The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do presents the teachings of legendary martial arts master Shoshin Nagamine, founder of the Matsubayashi school of Shorin-ryu karate-do. Used for generations as a practical and pictorial guide, it contains over 1,000 photographs to document eighteen classic karate kata (preset forms) and seven yakusoku kumite (prearranged partner exercises), as well as basic techniques. This book is a precise and easily accessible pictorial guide to performance and perfection of traditional karate. The only book in English with photos of one of the great prewar masters demonstrating the proper execution of Okinawan karate, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do is a bridge between karate's legendary past and the practitioners of today. This ingenious and imaginative text explains the historical landmarks in the development of style, vividly outlines its leading forms and techniques, and recalls noted Okinawan karate men of the past, including the author's teachers Ankichi Arakaki, Choki Motobu, and Chotoku Kyan.

The Essential Karate Book is an informative, illustrated guide to the techniques, philosophy and practice of karate. With 20 chapters covering practically every aspect of karate, this in-depth reference will assist students and instructors as they plot their course through karate instruction, benefiting those at all levels. The Essential Karate Book contains 200 diagrams mapping out moves with 300 step-by-step photographs and companion videos, making it a comprehensive general karate reference for Western audiences. Readers of this karate guide will learn about: Stances, blocks, strikes and kicks Preparing your body through warm-ups, stretching, and conditioning through karate-specific exercises Kata grading and fighting (kumite) techniques and competition rules Martial arts weapons (kobudo), and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) applications The origins and history of karate Required behavior, clothing and etiquette, as well as the fundamentals of karate and the different styles that share them The Essential Karate Book is a must-have for any martial arts enthusiast, from beginners to black belts!

An instructive text on the etiquette, kata, stances and powerful techniques of the renowned goju-ryu system as practiced in Okinawa. Includes a detailed section on sanchin breathing and step-by-step photos with foot patterns.

In this book, I will introduce traditional karate terminology and its technique. My intent is to aid current karate students' technical progress and deepen prospective students' interest in karate.

A guide to goju-ryu fundamentals that narrates the author's personal history of Okinawan goju-ryu karate. It covers advanced kata, its evolution and its importance. It features step-by-step photographs that show the advanced techniques of shorei-kan karate, including stances, strikes, blocks, kicks and two-man training styles.

Master the techniques and warrior spirit of karate with this illustrated martial arts guide. The true essence of karate-do is integrated training of the body, mind, and spirit to achieve human potential fully. Karate: Technique and Spirit describes in detail all the steps necessary to attain this goal. It is a book of Karate technique, a guideline for training, and a patient exposition of moral philosophy. Kaicho (grandmaster) Nakamura takes us from the basics--warmups, punches, blocks, and kicks--to the advanced practice of traditional weapons and kumite (sparring), all the while grounding the physical expression of this martial art in its rich history and philosophy. With over 700 photos, Karate: Technique and Spirit vividly conveys the essence of karate-do and how it can bring deeper meaning to our daily lives. Chapters include: Foundations of Karate; Basics of Karate-Do; Postures and Stances; Natural Weapons; Kata (Formal Exercises); Kumite (Fighting) and more!