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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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