Resources
A curated collection of resources for karate practitioners. Books, organisations, and tools we recommend based on practical value.
Organisations
- World Karate Federation (WKF) - The international governing body for sport karate. wkf.net
- English Karate Federation (EKF) - The national governing body for karate in England. englishkaratefederation.com
- Karate Scotland - The national governing body for karate in Scotland. karatescotland.org
- Welsh Karate Federation - The national governing body for karate in Wales.
Recommended Books
- Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi - The autobiography of Shotokan's founder. Essential reading.
- The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi - Strategy and mindset for martial artists.
- Best Karate series by Masatoshi Nakayama - Comprehensive technique reference for Shotokan practitioners.
- Bunkai: Secrets of Karate Kata by Iain Abernethy - Practical kata application.
- The Essence of Karate by Gichin Funakoshi - Philosophy and principles.
Training Tools
- Makiwara - Traditional striking post for developing power and conditioning knuckles.
- Resistance bands - Useful for hip drive drills and stance strengthening.
- Foam roller - Essential for post-training recovery and maintaining mobility.
- Mirror - Underrated training tool for kata refinement and technique self-assessment.
KarateLifestyle Guides
- What Is Kihon? - A practitioner's guide to karate basics
- What Is Kata? - Understanding karate's solo forms
- Karate Gi Size Guide - Getting the right fit
- Karate Stances Explained - Which ones actually matter