Shotokan Karate:

A Precise History

Samurai:

The Story of a Warrior Tradition

The Shotokan Karate Book of Quotes

Karate Chronicles:

The History of Karate in Okinawa & Japan

(release 2014)

Karate

Shotokan Karate -

Advanced Methods. A seminar with Harry Cook

Volume 1
The Applications of Shotokan Kata part 1

Best known as karate's premier historian due to his landmark book, Shotokan Karate A Precise History, Harry Cook is also a superb instructor whose services are in great demand throughout the karate world. This first part of his four part series shows precisely why. The historical research for which he is famous, has led Harry back to the true meaning of the kata applications. His findings, which may initially seem shocking to some, are the answers to many of the most frequently asked questions by beginner and dan grade alike, and the key to truly effective karate.
 

Running time approx. 60 minutes.

Shotokan Karate -

Advanced Methods
A seminar with Harry Cook Volume 2
The Applications of Shotokan Kata part 2

“Sport or competition karate was the vehicle that was used to spread karate both in Japan and the rest of the world. The Japanese universities and later the big karate associations placed tremendous importance in sporting victory and so training methods, especially in kata, became influenced by the needs of competition. As a result, the quality of a kata and the skill level of a karateka performing a kata, was and still is judged by the external physical performance of his techniques, like floor gymnastics. The real skill, which lies in his ability to apply the techniques of a kata in a fight was downplayed or ignored. While this may be acceptable for those who are actively involved in tournaments, it is of little value to those who begin training in karate to learn defensive skills.”  — Harry Cook..

 
Running time approx. 60 minutes.

Shotokan Karate - Advanced Methods
A seminar with Harry Cook Volume 3

Training With Equipment part 1

“I start from the position that a martial art is for fighting and/or self defence, so the techniques must have some combat function, that is they are not fundamentally for exercise or physical training, that is the purpose of hojo undo, stretching etc. Miyamoto Musashi said in his book Gorin No Sho: ‘The true Way of sword fencing is the craft of defeating an enemy in a fight, and nothing other than this.’ I think that this is true and so it is necessary to develop training methods which develop skills directly applicable to fighting a strong, determined aggressor.” — Harry Cook.

Running time approx. 60 minutes.

Shotokan Karate -

Advanced Methods
A seminar with Harry Cook Volume 4

Training With Equipment part 2

“On the physical level a karate-ka needs to maximise his strength, speed and flexibility. In order to do this hard work is necessary. It is also important to be able to suffer to some degree without complaint. Carl Jung, in his work "The Development of the Personality" observed, ‘There is no coming to consciousness without pain,’ and I think that is certainly true about the martial arts.
“Mentally I feel you need to develop and maintain an open enquiring mind, what the Zen people refer to as Shoshin or beginner’s mind. Shunryu Suzuki said: ‘In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.’ Karate should be the art of the open mind as well as the art of the empty hand.” — Harry Cook.

Running time approx. 60 minutes.

These Four VHS videos (above) are available as one set only. Still factory sealed from publisher.

Please contact me for further details?