The Way to Black Belt

By Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder

This book targets students who are studying to become a black belt, but at the same time it illustrates a path far behind this limited goal.

Packed with actionable information, The Way to Black Belt will teach you how to set goals, find a good instructor, monitor your progress, overcome plateaus in your training, take advantage of learning opportunities, and work through the inevitable injuries that come with rigorous martial arts training.

Putting your skills to the test at each developmental stage of your training requires a certain mental ‘clarity.’ The authors examine what this means, how to find it, and how to make sure that when the time comes you are 100% prepared.

Recommended by Christopher Caile. Founder and Editor of FightingArts.com

* The Meanings of Forms & Kata
ADULT LEVEL

* This book is about understanding your karate kata – what you are doing. This is a serious topic and much of what is shown is dangerous. Thus it is for adults only.

Many people will give you lots of possibilities for the moves in a kata but unfortunately most of these are look alike moves and worse yet many of these so called explanations flat out don't work on the street. And some (explanations) are so different than what you are actually doing in the kata that you can't even recognize the move as what you have been practicing. The Problem with all these explanations is that they don't understand the rules of kata (YES there are definite rules!) And once you know them kata AND it’s real meanings, the moves make sense for self-defense ON THE STREET! WARNING: This book explains the brutal reality of what and how a kata does its job and is not suitable for those too young to know when not to use this information.

Note: these books or booklets are short and concise, and produced in black and white with soft folded paper covers. They are self-published by the author, and offered for the unique quality of their information. You will find nothing elce like them. If you expect thick glossy books with color photos, however, these books are not for you.

Karatedo Tanpenshu:
Funakoshi Short Stories

Compiled & translated by Patrick & Yuriko McCarthy

Hard To Find Text - Not in Stores

This is the most comprehensive book on this Okinawan karate pioneer. First, there is a translation of Motobu’s two early books, Motobu’s original 1926 publication “Okinawan Kenpo Karate-Jutsu” outlining his twelve fighting drills, plus his classic 1932 text “Watashi No Karate-Jutsu” (My Karate) which portrays his favorite kata, Naihanchi (Tekki in Japan). There are also articles on Motobu by his contemporaries and others giving their recollections and viewpoints, many historic photos, and an overview of Motobu and his relationship with Funakoshi in Japan written Patrick McCarthy. Together these ingredients make an insightful book, for Motobu becomes flushed out and alive through his own works, and through the eyes of others. If you want to know more about Motobu, understand early karate, its techniques, fighting, its entry into Japan and evolution, this book is a must.

Motobu Choki Karate-My Art
His 1932 Classic ”Watashi No Karate-Jutsu” & his 1926 publication “Okinawan Kenpo Karate-Jutsu”

Compiled & translated by Patrick & Yuriko McCarthy

Hard To Find Text - Not in Stores

This is the most comprehensive book on this Okinawan karate pioneer. First, there is a translation of Motobu’s two early books, Motobu’s original 1926 publication “Okinawan Kenpo Karate-Jutsu” outlining his twelve fighting drills, plus his classic 1932 text “Watashi No Karate-Jutsu” (My Karate) which portrays his favorite kata, Naihanchi (Tekki in Japan). There are also articles on Motobu by his contemporaries and others giving their recollections and viewpoints, many historic photos, and an overview of Motobu and his relationship with Funakoshi in Japan written Patrick McCarthy. Together these ingredients make an insightful book, for Motobu becomes flushed out and alive through his own works, and through the eyes of others. If you want to know more about Motobu, understand early karate, its techniques, fighting, its entry into Japan and evolution, this book is a must.

Dynamic Karate
By M. Nakayama

This is the master text -- the living testimonial of Masatoshi Nakayama, Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association, and successor to Gichen Funakoshi. Nakayama is a great technician, one whose clean, beautiful and powerful techniques inspired generations of students and helped spread Shotokan karate worldwide. Nakayama provides a complete detailed instruction of both fundamental technique and fine points -- of punches, kicks, blocks, movement and stances. The text also shows application of this technique, and its use in defense and counter attacking. Many action shots were recorded in a stroboscope (using a succession of 1/10,000 of second shots) to highlight the progression of technique as it unfolds.

Isshinryu Karate:
The Practical Applications of Seisan Kata
by Don Sorrel

This is an important book for Isshinryu karate-ka, or those interested in kata applications or self-defense. The book doesn’t offer the kind of hypothetical technique that will only work in slow motion. Applications were actually videoed so realistic action could be captured: defenses against grabs, chokes, tackles, combination punches --- more than 50 different techniques. You will learn about kata, its concepts and principles, especially Seisan kata. So, if you have been trying to understand kata, what they mean and how they work, this book is a great start for your studies.

Currently Out Of Print

Ebook (PDF) version will be available soon.

The Bible of Karate: Bubushi
Translated with commentary
by Patrick McCarthy

This is the fabled secret treasure of many of Okinawa’s top karate masters. Many considered it their most prized possession. Unlike China where written texts were numerous, Okinawan karate was passed down as an oral tradition. This is what makes the Bubushi so special. It is virtually the only technical text from Okinawa that has survived into modern times – a classic work written in Chinese on technique, strategy and philosophy, loosely organized as if it had been someone’s private notes – a text whose techniques relate to old style karate and techniques seen in many kata. Virtually all of karate’s legendary masters have studied it, copied it or passages from it, and applied its techniques. McCarthy brings this text alive for the reader by providing a wealth of supporting data, history and interpretation. Particularly interesting is the wealth of information on vital points and the Chinese daily timetable, which indicates what points should be struck during what periods. Another section details 48 self-defense techniques, with the illustrations redrawn for clarity.

The Essence Of Okinawan Karate-Do
By Shoshin Nagamine, 10th dan

This is the English translation of a karate classic, a rich source on the technique and philosophy of traditional Okinawan karate. This text presents the teachings of the legendary karate master Shoshin Nagamine, founder of the World Matsubayashi School of Shorin-ryu karate. Nagamine, arguably the best known student of Chotuku Kyan, is one of the few Okinawan masters who has written about his art in any length. In this book he presents his thoughts on his style, the history of karate including his own training, his interpretation of kata and competition. Also demonstrated are the major kata in his system.

Karate: The Art of Empty-hand Fighting
By Hidetaka Nishiyama & Richard C. Brown

FTP-BP- 1030

This was one of the first books in English on karate and is still one of the best. It has many illustrations by Hidetaka Nishiyama – exceptional technician, a man synonymous with the rise of Shotokan karate and its spread worldwide. Provided is a step-by-step explanation of basic movement, techniques, kata and sparing – a presentation that stresses principles, proper application and sound body mechanics. Also included are six chapters on self-defense: applications based on karate technique. A great book, a wonderful guide and an important addition to your karate library.

Karate Kyohan
by Tadashi Nakamura, 9th dan, founder of World Seido Karate
FAS 5500

A FightingArts four star selection. While this book covers obligatory subjects such as stances, techniques and kata, it is also distinguished by the unique insights and innovations pioneered by this world renowned karate-ka. Nakamura offers exceptionally rich discussion and explanation of the concept of karate do and its meaning and significance as a way of life. Principles behind kata are noted and a unique set of intermediary one and two man exercises are explained that serve students by providing a natural bridge between basics and freefighting. Included are sets of self-defense techniques and strategy against kicks that introduces the concept of circularity and angular movement useful in freefighting.

Ultimate Karate
by Takemasa Okuyama, 8th Dan
BK-96

A unique book by the legendary karate master Takemasa Okuyama, 8th dan, head of the International Karate Association. In this book Okuyama teaches the intricate applications of stances and hand techniques beyond the Heian (Pinan) katas and Tekki Shodan (also known as Naihanshi or Naifuanchi). For the first time a karate master demonstrates karate which encompasses not just punching, kicking and blocking, but throwing, joint locking and wrestling.

From Kata To Competition
by Alex Sternburg & Gary Goldstein
BK-92

In this book Sensei Alex Sternberg strips away the mystery of kata to teach you the craft - skills that almost anyone can master and utilize. You benefit from his extensive experience as a teacher, coach, competitor and national champion. He covers everything you need to know to build and enhance your skills, and the book is illustrated with more than 400 photographs showing stances, kicks, katas and combination techniques.

Okinawan Karate-Do Goju-Ryu Meibu-Kan
by Meitetsu Yagi, Carl Wheeler, and Brock Vickerson
BK-93

An historic treasure. This eclectic volume includes many historic gems, such as are photos of Master Meitosku Yagi, insights on the history of karate, and a rare interview and conversations with Dai Sensei Metoku Yagi (Meibu-Kan's founder) about Goju history, the origin of Meibu-Kan and the Yagi family. Additional topics include kata philosophy, famous stories of masters of Okinawan Goju-Ryu, sayings, origins of goju-ryu kata and the meaning of their names, Sanchin and Tensho kata shown through photos and discussions of kumite.

The Classical Man
by Richard Kim
BK-102

In this volume Kim depicts legendary samurai warriors and karate masters through personal stories that not only bring these people and their history alive, but also teach the philosophy and psychology of the martial arts. A true karate and martial arts classic - a book to be treasured and read over and over.

To-Te Jitsu
by Gichen Funakoshi
MBK#116

Originally an edition book now published in paperback. Funakoshi, often called the father of modern karate, wrote this classic in the 1920's. It was translated from Japanese by Shingo Ishida an award winning translator. The book has hundreds of rare photos of Funakoshi performing techniques in his original form. 320 pa ges of knowledge and information by the founder of karate do.

Bubishi - Martial Art Spirit
by George W. Alexander & Ken Penland
MBK#99

Considered the Bible of all styles of karate this book originated in China and was only recently translated into English. Original copies of the book were valued possessions of many of the founders of early 20th century Okinawan karate. Alexander has done an excellent job in the translation and many of the secrets of the martial arts are finally taught in English for the first time. 180 pages of information just waiting to be discovered.

History And Tradition of Okinawan Karate
by Tetsuhiro Hokama
MBK #119

The roots of karate are in Okinawa and in this work you will see and learn from Sensei Hokama why this is so. Perhaps one of the most important parts of this book is the exceptionally rare photos contained in the book which come from a private museum in Okinawa. 152 pages of pure history and traditions of Okinawan karate.

(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.