The Empty Hand : Karate Wordbook

This handbook was written to help Western students understand the precise and complete meaning of the many Japanese terms used by their "sensei", or master, in the "dojo" (practice hall), and grasp the implications of their martial art.

Each of the 28 main entries is an in-depth mini-essay on one karate term, explaining not only its meaning but the Sino-Japanese characters used to write it.

The essays also provide a background on the history and culture of karate, and the attitude one should cultivate towards martial art practice.