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Here is a list of books and videos that I can suggest for
further study:
HISTORY AND
BACKGROUND
KARATE-DO, MY WAY OF LIFE by Gichin Funakoshi,
Kodansha International.
The life story of the founder of Shotokan Karate. Very
Important!
SHOTOKAN KARATE - A PRECISE HISTORY by Harry Cook,
Dragon Assoc.
At $75 this may be too expensive for all but the most
fanatic, but the book presents the history of Shotokan in
more depth than any other that I have seen.
SHOTOKAN KARATE, ITS HISTORY & EVOLUTION by
Randall Hassell, Damashi.
Another good resource, written by one of the American
karate pioneers. Considerably cheaper than Cook's
book.
TO-TE JITSU by Gichin Funakoshi, Masters
Publications.
A translation of Funakoshi's 1922 version of what
eventually became "Karate-Do Kyohan."
THE ESSENCE OF OKINAWAN KARATE-DO by Shosin Nagamine,
Tuttle.
A discussion of the development of Shorin-ryu and
Matusubayashi-ryu karate.
The katas shown in the book are somewhat different from
the current Shotokan versions. However, many historians
feel that Shorin-ryu was a major influence on the
evolution of Shotokan. Read this book also for the
section on the history.
BASICS and THEORY
KARATE-DO KYOHAN by Gichin Funakoshi, Kodansha
International.
This is the Master Text based on the teachings of the
founder of Shotokan Karate. The katas shown in this book
have been somewhat modified over the years. Still a
very important book! Highly recommended!
KARATE-DO NYUMON by Gichin Funakoshi, Kodansha
International.
Specifically focuses on Ten No Kata.
DYNAMIC KARATE by M. Nakayama, Kodansha
International.
An excellent discussion of the theory and practice of
karate techniques. Includes explanation of the basic
principles underlying the generation of speed and power,
using applications of modern physics. Highly
Recommended.
BEST KARATE SERIES VOLUMES 1 & 2, by M. Nakayama,
Kodansha International.
Vol. 1 is comprehensive, Vol. 2 covers fundamentals.
Recommended for beginners!
ADVANCED KARATE-DO by Elmar Schmeisser, Focus
Publications.
Not for beginners, but a very insightful, in-depth
exploration of technique.
NOTES ON TRAINING by Tsutomo Ohshima, Pine Winds
Press.
A very useful guide, written by the founder of Shotokan
Karate of America.
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KATA AND FORMS
BEST KARATE SERIES VOLUMES 5 - 11, by M.
Nakayama, Kodansha International.
This series was the standard for all katas in the Japan
Karate Association (JKA). The forms have recently been
slightly modified. A very good book for step by step
breakdown of kata.
25 SHOTOKAN KATA by Shojiro Suigyama, Toguri
Mercantile.
All the kata you need to know, except one. A very good
reference if you plan to stay with Shotokan. Highly
Recommended.
SPARRING
BEST KARATE SERIES VOLUMES 3 & 4, by M.
Nakayama, Kodansha International.
Kumite series, many good ideas.
BRUCE LEE'S FIGHTING METHOD by Bruce Lee & M.
Uyehara, Ohara Publications.
Bruce Lee's greatest contribution to the martial arts was
his teaching ability. This is an excellent guide to
developing your fighting skills.
TAO OF JEET KUNE DO by Bruce Lee, Ohara
Publications.
You can study this one for years. In all styles of
martial art is kick is a kick and a punch is a punch.
AMERICAN FREESTYLE KARATE by Dan Anderson, Unique
Publications.
Not purely Shotokan, but a very insightful analysis of
sparring technique and theory.
WINNING TOURNAMENT KARATE by Chuck Norris, Ohara
Publications.
Written before he went Hollywood. Norris' style is Tang
Soo Do (which translates as "Karate-Do" in Korean.
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MARTIAL ARTS
PHILOSOPHY
ZEN IN THE MARTIAL ARTS by Joe Hyams, Bantam
Books.
An excellent guide to deepening your understanding of
karate-do and life in general.
KODO, ANCIENT WAYS by K. Furuya, Ohara
Publications.
Written by an Aikido Master. A series of short essays on
proper martial arts spirit.
AUTUMN LIGHTNING by D. Lowry, Shambhala.
The story of Lowry's initiation and training in Japanese
swordsmanship. Includes a lot of background and history
on the martial arts in Japan.
HAGAKURE by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, W. S. Wilson
translation. Avon (and various other publishers)
Written in the 1700's by a Japanese samurai, this book
provides an insight into the mindset and code of ethics
these warriors lived by. The stories expose the harsh and
often cruel reality of the bushi.
LIVING THE MARTIAL WAY by F. Morgan, Barricade
Books.
More essays on proper behavior and spirit for the modern
martial artist. I don't agree with everything Morgan
says, but he is certainly thought-provoking.
LIVES OF MASTER SWORDSMEN by Makoto Sugawara, The East
Publications, Inc.
Stories of the lives and exploits of many of Japan's most
famous swordsmen. Useful for understanding the spirit of
the Japanese martial arts.
GO-RIN-NO-SHO, A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS by Miyamoto
Mushashi, Victor Harris translation (one of the better
versions), The Overlook Press.
Written in 1645 by Japan's most famous swordsman. This
book is a treatise on his philosophy and style of
swordsmanship. Very useful for studying the tactics of
combat.
MUSASHI by Eiji Yoshikawa, Kodansha International
A dramatised version of the life of Miyamoto Musashi
based on historical accounts. Enjoyable reading and a
good way to get a glimpse of life in feudal Japan.
THE ART OF WAR by Sun Tzu, translation by Samuel B.
Griffith (the best version of many), Oxford University
Press.
Written somewhere around the 4th century B.C. by a
Chinese general, this book is still studied by those
wishing an understanding of military strategy. "To subdue
the enemy without fighting, this is the highest
skill."
JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP, Technique and Practice, by G.
Warner and D. Draeger. Weatherhill.
This book traces the history, philosophy and practice of
this martial art.
FLASHING STEEL, Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship, by
M. Shimabukuro and L. Pellman. Frog Ltd.
Includes an excellent section on traditional martial arts
philosophy.
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KARATE VIDEOS
If you have a fast enough computer and modem, I
highly recommend that you view and/or download the MPEG
videos of all the Shotokan kata available on the
Tufts
Univ. Shotokan Karate Club website.
JAPAN KARATE ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL SHOTOKAN KATA VIDEO
SERIES
With 11 videos in the series, each at around $40 the cost
can add up. These however are the Official Standards of
the JKA. Distributed by HISHA Trading. Available from a
variety of sources.
SHOTOKAN KARATE - THE KAWASOE WAY, Jack Russell Film
Productions.
Four volume series at $30 each. Covers basic warm-up,
basic training and kata. Available from Dragon Associates
(see Links).
MASTERING SHOTOKAN KARATE KATAS, Panther
Productions.
A series by Ken Funakoshi (VERY distant relation of the
founder). Not the best choice.
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