Kodansha’s Romanized Japanese-English Dictionary
Editor Timothy J. Vance. Adapted for native English speakers by Matsatoshi Yoshida & Yoshikatsu Nakamura

FKI-BP-2000

This Japanese-English dictionary was selected for its breadth of 16,000 word vocabulary as well as its easy to find Romanized entries and definitions written for English speaking readers. This is a great resource for martial artists who want to look up and define Japanese terminology. If you have ever wondered what a Japanese word meant while reading, this might just be the book for you. It also makes a perfect present.

Secrets Of The Samurai-The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan
By Oscar Ratti & Adele Westbrook

FTP–BP-1020

This is one of the top selling martial arts books in history. It is the definitive study of the martial arts of feudal Japan – written in a light, readable style and profusely illustrated by the master illustrator Oscar Ratti, famous for his depiction of the action and intrigue of Japanese martial arts. His illustrations almost jump off the page into life. Explored are the details of weapons, techniques, strategies, and principles of combat, combined with a panoramic survey of the history of warlord contention for power and the rise of the Samurai class. It is a must for serious practitioner of Japanese martial arts or anyone interested in the history and rise of the military arts in Japan.

(Paperback, 116 pages, fully illustrated)

$14.95
(Plus $5.00
Shipping Within US)

Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts – Koryu Uchinadi - Volume One

By Patrick McCarthy
FTB-BP-1200

This two volume series gives the reader access, for the first time, to an extensive collection of the most important documents written by and about Okinawa’s most famous karate and kobudo masters and their arts. Volume one features the work and technique of Shinken Taira and includes Taira’s own encyclopedia of ancient Ryukuan martial arts. McCarthy also writes about Taira and demonstrates kobujutsu (weapons) kata of historical importance.

(Paperback, 133 pages, illustrated)

$14.95
(Plus $5.00
Shipping Within US)

Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts – Koryu Uchinadi - Volume Two

By Patrick McCarthy
FTB-BP-1205

This two volume series gives the reader access, for the first time, to an extensive collection of the most important documents written by and about Okinawa’s most famous karate and kobudo masters and their arts. Volume two features Kenwa Mabuni, Chojun Miyagi and the role of various martial arts organizations in preserving and modernizing the ancient arts that became karate. McCarthy authored chapters about such topics as Kenwa Mabuni, the Dai Nippon Butokukai, and the development and essense of karate-do. Also included is Chojun Miyagi’s outline of karate-do and the transcription of the historic 1936 meeting of Okinawan karate masters that determined the future course of karate. Also included are many rare historic photos.

Okinawa: The History of an Island People
Revised Edition

By George H. Kerr (afterward by Mitsugu Sakihara)
FTP – BB- 1001

This is the master text of Okinawan history – a must for all serious karate practitioners or those interested in this island’s history. Learn the historical and cultural background within which karate developed and the true facts about the government and later Japanese ban on weapons that spawned the development of empty hand self-defense. For many this book has been a prized possession, a source for verification of facts or to understand this island and its people.

Ryoma - Life of a Renaissance Samurai

By Romulus Hillsborough
RBP-B- 2035
Ridgeback Press

This is an important fictionalized biography of Sakomoto Ryoma, an incredibly adept 19th century statesman, warrior, businessman and samurai who was a founding father of modern Japan -- a genius in a time when creativity and independence of thought were rare. The book is very readable and exciting. To westerners it opens up an important period in Japanese history as it weaves together the complex tapestry of ideology, events, life, culture and political/military forces leading to the modern age -- all portrayed through Ryoma's eyes.

(208 pages - Paperback)

$39.95

Okinawa - Island of Karateby
George W. Alexander
MBK#98

Many consider this Alexanders best work. Coupled with The Bubishi these books are a mountain of knowledge and information written by one of the most knowledgable individuals in the martial arts today. You will learn the personal bios on many of the greatest masters this tiny island has creat ed including Funakoshi, Miyagi and many more. 208 pages of a master text.