RECOMMENDED READING
 

Essential Introductions

 

1. Jikan Dojo Basic Student ManualBasic curriculum as well as a simplified introduction to the most relevant history and philosophies of the martial arts we practice. Complete knowledge for Green Belt & Brown Belt Theory Tests.

 

2. Jikan Dojo Advanced Student Manual (Brown Belts and Above)

A look at some of the more advanced topics in the martial arts practice. Highly recommended reading as the standard knowledge base for brown belts and black belts.

 

Essential Japanese Texts

 

3.The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate by Gichin Funakoshi

 

4.The Essence of Karate by Gichin Funakoshi

(ISBN 978 4 7700 3118 1)

"Teachers at schools where I teach speak to me at great length about their students who train in Karate, telling me about how they have become more restrained in their behavior. For me, such stories are a source of pride and satisfaction." Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate goes into the essence of karate, looking at its origins and key philosophies.

 

5.The Zen Way to the Martial Arts by Taisen Deshimaru

(ISBN 014 0193448)

A significant interview with a zen master on the integration of Zen into martial arts.

 

Light Supplements

 

6.The Art of Hojo Undo by Michael Clarke

Hojo undo means 'supplementary exercises' for traditional martial artists. This book shows how to construct and use the most popular martial arts training tools of Okinawa and strength building exercises linked to the motion of the fighting techniques of karate. Students are urged not to practice these exercises without the proper introduction from your sensei!

 

7.Karate-Do My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi

(ISBN 087011 4638)

Written by the founder of Shotokan the book illustrates origins of budo, etiquette and Japanese culture. Due to the longevity of Funakoshi sensei (born 1868) the man lived from the times when Samurai existed in the 1800s through WWIII and into the modern era of the late 1950s.

 

8.Three Budo Masters by John Stevens

(ISBN 47700 18525)

This book provides an overview of three men who were instrumental in guiding their disciplines into the modern age. Jigoro Kano(Judo), Gichin Funakoshi(Shotokan Karate), Morihei Ueshiba(Aikido).

 

In-Depth Martial Art Studies

 

9.The Bubishi; Author Unknown

This revered ancient text has been a patriarchal source of knowledge to masters of the martial arts and the founders of modern karate and their teachers. The Bubishi is regarded as the Bible of Karate and though it outlines details of White Crane Gongfu & Monk Fist, it has had a significant impact in the development of modern Karate-Do.

 

10.Sun Tzu - The Art of War by Sun Tzu

This book was written more than 2400 years ago and is considered the most important work on strategy. It teaches how to avoid confrontation through strategy, and maximize efficiency to achieving goals. It's concepts are valid in life as much as in combat.

 

11.The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

Written in 1643 by the undefeated legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. This text provides insight into the subtle arts of confrontation and victory in warfare and in everyday life and the strategy, psychology and physics they require.

"..the Japanese are generally able to address and experience virtually anything as a life and death situation. This book shows how they do it."