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Best Karate Series
By Masatoshi Nakayama
Tokyo: Kodansha International, 1977-87
Masatoshi Nakayama, 9th Dan, carries on the tradition of his teacher, Gichin Funakoshi,
the Father of Modern karate. Professor and director of Physical Education at
Takushoku University, his alma mater (1937), he was chief instructor of the Japan Karate
Association from 1955 until his death in 1987. He was among the first to send
instructors overseas and to encourage the development of karate as a sport along
scientific lines.
Contains 11 volumes, each focusing on a particular aspect of karate training. The
series is an excellent source for beginning and advanced students.
Basics:
- Comprehensive (Volume 1): provides a basic introduction to karate training.
It summarizes basic techniques (kihon), introduces the five Heian kata, and
demonstrates several forms of kumite.
- Fundamentals (Volume 2): is a compact primer on kihon. Emphasis is on stances, the hips,
movement, and basic techniques.
- Kumite I (sparring)(Volume 3)
- Kumite II (sparring)(Volume 4): these 2 volumes focus on jiyu kumite (free sparring).
They demonstrate the combination of basic striking, kicking, blocking, sweeps, throws with
the advanced concepts that jiyu kumite demands.
Kata: Features the meaning and important points of the kata (forms).
- Heian, Tekki (Volume 5): Heians 1-5, Tekki 1-3
- Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai (Volume 6)
- Jitte, Hangetsu, Empi (Volume 7)
- Gankaku, Jion (Volume 8)
Advanced Kata:
- Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho, Chinte (Volume 9)
- Unsu, Sochin, Nijushiho (Volume 10)
- Gojushiho Sho, Gojushiho Dai, Meikyo (Volume 11)
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Dynamic Karate
By Masatoshi Nakayama
Tokyo: Kadansha International, 1966
This is Sensei Nakayama's classic instruction book. It covers the basic principles
underlying karate technique. A systematic and scientific training manual based on
the principals of his teacher, Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern karate-do.
Karate-Do Kyohan, The Master Text
By Gichin Funakoshi
Tokyo: Kandansha International, 1973
This comprehensive book offers the Master's advice on both practical and spiritual aspects
of training. It explains the various techniques and provides an evaluation of karate as a
course of physical education. Nineteen kata are presented here in complete detail. It
fosters the development of courage, courtesy, integrity, humility, and self-control.
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Karate-Do, My Way of Life
By Gichin Funakoshi
Tokoyo: Kandansha International, 1975
Through this volume the follower of Karate-do will gain greater insight into the master's
own way of living and thinking and a greater understanding of the art of self-defense. In
telling of his own teachers, the author reveals what true karate is. Karate is more
than simply a physical discipline; it is a means of spiritual development and a way of
life. It is about character, humility, patience, courtesy, and enjoyment.
A Book of Five Rings
By Miyamoto Musashi
Translated by Victor Harris
Woodstock, New York: The Overlook Press,1974
The Classic Guide to Strategy. Famous for over 300 years, this is one of the most
perceptive psychological guides to strategy ever written. Musashi wrote it in 1645, a few
weeks before his death. The philosophy behind it can be applied to many areas of life. It
is not a thesis on battle strategy; it is in Musashi's words, "a guide to men who
want to learn strategy" and its contents seem just beyond the student's
immediate understanding.
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