Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat

by Jesse Enkamp (foreword), Patrick McCarthy (Translator), Joe Swift (Contributor)

Treasured for centuries by karate's top masters, the Bubishi is a classic Chinese work on philosophy, strategy, medicine, and technique as they relate to the martial arts.

Referred to as the "bible of karate" by famous master Chojun Miyagi, for hundreds of years the Bubishi was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. All of karate's legendary masters have studied it, applied its teachings, or copied passages from it. No other classic work has had as dramatic an impact on the shaping and development of karate as the Bubishi .

Karate historian and authority Patrick McCarthy spent over ten years researching and studying the Bubishi and the arts associated with it. This is the first English translation of this remarkable martial arts manual. A goldmine for researchers and practitioners alike, its pages are filled with notes, explanations and groundbreaking research from McCarthy on Okinawan and Chinese history and the fighting and healing traditions that developed in those countries.

For the final word on the true origins and spirit of classic Okinawan martial arts, one need look no further. This karate book is one of the best karate training supplements available. This new paperback edition includes additional commentary from the translator, as well as a new foreword.

Genres: Martial Arts, History, Nonfiction, Philosophy

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Philina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five stars for the author for all this amazing research.

The three stars just reflect my personal enjoyment of the book.

[Jenna-Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? This book is so full of information under every facet of karate and its history that only reading it once does not do it justice. This is a book you study and mull over. It takes far more than reading the text at face-value to gain everything this book has to offer.

Not only a manual for different fighting and self-defense techniques, the Bubishi also goes over philosophy, history, medicine and religion. It lays out everything accessibly without simplifying anything. It feels to me that this is a book where, the more you know about karate, the more you will get out of it, while also being a good way to get a beginner asking questions and thinking more deeply about the different avenues of their art.

The illustrations that are placed alongside medical and combat descriptions only further add to explanations and help bring the history of the art to life.

[Wesley Glaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a masterpiece! I look forward to rereading and referring to this book in the future!
I was not expecting the massive sections on history and philosophy. They took up a large portion of the book and had a lot of overlapping information due to the nature of searching out theories of Bubishi origins and how eastern martial arts ties into history and politics. I wish I knew more before I read this book, but it serves to show me how much I don’t know. And that excites me to dig deeper. Love bibliographies for that reason!

The actual Bubishi in the latter half of the book was well written. Very understandable in the parts that I have experience in. It had me poking myself when reading about vital points. The illustrations are spot on and very helpful. Rather interesting to realize that these were original or remakes of original illustrations!

I appreciate McCarthy’s understanding of karate and its practicality to modern life. Even if we don’t use the martial aspect of it as much anymore. The unity of mind and body in the context of the rest of reality is worth thinking on.

[Brayden · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not the karate bible. 30% of the book is self-important stories of this Patrick person, then another 30% has to do with herb medicine. The small section with the old illustrations and the parts on Dim mak were worth a read, although more mysticism than anything.

[Karl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up this book after seeing it recommended by Jesse Enkamp in his video “Bubishi: The Bible of Karate (Kata Bunkai).” I have to say, I’m disappointed. I was expecting a straightforward translation that focused on practical karate moves, bunkai, and vital points.

Instead, about two-thirds of the book are devoted to speculation about where the Bubishi came from and how it developed—its origins, historical context, and various martial legends. The author also discusses influences from Chinese White Crane, Tiger, and other styles, as well as the text’s philosophy, medicine, and ethics. Only around one-third actually covers practical techniques. I don’t understand why the author couldn’t focus more on the moves themselves — that’s what I think most readers interested in karate would be looking for.

If you’re mainly interested in the historical background or theories about the text, you might find it worthwhile. But if you’re looking for a clear, technique-focused manual, this probably isn’t it.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the 2016 ebook edition, but always prefer to have a hard copy of a book when it has illustrations. I was lucky that my Sensei gave me an extra copy that he had of the 1996 edition. There is extra material in the newer book, and so I read them simultaneously.

I'm a Goju Karate practitioner, and a Yang Taiji Chuan instructor. I loved how Sensei McCarthy clearly shows the history and evolution of karate, and how interconnected the different martial arts are. I found both editions readable, very informative, and enjoyable reads.

[Dan Brigman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply put, martial arts are a very physical and mental exercise. McCarthy offers an English translation of what is thought out as a "bible of karate".

While some items within this tome will not necessarily be as applicable. it offers a worthwhile guide to those seeking to broaden their knowledge of karate.

[Darren Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really a book about the Bubishi although part of the Bubishi, I think, is in the book. It's really hard to tell. So, if you want a thorough grouping of writings about the Bubishi, this book is for you.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

yeah, good in bits and pieces

[Osvaldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like most was the story and who carefully was worked and to explore different disciplines into a single publication. It is a big collaboration to make this book.

[Bo Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compilation of ancient gonfu articles that influenced Karatedo, Taekwondo, and Hapkido.

[Nachobr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the research put into the book, but as a read, even as someone that loves karate, its not the eassiest, most entertaining or fullfilling read.

[Annie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched on origin of Karate. Not an easy read. I've met and also learned from the author, one of the kind who walk the talk and talk the walk - way of budo.

[Casey Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any martial artist.

[Matt Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not that useful for practical karate, mostly long self agrandising essays and herbal TCM info