Shotokan Book Recommendation

[Taylor]

One of the most profound books I've read about the martial arts is an autobiography called, Moving Zen by W.C. Nicol. It is the story of an ex-pro wrestler (old school wrestling) who takes up Shotokan Karate in Japan and outlines his challenges and process. No glitz, no glam, just a good, honest autobiography about his journey to black belt and how it changed him. I wanted to recommend it here, even though I think any martial arts practitioner will connect with it, I think Shotokan practitioners will find it especially meaningful.

Edited May 15, 2008 by Taylor

[bushido_man96]

I had not heard of it, but it sounds like it might be an interesting read. Thanks for sharing it.

[NidaninNJ]

Yeah...Moving Zen is a great book. Another great one is a similar book by Stan Schmidt.

[ps1]

I read this book a few years ago while I was stationed in Iraq. It's one of the best books out there. Great suggestion.

[Taylor]

Meeting Myself : Beyond Spirit of the Empty Hand

by Stan Schmidt

Is that the one? I got the title off of Amazon. Sounds good, I should give it a read.

[northerndragon]

Another good book, IMO, is from Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa - 10th Dan!

"Black Belt Karate ~ An Intensive Course".

Not only is the editing and writing professional, the photographs actually pay great service to the flow of the text. It's intended as a workbook to help one through an intensive course sotospeak. Kodansha International Publishers, copyright 2006.

regards.

Eric

[solar_kid]

Yes, I think Nicol's book is not only a great book for karate students, but it's an outstanding work overall. I have enjoyed reading it several times.

[tori]

Thanks. I can't wait to read it!

[JWLuiza]

Harry Cook has written a treatise on Shotokan's history. The current version is out of print... but a 2nd Ed. is about to be released. Last version was selling for $500 on Ebay it's that good....

[bushido_man96]

Harry Cook has written a treatise on Shotokan's history. The current version is out of print... but a 2nd Ed. is about to be released. Last version was selling for $500 on Ebay it's that good....

I have actually reserved my copy of the 2nd edition. I am still waiting for it. I am also waiting for Karate Chronicles, too.

The Best Karate series, by M. Nakayama, are great as well, especially for their layout of the katas.