Here are books we recommend to all our students…

Karate-do Kyohan: The Master Text – Nineteen kata (“forms”) of karate-the art of self-defense without weapons-are presented here in complete detail. They are the ones selected by the great master and teacher, Gichin Funakoshi, to give comprehensive training in Karate-do, the way of karate.

Fully illustrated demonstrations by the translator cover not only every technique of the kata but also the fundamentals and applications: how to make a fist; the correct form of the open hand; preliminary training in blocking, striking and kicking; the seven stances; and sparring.

The author presents, besides kata that he himself originated, beginning and advanced kata from both the Shorei school and the Shorin school, the former remarkable for their forcefulness and development of strength, the latter characterized by their gracefulness and lightning swiftness.

This book, the most comprehensive and authoritative Shotokan karate manual ever published, was being revised by the author shortly before his death in 1957, at the age of eighty-eight, and is translated for the first time. Through his advice on both practical and spiritual aspects of training, the master guides the student from techniques to the Way of karate. Complementing the English edition are illustrations of National Treasures from Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji temples in Nara and Master Funakoshi’s calligraphy.

The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate – Twenty principles passed down by the founder of The Shotokan Karate, Master Funakoshi to his students, who wanted to ensure that the technical elements of training did not overshadow the spiritual side of this martial art.  Here are a few examples:

1.  Do not forget that karate-do begins and ends with rei.
2.  There is no first strike in karate.
3.   Karate stands on the side of justice.
4.  First know yourself, then know others.
5.   Mentality over technique.
6.  The mind must be set free.

Each of the twenty principles is followed by a commentary.  This is a highly recommended book for new and experienced karate practitioners.

Introduction to Karate-Do – The book by Mike Mantz and Tom Muzila is focused toward beginning students of Shotokan – Ohshima Karate. It covers basic history, how to acquire the proper attitude toward practice, and karate’s foundational structure. Proper forms of the hand, striking, kicking, and blocking are addressed. Forms (katas) and sparring or fighting (kumite) are explained at a level appropriate for the beginning student.