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Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate
Presents a demonstration of 11 kata through photo sequences and history of Okinawan karate, including Chinese-Okinawan relations, the creation of styles, and the birth and spread of karate. This title introduces 37 karate patriarchs. It discusses the origins of kata, the five-form fist and the physical and nonphysical aims of kata training.
- GenresMartial Arts
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1987
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April 22, 2022
This book was published in 1987 by Patrick McCarthy. This was before he published his rather famous translation of the Bubishi. It was before he put together his International Ryukyu Karate Research Society or honed in on the kata and drills that he believes are the best collection of study material. However, it is a clear precursor to that body of work. He does a good job introducing the history and key Karateka of the last 150 years. The kata are well chosen to provide the reader with a "good education" of important forms and describes in many cases the origin and other versions that are also notable.
The first time I picked up and read this book was probably in the early '90s. I didn't know as much back then nor was I familiar with all the kata or the versions of the kata in this book. Now that I'm reading it 30 years later, having studied many versions of these kata, I can appreciate it more. Compared to other books at the time and many since, the images are very clear, the markings on the floor convey important information to the reader and the descriptions are understandable. While it isn't expected to learn a kata from a book, you can easily compare it to ones you already have learned or decide if one appeals to you.
What I find interesting is that, with the exception of Matsumura Patsai and Wanduan/Wando, all the forms in the book are not in or not the versions that are in his system today. His system includes Chatan Yara Kusanku vs. Chibana Kusanku, and Arigaki Seisan vs. the "older"? version in this book. I know that he tries to include kata in his system related to the Bubishi, which are not in this book. What you also won't find in this book are Kanji, weapons forms, two person "Riai-Tegumi" exercises, or bunkai applications.
The first time I picked up and read this book was probably in the early '90s. I didn't know as much back then nor was I familiar with all the kata or the versions of the kata in this book. Now that I'm reading it 30 years later, having studied many versions of these kata, I can appreciate it more. Compared to other books at the time and many since, the images are very clear, the markings on the floor convey important information to the reader and the descriptions are understandable. While it isn't expected to learn a kata from a book, you can easily compare it to ones you already have learned or decide if one appeals to you.
What I find interesting is that, with the exception of Matsumura Patsai and Wanduan/Wando, all the forms in the book are not in or not the versions that are in his system today. His system includes Chatan Yara Kusanku vs. Chibana Kusanku, and Arigaki Seisan vs. the "older"? version in this book. I know that he tries to include kata in his system related to the Bubishi, which are not in this book. What you also won't find in this book are Kanji, weapons forms, two person "Riai-Tegumi" exercises, or bunkai applications.
Displaying 1 of 1 review