The Karate Dojo: Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art

As a black belt and teacher/student I constantly reference this book as a source of inspiration and knowledge as I continue on the warriors path. This is a must have book for anyone considering trying karate, wondering what the heck karate is, or at any level in their training. Participants of other martial arts would also benefit from reading and recognizing the shared characteristics and spirit among us.

The author's name is synonymous with the Goju style of Karate. The volume covers the dojo etiquette, the system of belts, kata and jiu-kumite. The Goju style has a progressive series of belts from white to green to green/stripes to purple to brown to brown/stripes and finally to the first level black belt. Incremental knowledge of the katas combined with excellence of execution are important distinguishing factors between the various belts. At the higher levels, candidates must have some formal teaching together with entries into various competitions sponsored by local, national and international associations in the art. Contestants have a separate karate etiquette to be displayed before the judges and their fellow colleagues. Master Peter Urban shows the all-important connection between excellence of execution of the kata and transferal of those skills to the formal jiu-kumite. The book contains a series of stories related by the author. These stories form an integral part of the book. Mastery of the art requires continuous practice and study on the part of candidates. The skills learned in Goju Karate can be transferred into life practices and habits. The volume is well worth the price for serious students of the Goju Karate. Read this book thoroughly and your Sensei will marvel at your progress in the art!

An excellent overview of karate by an American legend. Sensei Peter Urban captures the very essence of karate in this extremely well written book. It is a must read for all students of karate.

Master Urban's simple but thoughtful writing captures the essense of Karate's aim, history and potential. This book is a must for all serious students.

This book is a classic on martial arts. For many of us who have been practicing for decades, this was one of the first books we may have read.It contains a collection of both interesting stories and pieces of information for students of martial arts that detail physical training regimens as well as martial philosophy and history. It is not a "how to" book but rahter an introduction to martial arts training in general. As this book is a classic, written by an American martial arts pioneer, it is worth having.