No comments about Shorin-Ryu Karate USA: 30th Anniversary Commemorative Journal.

No comments about Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book.

No comments about Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book.

1 comments about The Spirit of Okinawan Karate Extended Throughout the World.

1. KISE Fuse Sensei is one of only a few living Okinawans left alive to have studied seriously under Respected Karate Sensei SOKEN Hohan. This book is, as far as I know, the _only_ publication on one of SOKEN Sensei's style derivatives, or by one of SOKEN's students in any language (having been published earlier in Japanese).
   
   A nice little volume detailing KISE Sensei's basic autobiography (192 pages total), the roots of KISE's Kenshinkan System, and including with complete photographic demonstrations the 6 Kata KISE +added+ to SOKEN Sensei's original repetoir. Kata included are: Pinan Sandan (page 97), Pinan Yondan (pg 100), Pinan Godan (pg104), Wansu (pg 108), Anunku (pg 114), And Seisan (pg 118).
   
   KISE apparently learned these 6 kata from one of his earlier teachers, NAKAMURA Shigeru of Okinawan Seibukan Shorin-Ryu (at the time I believe called Shorinji-Ryu after Shaolin Temple of customary Chinese history, NOT to be confused with the Japanese Shorinji Kempo), and imparted his own unique flavor in keeping with his years of training with Soken Sensei and experience in other Native Okinawan Karate Styles. Fellow students and friends of KISE's in earlier times in the study of the Shorinji-Ryu School of NAKAMURA time were ODO Seikichi and OYATA Taiku.
   
   Historians today suspect that Pinan 1 & 2 were created first, then Pinan 3-5 may have been created by ITOSU Anko and thus disseminated throughout Okinawa...and Japan, as Karate reached the mainland through ITOSU's students MABUNI and FUNAKOSHI, and steadily grew more linear, elongated in stance and militaristic. On Okinawa however, Pinan 3-5 were added to the beginning curriculum of many schools. SOKEN Sensei, being away in Argentina during this period of time, did not learn these new kata! Soken was receptive to KISE's new additions, reformed in the Matsumura Seito-ha style. Kensho Gibo says: "Pondering SOKEN's inclusion of 2 Pinan Kata, Kise says, "Soken Sensei wondered why his Pinan Kata was only created to Nidan (second Degree), even though the other Matsumura styles created to Godan (fifth degree)". (pg 96)
   
   A lot of neat photographs throughout...KISE Sensei (or more likely the translator) fails to correctly label the photo on pg. 69 of KISE's "first black belt student", who appears to be a young James COFFMAN. I enjoy the pair of photos opn page 93 comparing the Hakutsuru stance of SOKEN Sensei (top) with KISE Sensei (bottom). SOKEN Sensei's Right knee is obviously higher and a bit to the right, his fingers out straighter...KISE Sensei's knee is lower, the right angle slightly less, the hands curved down just a bit more, arms slightly more extended. Tiny differences, perhaps due to body type, individual practice, or preference. This shows how even among orthodox practitioners there may be small variations which do not affect the usefullness of a technique.
   
   A nice work to add to the library. Missing "Perfect" 5 Stars for me only because of the missed opportunity to offer the honest details of the Kise Sensei's own complete early training days, specifics of earlier teachers and styles. It would have been Awesome to read...what caused Kise Sensei to choose the path he did? Why did he retain and add to SOKEN Sensei's Matsumura Seito-ha the 6 Kata he did? Why the name change to Kenshinkan...and later attempt to reassume SOKEN Sensei's "Matsumura Seito-ha" school name? Why the later emphasis on sport Karate? Why only the focus on SOKEN Sensei in this book when others such as Nishiyama (6 kata) were clearly influential in KISE Sensei's development?
   
   Excuse my curiosity. I suppose I am fed up with the image building so prevalent among so many Okinawa-ha schools today. Too often things seem set up for a familial $ucce$$ion, rather than the old days of simple effective techniques, hard work and honesty about how things came to be, brotherhood, colleaguiality among practitioners, etc. All in all, for anyone in the Seito-ha umbrella/web heritage-wise, this is a decent offering.
   
   Hopefully within a few years other SOKEN Sensei students will realize their importance and offer or publish works in their own way to help preserve the unique and diverse heritage of this special Okinawan martial path. I look forward too by a second volume from KISE Sensei (Kobudo, Please!) :)

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5 comments about The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do (Shorin-Ryu).

1. Sensei Nagamine shares his heart, as well as his art, in this excellent book. The history of the martial arts development as well as its forms and function are presented in an easy-to-read format. For those who are students of the martial arts, especially Shorin-Ryu, this is an insight into the mindset of one of Okinawa's greatest teachers. It is a "must have" for the traditional student who wants to preserve the original kata forms and legacy of Grandmaste Nagamine.



2. Do not say that you study Matsubayashi-ryu unless you own and study this book. My instructor, a sixth degree black belt, carries it in his duffel bag. I do likewise.
   
   The first section is a good review of the history of the matsubayashi system and of the principles of martial arts. The bulk of the book contains photographs of Nagamine, the author, demonstrating kata. I have been able to learn and practice kata between lessons without waiting to ask my instructor this or that question. Consequently, I have progressed very rapidly.
   
   However, speed of progression is not the point of the book. The point is that karate is and should be practiced as a martial art. If you want to know what that means, you MUST read this book.



3. This book is well worth the price, it helps you reinforce your instructions. It also prepares you for the next step. Great



4. This book is fantastic. It is about the development of traditional Martial Arts as seen thru the eyes of the Great Master Nagamine. Anyone who is at all interested in Okinawan Karate and History should read this book.
   
   Others have copied the formant of this book as can be seen in the title Okinawan Karate "the teachings of Master Eihachi Ota".
   
   The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do is the original book that others emanate.



5. Nice and clear, is what it says it is, the Kata section is good, the rest is just padding I felt (thought fairly interesting), this is a great resource if you want something to support your lessons in the dojo and you are trying to get as good as possible with your Kata

5 comments about Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book.

1. As a student of Mr. Scaglione, I can whole heartedly reccommend this book. He writes the same information in his book as he teaches in his classes, and this book is considered a bible throughout the school(currently 19 dojos). This book offers clear, concise information about the origins of karate and it's kata, about the courtesy involved, and about all the "details" associated with the art. Learn how to store your gi, how to tie your belt, the japanese terms commonly used in karate class, the traditions of the art, etc. This book is not meant to teach karate, but it is an invaluable source for any student of karate.



2. It took me a while to purchase this book. But once I got it, I have no regrets whatsoever. Its informative and eye-pleasing to read. Mr. Scaglione and Mr. Cummings really did a great a job. In fact I recomended this book to several of my students.
   
   
   Prince Loeffler
   Shugyokan Shorin Ryu Dojo
   www.alljapankarate.com



3. This book gives some of the many questions that are asked about Shorin-Ryu Matsubayashi. This is a good book for new and older students to review from time to time. The answers are thoughtful and colorful.



4. This is an ok book, wish it was organized a lot better though, namely the question and answer sections. Since its a Q&A book, it would seem inherent that they should organize it better, but they definitely fail in that.
   
   It's hard to find good books on Shorin-Ryu. It could be that I'm picky since I've been studying martial arts since I was 7-- There are a few things I would have to disagree on. They seem to try to go into the philosophy of that art without fully understanding some elements? But I'm no master so maybe I'm missing something.
   
   They give strong opinions without backing them up, which is a bit irritating too. I think if your going to state that you should study weapons before open hand, you should give a darn good reason. Some research is just down right wrong, not sure where they got it from?
   
   but all in all, it has a lot of info you wont find anywhere else. It's a great read, but take it with a grain of salt.



5. I found this book rather laughable and at times. There are some good historical references that are true in regards to the history of karate; however some of his claims are not backed up by any data, or references. I believe he makes reference to one study conducted in 1978 to the question of how many people are currently studying karate. The book I have is a 2002 Third Edition to me that is lazy work if you are still referencing a study in 1978 and you are on your third addition. The question of how long does it take on the average to master one kata? Answer, approximately three years or 3,000 to 10,000 repetitions. Based on what analysis; were did he get this figure from? Next question that totally contradicts the above question is how many kata should we attempt to master throughout our karate career? Answer, we learn many and perfect one. It would take a lifetime to perfect one or two kata. This answer alone does not fall in line with the three years or 3,000 to 10,000 repetitions to master a kata. Another question at what level does one begin to perfect kata techniques? ; Answer; Yondan and above, although not in all cases. Ok so what I gather is that in order to master a kata it takes three years or 3,000-10,000 repetitions, oh wait it takes a lifetime to master a kata, no it take s a Yondan and above to master a kata, are you kidding me. Another question is the cat stance better for defense or for attack? Answer defense, and this answer is based on what?, again no analysis or examples to back up this claim. I will not even waste my time on the how fast can a karate punch travel or how powerful is a kick; again no analysis to back these claims up. Another question, which is most effective attack or strike? Answer the one you practice most come on that is lame answer. How much time is required to master a bo, answer 10 years again based on what analysis. I could go on, but will stop. Bottom line is I have been training in Matsubayashi for twelve years and am a Sandan (3rd DAN) and did not find this book useful and do not recommend it to anyone who is serious about their training in karate. I tend to shy away from books that do not have notes or bibliography to back up claims. This book is basically one mans opinion.