate student myself i can understand very easily what i am doing whilst refering to the book. The book it self is broken down very well and is very easy to understand. Using this book i now have the option of learning karate not just in the dojo but in the presence of my home. The author GURSHARAN SAHOTAhas explained this book in great detail and has shown great character in what he does.

Well done ... Read more

Product Description
Wado Ryu Karate/Jujutsu is the third book by master martial arts instructor, Mark Edward Cody. This volume explores the origins, techniques and kata of one of Japan's most traditional martial arts. This is the first book to examine all seventeen kata of the system and is one of the few existing texts written by a native English speaker. Unlike other works on the subject, kata movement is explained in precise detail. The reader is given clear, systematic instruction in the direction, execution and technique of kata movement.Cody chronicles the traditions of Wado Ryu in light of the necessity for innovation and combat effectiveness in the propagation and evolution of ancient fighting systems. Wado Ryu Karate/Jujutsu embodies the ancient martial principle to "Absorb that which is useful". Hironori Ohtsuka created the Wado system by blending the best aspects of Shotokan Karate with Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu. Following the Founder's example, Cody draws upon his knowledge of Filipino Combat Systems and other arts in his analysis of this Traditional Japanese Fighting Art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Interesting but not great....
I agree with other reviewers and the author that there aren't nearly enough books about Wado Ryu.The book is well-written, and the concepts addressed are numerous and important to most martial artists.Mr. Cody is clearly an accomplished and dedicated martial artist.

However, there are some issues with the book.While many concepts are covered, few are covered in any detail.For example, the section on "Methods of Body Shifting" is one page long containing six Japanese words and their definitions.The section on "Timing" is one page.The section on "Fighting Strategy" is two pages.Each contain little more than a few terms with definitions.

The majority of the book is devoted to the Kata of Wado Ryu (pg. 87 - 312).While I appreciate the great care that Mr. Cody took with this section, it also is somewhat disappointing.On the positive side, the photographs are numerous and make following the text descriptions easy.This section could be a great benefit to students of Wado Ryu as a reference to supplement their in-class instruction as they are learning a new kata.As the author acknowledges, his stances are not as deep as most Wado schools would practice them, but this is a reasonable explanation.

However, the photographs do not always depict good technique.Please understand that I do not expect perfection from any martial artist...no one performs every movement (arguably, *any* movement) in a kata perfectly.However, one benefit of photographs is that each movement can be re-shot until a good picture is captured, but Mr. Cody appears not to have done this.In nearly all of the stances that Mr. Cody describes as side-facing, the photos show the stance as half side-facing.The kicks that are described as chudan level in the kata are shown in the photos as being below the belt.

The author provides a paragraph or so explanation of the performance of each movement with compass directions.This is particularly valuable in the explanation of kata beyond Chinto (Niseishi, Wanshu, Bassai, Jion, Jutte, and Rohai) as there is very little written about the Wado interpretations of these kata.(Master Otsuka's master text is published in English and provides an explanation of the performance of kata through Chinto.)The most disappointing aspect of the coverage of kata is the lack of explanation of bunkai or application of the movements of the kata.There are a few in the book, but very few.

Overall, the coverage of the book is broad but shallow.Most of the concepts that are covered by Wado Ryu karate are addressed in this book.However, most of them are covered only in the detail that you would expect when the topic is first introduced to a student -- not any in-depth coverage.Even the coverage of the kata is shallow, like you would expect the first time an instructor shows you a new kata.If you want a shallow book that introduces many concepts then this one is well-written and pretty comprehensive.However, if you want a book with deep coverage that you can study at length, then you will have to look elsewhere.

Decent and refreshing
This is a decent and refreshing book about Wado Ryu. It provides for an interesting and realistic reading. I especially liked the author's honesty about the need to carry a weapon, and his pointing it out to the readers that Bruce Lee stuff is dangerous when facing someone with any kind of weapon. Thus, he makes it clear that those concerned with self-defence should as a first choice carry a weapon. That is decent and honourable advice.

As far as Wado Ruy content is concerned, the book focuses on forms, which are essentially the same as Shotokan forms, so the more realistic performance of the forms (shorter stances) is really not so relevant for Wado Ryu, as it does not have its own forms.

One warning: the author provides three principles for the effective implementation of Wado Ryu as a self-defence system, I paraphrase: "Get them bleeding, stope them breathing, cause shock." The latter two are valid, but to "get them to bleed", especially as a first defence principle, is misplaced. A bleeding person is not an incapacitated person, and in fact getting them to bleed might just enrage them enough to take the victim to pieces rather than stopping them. Bleeding is not important for defence. Breathing is, shock is, and disturbance to balance also is, and the author does not mention it here. So, this supposedly "catchy" phrase should be edited slightly.

Another two aspects of Wado Ryu that could and should be included in a future edition of this book: (1) the pre-emptive strike (the strike from normal stance while assuming the sparring stance, the front straight punch), and (2) nagashi zuki, which the author does mention, but does not give it sufficient attention, because it includes the now much-debated "tae sabaki" evasive pivot with the rear leg, and is a signature technique of Wado Ryu that has proven highly effective in competitions (I don't know about the street, don't have much experience there).

So, all in all, you should definitely buy this book. This is good writing, good stuff, and with some editing it could be even better in the next edition.

The Most complete Wado book available
There are very few books on the Wado Ryu system available and there is simply no other Wado Ryu book available that has the information that this book has. Cody explains each form with great detail, describing the proper ways to face and turn. Each photograph is also easy to read and understand. Cody also deeply explains the history of the Wado Ryu system and discusses the philosophy behind it. This book is a must have for any Martial Artist who wishes to study Wado Ryu.

The Best Book on the Subject!
No other book written on the Wado Ryu System compares to this work. Very few books have been written on the system, and those that have are not very well done. To be fair to the other writers on this subject, most were not professional writers as Cody is, or for that matter, even native English speakers.

Cody's book is HUGE compared to other texts. Its 388 pages are laid out in a very space-economical manner. Otsuka and Ogami's books waste a lot of space and their number of pages do not accurately convey how little information is comparatively in them. Both of those books are great and every Wado student needs to read them, but they just don't go into the detail that Cody does.

All the other books on this karate system give one or two sentence explanations of kata moves, whereas Sensei Cody generally writes a paragraph or more, carefully noting compass-point direction of movement, precise description of technique and Japanese terminology.

This book includes the most in-depth history of the system I have ever seen recorded and discusses the philosophy of "The Way of Peace" and of the martial arts in general as only a philosopher like Cody can.

The book includes many Jujutsu techniques and a few "flow drills" to teach sensitivity (something the system lacks good training techniques for). These drills come from Cody's exposure to Filipino Martial Arts.

The book's shortcomings (as some will see them) are the use of stances that are higher than most Wado teachers use. Cody notes that his exposure to jujutsu and weapon systems caused him to elevate kata stance. He explains that he often teaches the kata with much deeper stances to new students. I agree with his reasoning, but I think most Wado students would have liked to see the illustrations of the deeper (shotokan influenced) stances that they are accustomed to.

The book does not cover any of the two-man forms of the Wado System, but given the size of the book, their inclusion would have probably made the book too big and too expensive to purchase. I hope Cody covers these forms in a later book.

This book is essential to the library of anyone who wants to study the history, philosophy and Kata of the Wado Ryu system.

The Best Book on the Subject
No other book written on the Wado Ryu System compares to this work. Very few books have been written on the system, and those that have are not very well done. To be fair to the other writers on this subject, most were not professional writers as Cody is, or for that matter, even native English speakers.

Cody's book is HUGE compared to other texts. Its 388 pages are laid out in a very space-economical manner. Otsuka and Ogami's books waste a lot of space and their number of pages do not accurately convey how little information is comparatively in them. Both of those books are great and every Wado student needs to read them, but they just don't go into the detail that Cody does.

All the other books on this karate system give one or two sentence explanations of kata moves, whereas Sensei Cody generally writes a paragraph or more, carefully noting compass-point direction of movement, precise description of technique and Japanese terminology.

This book includes the most in-depth history of the system I have ever seen recorded and discusses the philosophy of "The Way of Peace" and of the martial arts in general as only a philosopher like Cody can.

The book includes many Jujutsu techniques and a few "flow drills" to teach sensitivity (something the system lacks good training techniques for). These drills come from Cody's exposure to Filipino Martial Arts.

The book's shortcomings (as some will see them) are the use of stances that are higher than most Wado teachers use. Cody notes that his exposure to jujutsu and weapon systems caused him to elevate kata stance. He explains that he often teaches the kata with much deeper stances to new students. I agree with his reasoning, but I think most Wado students would have liked to see the illustrations of the deeper (shotokan influenced) stances that they are accustomed to.

The book does not cover any of the two-man forms of the Wado System, but given the size of the book, their inclusion would have probably made the book too big and too expensive to purchase. I hope Cody covers these forms in a later book.

This book is essential to the library of anyone who wants to study the history, philosophy and Kata of the Wado Ryu system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Finally, not another "This is a kick, this is a punch." book!
Perhaps I was mistaken in assuming that a book titled "American Freestyle Katate A Guide to Sparring" would focus more on sparring and strategy and tactics over basics, but I'm glad I assumed the content would match the title. 'Cause it does.

A typical MA book demonstrates basic punches and kicks, maybe has a brief section on sparring and then hits you with a half dozen forms/kata and calls it a day. It's a rare thing when the content is mainly focused on helping the reader develop those skills that the reader is interested in furthering, and rarer yet when that information is useful. The example techniques depicted aren't nearly as useful as the theories presented, as the theories can be mapped on to any style that practices point or continous sparring.

If there's a better book on the subject, I haven't found it sitting on a bookstore shelf yet.

Great Book - Not For The Beginner
I have been involved in martial arts for 4 years (about to test for my black belt in American Karate).No first year player should be looking to a book for sparring instructions!Any beginner in any style belongs in a studio well past one year learning basics from an instructor before picking up a book and attempting to learn something new.I picked this book up about a year ago when I got to brown belt and have used it VERY effectively in sparring (both free and point).The presentation of the critical distance range and effective monitoring range were great!This is an aspect of sparring that is not taught well or emphasized enough (at least in my school), but without mastering it you will not win.

Synthtcboy03 and the reader from TX are both right --
The book IS hard to read, with its font size 9 (!!) print and Unique Publication's usual B&W photography.However, Mr. Anderson did add arrows to his pics to show the original position of limbs b4 movement and their destination (head of the arrow)is represented in the subsequent photographs.The material is NOT adequate for a beginner in my opinion.The TX reader speaks true in this regard.However, if you are intermediate to advanced, seeking to refine, and CAN STAND READING FONT SIZE 9 PRINT with small B&W photos, then, Dan's work smacks of sincere intent to TEACH GOOD SPARRING TACTICS just as Synthtcboy03 says.(Thanks for the recommend, btw) and I would recommend it too, though I probably shouldn't as I havea competition later this month and my opponent might be looking for something just like this to make our encounter more challenging on me. ;)

I wouldn't say it was the greatest book on sparring.
I was disappointed in the book honestly. Dan Anderson unquestionably knows what he is doing. But with this book he is trying to teach you exactly how to move and execute sparring techniques, which is very difficult to do so with text. Although there are many pictures, 3/4ths of the book are pages full of small black and white pictures of Dan executing techniques, they are laid out in a fashion that is very hard to follow. I feel that if you want to learn how to spar better, your best bet is to get personal instruction. This book is basically just the text of a karate class describing the various techniques. A much better book in my opinion is "The Fighter's Fact Book" by Loren W. Christensen, that not only covers the techniques but also the mindset and drills to help you become better at fighting.

The book has a terrible layout with almost no chapters or sections. It makes finding specific information hard. I will not be buying any more books from Unique Publications.

My background is 1 year in Tae Kwon Do - so what do I know. :)

Possibly the Greatest Sparring Book Available
This book is a must for anyone who wants to take sparring seriously.This book is not a standard "primer" on martial art movements and technquies, but instead, is a masterpiece in giving the karateka tools,both mentally and physically, to enhance their sparring abilities.

Thebook discusses everything from entry and retreat to attacking anddefending.Ideas are explored such as offensive and defensive attackingpostures.The book discusses sparring for tournament, the dojo (traininghall) and self-defense. This book was published in 1982 and still remainsthe epitome of sparring manuels.An absolute must! ... Read more

Product Description
Secrets Of Uechi Ryu Karate andMysteries of Okinawa. Alan Dollar is undoubtedly the most knowledgable person outside of Okinawa when it comes to Uechi Ryu and it is he who has put together this master text of 522 pages on everything you ever wanted to know about Uechi Ryu and more. Filled with literally hundreds of rare photos and as well all the katas of Uechi Ryu Dollar should be congratulated on writing this masterpiece that will stand the test of time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

I trained under Sensi Dollar
Back in the early 80s I trained under Sensi Dollars Dojo. Sensi Dollar was a very dedicated and great teacher. I was going to continue my training from my youth with Sensi Dollar , sadly enough once I looked into going back , Sensi Dollar retired. I wish him the best. I never read this book however I did train under him. I can only imagine this book would be full of insight and great wisdom for anyone intrested in the art of Uechi Ryu. If anyone knows the Art of Uechi Ryu Sensi does.

Uechi Ryu Kenyukai
Sensei Dollar has provided a key into the true essence of Uechi-ryu Karate and the brotherhood that surrounds the Kenyukai (Shinjo - Strong Fist Group). It is a blessing to have this abudance of information and guidance provided to us. If you are a serious practioner of Uechi-ryu Karate, this book will provide great insight and instruction. It is highly recommended. Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!

Secrets of Uechi Ryu Karate and the Mysteries of Okinawa
This book was quiet an undertaking! Allen Dollar wrote a very enlightening account of karate on Okinawa and its history.This is important as most people involved with karate have only superficial knowledge of its historical origins from China and its development by including ancient Okinawan techniques. Brought to light, are the accomplishments of many masters of various styles on Okinawa and especially Uechi Ryu karate.It serves as a tribute to the Uechi & Shinjo families that made it possible for so many to learn this unique martial art around the world. There has not been any other work about this subject that covers such in depth details of Okinawan Karate and history.

Best ever!
I am not practicing Uechi ryu but I can confidently say that this is one of the best (if not the best) book ever written on the subject!It covers everything you need to know about Okinawa Karate from its original root from China, the history of Uechi ryu, and the excellent technical section.Three major katas, Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu, are thoroughly demonstrated.

Great book.Regardless of what style you are practicing, you will learn something from this wonderful book.

Secrets of Uechi Ryu Karate: And the Mysteries of Okinawa
Here is an excellent addition to books regarding this not-so-well known style of Okinawan karate.Alan has the experience and connections to gather great info and puts it together in a very readable format that would be interesting to anyone intereted in traditional karate.Great job Alan!

Steve Hatfield
West Palm Beach Florida ... Read more

Product Description

A comprehensive and authoritative guide to Shotokan karate.

Shotokan is the world's most widely practiced style of karate. Every year, thousands of young karate students are taught Shotokan in clubs and schools (dojos) across North America.

The Shotokan Karate Bible is a comprehensive illustrated guide suitable for all students of Shotokan karate, from beginners to those earning a black belt. The author outlines and explains the lessons for all 10 gradings. The book is organized by belt, and a syllabus lists the requirements for achieving each new level. Its pages are packed with more than 400 crisp color photographs detailing techniques and combinations, from beginning white belt, to sequencing (kata) and right up to sparring (kumite).

Each kata sequence is clearly illustrated, step-by-step, on a double-page spread. The book includes all essential details that the karate student should know:

• The history of Shotokan karate
• Basic karate terms
• The uniform (gi)
• Dojo etiquette and bowing
• Sparring safety tips
• Tips on taking grading exams
• Training and development.

The Shotokan Karate Bible is a brightly illustrated and clearly written guide that will benefit participants of Shotokan karate and be useful to instructors.

Customer Reviews (2)

Awesome!
This book is a fantastic guide!! It shows from start to finish the rank progression and curriculum of Shotokan! I am very impressed with the book and the author. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a classroom material guide, a teaching format for rank, or anyone just plain interested in Shotokan. Buy it!

Not Bad, But Could Have and More Importantly, Should Have Been Better
This book does a pretty good job as a basic overview of the techniques, ettiquete, history, and kata needed to advance from a novice to a more experienced karate practitioner, but it could have and really should have been so much better.

I have said it before in several of my other reviews, and this book requires that I say it once again, "Any book that claims to be the Bible, Ultimate, or Complete, had better be able to live up to the title." This book doesn't even come close. Now if it had been titled, "The Shotokan Karate Basic Guide: Beginner to Black Belt," then this would have been a more appropriate title and would have conveyed exactly what was to be expected within the pages of this book.

This book covers, very briefly and very basically, some of the punches, blocks, strikes, and kicks in Shotokan Karate, as well as the katas needed in order to advance from one rank to another, and here is where I have another problem with this book.

The photographs of each movement in each kata were actually quite well done and I really liked how the background had been removed from each photograph so that just the individual performing the move was visible against the white background of the page. For this, I give this book a 5 star rating on this particular point. However, there was a bare minimum of detailed explanation to go with each movement, and there were no foot patterns of direction of movement included with each step in each kata. Now they did include a fairly nice overview of each kata at the end of the book, but they really should have been placed at the end of each kata sequence and not placed in an entirely different section of the book.

For a much better series of books on Shotokan Karate, I highly recommend the following series of books by Masatoshi Nakayama.

Best Karate, Vol.1: Comprehensive (Best Karate)

Best Karate 2: Fundamentals

Best Karate, Vol.3: Kumite 1 (Best Karate)

Best Karate, Vol.4: Kumite 2 (Best Karate)

For an outstanding example of novice through intermediate Shotokan Karate katas, I highly recommend this series of books by Masatoshi Nakayama.

Karate Kata Heian 1 Tekki 1: Official Manual of the Japan Karate Association

Karate Kata: Heian 2; Heian 3

Karate Kata: Heian 4.

KATATE KATA HEIAN 5 'THE FORMAL EXERCISES OF KARATE'

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series. ... Read more

Product Description
Helps readers reinforce phonics, sight vocabulary, reading comprehension, and facility with language in a rhyming story about a boy who demonstrates his karate lessons, and the book is accompanied by thirty-two punch-out flash cards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good summer read
This is a good easy summer reading for kids going into 1st grade or even before the end of the kindergarten year. Would suggest using this as one of the first books to read on a summer list then progress. I had to order this online because our library didn't have a copy so by the time we got it, my son had read a few more advanced books, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the basics of karate and explains how to use karate defensive and offensive techniques to win a fight. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Gold Book
There is a great Karate book.If you practice full contact Karate you should purchase that book.
Over than 1000 detailed photos and diagrams, clearly showing how to perform in the best way, effective fighting techniques.
Get your copy right way!

The best textbook on full-contact karate
Ashihara's Fighting Karate has its roots in Oyama's Kyokushin Karate.Though Kyokushin style emphasizes on power and body conditioning, Ashihara refined the technical aspects of the art tremendously.Packed with abundant step-by-step photos and clear instructions, this is the best textbook on full-contact karate for beginners and veterans alike.The same is to be said of Ashihara's subsequent book, More Fighting Karate.

Outstanding, detailed, extremely well-written & illustrated
Don't be put off by the cover price, this book is extremely detailed and covers all aspects of real-life fighting techniques for competition or use on the street. Originally published in Japan in 1983 (6th printing 1994), it's well worth the price for its extremely comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on everything from basic stretching techniques to delivering power-packed punches and kicks and realistic lessons on distance, blocking, practical fighting techniques and effective fight control tactics. A tremendous source of realistic, practical, proven fighting lessons and tips presented in very learnable, digestible sections. A must for the personal library of any serious martial artist who trains for tournament success

Outstanding, detailed, extremely well-written & illustrated
Don't be put off by the cover price, this book is extremely detailed and covers all aspects of real-life fighting techniques for competition or use on the street. Originally published in Japan in 1983 (6th printing 1994), it's well worth the price for its extremely comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on everything from basic stretching techniques to delivering power-packed punches and kicks and realistic lessons on distance, blocking, practical fighting techniques and effective fight control tactics. A tremendous source of realistic, practical, proven fighting lessons and tips presented in very learnable, digestible sections. A must for the personal library of any serious martial artist who trains for tournament success ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The mind is the most powerful weapon for warriors.
Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of meeting Tom Muzila, but being a life time student of Shotokan karate, I had heard of his many accomplishments.One of the many things I love about this book is how he gives so much credit to his teachers, most especially Master Tsutomu Ohshima.I also love his book dedication to "all the warriors in human history."The author is no "arm chair warrior."Throughout his life he has constantly tested himself to do extreme things.He has lived by the philosophy of "the mind is the most powerful weapon for warriors."There are so many lessons to learn in this fantastic book that this short review cannot do it justice.You will just have to get your own copy and read it. It is a book to read and refer to many times for inspiration and advice.I rarely give a book 5 stars, but this volume deserves the highest rating.This is a book for anyone who is truly serious about his or her martial arts training and living the life of a warrior. Joseph J. Truncale

A great book on applied positive thinking
I first became interested in mind/body power when I was attending the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia.I started my trainingin early October of 1962. Shortly after I entered the school The Cuban Missile Crisis broke out. All of us in the infantry school were transitioned to intensified training under the U.S. Army Rangers to prepare us for the possible conflict.That is where I first came across the "you are a mind with a body" concept. Later I graduated from the U.S.Army Intellignce School at Fort Holabird, Maryland and upon graduation was assigned to the 112th Intelligence Corps group. While I was assigned to the 112th President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas,Texas which was located in the 112th's area of command. All of us in the 112th military district were thrown into the investigation of that tragic event. My military service was where my interest in mind/body training originated.That interest continued when I was later introduced to the mind training techniques of Napoleon Hill and W.Clement Stone and my interest continued thoughout my business career. More recently my interest led too the training methods of John Peterson of Bronze Bow publishing who through his Transformetrics training system of DVR [Dynamic Visualized Resistance] has demystified the internal power principles of yoga and the martial arts and applied them to modern life in western society. He is thus perpetuating the training principles of the 19th century creator of "Conscious Evolution" Alois P. Swoboda.

Tom Muzuila has taken mind/body power principle to a new height in "Mental Karate."As Alois P. Swoboda first proved in the 19th century; these principles can be successfully applied to attaining success inour ever changing and highly competitive western society as he had among his students leaders from all parts of society during thateraincluding Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, two supreme court justices including Charles Evens Hughes,famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, and bodybuilding legend Charles Atlas.

Alois P.Swoboda's "Conscious Evolution" Course was what inspired Charles Atlas and introduced him too the self tensing exercises that he would later refer too as Dynamic Tension. Charles Atlas' later said, "Everything that I know I learned from A.P. Swoboda."

Bob Hoffman, is the Father Of World Weightlifting, Former US Olympic Weightlifting Coach and Founder Of the York Barbell Company.Bob Hoffman's father was a Swoboda student. Hoffman says, "So often I have said that my father had more muscles than I have seen since and we must remember that I am in the muscle business and that I have seen thousands of extraordinary physical specimens. He exercised incessantly and he could make most of any muscle group in his body feel like blocks of wood. I always believed that his exercises verged more on the tension type, rather than Functional Isometric Contraction,but there was a close similarity"

Mental Karate is a terrific book that shows you how to develop your mental, physical, and emotional strength and apply them to the challenges in your everyday life. You won't be leaving your strength in the gym as so many people do.I have never practiced Karate,but have always been interested in extracting the power principles from it.Let this book be your perfect teacher and guide.

Read this one hard.
(This parenthetical is an addendum to my much earlier review, below.First, I note the words from the Preface:"This book is not concerned with learning and remembering information.It is focused on experiencing and remembering yourself... " In this regard, I find that I sometimes keep this book by my bed and re-read a part before sleep.I have also read portions before meditation.Certainly, the experience of the book goes beyond the information itself. That the connections to be made in this book are partly intuitive is suggested in the Preface, and that does indeed seem to be my experience.Again, my suggestion would be to "read it hard".The original review is below.)

I initially saw Tom Muzila back in the early 1970's.He was still in the armed forces and had recently returned to Fort Campbell, KY from covert combat op's somewhere outside the US.

I was pretty green, but I could see well enough to notice that even among a group of talented black belts, Tom Muzila's quiet solidity projected a certain intense strength.As things went on, people got the idea that what he did was very authentic.

I trained with him for a while at that time.There was more to it than could be explained here.When I left the area a couple of years later, the training went with me, and I continued along in the direction he had taught.I have not had the chance to train with him personally very much since then; now, not in a long time.

It sticks, though.Through the years, I have had more of life's successes than my young self ever thought I could; and, of course, there was a bit of failure here and there to balance it out.

In my finest moments, it is not unusual to notice that something that was generated from Mr. Muzila's training has carried me more easily along the path to get here.In darker times, it was not unusual that something that began with Tom's training helped me keep everything in perspective.

Mr. Muzila is one of a very few examples of the "paradox resolved", the warrior-gentleman, the soldier-philosopher, who brought it through and put it into practice in regular life.

Unlike many who talk a lot these days, what Tom says he says out of living it. In a lull in the middle of jungle warfare, he could appreciate the beauty and delicacy of a butterfly that drifted by, and in the next moment do well the job he had to do.This tranquility and humanity in the midst of conflict was a Samurai ideal.

This is real, and it's available to us for regular daily life.

Get this book.Read it hard.

A Great Read for Anyone Seeking Greater Mental Strength--Will Be Cherished
The introduction to this book, alone, is almost worth the price of admission. It conjures images of fearless warrior juggernauts from throughout history, revealing a secret so powerfully potent and self-realizing, that it could be considered a better "engine of history" than Hegel's thesis-antithesis "synthesis." In fact, I find myself fighting for time to re-read the book with my wife, reading it aloud to my mother (with whom I have had quite a rocky relationship with, and she's furiously writing notes down as I'm reading), and I'm getting ready to send a copy to my troubled, barely-adult sister. It also just occurred to me that this will be a perfect high school graduation gift for my neighbor. The funny thing is, none of them are "martial artists." Nevertheless, it is a true guide to anyone seeking a higher mentality, a stronger, clearer purpose, a different bent on history, and even the inner workings of the mind and the psychology of fear. It's that good.

Even though I am a friend and student of the author, and have heard many of the stories straight out of the "horse's mouth," it is nevertheless very refreshing to have them in a book form that I can easily refer to and share with anyone I choose. There are many other stories and concepts which I have newly-learned, as well, and many others will benefit from them through the concise conveyances in this book.

One story speaks of a pit bull that the author once owned. One day, while walking it, it ran out into the street, chasing a stray dog. It was hit by a van, and the author observed the rear tire running over the dog, after the bumper had hit his head--the van had been going 35 MPH. Expecting to find him slumped on the ground and mortally-wounded, he instead observed him to "flip out from under the van, "land on his feet," and continue to run after the dog." Other than a tire print on his underside and a broken paw, several days of observation by a vet revealed no serious injuries, and the dog lived another 6 years. The author spent weeks trying to figure out how the dog had survived, and concluded that it was due to his conditioning-he'd run the dog 10-12 miles per day, and it's body was "like steel-" and the specific reaction, including the dog's breathing.

You might be asking what something as mundane as a dog being hit by a car has to do with "warrior spirit," but we must remember that the ancient masters observed wild animals to learn fighting moves, and to mimic their strong spirits. The author mentions this, saying that gazing into the eyes of a wild animal (from a safe place, of course) is an excellent way to "instantly" realize what true focus and determination is, and to "wake up the mind." The other point is the breathing, which the book devotes an entire section to. Other stories deal chiefly with people.

The book is far-reaching, covering such subjects as spirituality, sociology, psychology, history, and even religion and faith. The author is so well-versed and cultured, that even I found myself, a personal friend, wondering how he could so eloquently and effortlessly make his points, yet so clearly-written, that a child could mostly comprehend much of the book (albeit with a bit of background). On the other hand, it could be used as an introduction to many of the advanced concepts and, in fact, will always occupy a central place on my bookshelf, as I raise my almost-3 toddler, and work to expand my family.

Unlike most books of the genre, it's capaciousness lends itself to anyone interested in becoming more efficient and powerful, or just seeking insight into what it takes to set apart a leader from the crowd. The book shows that everyone has the capacity to expand his or her mental energy, but that it's the willingness to work towards it, even starting with "baby steps," and working along the path.

The cover photo is arresting. It is a portrait of Tsutomu Ohshima, a karate master and the author's longtime instructor and friend, performing a karate move, and exhibiting great mental focus and strength, as a much younger man.

I can personally attest to the author's genuineness and selflessness. Last summer, he came out and voluntarily performed a karate demonstration for a summer class I was teaching--6 students with severe behavioral problems in a self-contained special education class that was so isolated from the rest of the school's population that they had their own lunch-time, and had to be individually escorted to the restroom by security personnel. Students that had dismissed me from day 1 took to him almost immediately, and the simple "baby-stepping" self-improvement strategies he spoke of, the complete respect and non-judgementalness that he approached them with gained their immediate and lasting confidence, and I believe changed the (not-so-positive, but expected) courses of their lives (and they really enjoyed seeing their teacher getting "beat up" during the physical parts). This even impressed my teaching assistant, who was doubtless fortified and enlightened, firing off a volley of questions of her own. I know those 7 people (and I) greatly benefitted from this personal and generous display of selfless devotion to what many considered to be "lost causes," and this attitude permeates the book.

This book is unlike any other "self-help" book (and it is broad enough to be at the front of the category). It does not berate you for failing or falling short. In fact, a central tenet is to "never talk down to yourself" (in your inner "mind-talk"). It isn't composed of repetitive exercises, and doesn't talk you into seeing a shrink. Instead, it seizes on your inner strength and builds on it, showing how to harness that positive energy and strike down negative, draining thoughts, building an ever-increasing aura of positivity that will draw other positive people towards you.

Other sections of the book cover the "power of belief," self-confidence, controlling thoughts and developing mental strength, and attaining "optimum peak-performance mental states" (ie. "the zone," athletically speaking), among other things. Many pictures depict martial artists, the author performing world-record (and Guiness Book) feats such as pulling 18-wheel trucks and fire-walking and mountain climbing, and some of the professional people he's worked with, such as Willie Gault, "the fastest man in football," and Lamon Brewster, the WBO world-heavyweight champion.

In summary, reading this book will either initiate (or continue) a road of self-improvement in almost anyone, and Tom Muzila's extremely humble and generous personality and strong, warrior mentality will carry right through its pages, and into your psyche. That sounds like a lot, but I'm speaking from personal experience, as well as the direct observation of the effect of his spoken and written words on even those who've either never heard of (or previously met) him, and wouldn't recognize him at all. And reading the book has greatly helped me to increase my self-discipline, stay positive in the face of "dire straits," face opponents more strongly in the karate dojo (as well as my own fears and weaknesses), and even spread positivity by simply discussing it. It is one of the finest, most helpful books I've ever read, easily reaching into my "top ten."




... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Karate Applications
This is a very good book showing the grappling methods for karate.It is great to see karate practitioners exploring the art as it was meant to be.

Who knew karate included grappling?
There are many misunderstandings about kata. Iain Abernethy addresses the idea that karate is all about striking. As Abernethy shows, Karate kata are filled with grappling moves if you know what to look for. Even if you don't practice traditional kata you can still get alot out of this book. The kata's at my dojo are not traditional, but they contain many practical grappling moves that I did not understand until I read this book.

Yes, buy it; you can't live without it
Iain Abernethy is the real deal. And I continue to wonder where and how he got so smart. And I'm not talking about all his credentials, including an advanced black belt and so on. Those are surprisingly common these days. But Iain brings rare insight to his study of karate.

A lot of folks have studied karate for a long time, and gotten very good indeed in the kickee-punchee aspect of the discipline.

But most dojos have taught the kata, discussed a few improbable applications, prepared the student to dance through the kata for an examination, and failed utterly to explore the actual use of the kata in self defense.

And that's the case even though Gichen Funakoshi taught that kata was the core of karate training, and Choki Motobu pointed out that all you needed to know about fighting was contained in Tekki Shodan kata.

Then along comes Iain Abernethy and discusses exactly what those wierd movements in the kata are used for in the world of no-kidding fighting. And he is generous in the extreme. Many writers who know something in this area pace themselves. Iain shovels information-no teaspoon for him!

While all of his books and dvds are remarkably useful, this one is particularly well suited to a karate student who has gotten through his first bundle of kata and who has started to wonder why he's wasting time with kata instead of spending more time on the makiwara.

This isn't a deep exam of one kata and it's applications. It examines multiple kata and provides a many different examples of ways to apply the unusual movements that karate students get to practice again and again.

By the way, when you see real and effective applications of kata movements, your first response is likely to be "Eureka!! I knew there was a pony in this pile somewhere!"

As an overview, this book discusses the history of kata in karate, basic techniques drawn from kata, and the sorts of criteria you should consider when evaluating a possible kata application.

This book emphasizes the grappling techniques embedded in kata, because those are the techniques most likely be slighted in most dojos (that's not evil, just factual). And discovering joint locks, chokes and throws that are hiding in plain sight inside karate kata.

But buy the book, and you'll be hooked, and you'll run out and buy everything Iain has written and committed to dvds (you'll need to check out Amazon.co.uk to find his dvds. I don't know why they aren't available on Amazon here in the U.S., but any amount of inconvenience to get your hands on them is well spent).

Worthwhile and informative
Few people understand the hidden aspect of kata.This book presents them in an understandable format.

A real karate student
I am currently studying for my black belt in shotokan.As someone who has been in and out of karate for the last 15 years, I have always known I am a good puncher and a good kicker, but I have always felt I was unprepared by karate as it is currently taught, to go to the ground.I personally was a wrestler so I have some firsthand experience but many of my peers have had no real ground or grappling training whatsoever.This book has helped to answer the persistant question I have asked myself for years "Why is there no grappling in Karate?"The answer is that it is here and it always has been here.This book (and others) are helping to open my awareness to a new understanding of karate.This is not the karate that has been taught in America the last 5 decades, it is the karate of a person who literally may have to call upon it to defend their own life.I am looking at all of my kata with a new spirit of discovery, looking for secrets that have been hidden in plain sight for years.I also very highly recommend Shotokans Secret by Bruce Clayton.These two books have helped to start me on a path to discover and determine what I believe karate should be.It is not the point-sparring sport that is popular in America.It is a serious, spiritual and potentially deadly state of being that one hopes they never have need to call upon.Myself, my fellow students, and even my sensai, are opening ourselves up to this realisation and our club is beginning to evolve.Oddly, we are moving ahead by reaching backwards and this book is a good place to start. ... Read more

Product Description
Maestro Peter Urban has created yet another masterpiece the Karate Sensei originally named Karate Pshycology.The book is exceptional and is one of the very few books Sensei Urban took great pride in as this was his way of teaching his life philosophy which was unique and invaluable.Filled with short stories about the people he met in life that changed his life but yet he encripted their names so that only those who really new him would understand. As an example Beatrice was his teacher Richard Kim. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A definate addition to your martial arts library
This is another wonderful book written by Sensei Urban, his take on the martial arts is fun and inspiring. His writing is detailed and fascinating and always enjoyable. He gives alot of tips on training and his philosophy and his view on life is very practical and true. This is one of the books i had to read and answer questions on for my shodan grading.
If you are a martial artist you will definately enjoy this book by an outstanding character. ... Read more

Product Description
We are proud to introduce the new book by Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi: Katsu Jin Ken: Living Karate, The Way to Self Mastery.

Shimabukuro Sensei imparts the true understanding of Karate-Do training in this amazing new book. Over 500 pages of Martial Arts Wisdom and Insight explained in a definitive guide that took over 10 years to write.

As a direct disciple of Teruo Hayashi and Kenzo Mabuni, two of the greatest Karate masters of Shito Ryu, Shimabukuro Sensei's qualifications are unsurpassed and his deep understanding of traditional Japanese Karate-Do is unparalleled.

In this book, Shimabukuro explains it all...History, Philosophy, Technique, and Spiritual Training. This is a must-have book for any Martial Artist, regardless of style or affiliation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Get it and enjoy it
Katsu Jin Ken is a well thought out text book applying Karate-do to everyday life. Explicit examples are provided to help connect the Theory to Practice and is covered in the first 1/3 of the book. The remainder of the book is very basic Karate techniques, coverage of refereeing tournaments and promotional information on Mr. Shimabukuro's program. The History, Philosophy and True Understanding of Karate sections certainly demonstrate knowledge of one who has dedicated his life to understanding the deeper aspects of Karate and not just the physcial aspects. The knowledge one gathers from this book makes it a worthwhile purchase.

Essential reading for Martial Artists
In the interest of full disclosure, I am a student of Hanshi Shimabukuro. Given this -and in order to reduce any potential bias- I've read (and re-read) the book a couple of times, and have waited a few years before writing this review. I may have waited a bit too long, since I first got the book in 2006 as I recall!

I would first like to say that anyone interested in learning a martial art should find a teacher. There's no substitute for a good teacher. Having said that, this book is a wonderful addition and supplement for people who already train under a Sensei. Not everyone will have access to a Sensei who has Hanshi Shimabukuro's knowledge, so the book becomes a great ally in an individual's development as a martial artist. I mention Martial Artist and don't focus in Karate specifically because this book can benefit practitioners of any Martial Art. I've even recommended it to friends who don't practice Martial Arts, since it also contains a wealth of knowledge applicable to self-help and the enrichment of one's life and the life of others.

I recommend looking at the Table of Contents available here at Amazon. With 18 Chapters and close to 500 pages the book is quite thorough, yet highly accessible and easy to read. At the same time, it can be quite deep and I've found myself going over a single idea or reading a single page numerous times. For example, developing Ki, the Principles of Training, Discipline, etc.

Specifically for Karate, Hanshi Shimabukuro presents a definition of Karate, its history, philosophy, spirit, and etiquette. He then goes on to present some of the basic stances, different techniques (first defensive, then offensive), and talks about the training process and the importance of Mind, Ki, and Attitude. There are also chapters on Kata, Kumite, Weapons, and Tournaments, as well as chapters with more detail regarding focus, meditation, breathing, etc.

Anyone can learn to kick, punch, and strike. A person who practices 100 kicks, punches and strikes a day will eventually become proficient after months or years of practice. This is NOT Karate. Karate goes much deeper than that. It helps build character and instill confidence, and encompasses aspects such as etiquette, honor, respect, and compassion. I've trained (on and off) for almost 30 years and have never kicked or punched anyone, yet Karate has helped me with a wide variety of challenges, from pursuing post-graduate degrees to remaining calm while being robbed at gunpoint to learning how to walk after a near-fatal motorcycle crash. In all 3 situations I recall drawing heavily upon my experience practicing Seienchin, which back then was my favorite Kata and some translations refer to it as "Calm in the storm."

I've read other Martial Arts books and in addition to Karate I used to practice Tai Chi Chuan and recently began training Qigon once again. I highly recommend this book to all Martial Artists who desire to take things to a deeper level, as well as to those who may be just starting out. I wish I had read a book like this one back when I started training.

Finally a great Karate-do book
I have been training in the art of Karate-do for around 6 years now and have been looking for a comprehensive guide to the art.Finally after all of the other Karate books I have read and tried to study, this book is really the only book I use as a reference. From the great drawings and clear photos of the most basic of techniques to the clear and distinct explanations of how to do them properly. This book has it all. I would recommend this book to anyone trying to learn a more in depth and precise explanation of Karate-do.
In martial arts, people forget that between just learning the techniques to defend themselves there is a philosophy that needs to be learned by all of us. This text explains a greater outlook and how one should think in many different situations in life. The philosophical writings of the writer of this book is very in depth. It gives great meaning to both technique and philosophy which together create Karate-do. I would recommend this book to anyone who studies the martial arts.

For any serious karateka or budoka!
Shimabukuro Sensei's book truly offers all serious students of budo a way to understand the meaning and philosophy behind karate and for that matter any martial art.

While it shows ample photos and examples of kihon, it is the explanation of the smallest principles underlying why we do what we do in the dojo that make it such a compelling book! ... Read more

Product Description
The first comprehensive written history of Shotokan karate in any language! In this completely revised edition of the classic bestseller, Randall G. Hassell covers recent developments in the art of Shotokan Karate-do. Rare and never-before-published photos complement everything from the Okinawan roots of karate to the JKA in Japan and the United States, American karate organizations, and the current state of karate. Also in this edition: A chronology of Shotokan Karate, the origins of all Shotokan kata, a genealogy of traditional karate, and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A good surprise
When I started reading the book I thought it was another book like any other, but as I read I realized that the book was very well handled, with a deep research about the topic. Certainly there is much to learn by reading this book. It was a pleasant surprise, with a reading light and pleasant.

This is an excellent resource for Shotokan karate-ka.
I really enjoyed this book alot.I've studied Shotokan Karate since 1974, and ever since Mr. Hassell wrote his article for Kick Magazine in 1981, I have been looking for a more detailed account to be published in a book. I am planning on using this book as a study guide for my students.I highly recommend it!

A truly captivating work, a vortex of information!
Randall G. Hassell is again shown here, to be in "top form"! This captivating work, is a compilation of tangibly "intense research". This book is living snapshot into the martial arts, and scrutiny of one particular "family" of Martial Artists. It's focus is the passionate discussion of the evolution and development of the proverbial "family" known as Shotokan Karate. Agree or disagree with its author, but the presentation is compelling, EXTREMELY articulate, a very balanced and interesting read! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Better Title: Effects on the Body of Extreme Karate Blows
I agree with those reviewers who say that it would generally take very powerful karate blows to cause the injuries featured in this book (review based on 1969 edition). Virtually every part of the body as target is featured in this work.

As an example, consider a hit to the throat. It could crush the windpipe, causing asphyxiation. But asphyxiation could also be caused by a blow that stimulated the laryngeal nerve. The epiglottis could close and not reopen. Similar effects could occur with a blow to the vagus, hypoglossal, or phrenic nerves. A blow to the neck blood vessels can create a hematoma (internal accumulation of blood) that could cause asphyxiation by pressing against the trachea.

Now let us consider kicks to the abdomen. They can cause liver lacerations or peritonitis. [My pastor, as a boy, got punched in the stomach by another boy, causing peritonitis that almost killed him]. A kick just above the groin, although missing the genitals, can cause a ruptured bladder, either directly or from the broken end of the pubic bone.

One limitation of this work is its lack of elaboration on "Combat KI". Martial arts practitioners with developed "Combat KI" can take powerful blows to sensitive parts of their body, such as the throat and groin, without experiencing either disabling pain or injury.

Also, quantification would be helpful. There are studies now available on the forces produced by martial-arts hits and kicks. These could be combined with estimates as to how much force to body parts it would take to actually produce the kind of serious injuries featured in this book.

Deadly Karate Blows: The Medical Implications (Unique Literary Books of the World)
Book was as described. It was used and in good shape. Will be using the book as I progress through Kung Fu.

A good basic guide to what could occur when delivering karate strikes.
Though many of the negative reviews have valid points; nevertheless, this is one of the few books that deal with karate striking possibilities.I agree there are many factors that must be considered before determining the effectivness of a particular strike.A few examples include body size differences, weight differences, strength differences, power differences, fighting experience differences, whether the blow was full power or no power, whether the blow was directly on target or not, and whether it was a surprise strike. In spite of the negative reviews, I think this book has value for students and instructors who are interested in what kind of damge is possible, depending on numerous circumstances and conditions, when a karate blow lands on various areas of the body.In conclusion, this is a book that should be of interest to all martial artists.Rating: 4 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate for Self-Defense: Combat Karate for the street, Pro-Systems Combatives official manuals 1,2, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Use of the cane/Walking Stick for Self-Defense, Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician).

Could have been a lot better!
The subject of vital/vulnerable points and how to strike them is a very serious matter and one that should never be taken lightly. I personally am very leery about teaching people about them and usually only give a generalized description of them. There are two books that attempt to tackle this subject, both of which I currently have in my own personal library. One of them is Brian Adam's, "Deadly Karate Blows."

Now before I get started on writing the actual review of this book, I am going to take this opportunity to give you a bit of insight into my reviewing process. I will rarely if ever give a bad review. This isn't meant to imply that I think that everything is good, it's just that if I don't care for a particular book or DVD that I have, I simply will not do a review on it. What I primarily look for in an instructional book or DVD is its ability to teach me solid relevant information on the particular topic being addressed, which should be the primary focus of the material being presented. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

Now depending upon your own personal knowledge on the subject, and your own personal perspective, you will either love this book or revile it. While I myself readily question some of the material presented in this book, I do find a lot of it to be very informative in both a positive and a negative way. Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects, I will instead focus on the positive aspects of this book.

The basic format for this book starts out with two to three photographs with captions and two subjects demonstrating a particular technique whose attack is focused on a particular vital/vulnerable point. This is followed by some pretty good illustrations and really basic descriptions of the various possible injuries that can accompany a blow to the particular vital/vulnerable point being discussed. Each section starts out with the weapon used, the target (vital/vulnerable point) attacked, and the possible medical implications of an effective attack. The only real detractor to this is that it should be updated to provide more current and relevant information.

One could easily argue that a lot of the information provided is sketchy at best and not very detailed at all. This is a legitimate point. However, and this is just my opinion, I think the author was just trying to give the reader an overview of the subject, rather than a detailed analysis.

During the introduction to this book, the author is adamant about making it clear that, "...I have just barely scratched the surface of a subject that will continue to regain its status in the martial arts." The author also makes it very clear that, "One must remember that whenever the human element is involved, there is no such thing as absolute perfection. This is why in many of the sections it is indicated that there is more than one possible result, because the blow may be slightly off target or because of other existing conditions which might be hindered by unforeseen circumstances."

Although this book is definitely not an "authoritative" piece, it still holds value especially when combined with another book called, "Gray's Anatomy."

Good reference
You need to know more about what you're doing if you seriously plan on using anything you learn down at the dojo in self-defense situations. It's also good to know what isn't true, such as the drive the nose into the brain from a well placed palm heel strick nonsense. This is a pretty good, concise, clearly written place to get that kind of information. I'm not an MD, so I can't vouch for the absolute accuracy of all information contained in the book. The things I've learned from other sources are supported here. It's a good read too. ... Read more

Product Description
7x10" layflat binding. 144 pages, 204 photos, 94 illustrations.Full color cover.A guide to practical self-defense shown in easy steps. Includes illustrations of pressure points used in self-defense techniques.Suitable for the whole family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A good start
I bought this book as a required reading for all white belts. As a person who has never had any experience with pressure points and karate, I was very intrigued. The picture, charts and text help me to gain a better understanding of what my instructors are trying teach me. This book was written in simple language I could easily understand. I believe Mr. Dillman intended it to be that way. He states on page 135 of this book, "This book barely begins to touch on the deep secrets of the art". I look forward to reading more books from Mr. Dillman.

Misleading title
This book starts of with a looooooong self-serving picture gallery. It then goes on to present 4, yes 4 pages of pressure point information. The rest of the book is basic white-belt karate material. This book HAS NEARLY NOTHING TO DO WITH PRESSURE POINT FIGHTING. If that is what you want from a book - this ain't it!!!!!!!!!!!!

A good starting point
While this book is written for those beginning their exploration into the use of pressure points, it also provides a useful reference for those who have been studying longer and want to be able to refresh their knowledge of the locations, angle/direction, and activation methods of some of the more commonly-used points.

Is it the end-all, be-all of pressure point books?No... but then, if such a book exists, I've never found it.Is it a good primer and reference book?Absolutely, and I have recommended it to many of my own students.

the rewiew
This book is only intended for younger kids like ages 5-11+ and is awesome for that age group. However this is the worst book of self defence i've seen but im just keeping in mind its awesome for Younger people ONLY. If you want to learn realistic and effective self defence buy another book.

For beginning martial artists
This is the fourth book on pressure points written by George Dillman and Chris Thomas. The text has been written specifically with theyounger martial artist in mind, and the authors make good use of photographsshowing instruction with children.

The use of "pressure points"in martial arts refers to strikes to small points along the body which areused in acupuncture.As such, this book includes a very brief introductionto Asian internal medical theory (i.e., why stiking acupoints can be soeffective), to help the reader understand the point terms and concepts, andmakes references to Mr. Dillman and Thomas' earlier works.

Unfortunatly,the authors have chosen to only cover 17 of the 350+ classical pressurepoints (ten on the inner and outer arms, five on the lower torso and two onthe legs).Regarding the selected points (L-5, L-6, L-8, H-6, EX M-UE-28,LI-7, LI-10, TW-11, TW-12, SI-7, CV-3, CV-4, CV-5, CV-6, SP-10, SP-11 andSP-12), the authors provide excellent anatomical diagrams, but providelimited descriptive text on where those referenced points are located andtheir martial function / application.In fact, the "how theywork" paragraphs are so simplified, each of the discriptive textsnumbers 14 words or less. While I can appreciate the fact that the authorsare writing this text with a beginning martial arts student in mind, Ithink they simplified the text too much.A few areas do footnote Mr.Dillman and Thomas' earlier works, and suggest the readers learn more aboutthe points once they become more advanced.But the existing text is solimited in the extent of its explanation, I am not convinced this is thebest manner in which to write an introductory primer on a subject rooted inChinese Dim Mak theory.

In addition to the few pressure pointscovered, the authors give a brief historical overview of the development ofkarate, and provide application overviews on the basic building blocks of amartial arts curriculum: stances, punches, blocks, kicks and kata.Thefinal chapters include some training and drill advice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Master text book
This book by Oyama Sensei is an excellent text book. It covers in detail: basics, training, conditioning, kata's and self-defense techniques. This book is a must regardless of styles study. This is the first book I everbought on Karate, and I now hold a couple of dan degrees. One being a Godanin Matsubayashi Ryu. ... Read more

Product Description
Many books have been written about the origins of Karate-Do and the legendary masters who caused its meteoric rise into what has become a worldwide sporting phenomenon. Karate is practiced by tens of millions in over seventy countries.Although most of its practitioners are children, the majority of books that have been written are for adults.The Little Bubishi tells the story of karate and the amazing tales of its legendary masters in an enjoyable way that is intended for children. But the story is enjoyable for readers of all ages.The legends of Karate-Do are brought to life in its beautifully descriptive stories that tell of the heroics and steely determination that embody karate history. The peaceful philosophies behind this multi-layered martial art are too often overlooked, while its graphic fighting forms more often take center stage. Karate is explained simply, so children may gain a greater understanding of the true meaning and nature of Karate-Do.The Little Bubishi: A History of Karate for Children is essential reading for all young karate enthusiasts.Andrew Michael O'Brien has taught hundreds of children karate over three decades, and has always used storytelling to motivate them. "I also realized that no books like this have ever been written for children." He lives in Cardiff, Wales, and is working on his next two children's books. Publisher's Website: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheLittleBubushi.html ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not only for little Samurai
At only 160 pages this may appear quite an expensive book, especially one designed specifically with children in mind, but the wealth of information it contains inside makes it a worthy purchase. The text is usefully larger & with double line spacing should help make it easier for younger karate-ka to read, but with only 4 coloured hand drawn pictures it may loose some attraction for smaller readers, unlike a couple of other karate books for children on the market.

However, the chapters are nicely varied in size from one to a few pages thus making it more manageable & interesting to absorb the material.

The title IS wholly appropriate though as it really does deal with the history of karate quite comprehensively with many stories of its origins that can't be found all in the same place in similar books.

What will be of interest I know are some of the stories about some of the exploits of some of our more recent karate masters, namely Matsumura & Itosu which are both funny & illuminating.

All in all a well written book & nice & easy to read.

Measuring approx 180x250 it could be a little large for small hands.

A great understanding of Karate for the young eager mind
This book is captivating and just what we needed in the martial arts community to ensure that the young eager minds are entranced to start the learning process of karate both mentally and physically. It gives a great understanding of character and doing the right thing. The story is captivating and easy to read for all ages, and you can feel the legends of Karate-Do brought to life in the animated descriptive stories that tell of the heroics and determination that embody the history of karate.

An all round good recommended read

Robin Short
Katy Shotokan Karate-Do ... Read more

Product Description
McCarthy, a shorinji-ryu stylist and triple-crown winner of the North American Karate Championships in 1974, demonstrates 11 karate kata. A detailed history of Okinawan karate and biographies of 37 of its greatest patriarchs are also included. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

These are not Okinawan kata!
I am a 7th dan in Shorin ryu, half Okinawan and have practiced and lived in Okinawa for over 27 yrs since 1969. These kata are strange versions and you will not find anyone doing the kata in this way on Island. I think Pat McCarthy learned these from Mr Richard Kim, where Mr Kim learned them, I don't know. Only the names of these kata are classical, that's it. Why is it most of the foreign self procalimed Okinawan karate experts never lived in Okinawa, they just visit a few times then write a book? Forget about this book and buy a DVD of Zempo Shimabukuro or Takayoshi Nagamine or Shugoro Nakazato if you are curious about Okinawan Shorin ryu kata. Viewing kata isn't a way to learn karate anyway, but interesting for the folks who live in other countries to watch...

Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate
I appreciate the depth of knowledge and experience of Mr. McCarthy in the realm of martial arts, particularly karate.However, this book would likely be more accurately titled "Kata of Japanese Karate" because the techniques he shows in this book are that of perhaps traditional Japanese karate, NOT Okinawan karate that is truly traditional (e.g. Shorin Ryu or closely related styles).I've long wondered if this book would be at all helpful...perhaps it will, but only if I forget the direction to move during a kata.

Critiques to hard!
This book has some good background information on the history of the kata.While they are not the way that my system traditionally runs the kata, who is to say that they are not traditional, or classical, as Mr. McCarthy titles them.There are so many variations even on the island of Okinawa.This shows us that more then one version of a kata can be the traditional way of running the kata.The book has a good discription of each move, numbered with the picture that it corrosponds with.They are not difficult to pick up from the book, however I don't advocate learning kata from a book, this is a good place to see a different version then the one that you may run!

this is a good book, despite what the reviewers say
This is a very good book, its not meant to teach you kata its meant as a reference , and the section on all the different branches of okinawan karate from shuri-te , tomari-te to even okinawan kempo was very informative and entertaining. Everyone is giving it bad reviews saying its inaccurate and plugging Shoshin Nagamines book , while Nagamines is a good book it only shows one style of okinawan karate. Mccarthys book is meant to give the reader a broad reference , not as a manuel of how-to. If you want a book with one style of karate,then get Nagamines book if youwant a book with a braod reference of styles then get mccarthys book, its a good book.

Not classical nor okinawan! Book should be revised!
The kata versions presented in this book are not classical nor okinawan... period!
OK, the book was issued long ago in a time little was known about the subject BUT books CAN and MUST be revised and updated when the author is still living (thats what 2nd and further editions are for!). If not, a continuously re-issued obsolete innaccurate work becomes an anomaly such as this book, misleading prospective buyers and giving a questionable contribution for the actual knowledge of traditional karate! ... Read more