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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 796
EAN num: 9780804817035
ISBN number: 0804817030
Label: Tuttle Publishing
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 160
Printing Date: August 15, 1991
Publishing house: Tuttle Publishing
Sale Popularity Level: 488254
Studio: Tuttle Publishing
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
This guide discusses the dojo, the school where karate is taught.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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As a grey 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.
Rated by buyers 
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As a ShoDan assistant instructor of Shiho Karano Kenpo Karate, I strive to educate myself about the martial arts. I've found some good books on the subject, and I'm always on the lookout for more. Since "The Karate Dojo" has been in print since 1967, I figured it must provide valuable direction. It does, mainly by portraying a snapshot of martial arts history that challenges the budo practitioner to forsake mediocrity for mastery and character.
The book has three basic parts. First, the author provides a somewhat Karate-centric view of martial arts facets such as the dojo, belt ranking systems, and character self-analysis. In the second section are a number of martial arts parables that teach through historical narrative. Finally, Sensei Urban uses the last chapter to discuss the "contemporary" Karate scene (i.e. the mid-1960s). The overall theme is one of extreme discipline and perseverance within the martial arts, necessary to achieve a seemingly mystical level of physical, mental, moral, and spiritual ability. In other words, it takes hard work and commitment to become a "weaponless weapon."
"The Karate Dojo" is a quick read - I finished it in less than a day. There are a number of stylized line drawings and black-and-white photographs to complement the text. It's a portrait of an era in Karate that seems to be almost mythical - and mostly lost, at least in the West. The author fondly discusses harsh daily training under the strict discipline of a revered master in a dojo where everyone's practically family. I've tasted some of that, but nothing close to what Sensei Urban describes. And that's where I differed with the author. Yes, optimal mastery of any activity requires the type of commitment he advocates, and that's OK for some. But I believe it's possible to benefit from a consistent and disciplined practice of the martial arts without making an all-consuming religion out of it.
At any rate, despite some dated aspects and a monkish focus on martial arts that may be beyond what many would bear, "The Karate Dojo" contains worthwhile insights for the martial artist. If nothing else, its high standards may challenge one to take their current commitment and practice to a higher level.
Rated by buyers 
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Peter Urban was a pioneer in American karate and helped not only spread the art of goju ryu, but the ripple effect helped the promotion of other martial arts as well in the 60s and 70s. While a little eccentric, Urban was true to the bushido roots, while adapting karate for an American population.
This book covers karate philosophy in its mid-twentieth century form and promotes the positive aspects of discipline and etiquette. The book deals with attitude and motivation of spirit. The second half of the book has "dojo stories" that help embody the essences of karate training.
This is just a nice and simple book worth the read.
Rated by buyers -
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 purple to green/stripes to purple to brown
to brown/stripes and finally to the very first level grey 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!
Rated by buyers -
I borrowed this book from my Sensei and loved it so much that I had to buy it for myself! The stories in the second section are wonderful, and the ideas in the very first half really make you examine yourself and your training.
A must read for all karate students, even if all you get out of it is that the stories are cute.
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