The Karate Dojo: Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art

by Peter Urban

Learn the background of Japanese Karate along with the ins and outs of belonging to a dojo with this readable martial arts guide.

The Japanese martial art of Karate is not only a means of self-defense; it is also a sport and philosophy. The Karate Dojo: Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art examines each of these aspects--through the colorful legends, tales, and traditions that are associated with the art--and explains why educators and parents are becoming increasingly interested in karate.

This karate book shows how karate training can change the lives of those who practice it, by giving them health, self-confidence, both physical and mental discipline, as well as calm maturity. This martial arts book includes information about: the dojo, the belt system, kata and jiu-kumite, potential and goals, famous dojo stories, Okinawan martial arts fighters, ninjutsu, and more!

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Self Help

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Kaleb Williams]

While the book does go over the traditions of karate specifically, and due to the time period of it being writen. Some of the verbiage used is off putting. For example; referring to a practitioner as a "karateman" instead of a karateka shows the age of the book. I believe that there is about a third of the book that does not tie into itself. The stories relating to martial arts are fun to read, but they do not pertain to the first 2/3 of the book, since its main focus seems to be Japanese karate.

[Debbie]

An interesting read on the history and etiquette of karate. A must read for practitioners of the art.

[Dan]

Written in the early days of American Karate. A great look at how karate was perceived mid 20th century.

[Kieran Daly]

Recommended reading at my dojo for yon kyu ranks.

[Lo]

This is a dated read, but still interesting. Being a student of Shinto-Ryu, I learned more about Goju-Ryu. I enjoyed the stories the most.

[Rico Surridge]

Certainly dated and of its time in places. Entirely still relevant in others. A good intro read for some practitioner’s. In a way a historical perspective/read which makes it interesting.

[Stephen Devaney]

More interesting as a cultural artifact than anything else.

[Jonathan Karmel]

I read the original 1967 edition, which seemed a little dated. I thought it was interesting that kata is related to dance and that an aesthetically beautiful kata is one thing that makes karate a martial "art." In general, this book helps explain the culture of karate, which is a "way of life," not just a fighting technique.

[Nihar]

Had to read for my karate grading.

[John Grace]

Interesting old curio from the father of American Goju Ryu. The section on old martial arts legends and myths is worth a read.

[Matthew Gibb]

Short stories that are colorful legends attached to the myticism of Asia.