SHOTOKAN KARATE: ITS HISTORY & EVOLUTION
by Randall Hassell

A completely updated edition (through mid-2007) of the first comprehensive written history of Shotokan karate in any language!

The Fighter magazine said Randall Hassell is, "hands down, the world's finest, most authoritative karate-do writer." Here, he presents a masterful tale of the history and evolution of Japan's original and largest karate style, Shotokan. In addition to presenting the compelling story of the style's founder, Gichin Funakoshi, Hassell covers recent developments (through 2007) in the ever-evolving art of Shotokan karate-do.

Many more rare and never-before-published photos than in any previous edition complement everything from the Okinawan roots of karate to its development in Japan, the Japan Karate Association, American and international karate organizations, and the current state of the world of Shotokan karate.

Also in this edition: The origins and technical value of all Shotokan kata, a genealogy of traditional karate styles, Gichin Funakoshi's 20 precepts, and much more!

A must-have book for all serious Shotokan practitioners!

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