Karate Do

Linking the time when karate was a strictly Okinawan art of self-defense shrouded in the deepest secrecy and the present day, when it has become a martial art practiced throughout the world, is Gichin Funakoshi, the "Father of Karate-do." Out of modesty, he was reluctant to write this autobiography and did not do so until he was nearly ninety years of age. Trained in the Confucian classics, he was a schoolteacher early in life, but after decades of study under the foremost masters, he gave up his livelihood to devote the rest of his life to the propagation of the Way of Karate. Under his guidance, techniques and nomenclature were refined and modernized, the spiritual essence was brought to the fore, and karate evolved into a true martial art. Various forms of empty-hand techniques have been practiced in Okinawa for centuries, but due to the lack of historical records, fancy often masquerades as fact. In telling of his own famous teachers--and not only of their mastery of technique but of the way they acted in critical situations--the author reveals what true karate is. The stories he tells about himself are no less instructive: his determination to continue the art, after having started it to improve his health; his perseverance in the face of difficulties, even of poverty; his strict observance of the way of life of the samurai; and the spirit of self-reliance that he carried into an old age kept healthy by his practice of Karate-do.

The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do presents the teachings of legendary martial arts master Shoshin Nagamine, founder of the Matsubayashi school of Shorin-ryu karate-do. Used for generations as a practical and pictorial guide, it contains over 1,000 photographs to document eighteen classic karate kata (preset forms) and seven yakusoku kumite (prearranged partner exercises), as well as basic techniques. This book is a precise and easily accessible pictorial guide to performance and perfection of traditional karate. The only book in English with photos of one of the great prewar masters demonstrating the proper execution of Okinawan karate, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do is a bridge between karate's legendary past and the practitioners of today. This ingenious and imaginative text explains the historical landmarks in the development of style, vividly outlines its leading forms and techniques, and recalls noted Okinawan karate men of the past, including the author's teachers Ankichi Arakaki, Choki Motobu, and Chotoku Kyan.

A truly exhaustive text on the myriad disciplines that make up karate, Scientific Karatedo is the ultimate guide to this popular martial art. First written in 1976, Scientific Karatedo continues to stand as one of the best books ever written on karate. This classic work is a complete guide to all facets of karate training, describing not only strikes, kicks, blocks, and stances, but also: Warm–Ups Forms Sparring techniques Multiple combinations Throws Chokes Joint locks Weapons Use Meditation Examples Self–defense techniques against weapons Self–defense for women. No other karate guide covers such a wide range of subjects. Illustrated with over 1,900 photographs, Scientific Karatedo is an easy to understand guide written with the beginner in mind, but contains enough advanced techniques to satisfy veteran practitioners. The author also describes the theories, ethics, etiquette, history, and spirituality of karate, and has added new information on the Koshiki Karatedo competition system and Supersafe protective equipment.

Karate-Do evolved as a martial art in Okinawa, where it was nurtured by centuries of Okinawan culture and innovation. What inspired the ancient masters to develop these martial techniques and practices was the human instinct for self-preservation, not a desire for entertainment or sporting competition. Traditional karate-do should be practiced with this in mind. Here you will find a complete personal training handbook to supplement training in any karate-do system or other martial art style. The authors have systematically organized their experiences and research into easily digestible segments and have included numerous photographs throughout the text. This book will inspire you to train even more diligently, and the experiences and research shared here will be useful on the journey of any traditional martial artist.

This classic Shotokan Karate Master Text has been printed for the explicit purpose of providing an exact reproduction of the complete original 1935 Japanese publication, preserving a historically accurate archive replica in the English language, that now can be experienced and enjoyed by all who can appreciate its significance. This legacy, as is the true goal of Karate Do, is meant to be experienced with mind, body, and Spirit. Master Funakoshi's message is transmitted in these pages through philosophical thought, physical and mental practice methods, and most importantly, with manifest image. Each photograph of Master Funakoshi not only demonstrates the exact form and method of each technique, but is also an archetypal key to the spiritual path he followed and exemplified. This book is a comprehensive guide for the study of karate and is credited as the foundation document of the modern day karate movement. Inner strength and personal character development are stressed through an active daily regimen of physical exercise and martial technique. Kara-te Do Kyohan is Master Funakoshi's gift to mankind. An informed study will reveal that his focus in life was to share his knowledge and the benefits he acquired and experienced through a life of conscious self-discipline rooted in the principles of Karate Do. Gichen Funakoshi (1868-1957) was born in Shuri, Okinawa and, as a boy, began training with Yasutsune Azato (Shuri-te) and Yasutsune Itosu (Naha-te). Through many years of diligent practice these two styles were blended and became what is known today as Shotokan Karate.

This introduction to karate teaches both the physical training and the mentalhilosophy necessary for karate mastery. The book also provides the completeistory of karate.