The Shotokan Karate Dictionary: Japanese Technical Terms Used in Karate

Illustrated throughout with color photographs of karate stances and techniques--plus clear English definitions of karate terms--The Shotokan Karate Dictionary is a unique reference guide indispensable for every martial arts library.

The Shotokan Karate Dictionary, fourth edition, is a complete compendium of essential terms of the practice of karate-do, with special focus on the Shotokan style. Clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate English translations of Japanese karate terms, plus color photographs of essential karate stances, movements, and techniques, will give karate students a firm foundation in karate terminology. A Japanese pronunciation guide and exquisite calligraphy of the Japanese characters (kanji) of each term will deepen students' understanding of karate's cultural roots.

This comprehensive reference book covers the Japanese numerical system, different target levels and directions of movement, the basic elements of karate training, basic and advanced katas, as well as the Japanese terms for typical instructions and commands you will hear throughout your karate training.

The Shotokan Karate Dictionary also explores the philosophical background of karate through an explanation of selected terms, the origin of the name karate-do, the Twenty Precepts of Funakoshi, the rules that govern the dojo, karate philosophies, and annotations by famous Zen masters.

Schlatt was born in Lauda, Germany, in 1964 and started the practice of karate-do in 1979. He has studied karate in over 20 countries and has taught in several dojos in Germany. Schlatt qualified for the Canadian National Karate Team for the 1996 Japan Karate Association World Championship. In 2016, Schlatt received his sixth Dan from Hideo Ochi, chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association of Germany and Europe. Schlatt's Japanese and Chinese cultural and language studies began in 1985 at the University of Freiburg and he received his masters degree from the University of Tubingen in 1994.

At the 1990 Gasshuku in Kempten, Germany, Schlatt translated for Norihiko Iida. This was the first time that instructions by a Japanese guest coach were translated directly from Japanese into German. Due to Schlatt's deep knowledge and understanding of Japanese language and culture, he is still a favorite interpreter for Japanese guest instructors at events inside and outside of Germany. Schlatt resides in Germany.