Shotokan Karate : Its History and Evolution [Paperback]

Randall G. Hassell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1995

The first comprehensive written history of Shotokan karate in any language! In this completely revised edition of the classic bestseller, Randall G. Hassell covers recent developments in the art of Shotokan Karate-do. Rare and never-before-published photos complement everything from the Okinawan roots of karate to the JKA in Japan and the United States, American karate organizations, and the current state of karate. Also in this edition: A chronology of Shotokan Karate, the origins of all Shotokan kata, a genealogy of traditional karate, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A masterful portrait of modern karate's development. -- The Fighter Magazine

Randall Hassell is, hands down, the world's finest, most authoritative karate-do writer. He paints a masterful portrait of modern karate's development. -- John Corcoran,The Fighter, September, 1990

About the Author

Martial Arts Illustrated magazine has called Randall G. Hassell "Shotokan's Great Communicator" and "The spiritual voice for a generation of karate-do practitioners." President of the American Shotokan Karate Alliance (ASKA), Hassell is a professional writer and editor who began karate training in 1960 and was a member of the Japan Karate Association until 1984. While majoring in English Literature at Washington University in St. Louis, he began an intense, formal study of the history and philosophy of the martial arts in general, and karate-do in particular. To date, this study has led to the publication of more than 100 articles in numerous periodicals around the world, and many books including The Karate Experience: A Way of Life; Conversations with the Master: Masatoshi Nakayama; Karate Ideals; The Karate Spirit; Shotokan Karate: Its History and Evolution; Zen, Pen, and Sword: The Karate Experience; Recognition (A novel with Stan Schmidt); Karate Training Guide Volume 1: Foundations of Training; Karate Training Guide Volume 2: Kata--Heian, Tekki, Bassai Dai; and Samurai Journey (with Osamu Ozawa). In addition to teaching in his own dojos and YMCA's in the St. Louis, Missouri metro area, Mr. Hassell oversees the instruction of thousands of students in the ASKA, and he travels extensively, teaching, lecturing, and officiating. His latest book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate, co-written with Edmond Otis, is scheduled for release in July, 2000.

Product Details

• Paperback: 229 pages
• Publisher: Damashi Pubns; Revised edition (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0911921206
• ISBN-13: 978-0911921205
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,115,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly captivating work, a vortex of information!, January 15, 1998

By 

J. Balbirnie ([e-mail]) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shotokan Karate : Its History and Evolution (Paperback)

Randall G. Hassell is again shown here, to be in "top form"! This captivating work, is a compilation of tangibly "intense research". This book is living snapshot into the martial arts, and scrutiny of one particular "family" of Martial Artists. It's focus is the passionate discussion of the evolution and development of the proverbial "family" known as Shotokan Karate. Agree or disagree with its author, but the presentation is compelling, EXTREMELY articulate, a very balanced and interesting read!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent resource for Shotokan karate-ka., March 7, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Medford, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shotokan Karate : Its History and Evolution (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book alot. I've studied Shotokan Karate since 1974, and ever since Mr. Hassell wrote his article for Kick Magazine in 1981, I have been looking for a more detailed account to be published in a book. I am planning on using this book as a study guide for my students. I highly recommend it!

5.0 out of 5 stars A serious author, November 9, 2010

By 

Fernando A. T. Tavora (Fortaleza - Ceará - Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shotokan Karate: Its History and Evolution (Paperback)

The book brings a realistic view about shotokan's history, in special its evolution in USA. I would say: An excelent book written by a serious author.