New York – 03 Jan, 2024 – Renowned author and sensei Alex W. Tong is set to unveil his latest literary masterwork, The Zen of Kata. Following the success of his debut publication, The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts, Alex Tong delves into the heart of Japanese traditional martial arts, unraveling the profound significance of Kata—a cornerstone in the practice of karate-do.
Kata, a timeless embodiment of combat techniques, strategy, and tactics, seamlessly weaves together the technical intricacies of Chinese gōngfu, the pragmatism of Okinawa-te’, and the indomitable spirit of Japanese bujutsu. This compelling work takes readers on a journey through the genesis of kata in 6th-century Shaolin gōngfu, exploring its evolution and enduring relevance in modern-day traditional karate-do.
As moving meditation, kata serves as a powerful tool to hone both mind and body, impelling the martial artist to enact defense and attack sequences with full force and authority. The author’s nuanced discussions, complemented by tables and figures, illuminate the process of kata mastery and bring to light its transformative attributes.
Readers will experience a transcendent journey that unveils the essence of traditional Japanese martial arts. The book delves into kata’s dynamic arsenal of combat techniques for full-distance to close-range conflicts. Beyond the physical, kata shapes the mind for anticipation, action, and containment, laying the foundation for preparedness in martial combat.
The Zen of Kata affords insights on wile, timing, and distance – kata elements that craft combat strategy and tactics. The elevation of spirit is a central theme, as purpose, discipline, physical capability, and mindfulness come together to fortify the practitioner’s journey. As “Moving Zen,” kata becomes a conduit to the practitioner’s ‘true’ nature (kenshō) that unlocks their full potential.
The Zen of Kata by Alex W. Tong extends beyond kata movements and their functionality. Its contents also unveil a transformative path for self-realization and a comprehensive mastery process for the arts. The closing chapters highlight Sochin and Nijushiho, two Shotokan Kata emblematic of the Shotokan practice. Compelling demonstrations are provided by Bryan Hays and Soolmaz Abooali, National Kata Champions who have devoted decades to the study of these kata.
The Zen of Kata by Alex W. Tong is not just a book; it’s an invitation to experience a traditional practice that has evolved assiduously over centuries. It’s a must-read for martial arts enthusiasts, practitioners, and those seeking to deepen their understanding of traditional karate-do.
About the Author:
Alex W. Tong has practiced Nishiyama Shotokan Karate for fifty years and holds the rank of hachidan (eighth-degree black belt) by the World Traditional Karate-dō Federation (WTKF) based in Geneva, Switzerland. After having retired from decades of national competition, he now participates as a Certified Coach and Class A (International) Competition Judge.
Tong is the current President of the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF), the oldest non-governmental organization for karate competition in the United States. He founded the Japan Traditional Karate Association of Dallas as a young, third-degree black belt from the Pacific Northwest. JTKA Dallas celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2022. As a direct student of the late Hidetaka Nishiyama, his interpretations of traditional karate-do practice are backed by a lineage that traces back to the great Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan karate-do and known as the “father of modern karate.”
Alex Tong, PhD, has been a professional cancer research scientist for over 40 years. He has authored over 70 full-length original research articles and book chapters, which rank among the top 5% according to the Research Gate (RG) score, a cumulative measure of research outcomes, reputation among peers, and citation statistics. Tong holds multiple patents on the experimental treatment of human cancers and served as an adjunct professor at Baylor University, Waco, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX. His scientific background enables him to impart contemporary scientific concepts that meld seamlessly with traditional martial arts practice. His recent book publication, entitled The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts: Exploring the Connections Between the Cognitive, Physical, and Spiritual Aspects of Martial Arts, was released by North Atlantic Books in February 2022.
Book Name: The Zen of Kata: Uncovering the Hidden Path to Combat Readiness, Self-actualization, and Enlightenment
Author Name: Alex W. Tong
ISBN Number: 978-1917007085, 978-1917007252
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