Adv. History

Shotokan's Secrets: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins by Bruce D Clayton

Learn how the hard-style karate that became shotokan took shape in 19th century Okinawa as an embattled king with an unarmed force of bodyguards faced an armed invasion from overseas. In this new 328-page book, author Bruce D. Clayton, Ph.D., uses rare sketches, footnoted historical research, archival lithographs, period photographs and contemporary technique demonstrations to reveal shotokan’s deadly intent and propose modern practical applications of such knowledge. Achieve a new level of theoretical understanding and fighting ability by learning Shotokan’s Secret for yourself! His writing style allows us to read the book almost as a novel and yet at the same time the reader is aware that this genuinely may be the secrets...not the myth...of the origins of shotokan karate. Highly recommended to anyone who believes that karate is more than just moving up and down the dojo. Absolute must for your library...but keep an open mind as you read it..Bruce challenges almost everything!!!

Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts 1

Patrick McCarthy is, at 7th dan, hanshi, the highest ranking Westerner in the Dai Nippon Butokukai, Japan’s elite traditional martial arts organization. A well-known historical researcher, instructor, and former tournament champion, McCarthy has written several books, including Tuttle’s best-selling (10,423 copies) Bible of Karate: Bubishi. His writing has appeared in The Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, Karate International, Australasian Martial Arts, Fighting Arts International, and Budo Dojo.

Volume 1 comprises Taira Shinken's Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan: An Encyclopedia of Ancient Ryukyuan Martial Arts and McCarthy's commentary Taira Shinken: The Father of Modern Kobudo.

Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts 2

Featuring original writings by the founders of some of the world's most popular karate styles, this volume includes McCarthy's "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Mabuni Kenwa Story", the "Dai Nippon Butokukai" and "Karatedo: Development, Essence, Aims". This book will be of great interest to all those who wish to understand more about the art of karate. Included in this volume are a biography of Kenwa Mabuni (founder of shinto-ryu), a translation of Chojun Miyagi's (founder of goju-ryu) Karatedo Gaisetsu (outline of karate-do), a transcription of the 1936 meeting of the masters and a excellent article on the development, essence and aims of karate-do by Patrick McCarthy himself. For those who wish to understand their art in greater depth I strongly recommend buying a copy of this collection of previously untranslated material

The Bible of Karate - Bubishi translated with commentary by Patrick McCarthy

Treasured for centuries by karate's masters, The Bubishi was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. Dealing with philosophy, strategy and medicine as they relate to the martial arts, it has been studied and taught from by all of karate's legendary masters. This English translation includes numerous explanations and notes to ease comprehension. The author also includes research on Okinawan and Chinese history as well as the fighting and healing traditions that developed in those countries, making it useful for researchers and practitioners alike.

Okinawa's Bubishi is an anthology of Chinese gongfu, its history, philosophy, and application. Focusing on White Crane style from Yongchun village, Fujian Province, this compilation also addresses Shaolin Monk Fist gongfu and reveals its relationship to Okinawa's civil fighting legacy of karate-do.

The History of Karate by Morio Higaonna

Gojo ryu, one of the main styles of karate on Okinawa, has benefited greatly from the expertise of Sensei Higaonna, the author of this well-researched book. He is a master technician of combat and also, in keeping with tradition, an accomplished man of letters. Thus he is a modern embodiment of the scholar/warrior that is held as the ideal in both Western and Asian cultures.

Concerning the text of his book, it is endorsed by a virtual "who's who" of Gojo ryu. He covers in great detail, in an engaging style, the various aspects of martial arts on Okinawa and the surrounding islands, including the Chinese influence. After this general background, he goes into much detail with the history of Gojo ryu's masters and influences. Some great photos add to Higaonna's gift of story-telling.

Advanced Karate - History

Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts 1

Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts 2

The Bible of Karate - Bubishi translated with commentary by Patrick McCarthy

The History of Karate by Morio Higaonna

Hitchin & Stopsley Karate Clubs