Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text [Hardcover]

Gichin Funakoshi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1973

Nineteen kata ("forms") of karate-the art of self-defense without weapons-are presented here in complete detail. They are the ones selected by the great master and teacher, Gichin Funakoshi, to give comprehensive training in Karate-do, the way of karate.

Fully illustrated demonstrations by the translator cover not only every technique of the kata but also the fundamentals and applications: how to make a fist; the correct form of the open hand; preliminary training in blocking, striking and kicking; the seven stances; and sparring.

The author presents, besides kata that he himself originated, beginning and advanced kata from both the Shorei school and the Shorin school, the former remarkable for their forcefulness and development of strength, the latter characterized by their gracefulness and lightning swiftness.

This book, the most comprehensive and authoritative ever published, was being revised by the author shortly before his death in 1957, at the age of eighty-eight, and is translated for the first time. Through his advice on both practical and spiritual aspects of training, the master guides the student from techniques to the Way of karate. Complementing the English edition are illustrations of National Treasures from Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji temples in Nara and Master Funakoshi's calligraphy.

Karate, whose value for the well-rounded development of strength, coordination and agility is scientifically validated, can be practiced at any time and in any place, for any length of time, by men and women of all ages, and requires no special equipment. It also fosters the development of spiritual qualities: courage, courtesy, integrity, humility and self-control.

Gichin Funakoshi's karate books, the first published in 1922, are landmarks, for the development of this martial art in Okinawa was shrouded in secrecy, and almost no records of its early history, dating back more than a thousand years to the Shao-lin Temple in Hunan Province, China, exist. Karate-do Kyohan is a book that lives up to its title: it is in truth the master text for karate instruction at all levels and in all aspects of technique and character development.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese (translation)

About the Author

GICHIN FUNAKOSHI is one of karate's great masters. Born in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, 1868, he studied Karate-do from childhood and organized the the first public demonstrations.

As president of the Okinawa Association for the Spirit of Martial Arts, he was chosen to demonstrate karate at the First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo in 1922. This led to the introduction of the ancient martial art to the rest of Japan and subsequently to the rest of the world.

At the urging of friends and officials, he remained in Tokyo, and the development of the way of karate owes much to his teaching, writings and introduction of new forms. In his later years, he was president of Shotokai, of which he was a founder. He emphasized always the spiritual aspects of Karate-do, and it is significant that through his influence the Chinese characters for karate were changed from "Chinese" hand to "empty" hand.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA; First Edition edition (May 15, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870111906
• ISBN-13: 978-0870111907
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 1.1 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #619,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

GICHIN FUNAKOSHI is world famous as one of Karate's great masters. Born in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, in 1868, he studied Karate-do from childhood and organized the first public demonstrations. He was trained in the Confucian classics and was a schoolteacher early in life. After training for decades under the foremost masters in Okinawa he was elected president of the Okinawa Association for the Spirit of Martial Arts. He was chosen to demonstrate Karate at the First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo in 1922, which led to the introduction of the ancient martial art to the rest of Japan and subsequently to the rest of the world. Among his writings are Karate-do: My Way of Life, Karate-do Kyohan: The Master Text, and Karate Jutsu: The Original Teachings of Gichin Funakoshi. Master Gichin Funakoshi died in April 1957.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invaluable Resource, Among the First Karate Documents July 13, 2007

By Nidan Jutsu

Format:Hardcover

I am a 2nd-dan practitioner under Tsutomu Ohshima, the translator, and I want to point out a few things, regarding the comments. Mr. Ohshima read the original Japanese text of his teacher(Funakoshi), at least 50 times (before translating), and was authorized by his family to translate it into English. With those considerations (and the fact that it took 10 years), it was a monumental undertaking--personally, professionally, and historically. I can appreciate that he used his own photos, because, as someone else pointed out, the stances got lower and longer, and some things were in transition at the time the book was written--think of it as a "2nd, updated edition." For more information on the changes going on at the time, investigate Shigeru Egami's excellent Karate-do Nyumon, also available here. Egami was Mr. Ohshima's senior and very close friend, considered by many to be the top karateka during his life.

Master Funakoshi mastered 2 styles--shorei-ryu and shorin ryu-during his lifetime, instructed by Masters Itosu and Azato. The former has powerful, hard directed movements, rooted in deep stances, while the latter has swift, sweeping, bird-like movements, and we have kata from each style (Ie. the Heian/Pinan forms are Shorin, while Tekki/Neihanchu kata are shorei). Traditional "karate" come from Okinawa, and the different regional styles, named for the towns, drew some influence from Chinese sailors trained in kung-fu, who washed ashore and trained the villagers, further influencing their styles, and differentiating them. "Shotokan" means "House of Shoto." "Shoto" was Master Funakoshi's nickname. When a karateka was asked where he was going, he'd say "Shotokan," or Shoto's house.... "Shoto" also means the sound the wind makes when blowing through pine needles, which Master Funakoshi loved.

Numerous styles claim heritage through Funakoshi, and widespread, unauthorized use of the Shotokan "circled tiger" has ensued. This symbol was created by one of Funakoshi's students, and is trademarked. You can see it in the opening of one of Jet Li's movies, and probably many others.

Traditional Tae-Kwon-Do was created by practitioners who got their karate black belts in Japan in the 20th century (according to my research) although there's a raging debate about the "ancient" origins of those arts. Some claim Tae-Kwon-Do descended from a children's game in which practitioners tried to knock down their opponents with a kick, which was banned by elders long ago--a view that is often ridiculed by martial art historians. This is buttressed by the fact that many Tae-Kwon-Do schools use this Kyohan as their text, and either the exact same kata (particularly the Heian), or lightly modified (usually with modified or added kicks).

Not all "karate" styles are directly descended from Shotokan. Goju-ryu and others at least partially developed in parallel, but they definitely influenced each other, and had common roots. To be called "karate," however, implied, originally, Chinese roots. This changed, later, to mean "open-hand" styles, so karate, today, is more generally loosely defined. This website has a clear "family tree," of karate heritage, as well as incredibly useful information and links-- [...]. Ohshima Shihan's website is [...]. Also see [...] (in English or Spanish).

One reviewer criticized the Shotokan punch, and it seemed that he was responding not to the book, but to Shotokan generally. Our stances have gotten longer and narrower. When Funakoshi brought karate to mainland Japan, many practitioners were already experts in judo and kendo. One effect was the lengthening of the distance between fighters--often a judo expert would immediately slam a karateka to the ground, or a kendoka would quickly "spear" the uninitiated with a punch. These 2 aspects, as you might imagine, caused a relatively immediate change, not unlike (although it's a long-shot) the effect Gracie Jujitsu had on early mixed martial arts events. These three disciplines (and others) combined to develop the efficacy of Japanese karate, as practiced by Funakoshi's students.

Another reviewer sharply pointed out that the book was written for beginners, as well as advanced practitioners. One isn't meant to punch (and fight) with the hand opposite the punching hand pulled back to the hip (ie. "pulling hand), so there is no "arm ending up behind one's body" as the other reviewer had mentioned. This is taught to beginners to show them the proper movement, and is often reverted to by the advanced, to refine the development of power through the thrusting of the hips. In a real engagement (and sparring), fighters hold their hands up naturally, like boxers or MMA fighters.

This review is supplemented by my material here--[...]

The highly-rated Karate Jutsu: The Original Teachings of Gichin Funakoshi, by Ohshima godan John Teramoto (and also available here on Amazon) is the first official English translation of an earlier Funakoshi book. Also do not miss Funakoshi's Karate-do: My Way of Life. Read more ›

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have ! December 14, 1999

By Stephan Eberhard

Format:Hardcover

This book is great in every aspect. First, the layout is great, quality paper with very well done illustrations and great photographic material. Second, the text by Masetr Funakoshi is very pleasant and interesting to read, really enjotable. And third the katas are demonstrated with great technique and much detail (written and pictures). Be sure to get this book if you are serously interersted in Shotokan Karate-Do. I must mention although that the book is 3/4 of Katas and 1/4 of everything else, so if you think you will be bored with pages and pages of katas dmonstartion, think about it twice. Overall, I find it excellent.

33 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive book on kata by karate's greatest master January 6, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Gichin Funakoshi was the founder of modern karate. His style is known as shotokan, from his nickname Shoto. Every karate and tae kwon do style in the world today is descended from Funakoshi. Ancient Korean tae kwon do is a lost art. Modern TKD borrowed heavily from Funakoshi.

Nearly 200 of the book's 250 pages are devoted to katas, the choreographed forms of karate. There are 17 katas carefully explained and illustrated. I learned some of these 30 years ago. You forget a lot in 30 years - although not so much if it's been drummed into your head enough. Anyway here they are - move by move, good as new. They are great practice tools for when you don't have a partner. Doing kata is a lot more interesting than repetitive drills.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Classic of Japanese Karate-do May 26, 2002

By Randy D. Strausbaugh

Format:Hardcover

There are few books which can compare with Funakoshi's master text. Although the style which I practice lies outside of the lineage of the system presented here, I have always admired this book's clean setup and the clear exposition of the principles which epitomize the Japanese style(s). The katas are taught as well as can be expected given a book format. It is clear from the writing that Funakoshi loved his art. It is also clear that he could USE his art if the need arose. A close reading of his explanation of applications will confirm that his knowledge extended beyond the "block,punch,block,strike" stage.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic work by the master October 2, 2000

By magellan HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

This book is a must have for Shotokan as well as other stylists. The photos are excellent and the presentation of the forms is equally good. An important feature is the footwork diagrams, missing in many otherwise good kata books. The book is mostly katas, and up till this time it was the only book documenting the more advanced forms. To my knowledge, it is still the only book that has the Ten No Kata Omote form. There are 19 forms in all. Senior Egami does a great job with the form demonstrations.

There are about 30 forms in all in the Shotokan style. I only hope that someone does a book someday with all of them. Nakayama has done some further books with 2 or 3 of the advanced forms per book, but I'd like to see them all under one cover some day. However, someone who masters the 19 forms in this book should have considerable skill and power.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Should be a Requirement for New Students January 31, 2006

By P. Gullatte

Format:Hardcover

I just recently began studying Shotokan Karate in October 2005 and I believe that this book should be required for all students who study the art. Just like when a person is in college, the student is required to obtain a text book to learn the subject matter thoroughly. In my opinion, it should be the same with karate. This book helped me to understand the correct way to perform all of the katas as well as the kihons. Its funny how you learn it correctly in class and over time you forget little steps here and there. This book helped to reinforce the basics and remind me of the little things that make a good kata great. By simply reading a few pages a couple of times a week, it helped me to perform better. I have not read the entire book since I only read up to Heian Sandan, which is the kata I am currently working on, but I will refer to this book throughout my studies all the way to Black Belt.