To assist ASKA students and other Shotokan karate-ka in general I have authored eight karate books. My books are a comprehensive reference library for Shotokan karate-ka.
My most recent book is a book dedicated to kihon (basic techniques). You cannot practice good karate without good basics.
The 26 Shotokan karate kata are covered in great detail. I have divided these 26 karate kata into four manuals that correspond to the student's progress through the karate ranks. Their content is explained below.
True traditional karate practice from its inception has always included the use of weapons. Hence I have authored a book on Bo (staff) kata as detailed below.
I have also authored a book on kumite (sparing) drills. These drills are required syllabus learning to the rank of Shodan.
Kata is karate. My bunkai oyo book (practical applications taken from kata) contains practical self defence applications from three kata.
Kihon Book (basic techniques) ($40)
In this book I demonstrate and explain correct hand positions and how to correctly perform basic dachi (stances), uke waza (blocking techniques), tsuki and uchi waza (punching and striking techniques), geri waza (kicking techniques) and uke waza tsuki/uchi waza (block and counter punch/strike combinations).
Kata Book 1 ($30)
Contains the first five Heian kata as well as Tekki Shodan. These kata are required learning for the ranks of 9th kyu – 3rd kyu.
Kata Book 2 ($30)
Contains the black belt kata that are required learning through the ranks of 2nd kyu – Shodan in our system. These kata are Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Jion, Enpi, Jitte and Wankan.
Kata Book 3 ($30)
Contains ASKA Nidan kata requirements. These kata are Hangetsu, Tekki Nidan, Bassai Sho, Gankaku, Kanku Sho and Meikyo
Kata Book 4 ($40)
Contains both the ASKA Sandan syllabus kata which are Sochin, Tekki Sandan, Chinte, Nijushiho and Wankan, as well as the ASKA Yondan syllabus kata which are Ji’in, Unsu, Gojushiho Dai, and Gojushiho Sho.
Kata Book excerpts
Bo Kata Book ($30)
I demonstrate the Bo kata Tenryu no Kon, Shushi no Kon, Tora no Kon and Sunekake no Kon. ASKA students must demonstrate one weapons kata at every black belt grading. I created the Bo kata Tora no Kon.
Kumite Drills Manual ($30)
Contains demonstrations of all the kumite (sparing) drills that are required learning 9th kyu – Shodan. These being 5 step, 3 step and 1 step kumite drills as well as all Jiyu Ippon drills
Kumite Drills Manual excerpts
Bunkai Oyo Book ($30)
The term Bunkai means to analyse or to take apart. The term Oyo refers to applying what is learnt from that analysis, so Bunkai Oyo is the correct term to describe and demonstrate applications for individual techniques or combinations of techniques that are found in kata.
There is never only one way to apply any particular karate technique. The principles found within the kata never vary. But no two situations in which you may wish to apply these principles will be the same. So you must, as Bruce Lee once said, be like water and be able to change and adapt and apply the principles that are found within the kata to any situation.
My bunkai oyo book contains detailed practical self defence applications for the following Shotokan kata, Heian Shodan, Meikyo and Chinte. ASKA students must demonstrate Bunkai Oyo at their 1st kyu grading and at every black belt grading.
