The Shotokan Karate Dictionary (Japanese Technical Terms Used in Karate)

Illustrated throughout with color photographs of karate stances and techniques—plus clear English definitions of karate terms—The Shotokan Karate Dictionary is a unique reference guide indispensable for every martial arts library.

The Shotokan Karate Dictionary, fourth edition, is a complete compendium of essential terms of the practice of karate-do, with special focus on the Shotokan style. Clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate English translations of Japanese karate terms, plus color photographs of essential karate stances, movements, and techniques, will give karate students a firm foundation in karate terminology. A Japanese pronunciation guide and exquisite calligraphy of the Japanese characters (kanji) of each term will deepen students’ understanding of karate’s cultural roots.

This comprehensive reference book covers the Japanese numerical system, different target levels and directions of movement, the basic elements of karate training, basic and advanced katas, as well as the Japanese terms for typical instructions and commands you will hear throughout your karate training.

The Shotokan Karate Dictionary also explores the philosophical background of karate through an explanation of selected terms, the origin of the name karate-do, the Twenty Precepts of Funakoshi, the rules that govern the dojo, karate philosophies, and annotations by famous Zen masters.