The ground breaking words of Tōyama Kanken (1888-1966) are presented here for the first time ever in English. Tōyama Kanken was the assistant instructor of Itosu Ankō Sensei, who first brought karate out from under the veil of secrecy in Okinawa. One of only three known masters to have studied under both Itosu Ankō and Higashionna Kanryo, Tōyama Sensei is an unsung hero of the ancient martial arts. Ever diligent, Tōyama Sensei continued his budo education by studying the martial arts of Taiwan, then opened his dojo called the “Shūdōkan” upon settling in Tokyo.
His expertise has affected countless martial artists and directly contributed to the founded of several important divergent styles. From among the ranks of Tōyama Sensei’s Shūdōkan and its affiliated dojos sprang masters of Shūdōkan, Doshinkan, Yoshinkan, Keishinkan, Koeikan, Hakushinkai, Tsuchiya-ryu, Toyama-ryu, Renbukan, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, Kyokushin, Goju-ryu and many others. His first-hand knowledge of the grandfathers of karate is unprecedented and will surely deepen the understanding of any serious karate student.
“Introduction to Karate-do: Its Inner Techniques and Secret Arts” contains the information from not just one but multiple publications of this captivating text by Tōyama Kanken. As it features pictures from different books at different points in Tōyama Sensei’s life, you will be able to compare his art as it progressed in time. This book is extremely rare even in its native Japanese language so it is sure to make a treasured addition to any collection of important books on the Okinawan art of karate-do.
Featuring:
✓ The origins of karate
✓ The moral code of karate-do
✓ His thoughts on styles and factions
✓ Detailed explanations of karate’s foundational skills
✓ How to use and make a makiwara punching post
✓ Kata: Naifanchi Shodan and Koryu Gojushiho
✓ Kumite: partner training drills
✓ The transcript of a round table discussion of Okinawan karate masters
✓ Itosu Sensei’s dying instructions
✓ Inner techniques and secret skills including: the double style breath method, the lion’s method, the tiger’s method, methods for a strong grip, methods to train the eyes, the bear claw technique, and the triangle jump
About the translator:
Tobey Stansbury has trained in Shudokan karate-do since 1988, having started at the age of seven. The life changing lessons of the martial arts immediately had a huge impact on his life, as it cured him of a severe childhood stutter. Having dedicated his life to the martial arts, Tobey relocated to Japan in 2005 to research Toyama Sensei’s karate and train under as many of his students as possible. After returning from Japan, he opened a dojo in Seattle, Washington where he continues to pass on the traditions of karate-do to the next generation.
“I first started training under Sensei Tobey in 2008. When I first started my training I was a pack-a-day smoker. I had tried to quit smoking many times but had failed. I promised Sensei I’d quit before my black belt test. I no longer smoke, and I believe that my training in Shudokan Karate under Sensei Tobey gave me the mental discipline that I needed to quit.”
-Thom E – Adult Karate Program
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“My 7-year old son and I have been going to Emerald City Karate for several years now. We have had a great time and always look forward to our family/youth class. As well as teaching about karate and Japanese culture and language, Sensei Tobey provides great lessons on how to work hard and patiently to succeed in anything. It’s also a great way to get mid-week exercise!”
Alan H – Youth & Family Program
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“Sensei Tobey is my son’s Karate teacher (we’re in the 4 to 6-year-old class). As a teacher of small children, I find him to be a wonderful combination of patience, discipline, and fun. He is very passionate about teaching Karate and it shows. He relates to the kids very well and can teach boys and girls equally, not only the physical skills of Karate but mental focus skills as well. It’s been a great experience for my son and I highly recommend Sensei Tobey and Emerald City Karate to anyone looking to enroll their child in a martial arts class. “
Yvette H (Karate Mom)
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Before joining Emerald City Karate I had no experience playing sports or participating in exercise programs because I didn’t like physical activities. So I didn’t expect I would be able to keep training for more than a month or so. But I found it to be fun immediately. The karate class has a variety of different subjects that keep students from being bored. Also, Sensei Tobey knows how to encourage students and allows them to have fun while feeling good about themselves. He likes telling jokes and making students laugh but his passion for teaching karate is always distinctive and serious. Because of his encouragement, I have kept training for a long time and even now I am training in Japan! Karate has taught me the joy of exercise and improved my concentration and it continues to teach many students to practice better manners and etiquette.
It is my pleasure to recommend Emerald City Karate for your exercise and experience in martial arts.
-Kaoru M: Adult Karate Program
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“I cannot say enough good things about the programs offered at Emerald City Karate. If you have children, this dojo (school) is a wonderful environment for them to learn traditional Japanese martial arts, self-discipline, and to have a great time!”
-Samantha: Karate mom
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