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Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text
Nineteen kata ("forms") of karate-the art of self-defense without weapons-are presented here in complete detail. They are the ones selected by the great master and teacher, Gichin Funakoshi, to give comprehensive training in Karate-do, the way of karate.
Fully illustrated demonstrations by the translator cover not only every technique of the kata but also the fundamentals and how to make a fist; the correct form of the open hand; preliminary training in blocking, striking and kicking; the seven stances; and sparring.
The author presents, besides kata that he himself originated, beginning and advanced kata from both the Shorei school and the Shorin school, the former remarkable for their forcefulness and development of strength, the latter characterized by their gracefulness and lightning swiftness.
This book, the most comprehensive and authoritative ever published, was being revised by the author shortly before his death in 1957, at the age of eighty-eight, and is translated for the first time. Through his advice on both practical and spiritual aspects of training, the master guides the
student from techniques to the Way of karate. Complementing the English edition are illustrations of National Treasures from Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji temples in Nara and Master Funakoshi's calligraphy.
Karate, whose value for the well-rounded development of strength, coordination and agility is scientifically validated, can be practiced at any time and in any place, for any length of time, by men and women of all ages, and requires no special equipment. It also fosters the development of spiritual
courage, courtesy, integrity, humility and self-control.
Gichin Funakoshi's karate books, the first published in 1922, are landmarks, for the development of this martial art in Okinawa was shrouded in secrecy, and almost no records of its early history, dating back more than a thousand years to the Shao-lin Temple in Hunan Province, China, exist.
Karate-do Kyohan is a book that lives up to its it is in truth the master text for karate instruction at all levels and in all aspects of technique and character development.
Fully illustrated demonstrations by the translator cover not only every technique of the kata but also the fundamentals and how to make a fist; the correct form of the open hand; preliminary training in blocking, striking and kicking; the seven stances; and sparring.
The author presents, besides kata that he himself originated, beginning and advanced kata from both the Shorei school and the Shorin school, the former remarkable for their forcefulness and development of strength, the latter characterized by their gracefulness and lightning swiftness.
This book, the most comprehensive and authoritative ever published, was being revised by the author shortly before his death in 1957, at the age of eighty-eight, and is translated for the first time. Through his advice on both practical and spiritual aspects of training, the master guides the
student from techniques to the Way of karate. Complementing the English edition are illustrations of National Treasures from Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji temples in Nara and Master Funakoshi's calligraphy.
Karate, whose value for the well-rounded development of strength, coordination and agility is scientifically validated, can be practiced at any time and in any place, for any length of time, by men and women of all ages, and requires no special equipment. It also fosters the development of spiritual
courage, courtesy, integrity, humility and self-control.
Gichin Funakoshi's karate books, the first published in 1922, are landmarks, for the development of this martial art in Okinawa was shrouded in secrecy, and almost no records of its early history, dating back more than a thousand years to the Shao-lin Temple in Hunan Province, China, exist.
Karate-do Kyohan is a book that lives up to its it is in truth the master text for karate instruction at all levels and in all aspects of technique and character development.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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474 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 10, 2023
Objectively, this book deserves far higher than three stars, but for some reason I didn't feel as pulled in by this book as I have by other martial arts books. I suspect it's the fact that it focuses so heavily on the practical; I think I read a wonderful book at the wrong time.
But just because this wasn't my favorite, doesn't mean I can't see the good in it. The translator did a great job of bringing across the meanings Funakoshi was trying to convey. It's karate as it should be, closer to how it has been mystified in TV series than what you would find in a regular dojo. It makes you believe in the power of a unique teacher and how they can pass so much on to a willing student. The descriptions and images of the kata were easy to follow and so well explained I could almost have been in one of Funakoshi's seminars. It gives a good outline of different types of strikes, how to use them, and where to apply them. It outlines the dangers of learning a martial art as well as all the benefits that can be found in it.
I'd recommend this book to any karate practitioner today, even if you aren't a Shotokan student. It answers any question you may have while also opening the door on new ones you can puzzle over on your own.
But just because this wasn't my favorite, doesn't mean I can't see the good in it. The translator did a great job of bringing across the meanings Funakoshi was trying to convey. It's karate as it should be, closer to how it has been mystified in TV series than what you would find in a regular dojo. It makes you believe in the power of a unique teacher and how they can pass so much on to a willing student. The descriptions and images of the kata were easy to follow and so well explained I could almost have been in one of Funakoshi's seminars. It gives a good outline of different types of strikes, how to use them, and where to apply them. It outlines the dangers of learning a martial art as well as all the benefits that can be found in it.
I'd recommend this book to any karate practitioner today, even if you aren't a Shotokan student. It answers any question you may have while also opening the door on new ones you can puzzle over on your own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2012
This book outlines all Shoto-kan kata and their applications. Great reference when you get stuck on one!
September 1, 2022
Gichin Funakoshi was considered to be unofficial world champion of karate (world championsips were impractical before the 50’s) and is the only one that can wear the black gi. I rarely disapprove with his ideas, (I don’t like elbow block because it is a safety hazard. Stepping into an attack to avoid one behind it will create bad habits and is another hazard) and if you are looking for a kata book, this is an excellent choice, and I regretted having my first kata book being Shojiro Sugiyama. because Gichin Funakoshi knows what he’s teaching and shojiro sugayama doesn’t.
Gichin funakoshi teaches the correct application, and shojiro sugayama doesn’t know it. You won’t find Funakoshi covering his eyes like Sigiyama does in his version of tekki nidan, which is in shojiro sugiyama’s 25 shotokan kata Sugiyama has his students risk their safety doing jumping spinning flipping kicks or risking them breaking their finger trying to push a punch up with the top of the fist with their pointer finger sticking out in Unsu, which is not a kata that Funakishi requires or teaches.
Shojiro sugayama has his students do techniques in slow motion that are supposed to be done full speed in real life like moves 2 and 4 in the beginning of heian yodan. Gichin funakoshi would never tell his students to do a slow motion block to stop a punch.
Therefore if you are going to get a kata book this is the right one. Nakayama’s books are great, but that’s for another review.
Gichin funakoshi teaches the correct application, and shojiro sugayama doesn’t know it. You won’t find Funakoshi covering his eyes like Sigiyama does in his version of tekki nidan, which is in shojiro sugiyama’s 25 shotokan kata Sugiyama has his students risk their safety doing jumping spinning flipping kicks or risking them breaking their finger trying to push a punch up with the top of the fist with their pointer finger sticking out in Unsu, which is not a kata that Funakishi requires or teaches.
Shojiro sugayama has his students do techniques in slow motion that are supposed to be done full speed in real life like moves 2 and 4 in the beginning of heian yodan. Gichin funakoshi would never tell his students to do a slow motion block to stop a punch.
Therefore if you are going to get a kata book this is the right one. Nakayama’s books are great, but that’s for another review.
September 14, 2025
Great book by the inventor of Shotokan karate. It has some nice ones on the history of karate as well as on the ideas behind it. The main part of the book is devoted to the katas. In present-day Shotokan many more katas are performed. The katas from the text happen to be all practiced in Wado-ryu as well, which was very nice for comparison between the styles. Also iai waza and nage waza are explained. The latter one is the main reason why I started reading. Very interesting to see that the original master gave an important place to these techniques, whereas currently these techniques are not often practiced anymore.
March 29, 2019
This was a super helpful book with gaining a better understanding of the history of karate and the application of techniques in famous kata. Master Funakoshi truly is a master of masters and his wisdom and knowledge will help many generations to come!
August 31, 2017
One of the oldest and yet most complete and understandable iterations of Shotokan Karate, written (thought since translated) by the father of modern karate, Gichin Funakoshi himself!
August 3, 2023
Good old fashion karate
February 27, 2024
Excelente para aprender katas. A tradução me irritou por vezes traduzindo "kata" para "forma".
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July 21, 2025buenísimo para empezar a aprender el arte del karate-do, sobre todo las técnicas, los Katas , puntos vitales,etc
June 7, 2008
This is probably the definitive technical work on Shotokan Karate, and an invaluable addition to the training library of anyone practicing Okinowan or Japanese styles.
The Kata illustrations and applications are some of the fundamental building blocks and are well defined in this work.
If you are looking for a place to start, this is probably it.
The Kata illustrations and applications are some of the fundamental building blocks and are well defined in this work.
If you are looking for a place to start, this is probably it.
April 29, 2007
It is useless without formal training and practice, but, a great reference for serious students of the art.
January 8, 2008
A reference book on kata.
February 19, 2012
It is a must for every karate fan, the master book by funakoshi
Currently reading
February 10, 2011Essential. Even if someone's practicing other arts than karate.
February 18, 2013
Great book for those interested in Karate from the founder of Shotkan. Well worth a read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews