Kata, the deliberate practice of choreographed combat techniques and psychology, has been the centerpiece of traditional martial arts practice for centuries. The Zen of Kata is an in-depth study of karate-dō kata that have withstood the test of time. Author, biomedical scientist, and sensei Alex W. Tong focuses on this fascinating subject through the lenses of traditional Shotokan Karate-dō and his contemporary scientific insights, detailing how kata embodies the technical intricacies of Chinese gōngfu, the pragmatism of Okinawa-te’, and the irrepressible spirit of Japanese bujutsu (Samurai Zen). Nuanced discussions, along with numerous tables and figures elaborate how this “Moving Zen” process

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Through the practice of martial arts, a person can realize their full potential--not only in body, but in mind and spirit. The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts shows readers how. Author, sensei, and biomedical scientist Alex W. Tong delves into the physical, mental, and spiritual components of martial arts and integrates contemporary sports psychology, kinesiology, and neuroscience into a nuanced and illuminating understanding of what martial arts practice can be.

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Karate-do: the Art Beyond Techniques” offers a unique insight into the history, culture, and philosophy of martial arts, and in particular how karate-do training applies to daily life. In this modern era of karate-do training, students of the art are more engaged in perfecting their technical skills and forgetting the philosophical principles that seeks to perfect the character of the person. 

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