3 comments about Complete Shotokan Karate: History, Philosophy, and Practice (Tuttle Martial Arts).

1. Mr. Rielly was my Karate' instructor for many years. His information of Shotokan is first rate. First he trained in Japan and he has over 35 years in training and teaching. Also Mr. Rielly had the distinction of being the first in american to be awarded a 6th. degree black belt in the J.K.A. The book is for any serious student of true Karate' history and training.



2. Complete Shotokan Karate is a fine book, but it seems to be missing some important elements in terms of focussing on the DOING of karate rather than the sometimes over-mystified beginnings of karate. This lack of focus on fundamentals might also account for mistakes in technique that we can find in some of the photos. The feet are supposed to be rooted at all times for example, except for moments of shifting or rotation. Reilly is picking up his heels in a few of the photos. These are fundamental no-no's

   Also, although martial artists would like to daydream that theirs is a venerable and ancient art traced back directly to medieval samurai that is simply not the case. Modern karate has evolved so radically from what we find in the first baby steps of this art that the two are hard to link together from any technical standpoint.

   What Rielly is presenting as the complete Shotokan karate is not quite accurate. The karate here in Japan is quite different.




3. Complete Shotokan Karate by Robin L. Rielly is the most complete reference for the Shotokan practitioner and a must have for the Karate-ka in general. In fact, this volume is two texts in one. But if what you are looking for is a book for the beginner to learn the fundamentals I would suggest getting Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard C. Brown's Karate: the Art of "Empty Hand" Fighting, ISBN 0-8048-1668-9.

   The first part is indispensable for the Karate-ka. It gives a very detailed (that is to the extent possible) history of Karate-do, including its possible origins in India and Greece, as well as its arrival in Japan and introduction into the US. It then supplements this information with genealogical trees for the development of the four major styles of Karate-do (Shotokan-ryu, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, and Shinto-ryu). It also outlines the origins of Isshin-ryu, Kyokushinkai, and Kobayashi-ryu. It then describes the feudal legacy of the Samurai and its influence on Karate-do. Many Karate-do maxims are analysis in this light giving the Karate-ka a more solid grounding in the philosophical aspects of the art.

   In the second part of the book whole sections are devoted to the thorough explanation of etiquette, Kumite, and Kata. This is the part of the book that is geared soley to the Shotokan practitioner. I found the section on Kata to be the most indispensable. It lists the names and origins of the most popular of Shotokan kata dividing those that originated in the Shorin-ryu from those that originate in the Shorei-ryu traditions. But my fondness foe this section (and this book as a whole) springs from the complete and thoroughly illustrated step-by-step explanations of nine Shotokan Kata. Included are Tekki Shodan, Bassai Dai, Nijushiho, and Sochin.

   Topping of the book is an appendix describing the belts and ranking system and what judges look for in applicants for rank promotion. I recommend it for all Karate-ka regardless of style.

No comments about The Shotokan Karate Bible: Beginner to Black Belt.

1 comments about Shotokan Karate: Unravelling the Kata.

1. A good Shotokan beginner's book with LOTS of clear colour pictures showing the first six kata's in the Shotokan canon up to Heian Godan.
   
   A good compliment & natural progression from Ashley's first two titles -"Shotokan" & "Secret Karate". There are some very small mistakes in techniques though (eg. Yondan).
   
   It begins with a good general history of karate & its development, with details of its key founders & ancient masters. Vital pressure points covered (again). As for the bunkai (application of kata moves) there are some strange & sometimes awkward moves. Some are new, some are advanced but many don't accurately follow the moves of the kata (ie. Oyo Bunkai).
   
   However they do give a good interpretation of how throws can be incorporated. A good book overall & worth reading, as there are very few good books covering this subject.
   
   Despite the style & interpretations used, it's still one of the BEST books on Bunkai I've seen for a very long time.

5 comments about The Shotokan Karate Handbook: Beginner to Black Belt (Third Edition).

1. Well not everyone will know that Sahota used to be a member of TASK but later broke away. He is featured in John van Weenen's (Chief Instructor to TASK) own handbook and after looking at the front cover and looking through it you can see that Sahota has probably used this book for ideas as he is featured in it and may have used it to learn from. The layout is incrediably similar. While I'm not claiming that there have been any copyright infringements, I feel that if you want to know where Sahota probably got the idea for this book then see "The Beginners Guide To Shotokan Karate Beginner To Black Belt" by John van Weenen. Just want to set the record straight for readers-not to start a fight.



2. 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 SAHOTA has explained this book in great detail and has shown great character in what he does.

   Well done




3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

3 comments about Karate : A Step-by-Step Guide to Shotokan Karate.

1. This book seems to be the same story you hear from every American that has ever studied any Okinawan martial arts system. Its part "how to" (which in my opinion is the worst type of martial arts book), part history (not much more than you could find in any encyclopedia), and part "my story". Who cares? Who are you Kevin Healy? If you are writing about Okinawan Karate and your name isn't Chojun, Funakoshi, Chotoku, Sakugawa, Odo, Nakamura, or Maehara we don't care what you have to say.



2. I thought the book was beautifully illustrated. The author skillfully demostrated the stances, blocks, kicks, and punches of Shotokan step by step. Mr Healy tells the reader the book should not replace the training of an experienced instructor. For an individual thinking about learning karate, I thought the author did an excellent job introducing the basics of Shotokan karate. The book includes an Heidan kata illustration. The illustrations are very beautiful and artifully take advantage of contrast. The precision in technique and perciseness in posture demonstrates Mr Healy's master of the art. Sometimes a picture can say a thousand words.



3. Excellent book for beginners .Beautifully illustrated !... Really good explanations... If you want to buy only 2 books about karate-do,here's my recommendation :

   1- "25 Shoto-kan Katas"
   2- "Karate : A Step-by-Step Guide to Shotokan Karate"

5 comments about 25 Shoto-Kan Kata.

1. Master Sugiyama illustrations are easy to follow. I especially like that the transitional hand/foot preparation into each move are shown. The use of compass direction also makes clear which direction you are supposed to be facing at any given point. I often use this book for self-teaching or reviewing upper level black belt katas such as gojushiho sho & dai, unsu etcetera.
   It's almost time for me to get a fresh copy of this book. I've taped my current copy one too many times!!
   
   Denise W.
   3rd Dan - Instructor
   Women's Center Karate Club NYC
   [...]



2. This is an excellent resource to support lessons taught in class. The presentation of the kata in clear and easily understood drawings with supporting text is the best I have found in various books on kata from the Shotokan school. I recommend it to anyone looking for a text to support their study of kata or simply as an addition to your martial arts library.



3. If nothing else, the kata should be the common factor between schools of the same type. The 25 Shotokan Kata book by Shojiro Sugiyama serves as the guideline for Shotokan karate-ka. Nishiyama sensei gives approval to the forms and explains a few nuances that articulate his concepts of body mechanics. The book is a treasure.



4. The book shows step-by-step instructions on how to do the katas. If you've learned the katas before, you will love it. If you've never learned them before, you may find a little difficult to do the more advanced ones. A video will help you more in those cases because of the details that even well described are hard to do without watching someone doing it in front of you. I can't think of a better way to teach katas using a book, though and because of that, I think it's still worth buying the book and if you feel that you need, buy a video to help with the harder katas. Good luck!



5. one word "WOW", I got this book as per my Sensei suggested. I really like it. Very well make with detail illustraions. My book is the 7th edition 2007. Highly recommanded for everyone.

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

1. A good insight with some interesting ideas on how this great art came about. It goes hand in hand with what I have been teaching for years, when others come up with siliar concepts it validates what you have been doing all your life.



2. Probably the best book I've read as far as the true history of not only of the Shotokan style but karate itself. Very detail in the history and the applications of the Shotokan style. I highly recomend this book to karate practioners.



3. The Best Book on the Origins & History Shotokan Karate & More!
   
   A radical book yes, but it's not controversial OR contradictory at all IMHO. Easy to read & packed full of information about the true origins & history of Shotokan & budo, not just the normal couple of paragraphs that you get in most books on the subject.
   I agree wholeheartedly with all the other "POSITIVE" reviews written here below, as for the negative one about "serious injury", the only serious injury to anyone following the many applications (bunkai) described in here would be to the opponent - and you don't have to change the moves in the kata to fit the bunkai (Oyo Bunkai). See Injury-free Karate by Paul Perry.
   
   If you're a serious student of Shotokan Karate (or any of its derivatives or styles) then you ought to read this one FIRST, it'll save you a lot of money. It really is a breath of fresh air compared to the myriad of humdrum copycat books on karate.
   
   If you're looking for a broader & deeper history of karate (& Martial Arts) in general then also look at "Okinawan Karate" by Mark Bishop.



4. This author of this book admittedly rented or bought a number of videos on Okinawa karate, supposedly watched the videos and then wrote a book based on his limited experience in Shotokan ryu, a Japanese off-shoot of the original Okinawan arts. The author make some fairly outrageous claims that he attempts to pass off as historically correct without one shred of primary research or evidence. It is outrageous that a publishing house would even bother putting this diatribe in print.
   
   Readers interested in Shotokan should immerse themselves in Harry Cook's book, The History of Shotokan. For more information on what Shotokan is missing as a martial art, I highly suggest the Gennosuke Higaki book: Hidden Karate, the true bunkai for the Heian Katas and Naihanchi.



5. The money, once again, was taken from my bank account for payment, but the book was never delivered. Regardless of my efforts, there seems to be no willing effort to work with me on returning my money or sending me the book.

5 comments about Black Belt Karate: The Intensive Course.

1. Don't be fooled by the title. This book is not going to give you the knowledge of a blackbelt Shotokan karateka in twelve months. It is a good book that provides an overview of the basics that you can get elsewhere for a lot less money. Most of the stuff in the book you will pick up in a few months at a good dojo.



2. Buy this book, read it and you will understand what are the roots of karate, this book help beginners and advanced pratiquants, thank you Hirokazu, you are the best master.
   
   Sergio



3. It is a very well written book with many pictures showing you proper technique. You won't become a black belt, but if you want to take a class you won't be completely lost with exercises, names of each position and general knowledge.



4. From my point of view, Mr. Kanazawa is the greatest karate master alive. I never had the chance to see him "live" on a training course, but lots of video tapes fell into my hand throughout the years. As I love books, I always wanted to read his work, so I've chosen this one to start with. It was not a surprise for me that the book is as good as its author, professionally written and illustrated, in a high quality print.



5. Hirokazu Kanazawa's "Black Belt Karate" is a nice text, hardbound, with a strong binding. It really is a prestige format karate book. This is the type of book one purchases to read and add to their library. On this level, the book works well. Much like his "Karate Fighting Techniques" book, Kanazawa discusses certain ideas and concepts. He touches on how karate training fosters strong people who act mercifully, courageous, and who seek justice. He speaks briefly about certain techniques to give a karateka an edge in sparring or training or just in life in general.
   
   The book really is a primer. In this case, it may seem over priced to someone just wanting to learn the basics. Basic striking points and targets are shown and briefly discussed. Stances, kicks, and punches taught as well as one-five sparring and kata. The photos are of a high quality and the layout of the book easy to read.
   
   As a primer, however, there are cheaper alternatives and as a prestige martial arts primer there is a better version also. For a good paperback primer on karate, I suggest "Winning Karate" by Joe Jennings or the "Sabaki Method" by Ninomiya. The "Sabaki Method" is actually a great book for novice and advance practitioners. For a real nice prestige hardbound alternative or addition karate primer, "Karate: Technique and Spirit" by Nakamara. All in all, this is a nice addition to one's library, and if one is a Shotokan artist (I'm not), I imagine this is a must have.

5 comments about Karate-Do: My Way of Life.

1. In his biographical masterpiece, Grand Master Funakoshi gives a very witty, intelligent & often funny account of his whole life, from his early days when he was forced to take up training for his poor health to when he was finally invited to Japan to give the first successful demonstration of his art - Shotokan Karate.
   
   He was obviously a very clever man who really had a passion for his art. At an early age he developed a goal, a vision and a passion to learn all he could about karate from the then great masters of his time and present it to the world. He recounts several times in his life when he was confronted by would-be assailants and describes how he got out of the potentially lethal encounter, he does this in a very witty and often funny way.
   
   Despite the book being very small and could be read by some perhaps in a day or so, it really is very interesting and worth reading several times, especially if you practice Karate. I think that it's the sort of book that should be given to new students on joining a Shotokan club.
   
   It's just packed with gems of wisdom worth there weight in gold for successful living, even in today's manic society.
   
   As in all the other positive reviews listed here already, Funakohi's book is full of wisdom, inspiration and hope.
   
   Check out Clive Layton's "Training With Funakoshi" too, an excellent work from a different perspective not to mention Funakoshi's "Twenty Guiding Principles".



2. This is an interesting book written by Gichin Funakoshi in the eves of his life. More than 80 years of his life he dedicated to this ancient and fantastic way of phsysical and mental training. All the while trying to become a better person, never becoming selfabsorbed or complacent. I particularly like the story where he, as an old man, is attacked by a much younger man. Master Funakoshi repels the assailant without hurting him, but afterwards he chides himself and feels that he should have been able to avoid physical confrontation completely...



3. A wonderful book from the man who effectively created Shotokan Karate.
   Funakoshi was a very humble man who was trained by two early Okinawan masters (Yasutsune Azato & Yasutsune Itosu). He never boasts of his acheivements and indeed claims only ever to have used his skills once, when he was quite old, to protect himself and his goods from a young thug. He regretted this act though.
   
   The book is only small, and perhaps this reflects a man who lived a very simple life. As he says "think of everyday life as Karate". Whether you are a new student nervously awaiting your first grading or a Dan grade with years of experience you should really read this book to bring a sense of perspective to your Karate.



4. This really gives a great insight into a lot of the philosophy of the master. How you take the information inside this book is up to personal opinion but whatever your opinion it is an eye opener if you wanted to know why perhaps some things are the way they are



5. This is a great book for anyone taking Shotokan Karate. This is more of an autobiography on Funakoshi. I think his life is very interesting. He tells of how he was a very sick boy but became 100 times healthier through his study of karate. This book gives his philosophy on the way he lived his life. He reminds us that everybody starts out as a beginner and the true nature of what karate really is. Anyone can learn karate, there is nothing super human about it. If you are interested in the origins of karate and how Shotokan became organized and introduced to the world, then this would be a great book for you. It's an easy read and very much enlightening.

5 comments about Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text.

1. If you want to see the evolution of Okinawan Karate from Shuri-te into Shorin-Ryu, Shoto-Kan , and eventually Korean Tang Soo DO You need to have this book and also Karate Jutsu. Then study Hwang Kees Two texts on Tang Soo Do vol 1 and 2 and you'll see Tang Soo Do is the Korean version of Shoto-Kan (which is nothing to be ashamed of). Even though the Koreans don't like to admit it, there's no question where Tang Soo Do's roots lie and it's not in a 2000 year old Korean art or anything Mstr. Kee learned in China! You will also see the changes that evolved, from the High original stances of Okinawan karate (Karate Jutsu) that Funakoshi was taught by Itosu, to the deeper and longer stances that later developed in shoto-kan, as well as many Shoto-isms particular to both styles such as Pinan 1 and 2 being reversed from Itosu's original order. You'll notice the single index finger knife hand blocks in Seishan Kata (Hangetsu), which modern Shoto-kan no longer uses but Tang Soo Do still does, the commonality of the total kata and the overall simularity which is remarkable especially when Tang Soo Do's leaders and most Koreans refuse to admit it.



2. I feel quite disappointed abut this product: The original pictures by master Funakoshi (more than 50% of the book) were replaced by similar pictures of the translator doing similar examples. This information was not available online, I just realized this when I received the item. I've been told that a new english edition has been released by ITKF recovering the original pictures of the author.



3. This book is a fantastic must-have for any Karate enthusiast. It really is The Master Text (it says so right on the cover). The early chapters provide an insightful background and history of Karate and Shotokan, and are a great read. The later chapters serve as wonderful reference material for the practicing Karate-ka.
   Highly recommended.



4. I am a 2nd-dan practitioner under Tsutomu Ohshima, the translator, and I want to point out a few things, regarding the comments. Mr. Ohshima read the original Japanese text of his teacher(Funakoshi), at least 50 times (before translating), and was authorized by his family to translate it into English. With those considerations (and the fact that it took 10 years), it was a monumental undertaking--personally, professionally, and historically. I can appreciate that he used his own photos, because, as someone else pointed out, the stances got lower and longer, and some things were in transition at the time the book was written--think of it as a "2nd, updated edition." For more information on the changes going on at the time, investigate Shigeru Egami's excellent Karate-do Nyumon, also available here. Egami was Mr. Ohshima's senior and very close friend, considered by many to be the top karateka during his life.
   
   Master Funakoshi mastered 2 styles--shorei-ryu and shorin ryu-during his lifetime, instructed by Masters Itosu and Azato. The former has powerful, hard directed movements, rooted in deep stances, while the latter has swift, sweeping, bird-like movements, and we have kata from each style (Ie. the Heian/Pinan forms are Shorin, while Tekki/Neihanchu kata are shorei). Traditional "karate" come from Okinawa, and the different regional styles, named for the towns, drew some influence from Chinese sailors trained in kung-fu, who washed ashore and trained the villagers, further influencing their styles, and differentiating them. "Shotokan" means "House of Shoto." "Shoto" was Master Funakoshi's nickname. When a karateka was asked where he was going, he'd say "Shotokan," or Shoto's house. "Shoto" also means the sound the wind makes when blowing through pine needles, which Master Funakoshi loved.
   
   Numerous styles claim heritage through Funakoshi, and widespread, unauthorized use of the Shotokan "circled tiger" has ensued. This symbol was created by one of Funakoshi's students, and is trademarked. You can see it in the opening of one of Jet Li's movies, and probably many others.
   
   Traditional Tae-Kwon-Do was created by practitioners who got their karate black belts in Japan in the 20th century (according to my research) although there's a raging debate about the "ancient" origins of those arts. Some claim Tae-Kwon-Do descended from a children's game in which practitioners tried to knock down their opponents with a kick, which was banned by elders long ago--a view that is often ridiculed by martial art historians. This is buttressed by the fact that many Tae-Kwon-Do schools use this Kyohan as their text, and either the exact same kata (particularly the Heian), or lightly modified (usually with modified or added kicks).
   
   Not all "karate" styles are directly descended from Shotokan. Goju-ryu and others at least partially developed in parallel, but they definitely influenced each other, and had common roots. To be called "karate," however, implied, originally, Chinese roots. This changed, later, to mean "open-hand" styles, so karate, today, is more generally loosely defined. This website has a clear "family tree," of karate heritage, as well as incredibly useful information and links-- [...]. Ohshima Shihan's website is [...]. Also see [...] (in English or Spanish).
   
   One reviewer criticized the Shotokan punch, and it seemed that he was responding not to the book, but to Shotokan generally. Our stances have gotten longer and narrower. When Funakoshi brought karate to mainland Japan, many practitioners were already experts in judo and kendo. One effect was the lengthening of the distance between fighters--often a judo expert would immediately slam a karateka to the ground, or a kendoka would quickly "spear" the uninitiated with a punch. These 2 aspects, as you might imagine, caused a relatively immediate change, not unlike (although it's a long-shot) the effect Gracie Jujitsu had on early mixed martial arts events. These three disciplines (and others) combined to develop the efficacy of Japanese karate, as practiced by Funakoshi's students.
   
   Another reviewer sharply pointed out that the book was written for beginners, as well as advanced practitioners. One isn't meant to punch (and fight) with the hand opposite the punching hand pulled back to the hip (ie. "pulling hand), so there is no "arm ending up behind one's body" as the other reviewer had mentioned. This is taught to beginners to show them the proper movement, and is often reverted to by the advanced, to refine the development of power through the thrusting of the hips. In a real engagement (and sparring), fighters hold their hands up naturally, like boxers or MMA fighters.
   
   This review is supplemented by my material here--[...]
   
   The highly-rated Karate Jutsu: The Original Teachings of Gichin Funakoshi, by Ohshima godan John Teramoto (and also available here on Amazon) is the first official English translation of an earlier Funakoshi book. Also do not miss Funakoshi's Karate-do: My Way of Life.



5. If you do Shotokan or any karate for that matter you should have this book, If you do Shotokan you HAVE to have this book and you are very luck to have so much of the founders works published in english and still in print, i train in Kyokushin and most or Mas Oyama's work is in Japanese only and long out of print