This is a book that can help closing a number of history gaps that probably many of us have been wondering about.
Most Shotokan karate practitioners are aware , that Gichin Funakoshi is the so called father of modern Karate. On the other hand, there is not very much known about his teachers and what Karate was before it was officially brought to mainland Japan around 1920.
Who were Funakoshi Sensei’s teachers really?
How were thay involved with the martial arts?
The book reveals a number of facts and possible events and scenarios which did / or maybe have helped to make the art become what it is today. Interesting historical facts as much as good ideas help today’s Karateka to understand especially Bunkai better. They are nicely presented in this book. Hope you will enjoy the book as much as we did.

Here are the missing books (Thanks to Hans for completing the list!) of Nakayama Senseis’ Best Karate series:

Best Karate Vol. 1. “ Introduction “
By Masatoshi Nakayama

This book gives a good overview of Shotokan Karate.
It contains an interesting mix from what Karate is all about, to some basic stands and techniques and a number of technique applications.
It is for sure a good book for beginners to learn some of the basics as much as it can be a guide to help people who start teaching Karate.

In comparison to Vol. 1. of the Nakayama Karate book series, Vol. 2. is already focusing much more on how to practice stances and techniques. It contains an important range of points to keep an eye on while learning / practicing Karate techniques and also ways of how to easily explain certain things to students such as posture of your body and how to or not to move your body.
Also comparisons are made to other arts and or sports such as Kendo, Dancing, Golf and others. It helps making Karate moves a bit easier to understand in particular for beginners.

Best Karate 2 - By Nakayama Sensei

Best Karate Vol. 5. “ Kata1. Heian, Tekki “
By Masatoshi Nakayama

In this book we find the 5 Heian Katas ( forms ) plus Tekki Shodan, Nidan und Sandan.
Every Kata is documented step by step with text and pictures to each technique, front and top view. The most important techniques are pointed out separately at the end of the Kata.
The 5 Heian Katas plus Tekki-Shodan are normally used for colour belt gradings. Tekki-Nidan and Tekki-Sandan are more black belt Katas.

Best Karate 5 - By Nakayama Sensei

Best Karate 6 - By Nakayama Sensei

This book presents the Katas Jitte, Hangetsu, Empi, which are usually learnt around shodan (first black belt) to sandan (third black belt) level.
Again, each move is documented with pictures front and top view as well as text. As this Katas are becoming technically more advanced you will find more pictures of bunkai (application) too.

Best Karate 7 - By Nakayama Sensei

Dynamic Karate (Bushido–The Way of the Warrior)
If there is something amongst the selection of all these fine books that we could call the ‘book of books in the world of Karate’ then this is it! This book covers absolutely everything you need to know and keep on remembering, no matter whether you just started or you did your 4th Dan years ago! It covers the basic principles, stances, hip movement and the dynamics in general, kick, punches, kumite forms and much much more! Great overview & great explananations! A real classic in the world of Karate books!

Level: Beginner up to Advanced

The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master
If you want to understand the essence of Karate – and you will want that if you practice Karate with sincerity – then this is a must. Directly from the Father of Shotokan-Karate, and yet the principles apply for all styles.

Level: Beginner up to Advanced

Please check out the books in the other sections on this blog, too!

Karate Kata

Books on Karate Kumite

Philosophy and History of Karate

Books on Martial Arts in General

My colleague (who does all sorts of different martial arts and competes at world championships) and I had a quick chat today about stretching. We both agreed that unfortunately quite a few Karate and other Marital Arts instructors don’t really have enough knowledge about the human body in order to conduct and teach a healthy warm-up and stretching routine. And even though he’s not a big fan of books he recommended me this one here: Stretching Scientifically.

I must admit I haven’t read this book yet, but trusting Frank, I am sure this book is a great source to help our muscles to get ready for our Karate / Martial Arts class.

Stretching Scientifically

Style: All
Level: All

Style: All
Level: Advanced