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The internet can be a valuable source of information. The
number of websites about Shotokan continues to grow
exponentially. However, as many of you know, the quality of
the information varies from excellent to laughable. Here are
a few sites that contain useful, valid information. Check
them out, and let me know if you have questions, or if you
find other good sites.
KARATE
THE JAPANESE WAY
This is a very good website by Mark Groenewold, a Canadian
who is living and training in Japan. Be sure to check out the
Karate Underground forum.
TRADITIONAL KARATE RESEARCH
INSTITUTE
This site represents the various interrelated karate
traditions of Japan and Okinawa. It is a very extensive
resource! There is a good selection of
articles by
Harry Cook, one of the foremost Western researchers on Shotokan
karate. Also, check out the huge library of
Reference Videos
Online.
JON KEELING’S KARATE
PAGES
Go to the Articles
section for a good array of topics. Also, most of the
links he lists are quite good.
PROFESSOR LESTER
INGBER
You’ll have to download and unstuff these
articles. Very good analysis of the physics of karate.
SHOTOKAN KARATE
MAGAZINE
A commercial site, but go to the back issues
section. Most choices offer one or two articles that can
be read off the net.
24 FIGHTING CHICKENS
Rob Redmond, the author of this blog, has been an important
voice for independent thinking in the karate world. Go to the
Articles section
and check out the many essays he has written on various aspect
of karate. But be careful, his opinions may be considered
controversial in many more "traditional" karate dojos.
DRAGON-TSUNAMI
Also a commercial site, but check out the
Back
Issues articles from "Dragon Times," a magazine they
publish.
KARATE VIDEOS
This NORTH AUSTIN TAE KWON DO site has mpeg (1 - 4 MB) videos of all 26 of the Shotokan Katas
(Don't ask me why). Most are presented in both the modern and
"old" versions. An excellent resource for reviewing
proper timing and speed of the various katas.
JAPAN KARATE
SHOTORENMEI located in Great Britain has a number of kata
presented in slow and fast speed.
KARATE-SHOTOKAN-KATA.COM has a variety of interesting video
clips. Those interested in self-defense might check out the "Real
Street Fights" section.
YOUTUBE has a lot of interesting video clips. Do a search on a kata
name, i.e. "Heian Shodan." Remember, quality on YouTube varies
greatly.
WRITTEN DESCRIPTIONS OF KATA
SHOTOKAN
KATA.COM Good description with pictures and diagrams.
SHOTOKAN
FOR EVERYONE Has descriptions of basic techniques and several
kata.
NON-SHOTOKAN MARTIAL ARTS
DOJO RAT
I really like this site. It's a blog by a martial
artist living on an island off the coast of Washington state.
His primary interests lie in the Chinese martial art styles, but
he almost always posts something interesting.
KARATE BY JESSE
A blog by a Swedish karateka. Good articles and videos.
SHITO-RYU
A style of Japanese karate related to Shotokan
but retaining more of the Okinawan influence. This link
takes you directly to their kata videos.
UECHI-RYU
An Okinawan style of karate. This link
leads to their video clips section
KORYU
These folks publish books in English about the
classical Japanese martial arts. Check out the excellent
Articles
section
KAMPAI
BUDOKAI TERNAT HOMBU
Another site for the traditional Japanese
martial arts - mostly swordsmanship.
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