Whether you are looking for some interesting reading for the summer or preparing for your Shodan, below are a few good books that will either give you an insight into the mind of some senior karateka, or will hopefully help you with your training. For further reviews and recommendations, refer to our Book Reviews section.
Enjoy…
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A collection of 35 short articles written by Scott Langley. The kind of books you do not need to read cover to cover. Highly enjoyable.
“For this book I have cherry-picked thirty-five articles, spanning twenty-three years. They are the musings of an insomniac’s mind. I hope they shed a little light on how I have bumbled along the way and endeavoured to create my own version of Shu-Ha-Ri.” |
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A great read about kata training, focusing on core principles, strategies and techniques in training and battle. An insightful dive into the interpretation of kata (kaisai no genri), by Kris Wilder & Lawrence Kane.
“Kata as a means of self-defence has the oldest history, going back hundreds of years. It is only in recent years that the techniques which have been handed down were scientifically studied and the principles evolved for making the most effective use of the various moves of the body. Training based on these principles and knowledge of the working of the muscles and joints […] enable the modern student to be prepared, both physically and psychologically, to defend himself successfully against any would-be assaillant.” |
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This book by Iain Abernethy focuses on Bunkai (分解) and more particularly the use of grappling techniques in kata (throws, bars, locks, etc.). Through the multitude of illustrations, the reader can easily relate to many of the Shotokan kata on his or her curriculum. A goldmine of applications…
“Karate possesses a great many close range techniques but they are rarely practised…” |
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Part of the Best Karate series by Nakayama Sensei, this book focuses on 3 katas, providing ilustrations about each technique, and possible applications. A book you will read in no time…
“One of the benefits of Sochin is the nurturing of a keen sense of timing that allows repeated attacks without giving the opponent time for a counterattack.” |
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Part of the Best Karate series by Nakayama Sensei, these 2 books (Kumite 1 & Kumite 2) provide a short introduction to this method of training, its purpose, and what is important: kamaekata (構え) or posture, tachikata (立方) or stance, me no tsukekata (fixing the eyes), maai (間合い) or distance, waza o hodokosu koki (psychology of the attack). The book is full of tips, quotes, and vintage illustrations from past karate masters – look for the Kuzushi (Leg Sweep) from Keinosuke Enoeda… Another book you will read in no time… |