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Recommended Reading
Books may be purchased from Shihan Jim
The Essence of Okinowan Karate-Do
Shoshin Nagamine
Nyumonsha A Handbook for SKKAA Students from
Beginner to Purple Belt, 2nd Edition
Christopher Clarke
Nyumonsha is the essential handbook and reference tool for all SKKAA students
between beginner and purple belt, in other words for the first year or
so of the student's training. It includes all the requirements for grades
from 10th kyu to 7th kyu, including detailed explanations of what instructors
are looking for in students of a particular rank. In addition, each chapter
contains an explanation of the drills required for that rank, an explanation
of the meaning and history of the forms (kata) the student learns at that
level, and an historical profile of the seminal figures in the foundation
and development of Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate. The book also includes
an introduction to the etiquette observed in martial arts schools, the
reason for studying forms (kata), and a number of illuminating "Sensei's
notes" that cover such issues as free sparring, how to prepare for testing,
and an explanation of the different branches of Shorin-ryu.
Seito A Handbook for SKKAA Students from 5th
kyu to 1st kyu, 3rd Edition.
Christopher Clarke
Seito, redesigned with beautiful full color front and back covers, new
photos and illustrations inside, and updated content, is a must-have for
all Beisho members. The second in the SKKAA's series of handbooks for
students and teachers, it covers all essential information for the SKKAA
student from green belt to the threshold of black belt, including all
requirements, the meaning and background of each kata, biographical profiles
of more than a half-dozen important figures from the history of Okinawan
karate, self-defense, sweeps and take-downs, and information of starting
training in Okinawan weaponry. It is essential reading for all SKKAA students
from 7th kyu to black belt.
Sensei: A Handbook for SKKAA Instructors and
Their Students.
Christopher Clarke
Sensei is a goldmine of information divided into five sections. The first,
"Mind and Body," contains perspectives on the relationship of Zen to the
martial arts, the physics of karate, and the art of centering oneself.
Section Two is a complete description of the SKKAA grading system for
instructors, from SWAT Team to Senior Instructor. Section Three gives
four perspectives on teaching in the SKKAA, ranging from the art of teaching
children and teaching women self-defense to the SKKAA internship program.
Section four is composed of seven in-depth articles by senior SKKAA instructors
who have pursued advanced training in sparring, judo, grappling, Tai Chi,
weaponry and swordsmanship, and pressure-point fighting. The final section
contains thoughts on what it means to be a "sensei," or teacher of the
martial arts, by instructors and students of all ranks, ages, and abilities.
Yudansha A Handbook for SKKAA Black Belts
Christopher Clarke
This is the master hand-book for SKKAA black belts of all ranks. Chapters
on each rank from first degree black belt to master-level include descriptions
and explanations of all requirements, the distinguishing characteristics
of progress at each grade, the history and meaning of each kata learned
at that grade, information on the basics of each of five major weapons,
a detailed profile of a "sister" style of Okinawan karate, and a biographical
sketch of important but little-known figures from the history of Okinawan
karate. Yudansha also contains sections on the Chinese ancestry of Okinawan
martial arts and chapters on advanced kata application (bunkai), what
is "traditional" karate, and the SKKAA's system for ranking youth black
belts. Yudansha has numerous illustrations.
Kobudo A Handbook for SKKAA Weaponry Students
Christopher Clarke
This lavishly illustrated volume is really two books in one. The first
section of the book is devoted to the history of Okinawan kobudo. This
is arguably the most complete, comprehensive, and accurate such history
available, including descriptions of all the major lineages of kobudo
and biographical profiles of current and past masters. This historical
section contains a number of stories called "Kobudo Legends and Lore"
which relate famous stories of the prowess of past masters. The second
half of the volume is devoted to the SKKAA ranking system and extensive
information on the five major weapons and more than a dozen minor weapons
of Okinawan kobudo. The chapter on each weapon includes how to select
a good weapon of that type, how to handle the weapon, warm-up exercises
with the weapon, how to avoid hurting yourself with the weapon while learning
how to use it, basic techniques, drills, kata, and sparring with the weapon.
Each chapter includes a comprehensive chart of all major traditional kata
with the weapon, and an extensive resource list of books and videos available
about the weapon. Each chapter also contains one or more "Association
Legends and Lore," stories of the exploits, experiences, and miscues of
SKKAA seniors during their kobudo training.
Little Dragons and Tigers A Handbook for Youth
Students, Their Instructors, and Parents
Christopher Clarke & James True
This unique and heavily illustrated volume is really three books in one.
For youth students, it includes extensive information about Japanese culture,
along with numerous word games, coloring and learning exercises, and other
fun, interactive activities. For parents and teachers, the book includes
articles by some of the SKKAA's top instructors on everything from why
karate is good for children and why children drop out to martial arts
training for girls. It includes must-read chapters on how to motivate
children, understanding and teaching students with special needs, how
to help your child in his or her karate training, and frequently asked
questions by parents about their children's karate training. Finally,
Little Dragons and Tigers includes information on how the SKKAA ranks
youth students, what their requirements are for different levels, and
a training diary intended to be used as an interactive tool with the child's
instructor to track progress.
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