Best Karate Series

The three advanced kata in this book are a challenge to the performer’s level of maturity. From the smooth and flowing movements of Gojushiho Dai through the transformations in the equally long Gojushiho Sho to the serene and mellow Meikyo kata, both the techniques learned in the basic kata and more sophisticated tactics call on the deepest reserves of balance, coordination, timing and technical skill.

The kata in this volume are at the advanced level and may be selected for examination above the grade of shodan.


In Unsu, there are constant transformations, signified by the name meaning “Cloud Hands.” All parts of the body are used as weapons, with feints and provocations leading to unique combination techniques and multi-directional kicks.


Sochin is characterized by a certain solemnity and imperturbability. Using a very stable stance, muscular power is built up slowly in many movements, instantaneously in others, leading to a keen sense of timing for continuous attacks.


Nijushiho offers training in the unique back-hand block (haishu uke). It requires integration of varying strengths and speed, and mastery can be seen in a smooth and unbroken flow of movements.

These advanced kata may be selected for testing above shodan level. The techniques in Bassai Sho, using sword hand, ridge hand and tiger mouth, make good defenses against stick attacks. In Kanko Sho are many counter-attacks to the upper level. Chinte has unique techniques, the rarely seen tateken, and is especially valuable for women’s self-defense.

The three kata in this volume are on the Japan Karate Association recommended list and are notable for the sticklike use of the arms–Jitte, the circular movements of hands and feet coordinated with breathing–Hangetsu, and easy, agile movements, combined into continuous techniques–Empi.

Two kata from the recommended list: Gankaku–crane standing on a rock–a name descriptive of this kata, which has techniques for striking upward or downward with either hand while standing on one foot. Here are dazzling techniques for counterattacking with the back-fist or side kick.In the Jion kata there are many crisp, flowing movements, but within these calm, harmonious movements are strong, spirited techniques appropriate for mastering shifting positions, changing directions and sliding the feet.

Fully described and illustrated in this volume are the widely practiced Bassal and Kanku kata from the JFA recommended group. The student learns fast and slow techniques, the dynamics of strength, how to turn weakness into strength, changing directions, jumping and going to ground.

Kata, the formal exercises of karate training, were the essence of practice in Okinawa and China, and are the core training method even today.Detailed here in 1500 sequential photos are the five Heian and three Tekki kata, mastery of which is necessary to attain first dan.


Demonstrated by the author and Yoshiharu Osaka.

This book complements volume 3 of this series and, like the earlier volume, includes writings of masters of the martial arts to guide the student toward spiritual awareness and mental maturity. It places kumite in perspective, relating it to training as a whole.

In kumite (sparring) basic techniques are sharpened and body movement and distancing acquired through practical application. This volume explains the types and meaning of kumite and the relation between jiyu kumite and basic training in fundamentals.


Demonstrated by instructors of the Japan Karate Association. As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.

As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.

All the basic points of karate arranged systematically for effective learning, step by step–the parts of the body used as natural weapons, the stances, how to block, how to attack, introduction to the kata and to kumite.


The fundamentals as presented in this volume, briefly but accurately, are the distillation of the author’s forty-six years’ experience in this art of self-defense. As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.