A Goju Ryu Guidebook: The Kogen Kan Manual for Karate gives the reader a tool to navigate the history, exercises, equipment, techniques, kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karatedo. The purpose of this guidebook is to serve as a training aid in furthering the development of karate students and instructors from the Kogen Kan specifically and all karate students generally; however, if it helps only one person, then I will consider it a success. Please keep in mind that much of this information is in notation form and may only make sense with proper instruction. This guidebook is only a tool to help in the retention of instruction and is not a substitute for it. Also, please keep in mind, that although others have assisted with this guidebook, all errors are my own. This guidebook is formatted in such a way as to be the beginnings of a filing and retrieval system. As each student collects more information, they can organize it by adding it to the "notes" area of the respective sections. It is hoped that all students will research, collect and share material about karate. It is this type of systematic approach that brings science to the art. It is also written so that a lesson plan can be developed quickly by choosing one or more activities from several sections. If more details are needed while teaching, they can quickly referenced in the rest of the manual. Each chapter is given a table of contents to further hasten referencing. It has a spiral coil binding so it will lay flat for easy viewing during training. Large font also helps in referencing the information from a distance. Much of this guidebook is written in Japanese. This is done for two reasons: first, it is important to learn Japanese, as it will help standardize everyone's martial arts training; and secondly, this will help keep this information in the purview of the serious. It is a barrier, which will hopefully weed out some who may not use the martial arts for purposes which they were intended, namely the protection of self and others. Thank you for reading this guidebook. Michael P. Cogan, MSE

Using an innovative new format, this journal allows you to quickly and easily record applications (or "Bunkai") for the movements in any kata in the Isshinryu karate system! Instead of frantically writing in class or at seminars not only the application being shown, but which kata and where in the kata the application applies, simply open this journal to that point in the kata to begin taking notes in specially formatted cells. Perfect for taking to seminars or karate class, or just using for home study, this journal can help deepen your knowledge and understanding of traditional karate katas. This journal includes step-by-step photos of the following katas: - Seison - Seiunchin - Naihunchi - Chinto - Kusanku - Sunsu - Sanchin

The heart of traditional karate is found within the kata. Naihanchi (Tekki) Kata is one of the original training forms and various versions of it can be found today in karate styles derived from the old Shuri-Te lineage on Okinawa. It is a vital part of karate's heritage handed down from the pioneering masters of our past. In this thought-provoking publication, Chris Denwood presents his own approach to traditional karate through Naihanchi Kata, featuring a step by step guide and an avid exploration of its true depth. Using five layers of analysis, Chris examines in detail how the movements of Naihanchi Kata represent a series of lessons, based on holistic themes and principles that when applied, show why this seemingly superficial kata has been revered by serious practitioners for generations. Volume one introduces the Kata, focusses on developing a solid foundation and investigates a number of the most important lessons on structure and dynamics to be found within the movements of the form.

What would you like to obtain from your research and practice of an Okinawan martial art? For an academic, it would be to obtain historical and cultural facts and details. For a practitioner, it would be to gain expertise in the combative skills. If you’re interested in both, this first of a three-volume anthology is assembled for your convenience to facilitate your endeavors. These volumes assemble a wealth of material originally published during the two decades when the Journal of Asian Martial Arts was in print. Hundreds of pages and photographs present the richness of Okinawan martial traditions, from the original combatives to those influenced by Chinese and mainland Japanese martial art styles. The variety of topics shown in the table of contents indicate the depth and breath in the chapters, along with the authors who are well-known for their meticulous research and practical skills in specific arts. These three volumes dive deep into the history and culture of Okinawan martial arts. You’ll find coverage of the actual artifacts—the material culture related to weaponry and training methods. Instructions from the masters details both open-hand techniques as well as with weapons. The chapters offer insights into “the lives of many masters over the past few centuries, giving the raison d’être for these unique fighting arts—their reason for being. Many streams of arts have contributed to the martial traditions found on the small island: Naha-te, Shuri-te, Fukien White Crane, Shorin, Goju, Motobu, Shotokan, Isshin, Kyokushin, Pwang Gai Noon, Shito, Uechi, and the list continues … Along with the various styles come the associated training methods, such as conditioning exercises with weights and creatively designed apparatus, such as the punching post (makiwara), or stone lever and stone padlockshaped weights. Some become battle-hardened by active and passive breaking of objects (tameshiwari), including wooden boards, baseball bats, rocks, and ice. The extensive use of weaponry is found in many Okinawan styles, often associated with their farming and fishing occupations. Such a blend of history and culture make the Okinawan fighting traditions a fascinating field of study. Besides being such vital sources of information, these three volumes will prove enjoyable reading and permanent at-hand reference sources in your library.

Traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate and Kobujutsu in Kenshikai Attitude According to Dr. Hokama Tetsuhiro