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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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