Product Description

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 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. Karate, whose value for the well-rounded development of strength, coordination and agility is scientifically validated, can be practiced at any time and in any place, for any length of time, by men and women of all ages, and requires no special equipment. It also fosters the development of spiritual qualities: courage, courtesy, integrity, humility and self-control. Gichin Funakoshi's karate books, the first published in 1922, are landmarks, for the development of this martial art in Okinawa was shrouded in secrecy, and almost no records of its early history, dating back more than a thousand years to the Shao-lin Temple in Hunan Province, China, exist. Karate-do Kyohan is a book that lives up to its title: it is in truth the master text for karate instruction at all levels and in all aspects of technique and character development.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #154189 in Books
• Published on: 1991-07
• Original language: Japanese
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Synopsis
In the tradition of oral instruction of karate technique and character development, this text explains formal kata exercises in detail.

Customer Reviews

A library must!
Funakoshi wrote this book at the request of his students. Though I do not study Shotokan Katartedo I feel it is an excellent text book for students of Shotokan and shoud be in every martial artist library regardless of style. Having a collection of kata's from differing styles can only help to increase the understanding of your own style and methods.

Amazing, Awesome Inspiring
Shotokan may be the most disgustingly rigid martial art I have encountered but the mind that bore it fruit was truly great. The entire history of karate could not be covered as the book only spends the required time describing this.
The range of kata is almost all encompassing, only missing Meikyo. A high elite kata that should not be written down as it is only teachable by tutor.
The portion on kumite sparring is interesting and insightful however it does embody all I dislike about "sport" karate.
Despite this anyone can enjoy this book, whether practicing spiritual or sport karate. It is an awesome supplement to training but descriptions are too detailed and complex to be used alone so make sure you learn them at the dojo first!

This book is well worth it at twice the price and is the first karate book you should buy

Only for sport not to be taken too seriously
Funakoshi Gichin's whole approach to the development of Karate-Do was to destroy the traditional art of Ryukyu Kempo. This book demonstrates the weekness of training in such a sport oriented style. The kata have lost all the true interpretations and the use of stances shown are only usable in competition.

If you are only interested in the technical movements of Karate-Do then this is for you. But if you want to learn the true aspects of traditional Karate-Do then stay well clear.