Shotokan Karate: A Precise History by Harry Cook (2nd Edition) Released: August 2009

Guys, I was recommended this book by a Shotokan Yudansha and also advised to attend his seminars

Has Anyone read this book or about to and has anyone trained with Shihan Harry Cook.

I believe he has a realistic Bunkai to kata and is Yudansha in Shotokan, Wado Ryu and Goju Ryu.

All, have you trained with him or aware of his methods and how similar/different are they to Iain Abernathy's Bunkai

thanks

--------------------

A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.

Osu

I have this book, and am in the process of reading it now (although my diligence in reading through it has faltered a bit as of late). Its a great historical reference, and from what I can tell so far, that is all it is; a history book as opposed to a training manual. The book is LOADED with information on different Karate masters that contributed to Karate in different ways, but Shotokan is the main focus.

Although pricey, I am so far pleased with the product.

A great book (tho I haven't read the 2nd edition yet).

I have 2 copies of the first edition, one is tattered through constant reading, the other is mint (never read, still has plastic cover on it) and I'm afraid is being sold at the end of the week on that popular auction site to fund my new Tokaido gi.

There is no question that professor Cook is very knowledgable. Just remember that any written desertation of Karate history, is one persons opinion.

I've both editions, and I paid about $120 for the 2nd edition, and I agree, the money was well worth it. I also agree; Harry Cook is VERY knowledgeable about Shotokan, and any serious Shotokan karateka would have this book in their home library, imho.

Check this link about Mr. Cook...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Cook

And here's an interview with Mr. Cook...

http://www.theshotokanway.com/harrycookinterview.html

Hello,

For anyone interested, Harry Cook has another course coming up that he is co-hosting with Frank Johnson and Peter May:

Details here:

http://www.koshikinote.com/Home.html

Sojobo

There is no question that professor Cook is very knowledgable. Just remember that any written desertation of Karate history, is one persons opinion.

I don't really think this is the case here. I don't know much at all about Karate's history, as it isn't the art I study. However, from reading this book, Cook seems to have done a good job of gathering information, substantiating it through various sources, and putting it together in a kind of chronology of events throughout the history of Shotokan. I don't see a lot of opinion interjected.