Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyohan [Paperback]

Gogen Yamaguchi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 1999

Full of rare photos of Yamaguchi himself doing katas as well as showing exercises, postures and throws. Hundreds of fine detail line drawings depicting the katas as well as complete analysis of each kata by the founder make this an invaluable asset in the learning of this style.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gogen Yamaguchi

Product Details

• Paperback: 330 pages
• Publisher: Rising Sun Productions (September 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0920129234
• ISBN-13: 978-0920129234
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Could only run second to a book by Miyagi himself!, June 5, 2003

By 

David Nielsen "Founder of Nahashu Ryu Karate Do" (Cabot, Ar United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyohan (Paperback)

This book could only run a second to a book by Miyagi himself! Yamaguchi Gogen Sensei gives us the absolute guide on the karate system founded by Chojun Miyagi. Even the class structure is there. From Junbi Undo (preparatory exercises) to basics, kata, kumite, Hojo Undo (supplementary exercises)this book is traditional Goju Ryu Karate all the way.
Put together in a very logical step by step way many of today's martial arts writers should take from Yamaguchi on how to write a karate instruction manual.
As is always the case, no matter how well the words describe the techniques or how well the pictures show them, there is no substitute for an actual teacher. Why? Because you cannot explain proper breathing, timing, tempo, focus, weight distribution, balance, and the many other aspects of techniques and kata without actually seeing them and doing them in person. A qualified karate instructor is always needed. This book is great for any one beginning their journey in Goju Ryu karate. It is perfect for the seasoned practitioner also. It is packaged perfect for the collector item that it is. I always use it for reference and have this deep respect for the writer for he is one of the original masters of Goju Ryu Karate and the founder of Goju Kai (Japanese Goju).
I highly recommend this book and anything that you can get your hands on by Morio Higaonna. A word to the wise. The paperback edition listed for this book refers to the title To Te Jutsu. Be careful. It is not Gogen Yamaguchi' book but rather Gichen Funakoshi's early vershion of Shotokan. Buyer beware of this. Buy this hard cover. You will not be disappointed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars GojuRyu Karate Do Kyohan - You need your reading glasses for this one!, July 15, 2007

By 

Anne Sanderson "Annie S." (NZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyohan (Paperback)

This text is full of information. It relies heavily on graphics to convey the various movements that form the essential Kata and fighting application of the Goju Ryu style.

This is a work that will benefit those of you who have been training for a few years as it requires a knowledge of several higher Kata and a more than basic understanding of goju ryu techniques. It is always good to read the wisdom of a master of our style and Yamaguchi does have some important messages for the thoughtful student of Karate. However, you will have to work your way through short paragraph after paragraph of ideas to find a thought that will grab your attention!

Unfortuneately the print and graphic images in this edition are too small for old eyes and if you are over 50 you really need some magnification to be able to read the text and interpret the graphics.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellence Takes on Many Forms, May 3, 2002

By 

David A. Stacey (Columbia, SC) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyohan (Paperback)

This work is an incredible collector's item which belongs in every martial artist's library. This book is a foundation work of the basic moves and techniques...a mark in time that solidifies the fundamental concepts. Today we see growth and new directions taking wing in the Martial Arts and Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyohan provides a modern "Bubushi" or the root of Goju.