・Authored by: Tatsuya Nakata
・Language:English ・154 pages
・Publisher:BAB JAPAN
Karate gained global attention following its inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), though it had already enjoyed widespread popularity, with an estimated 130 million practitioners worldwide. For Japan, the birthplace of karate, this recognition is a profound honor. The author deeply respects the early pioneers of all karate styles who, soon after World War II, spread karate internationally, relying solely on their skills.
For over half of each year, the author has traveled abroad to teach karate. Through this experience, he observed that many overseas practitioners are drawn not merely to karate as a sport but to karate-dō̶the traditional Japanese martial path. Their interest in kata and the spiritual essence of karate reflects a deep commitment, often leading to lifelong practice. This has helped karate take firm root in countries around the world.
The author began karate at the age of 13 with Wadō-ryū, later transitioning to Shōtōkan-ryū. Throughout his journey, he trained in various kumite styles, including JKA’ s ippon-shōbu, the Japan Karate Federation’ s now-obsolete sanbon-shōbu, and protector kumite. After university, he became a kenshū-sei (JKA HQ instructor trainee), ultimately pursuing karate professionally and taking on the role of lead instructor at the JKA headquarters.His growth has been shaped not only by rigorous practice but also through interactions with diverse students and instructors across the globe. These experiences have gradually transformed his understanding of karate techniques, body mechanics, and mental focus.
He also participated in a budō-themed movie, gaining insights into the real-world practicality of karate through the filming of realistic combat scenes̶something less apparent in routine dōjō training.In recent years, the author has had valuable encounters with teachers from other karate styles, as well as practitioners of other budō and Chinese martial arts. These meetings continually inspire him and affirm the boundless potential for growth through mutual learning.
Now approaching the age of 58(as of writing), he remains committed to daily training and research. His belief is that continuous growth, even at this stage in life, is a hallmark of Japanese Budō. His personal motto̶"Learn, Train, and Grow to Be Better"̶guides his practice and his relationships with others who share this mindset.
As globalization accelerates, the author hopes to introduce more people to the beauty and depth of budō karate, rooted in Japanese culture and traditional values. This book reflects his insights, accumulated experiences, and training philosophy, and is offered in the hope that it will serve as a meaningful guide to readers on their own karate journey.
Tatsuya Naka (born May 29, 1964, Koishikawa, Tokyo) is a prominent Shotokan Karate practitioner and instructor, ranked 7th Dan by the Japan Karate Association (JKA). He began Wado-ryu Karate at age 13, later training in karate clubs at Meguro High School and Takushoku University. After graduation, he completed the JKA's 28th Instructor Program and now teaches as a senior instructor at JKA Headquarters.
Mr. Naka sees karate not simply as a sport, but as a "way to cultivate the mind and body through daily practice." He strives to express karate as a contemporary martial art, valuing traditional kata while also studying other systems like Okinawan Karate, Chinese martial arts, and boxing. His wide-ranging studies aim to capture the essence of budo - including reflexes, movement principles, breath control, and shifting the body's center of gravity. Through films, YouTube, and global seminars, he actively promotes the deeper spirit of karate-do. ・ Tatsuya Naka -Japan Karate Association TAISHIJUKU http://jka-taishi.com/
It has been 45 years since I started karate-dō. I am deeply grateful to the many people who have guided me along the way. I believe that it is my mission and my role to continue to devote myself to karate-dō and to spread the beauty of karate-dō to as many people as possible both in Japan and abroad.
I believe that the budō culture, which has been refined and developed over the long history of Japan as a practice of self-discipline and self-development - “to knead and train the mind and spirit through physical training, and to deepen the spirit” - is important. The threefold training form of kihon, kata, and kumite recommended by the Japan Karate Association is important for the lifelong practice and study of karate-dō. The uniqueness and essence of budō and Karate-dō must not be lost.
Although I am still inexperienced and my capabilities are still limited, I would like to spread the beauty and the appeal of budō and karate-dō to as many people as possible in various capacities. At the same time, I would like to spread the spirit of Japanese harmony and values that have been cherished by the Japanese people since ancient times, as stated in the Articles of Incorporation of the Japan Karate Association: "By spreading the spirit of Japanese budō, which respects civility, internationally, we aim to contribute to world peace."
I believe that the spread of this art is the true globalization of budō/karate-dō. Budō/Karate-dō is a unique culture that Japan can be proud of in the world. (Excerpted from the text) Buy this book.
Karate Shihan Tatsuya NAKA, who earnestly pursues the path of Bujutsu, pays a big respect to Koryu Bujutsuka Tetsuzan KURODA who changed the view of Bujutsu of NAKA Shihan.
Here, under the guidance of KURODA Shihan himself, NAKA Shihan experiences the KURODA method of training devised by KURODA Shihan. This training method is called as "playing pranctice" which focuses on the key points extracted from the Kata.
・Supervised/instructed by Tetzuzan KURODA / Performed by Tatsuya NAKA
・Language: English
・$30 per title (approx. 60 min)
At our company, we sell over 130 VOD(streaming videos) on our English website, BUDOJAPAN.com.
How much do you really know about Japanese martial arts and the culture behind? Aikido, Karate, Judo, Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, Naginata, Kyudo, Traditional Budo and Bujutsu.
Our company is a publishing company that publishes "Monthly HIDEN" magazine about Japanese martial arts in JAPAN.
We launched BUDOJAPAN.com so that overseas fans can get to know these information of Japanese martial arts and Japanese culture.
Japanese martial arts are deeply connected to culture.
We hope that through martial arts, you will learn more about Japan.
https://budojapan.com/
We also publish books, DVDs and e-books related to martial arts, and also conduct planning and operation of video distribution websites, seminar business.
In addition to the publication of magazines, we are doing multimedia publishing activities making the most of the features of each media.
On WEB HIDEN.jp, "Monthly HIDEN" magazine official website, you can see many articles, pictures, videos on this website that are not fully featured on BUDOJAPAN.com yet.
WEB HIDEN.jp is translatable by Google(English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese).
https://budojapan.com/hiden/
