5 comments about Karate the Japanese Way.

1. Mark Groenewold's new book Karate the Japanese Way is definitely a "must have" for every karate student. Mark's conversational writing style makes this book very easy to read and enjoy. In contrast to so many other karate texts, Karate the Japanese Way gives the reader a sense of chatting with a friend, rather than being preached at by a self-proclaimed karate master. The book is very well illustrated and covers the entirety of Mark's training in Japan, from the day he met his teacher, Taniguchi-sensei, through warm-ups and stretching to what he calls the triad of karate... kihon, kata and kumite.

   This book does not go into too many details with regards to the execution of karate techniques, nor does it profess to. This is not a "how to" manual of karate. Instead it shows those of us in the Western world how karate is really taught and learned in Japan.

   I am not a "dan" level student in karate, nor do I even train in the same style of karate (Shotokan), as Groenewold-sensi, but I still think this book should be on the bookshelf of every karate student, regardless of rank or style.




2. A great mix of technical and practical information, written in plain english, about doing in traditional Shotokan karate in Japan. This book gives the beginner a good introduction to the art and also can help someone with more experience better assess how close what they are currently doing is to authentic Shotokan as done in Japan.



3. "Karate the Japanese Way" written by Mark Groenewold is truly a wonderful book. Groenewold Sensei has torn asunder concepts of what Western Karate practitioners conceive how Karate is done in Japan. Mark has given us, best described in his own words, an "unadulterated perspective of what karate is like in Japan, how the Japanese train, and what are the key elements of karate from a Japanese perspective." Not many of us "Dans" have ever trained in Japan, so we repeat what we have been taught by our American/Japanese Sensei's here in America. Not realizing that they may be modified due to the fact we are not a Japanese culture but Western (Question: is that the reason for repeating the Dojo Kun for adults???). So we repeat the customs of what were taught under the guise of "Well, that's how they do it in Japan." Guess what! We are very wrong on some of our concepts and that not how they do it!
   Groenewold Sensei takes through a tour of Karate in Japan chapter by chapter. Answering many questions we might have about types of dojos, etiquette, types of instructors and so many other topics. By interweaving his own experiences through out the book makes the reading not only fun but very interesting. To be honest with you all, I am so glad my Shodan testing was nothing like Groenewold Sensei's. Please, do not misconstrue my previous statement. My exam was very demanding and grueling but it was not insane. What am I talking about.... well, buy this book and find out!
   I recommend this book to one and all. No matter what your rank is, one will learn from it.
   
   Frank Thomas
   4th Dan
   Muskegon Karate Association
   Muskegon, Michigan



4. The book is written in a way that does explain the Japanese karate training experience very well. I've done it for 35+ years and his book sums up a lot of things that take a long time to figure out. I was trained by a former JKA kumite champion who came to the U.S. with little english and a goal of teaching karate as it was taught to him and figuring out what he wasn't taught. He is still a great teacher although he has not reached out for the commercial aspects of karate.
   The book goes a long way in helping students understand the JKA and what is the essence of the karate training.
   It will be interesting to see if the author can write another book in 10 more years about what else he has learned.



5. As a student and teacher of JKA-style Shotokan karate who had the opportunity to train in Japan in the early 70's, I was very much impressed with this book. The information is accurate, presented in an engaging manner,and is very readable. This isn't your typical instruction manual (though there is an instructional section). For beginnning students, or people just starting to look for a quality, credible school in which to train, there is very helpful advice, advice which, to the best of my knowledge is to be found in print nowhere else. This is a look at how training is done in Japan, but the information is truly international. What makes good training there really differs little from what makes quality training and instruction here in US, or anywhere else. Were I to find myself transplanted to Germany or Great Britain, this would still be very solid advice. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in training in any traditional Japanese or Okinawan school of karate. Many instructors would do well to read it, as well.

1 comments about The Advanced Shotokan Karate Book: Black Belt and Beyond.

1. Well I guess I should start off this review by informing the reader that this book is not an "Advanced Shotokan Karate Bible" as the title implies, it is primarily a book demonstrating the necessary katas or forms that one needs to learn to advance through the black belt ranks. Had the title been different, like say for example; Shotokan Karate: Advanced Forms for Black Belt and Beyond, that would have been a much better title and would have been more in-line with the actual content of the book.
   
   There is really little more than a few pages of history and such at the beginning of this book and really could have been eliminated from the book and those pages used to make the kata section even that much better.
   
   I really liked the fact that a lot of effort was used to have each movement in each form demonstrated so clearly with the background material from each photograph carefully removed to showcase the individual demonstrating each movement. This was well done and I give high regards for that. However, there were quite a few things lacking from the layout and format in this section.
   
   There were no footwork or illustrations of overhead patterns used to show the direction of movement between moves and the explanations were very brief and could have used more detail. The author did show the applications of one or two moves in each kata at the end, but it would have been nice to have seen even more, which could have been done if the focus of this book would have been solely on the advanced katas.
   
   This is an okay book and not horrible by any means, but it could have been so much better.
   
   If you want to learn some advanced katas, I would recommend the following books as one of the best sources to do so.
   
   Best Karate, Vol.6: Bassai, Kanku (Best Karate)
   
   Best Karate, Vol.7: Jutte, Hangetsu, Empi (Best Karate)
   
   Best Karate, Vol.8: Gankaku, Jion (Best Karate)
   
   Best Karate, Vol.9: Bassai Sho, Kanku, Sho, Chinte (Best Karate)
   
   Best Karate, Vol.10: Unsu, Sochin, Nijushiho (Best Karate)
   
   Best Karate, Vol.11: Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho, Meikyo (Best Karate)
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

2 comments about Shotokan Karate: Its History and Evolution.

1. 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!



2. 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!

No comments about Shotokan Karate 10th to 6th KYU.

3 comments about Shotokan Karate 5th KYU to Black.

1. This book sets out much of the beginning syllabus of Shotokan Karate, setting out the appropriate kata (prearranged sequences of offensive and defensive karate techniques), basic technique, and basic prearranged sparring sequences.

   The author is one of the most senior and technically proficient of the Japan Karate Association instructors.

   While no book can substitute for actual training with a competent instructor, this book and its companion by the same author provide an excellent reference manual of orthodox technique for the experienced student.

   For the beginner, this book and its companion provide a road map of the territory to be covered over the first few years of training.

   These are excellent books with extremely high production values, and contain a remarkable amount of high quality information.




2. In classical karate, the student proceeds through a syllabus of kata (prearranged sequences of defensive and offensive techniques), basic techniques, and kumite (sparring practice).

   The Japan Karate Association syllabus is set out, in substantial part, in this book and its companion volume. The author is an instructor of the highest level of authority in the world of Shotokan Karate.

   While no book can substitute for regular training with a competent instructor, this book and its companion represent a remarkable reference work, and contain a large amount of information of the highest quality.

   This book and its companion are excellent references for the experienced karate student, and will help the student maintain correct technique. For the beginning student of karate, the book provides a map showing the territory the student will cover over the first years of instruction, and shows the quality of technique that can be attained with correct instruction and serious application.




3. This book is actually very, very low on content. To give you an idea of the amount of content, it took me 20 minutes to fully digest the book. Having gone through almost all of the belt tests covered, so much has been left out that the book is of little value in assisting the student in preparing for his or her belt tests. The actual standard for each kyu and dan rank is not even mentioned. The only notable feature of the book, other than its publishing quality, is the photography.

   Frankly, I expected more. Indeed, this book could have been so much more had its author decided to write a book rather than pose for photographs.

2 comments about Shotokan Karate: Free Fighting Techniques.

1. Shotokan is well known for using rigid(not having a flowingtechnique) fighting in order to overcome an agressor. However, thisbook gives some pretty good insight into Japanese self defence.



2. Enoeda sensei is one of the most famous experts on free fighting in the Shotokan world. This book is an excellent reference for an intermediate-to-advanced student. The early chapters teach basic techniques, and provide descriptions and photographs explaining each. As the book progresses, combinations for attack and defense (counterattack) are introduced, as well as a discussion of one of the more difficult points of free-fighting, continuation. The emphasis in this book is clearly on Shotokan as a sport and an art, and not so much on self-defense, but successfully applying one to the other is really just a matter of practice. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone studying Shotokan -- beginners will benefit tremendously from the early chapters, and more advanced students will derive great benefits from the free-fighting lessons. Particularly, this would be a good resource for anyone training alone -- the chapter layout can be translated almost directly into training sessions.

5 comments about Channan: Heart of the Heians.

1. Channan: Heart of the Heians, by Elmar T. Schmeisser, explores the possibility of the modern day Heians as derived from the chinese kata Channan-Dai and Channa-Sho. The author makes no definitive claim that his studies are absolute, but presents his research in a sound historical manner leaving the reader to make his or her own decision regarding the origins of the Heian kata based on the research presented. The book is loaded with simple-to-follow, step-by-step, photos of Channan-Dai and Channan-Sho and accompanying text for each step. In a simple straight forward way, the author clearly illustrates apparent or perceived correlations between the Channan kata and the modern day Heians. An added plus in this book is the way it is laid out; the book is designed in such a way that keeps the reader flowing seamlessly from one photographic illustration to another. Only two things might have improved this well produced book and research, one of which is nearly impossible to do on the printed page, showing the transition moves in sequence, and crisper photographs with a higher quality camera. Overall, regardless of these two minor shortcomings, this book is a fantastic work and will be greatly appreciated by anyone who enjoys the study of traditional Japanese kata, bunkai, and kata origins.



2. I read this book with great interest. I have known a few people that practiced these kata. This book does not present the real kata but instead a modified version of the first two pinan. The history is good but if you want these Kata get Funakoshi's Karate do Kyohan because the heian/pinan kata are there. I guess this wasn't a bad attempt just misguided. There are still a few that practice these Kata if you look hard enough.



3. Could someone who has this book list the evidence that Mr. Schmeisser provides to explain how he happens to know a Kata that has been lost for almost a century now. The only karate masters who ever mentioned it, in books written in the 1940's, say that no one knew it then and it had been forgotten. They obviously did not teach it, so how has it now popped back up? I would like to know whether this book is credible, or just a clever way to make a buck..... before I buy it.



4. It is great to see another book from this author who actually caters for those who seek new knowledge instead of just repackaging old theories and techniques. I have been teaching similar theories about kata in my class for years and having done Judo I found many throws, chokes etc., in all the kata. A great book for beginners to aspire to and some good direstion for veterans.



5. Author Elmar Schmeisser has, in this book, tried to uncover the kata at the root of the Heian/Pinan kata: Kata Channan. His research has led him to a Chinese Chuan-Fa system that entered the US via the Philipines; however, Dr. Schmeisser has made a convincing argument that, while the kata he presents may not be exactly like the one that Itosu used when constructing the Pinan kata, they at least have the same root. I don't have a problem with the probability that the two kata, Channan Dai and Sho, may not be the exact kata that Itosu derived the Pinan from, as a cursory observation of the same kata in different systems will also reveal small variations. Kata change over time; that's just the nature of the beast.
   
   In the first chapter, Dr. Schmeisser gives some historical background on Heian/Pinan in a concise but informative summary, and then gives some background not only on the various stages of learning kata in general, but also in analyzing the kata for practical applications (bunkai). Though the author does a wonderful job for the space provided in this section, I would love to have seen it expanded and given more detail. The next two chapters demonstrate the kata Channan Dai and Channan Sho. In both chapters, each sequence in the kata is given a paragraph or so for explaination, and the bunkai is usually shown along side the kata sequence. Chapter Four takes examples from the Heian kata (Shotokan style) and demonstrates where the sequences from the Channan kata fit in, sort of offering a short comparitive analysis of the Channan and Heian kata. The book ends with a very short chapter on historic implications, and one last chapter showing photo sequences of the full Channan Dai and Channan Sho kata without the interuption of text or bunkai.
   
   While I strongly believe that the original bukai in most kata are lost to history, most of Dr. Schmeisser's bunkai make sense, in a self-defense context. Included are strikes, throws, standing locks, chokes, off-balancing techniques, hand traps, and even some finishes for a kneeling or prone opponent. While I'm not a fan of every bunkai he shows (I think his punches that target the limbs could be better served being directed at the head or torso), they are far more encompasing and realistic than much of what is normally taught. Those familiar with Aikido and Judo will find techniques from those systems fitting right in alongside the punches and kicks of karate. The author also makes good use of end-notes, which inform the reader further of his research and don't interupt the flow of the text.
   
   The one notable negative of this book is the lack of enbusen lines. It's difficult at times to understand the footwork of some sequences, and an enbusen diagram would have helped. This, as well as the lack of elaboration in the first chapter that I mentioned earlier, keeps the book from getting a full five stars.
   
   Still, I find the book valuable as a historical work on the roots of the Pinan/Heian kata, as well as a source for realistic bunkai. Those interested in either should take a look.

2 comments about The Shotokan Karate Bible: Beginner to Black Belt.

1. 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.



2. 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!

5 comments about Shotokan's Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins.

1. I have been involved in Shotokan Karate for 46 years. I have taught thousands of students, and because I am a voracious reader and student, would have told you I knew a great deal about Shotokan Karate. This book proved me wrong. Oh sure, I knew the stories we are all told, but those stories are just passed along as gospel from one person to another. Author Bruce Clayton did the research himself, even teaching himself to read the Japanese characters.
   
   This book will open your mind in a way in which NO KARATE BOOK ANYWHERE can. You think you know the origin of your art? Guess again! You think you know the applications of your Kata? Wrong again! You think you know the place of Gichin Funakoshi to your art. Wait until you read the truth!
   
   Students of Shotokan are used to participating in NO CONTACT tournaments. We are told that Karate is too dangerous to allow hitting. In fact the rules of a match say that if you gain one full point, you win, because that one point would have killed an opponent. Like me, I'll bet you laughed at that idea. Wait until you read this book before you laugh again!!
   
   This book belongs in the collection of any serious student of Shotokan Karate, and since Shotokan is the source of so many other styles, I can say beyond a doubt that practitioners of any style of karate will love this book.
   
   I couldn't recommend this book highly enough. By all means buy this book!



2. What a great book! Imagine staring at a picture you had never seen before, into the eyes of someone you had never met, only to find out later that the person was your great great great great great grandfather? Shotokan's Secret gave me a very similar experience, although the person was not my relation by blood, but perhaps by something even stronger. Even though he lived a hundered and fifty years ago and half a world away, he was in a very real way my martial arts master, teacher of my teachers, and the creator of a discipline that I have dedicated much of my life to mastering.
   
   If I sound a little fanatical, I don't mind. I have always enjoyed researching the history of the martial arts, and to me Shotokan's Secret was like finding lost treasure. The book presents what I found to be a very plausable theory of the origins of modern hard style karate, including the who, what, when, where, and why. I have read many books on the martial arts, but none have provided such a complete and thorough history of Karate. As if this were not enough, the book included a technical analysis of the kata, including bunkai (applications) to well-known kata that I could immediately employ and share with my students.I must admit that I buy right into the Shuri Crucible Theory. Dr. Clayton seems to have done an outstanding job at piecing the story together, providing many pieces of historical evidence to back up his ideas. Of course we will never know for certain if everything he hypothesizes is correct, but I find it hard to believe that he is far off the mark. I found Shotokan's Secret to be a mesmerizing work, shedding light on kata and techniques that I had known but not completely understood before. In my opinion this book should be mandatory reading for any karate practitioner. It already has a position of favor in my martial arts library.



3. I have to admit that I found this book very interesting, even though I am not on agreement with every point the author makes concerning the historical aspects of Shotokan Karate. There is no doubt the author has done an enormous amount of research into the history of karate on Okinawa. Most Shotokan Karate students know little or nothing about the historical roots of their art. This book explores the possibility that ancient karate masters Sokon Matsumura and Yasutune Itosu developed a new martial art for their royal bodyguards. This new martial art turned out to be karate. In fact, many of the mysteries of karate kata are revealed in this book. There are 12 chapters, detailing the historical journey of karate development. There is so much information in this 312 page book, that reading it only once you may miss a lot of its valuable points. For those who are into the historical aspects of Shotokan Karate, this is a must book to read and own. Though I still question the author's conclusions on many of this theories; nevertheless, this is a book that will make you think more deeply on the art of Shotokan Karate. Rating: 4 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Bushi Satori Ryu: Author: PR-24 Baton Advanced Techniques)



4. Anyone who does Shotokan or Okinawan styles of karate would find this interesting. Alot of the book is spent in Okinawa about protecting the king with his karate bodyguards then how it evolved into what we have now. Some interesting Bunkai ideas as well. I thought it was interesting and well worth the read.



5. A fascinating journey made up of a combination of history and supposition. It brought the art of shotokan alive in my perspective, and gave me a new perspective on training methods and principles in my school. It is a 'must read' for any serious student of karate-do. Highly recommended.

5 comments about 25 Shoto-Kan Kata.

1. Any beginner in Shotokan Karate will find this book extremely helpful, with it's easy to follow diagrams. An intermediate to expert karateka will find this a handy reference. All in all, worth every penny.



2. Excellent reference for beginners as well as advanced students interested in the correct performance and execution of the 25 Shoto-Kan Katas. Very easy to understand and follow.



3. This book is a great addition to any Shotokan practitioners library. The material is written well and the drawings provide a concise and flowing demonstration of each move.



4. Katas are an essential part of shotokan karate. This book is the best kata book available.
   
   Other kata books describe karate moves with photos and text, but this book, with its 3-dimensional graphical illustrations, does a much better job of illustrating and clarifying the karate movements.
   
   If you're seriously studying shotokan karate, whether you're a white belt or a black belt or any color in between, then you'll want this book. It's a good reference guide if you want to learn a kata (under the supervision of your sensei, of course). It's also a great reference guide if you've forgotten an aspect of a kata.



5. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn the Shotokan Katas. Even if your style of Karate teaches you the moves in a little different way, you can still get the basic understanding in these diagrams. Very good book to own!