This book, entitled Samurai Diet: Traditional Japanese Nutrition for Karate-Do Practitioners, looks at the relationship between nutrition and sporting performance, and how better to do so than by focusing on the martial art of Karate-Do. It delves deeper into the issues that arise when comparing Western approaches to nutrition and sport with those of the ‘Eastern traditions’, considering in its case the traditional Japanese diet or ‘Samurai diet’. The main point of the author is to draw attention to the importance of optimal nutrition in training and competition.

Key concepts covered in the book:

The Importance of Nutrition in Karate-Do: Outlines how nutrition affects the energy level, muscle regeneration, brain performance and overall health of Karate-Do practitioners.

Foundations of the Samurai Diet: Outlines of a basic diets, such as whole foods diet and minimal food processing, plant-based foods, fluids and electrolytes.

Plant-Based Nutrition: The health benefits of eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds are emphasised, again, for muscle growth and recovery, but even more so for general health.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: It’s important for health to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining electrolyte balance, especially when exercising to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps.

Nutrition before and after training: Tailored suggestions are given for what you should eat pre- or post-training, to ensure top performance and speedy recovery.

Nutrition myths: Demolish common misconceptions about nutrition, such as the high proportion of dietary meat recommended … that we never get dehydrated … that we do not lose electrolytes (important minerals) in our sweat … [that] we do not get intoxicated by our own metabolic poison … and many more that Doc Shiraki shared with me.

Recipes and meal plans: Examples of daily menus and simple recipes with a flavour of traditional Japanese diet based on the modern lifestyle are included.

Info on supplements and safety: The book offers info on choosing and sound use of supplements, plus adding ‘NEVER take any supplements without third-party testing to ensure quality and safety of your product. Only insured products will safely provide the healthy ingredients you want.’

THE NUTRITION OF AND FOR . . .KARATE-DO. SPECIAL NUTRITRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS OF CHILDREN, ADULTS AND OTHER PRACTITIONERS OF KARATE-DO.

Conclusion:

The book The Samurai Diet gives an instructive account on how proper nutrition based on the traditional Japanese diet can be a basis for the success in Karate-Do. On reaching a particular level, it gives the complete supplementary nutritional requirements and helps in establishing the principles for performance and a speedy recovery after intensive training for the optimal success in Karate-Do. The book will prove to be useful and interesting both for students and long-time practicers of Karate-Do. They will all develop an important goal to improve their lifestyle, creating in this way an important way of self-expression in this art.