The Katas

Download The Katas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1594778183
Total Pages : 192 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (947 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Katas by : Kenji Tokitsu

Download or read book The Katas written by Kenji Tokitsu and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2010-09-03 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The embodiment of the ancient knowledge that underlies the dedication-to-perfection philosophy of Japan • How mastering these specific movement sequences known as katas provides a way to deepen one’s martial arts practice spiritually • Explores the psychological and social importance of the katas in martial arts and Japanese society, including their role in seppuku (ritual suicide) • Includes many examples from the lives of famous masters, from the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi to 20th-century poet Yukio Mishima An essential part of the martial arts of Japan, such as sumo and karate, the katas are specific sequences of movement that originated during Sakoku, Japan’s period of closure to the outside world from 1633 until 1853. The dedication-to-perfection philosophy of the katas, ubiquitous in Japanese society, is vital to understanding the spiritual aspects of their martial arts as well as other traditional Japanese arts, such as flower arranging, chadō (tea ceremonies), and kabuki theater. With examples from the lives of famous masters, from legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi to 20th-century poet Yukio Mishima, this book explores the psychological and social importance of the katas, including their role in seppuku (ritual suicide), the student-master relationship, and gyo (the point at which the practitioner breaks the mold of the kata and begins to embody it). Looking at their origins in the warrior class and how this pursuit of perfection is ultimately a way to accept the power of death, the author explains how performing the katas transmits ancient knowledge much deeper than just technical movements, providing a way to deepen one’s martial arts practice spiritually.

Karate Katas of Wadoryu

Download Karate Katas of Wadoryu PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9789197023108
Total Pages : 208 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (231 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Karate Katas of Wadoryu by : Shingo Ohgami

Download or read book Karate Katas of Wadoryu written by Shingo Ohgami and published by . This book was released on 1984 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

空手型全書

Download 空手型全書 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Kodansha
ISBN 13 : 9784770030900
Total Pages : 239 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (39 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis 空手型全書 by : Hirokazu Kanazawa

Download or read book 空手型全書 written by Hirokazu Kanazawa and published by Kodansha. This book was released on 2009-10-26 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The martial art of Karate is one of the many facets of Japanese traditional culture that has been embraced worldwide. This book explains all the important Karate kata, illustrated with photos and detailed text by the author. It also explains in depth some of the more difficult aspects of Karate for learners to master, including steps, breathing, and pressure points, among others. Kata needs to be practiced repeatedly on an individual basis, and this book is written with such training in mind.

Shotokan Karate Kata

Download Shotokan Karate Kata PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Meyer & Meyer Verlag
ISBN 13 : 1841260916
Total Pages : 154 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (412 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Shotokan Karate Kata by : Joachim Grupp

Download or read book Shotokan Karate Kata written by Joachim Grupp and published by Meyer & Meyer Verlag. This book was released on 2002 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Kata is fighting, self-defence, precision and dynamic force all in one. It represents a fascinating multitude of logical, sequential techniques, with which the Karateka can demonstrate what he can do regarding his body control, powers of persuasion, perfection and fighting spirit. The repertoire of Shotokan Karate contains 26 Kata in all. The Master Kata described in this work belong to the advanced part of the repertoire and carry on from the 17 basic and advanced Kata introduced in Volume 1. This then completes the list of all the Shotokan Karate Kata. There are 9 Kata with Bunkai in this book: Sochin, Meikyo, Chinte, KankuSho, Wankan, Ji'in, Jitte, Gankaku, Unsu. There are approximately 600 photographs and detailed descriptions, which allow a deeper understanding of the Kata and their application. Armed with this information, it should be easy now for the Karateka to be able to improve himself in his routine training, grading tests and competition.

Karate the True Kata

Download Karate the True Kata PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Xlibris Corporation
ISBN 13 : 1984593420
Total Pages : 65 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (845 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Karate the True Kata by : Paul Phillips

Download or read book Karate the True Kata written by Paul Phillips and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2020-01-29 with total page 65 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When you own this book you will buying a piece of history. The katas date back to China nearly 1500 years ago. This book will give you the true meaning of the ancient katas and why the monks created them. But more important by studying this book your martial arts will develop to a greater level.

Toyota Kata: Managing People for Improvement, Adaptiveness and Superior Results

Download Toyota Kata: Managing People for Improvement, Adaptiveness and Superior Results PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN 13 : 0071639853
Total Pages : 363 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (716 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Toyota Kata: Managing People for Improvement, Adaptiveness and Superior Results by : Mike Rother

Download or read book Toyota Kata: Managing People for Improvement, Adaptiveness and Superior Results written by Mike Rother and published by McGraw Hill Professional. This book was released on 2009-09-04 with total page 363 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Toyota Kata gets to the essence of how Toyota manages continuous improvement and human ingenuity, through its improvement kata and coaching kata. Mike Rother explains why typical companies fail to understand the core of lean and make limited progress—and what it takes to make it a real part of your culture." —Jeffrey K. Liker, bestselling author of The Toyota Way "[Toyota Kata is] one of the stepping stones that will usher in a new era of management thinking." —The Systems Thinker "How any organization in any industry can progress from old-fashioned management by results to a strikingly different and better way." —James P. Womack, Chairman and Founder, Lean Enterprise Institute "Practicing the improvement kata is perhaps the best way we've found so far for actualizing PDCA in an organization." —John Shook, Chairman and CEO, Lean Enterprise Institute This game-changing book puts you behind the curtain at Toyota, providing new insight into the legendary automaker's management practices and offering practical guidance for leading and developing people in a way that makes the best use of their brainpower. Drawing on six years of research into Toyota's employee-management routines, Toyota Kata examines and elucidates, for the first time, the company's organizational routines--called kata--that power its success with continuous improvement and adaptation. The book also reaches beyond Toyota to explain issues of human behavior in organizations and provide specific answers to questions such as: How can we make improvement and adaptation part of everyday work throughout the organization? How can we develop and utilize the capability of everyone in the organization to repeatedly work toward and achieve new levels of performance? How can we give an organization the power to handle dynamic, unpredictable situations and keep satisfying customers? Mike Rother explains how to improve our prevailing management approach through the use of two kata: Improvement Kata--a repeating routine of establishing challenging target conditions, working step-by-step through obstacles, and always learning from the problems we encounter; and Coaching Kata: a pattern of teaching the improvement kata to employees at every level to ensure it motivates their ways of thinking and acting. With clear detail, an abundance of practical examples, and a cohesive explanation from start to finish, Toyota Kata gives executives and managers at any level actionable routines of thought and behavior that produce superior results and sustained competitive advantage.

Looking at a Far Mountain

Download Looking at a Far Mountain PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Tuttle Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1462916627
Total Pages : 144 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (629 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Looking at a Far Mountain by : Paul Budden

Download or read book Looking at a Far Mountain written by Paul Budden and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2000-11-01 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Looking at a Far Mountain is a remarkable comprehensive survey of the core of kendo, an internationally practiced martial sport derived from the ancient Japanese warrior art of the sword and heavily influenced by the tenets of Shinto, Confucianism, and, particularly, Zen Buddhism. This is the first study outside of Japan and the first in English of the history, philosophy, and technical aspects comprising the system of predetermined sword techniques knows as Teikoku Kendo Kata. Lavishly illustrated with historical photographs and encompassing a history of the kendo kata tradition, technical training and advice, the individual kata themselves, lineage charts of particular schools and notable kendo masters, and a complete glossary of kendo terms, Looking at a Far Mountain remains firmly anchored in the Japanese tradition while addressing the growing international corps of kendo practitioners.

The Kata and Bunkai of Goju-Ryu Karate

Download The Kata and Bunkai of Goju-Ryu Karate PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Blue Snake Books
ISBN 13 : 1623172004
Total Pages : 304 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (231 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Kata and Bunkai of Goju-Ryu Karate by : Giles Hopkins

Download or read book The Kata and Bunkai of Goju-Ryu Karate written by Giles Hopkins and published by Blue Snake Books. This book was released on 2018-02-06 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Challenging timeworn conventions of karate training and revealing the original intent of classical kata—or forms—through detailed descriptions of self-defense applications known as bunkai, this is a crucial addition to any martial-arts library. Containing more than 265 photos, the book is divided into chapters that illuminate each of the ten classical kata of Goju-ryu. Drawing on more than forty years of experience in the martial arts, Giles Hopkins Sensei takes us on a journey into the Goju-ryu karate system, providing a principles-based method for analysis of kata practice. Arguing against the commonly held notion that kata techniques can have multiple interpretations, he insists that a kata cannot simply mean what the user wants it to mean, but contains specific martial principles that must be followed for it to work effectively. The step-by-step descriptions of the receiving, controlling or bridging, and finishing techniques contain in-depth analysis of commonly misunderstood aspects of kata. Each chapter concludes with an engaging anecdote from the author’s time in Okinawa, the birthplace of Goju-ryu, connecting it with the kata under discussion. Equally useful for the novice and for more advanced karate practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of kata and bunkai.

Karata Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 1

Download Karata Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 1 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Via Media Publishing
ISBN 13 : 189376513X
Total Pages : 194 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (937 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Karata Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 1 by : Michael DeMarco, M.A. et al.

Download or read book Karata Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 1 written by Michael DeMarco, M.A. et al. and published by Via Media Publishing. This book was released on 2015-08-31 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We all know the meaning of the word kata. Even to nonpractitioners it is a familiar karate practice. Plus, the word has long been incorporated into the English language. For this reason I choose to write the plural as “katas,” and not follow the Japanese tradition where “kata” can be both singular or plural. By doing this I’ve ruffled feathers already, since many hold such a sacred bond with the time and place where karate took shape. Trouble with one word? Now how about the whole Okinawan martial tradition as passed on through katas? A kata is much like a family jewel that has passed down through generations. It holds a significance that is difficult to decipher, and many dispute the meaning of every micromovement it contains. Who created it? What are the applications? Is kata practice outdated? Is there more than we can see and understand? You bet. It is precisely because of the confusion and misunderstandings regarding the place of kata in the karate tradition that we are thrilled to present a two-volume e-book on this subject. If katas are learning tools that pass down knowledge of a valued art, then the authors included in this anthology can certainly facilitate the learning process for all interested in karate. Each author has excellent experience in the field, having studied directly under masters, often on the largest island in the Ryukyu island chain. In addition to their long years of physical participation in the school of hard knocks, their depth of scholarly research into the encompassing culture allows their writings to illuminate many aspects of kata practice that normally go unnoticed. In our quest to better understand the full significance of kata practice, we must take a serious look at why old masters formulated the routines. How can kata practice better our health and promise to hone our self-defense skills? Each chapter in this anthology deals with the principles that guide kata practice. Hopefully the reading will reveal some of the secrets to improving techniques. As with other martial traditions, some insights cannot be shared through written word. Like good teachers, may the chapters here inspire you to look deeper into kata practice.

Karate Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 2

Download Karate Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 2 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Via Media Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1893765148
Total Pages : 199 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (937 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Karate Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 2 by : Michael DeMarco, M.A., et al.

Download or read book Karate Kata: For the Transmission of High-Level Combative Skills, Vol. 2 written by Michael DeMarco, M.A., et al. and published by Via Media Publishing. This book was released on 2015-09-05 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We all know the meaning of the word kata. Even to nonpractitioners it is a familiar karate practice. Plus, the word has long been incorporated into the English language. For this reason I choose to write the plural as “katas,” and not follow the Japanese tradition where “kata” can be both singular or plural. By doing this I’ve ruffled feathers already, since many hold such a sacred bond with the time and place where karate took shape. Trouble with one word? Now how about the whole Okinawan martial tradition as passed on through katas? A kata is much like a family jewel that has passed down through generations. It holds a significance that is difficult to decipher, and many dispute the meaning of every micromovement it contains. Who created it? What are the applications? Is kata practice outdated? Is there more than we can see and understand? You bet. It is precisely because of the confusion and misunderstandings regarding the place of kata in the karate tradition that we are thrilled to present a two-volume e-book on this subject. If katas are learning tools that pass down knowledge of a valued art, then the authors included in this anthology can certainly facilitate the learning process for all interested in karate. Each author has excellent experience in the field, having studied directly under masters, often on the largest island in the Ryukyu island chain. In addition to their long years of physical participation in the school of hard knocks, their depth of scholarly research into the encompassing culture allows their writings to illuminate many aspects of kata practice that normally go unnoticed. In our quest to better understand the full significance of kata practice, we must take a serious look at why old masters formulated the routines. How can kata practice better our health and promise to hone our self-defense skills? Each chapter in this anthology deals with the principles that guide kata practice. Hopefully the reading will reveal some of the secrets to improving techniques. As with other martial traditions, some insights cannot be shared through written word. Like good teachers, may the chapters here inspire you to look deeper into kata practice.

Katas supérieurs Shotokan-Ryu

Download Katas supérieurs Shotokan-Ryu PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9782846172684
Total Pages : 352 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (726 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Katas supérieurs Shotokan-Ryu by : Taiji Kase

Download or read book Katas supérieurs Shotokan-Ryu written by Taiji Kase and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Voici la réédition tant attendu du livre Karate-do kata, 18 katas supérieurs, épuisé depuis de nombreux mois. Ce livre est plus particulièrement destiné aux pratiquants gradés de l’école Shôtôkan de karaté (80 % des pratiquants français). C’est une oeuvre synthétique qui prend le parti de ne pas expliquer les techniques, mais d’offrir de multiples outils pour une meilleure compréhension de la forme: vues prises selon plusieurs angles, schéma complet des évolutions et film de chaque kata sur une double page, applications avec partenaire... Vingt katas supérieurs traditionnels du karaté Shôtôkan sont présentés dont la forme originelle du kata « Wankan » a été reconstitué. À cela s’ajoutent deux autres katas inédits, créés par maître Kase, « Heian Oyo » et « Tekki Oyo » qui ont également été reconstitués et figurent ici pour la première fois en exclusivité. Cet ouvrage aborde également quelques spécificités de l’enseignement et de l’école de maître Kase sous forme de « points clés » et des « caractéristiques de l’école Kase-Ha ». Ce livre complète le premier ouvrage de l’auteur qui développe les katas fondamentaux du Shotokan-ryu.

Judo Kata

Download Judo Kata PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Via Media Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1893765350
Total Pages : 154 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (937 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Judo Kata by : Llyr Jones Ph D

Download or read book Judo Kata written by Llyr Jones Ph D and published by Via Media Publishing. This book was released on 2016-09-14 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The practice of judo katas has changed over time as a result of perceived purpose. The chapters in this anthology were written by seven authorities in judo history and practice. Their writings clarify the purpose of kata and thus its mode of practice and their place in competition. In 1926, a contest occurred in which thirty-seven of the finest judoka in Japan competed before the Emperor Hirohito. The first chapter by Robert W. Smith details the techniques utilized by each master and also compares their skills with today's judo practitioners. The next two chapters by Dr. Llyr Jones and Biron Ebell deal with the transmutation of judo over the decades. Both authors give ample support that the original guidelines have evolved into competitive sport resulting in a substantial decline in the number of adults practicing judo. Where does kata stand in judo practice today? Dr. Lance Gatling reports on The First Kodokan Judo International Competition (2007). He outlines the background of the competition, the competitors, the motivations for this competition, the historical development of judo katas, and their importance to the correct study of judo. Dr. Llyr Jones' next chapter has two objectives: to explain the purpose of kata in judo, and to critically evaluate the concept of kata championships. To achieve these objectives, Jones offers personal comments, observations from rare Japanese source material, as well as insight into the thinking of world-renowned judo experts. Linda Yiannakis provides two insightful chapters. Her first chapter presents a conceptual framework for examining principles of judo throwing techniques. The principles are classified as primarily structural, operational, or contextual in nature. In her second chapter, she points out that martial artists are acutely aware of the need to develop a sense of timing for the best possible moment to apply techniques in free play or contest. This chapter examines some critical features of patterns and rhythms in a variety of contexts and provides a few basic exercises for the development of awareness and use of rhythm, patterns, and timing in judo. Jones, Savage, and Gatling present an in-depth study into Kodokan Goshin-jutsu-a Kodokan judo exercise formally established in 1956 to teach the principles and techniques of self-defense against unarmed and armed attacks, and to meet modern lifestyle needs. Their chapter reviews the place of Goshin-jutsu among the Kodokan katas, and then summarizes the history its creation. A description of the exercise's structure and technical contents follows, along with an in-depth explanation of its principles and associated teaching and learning challenges. This also includes a review of the most reliable learning texts in Japanese, English and selected other Western languages. Kodokan Goshin-jutsu's performance aspects are considered next. An objective assessment of its practical self-defense effectiveness follows, before finally conclusions are drawn. The short final chapter by Dr. Jones is on Kodokan judo's Nage-no-kata (forms of throwing) and Katame-no-kata (forms of control). Their study helps facilitate the development of free practice (randori) skills. Many look at judo studies as including three dimensions: free-practice, competition, and forms. Kata practice is vital to the other two. If you are involved with judo, this anthology will deepen your purpose and inspiring your practice.

Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate

Download Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Black Belt Communications
ISBN 13 : 9780897501132
Total Pages : 260 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (11 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate by : Pat McCarthy

Download or read book Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate written by Pat McCarthy and published by Black Belt Communications. This book was released on 1987 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pat McCarthy, a shorinji-ryu stylist and triple-crown winner of the North American Karate Championships in 1974, demonstrates 11 karate kata. A detailed history of Okinawan karate and biographies of 37 of its greatest patriarchs are also included.

The Kata-thermometer in Studies of Body Heat and Efficiency

Download The Kata-thermometer in Studies of Body Heat and Efficiency PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 208 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (31 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Kata-thermometer in Studies of Body Heat and Efficiency by : Medical Research Council (Great Britain)

Download or read book The Kata-thermometer in Studies of Body Heat and Efficiency written by Medical Research Council (Great Britain) and published by . This book was released on 1923 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Mushin

Download Mushin PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Dorrance Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1434984583
Total Pages : 90 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (349 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Mushin by : Robert L. Akikta

Download or read book Mushin written by Robert L. Akikta and published by Dorrance Publishing. This book was released on 2011-09-22 with total page 90 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mushin is book that may help those to see how the state of your mind Mushin reflects on any part of your life regardless of being in the martial arts, in a school setting, at home, at work, or trying to understand yourself. It’s a book that deals with deep reflection that might help you open your heart to receive new knowledge in a different way. The philosophy is so different because it is coming from a martial art science approach that is new in mainstream society. Its demonstrating and illustrating how to, which in turn can be used as a tool that will help a person strengthen themselves regardless what area of their life. If you are a person who is looking to grow and learn new things to better yourself, then Mushin will do that do that for you. Look beyond the martial arts because there is a martial artist in every one of us. It’s just inside each of us waiting to come out.

Koryu Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu

Download Koryu Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN 13 : 3752821825
Total Pages : 246 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (528 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Koryu Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu by : Heinrich Büttner

Download or read book Koryu Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu written by Heinrich Büttner and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2018-07-06 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate and Kobujutsu in Kenshikai Attitude According to Dr. Hokama Tetsuhiro

Okinawan Martial Traditions: Te, Tode, Karate, Karatedo, Kobudo - Vol. 2.1

Download Okinawan Martial Traditions: Te, Tode, Karate, Karatedo, Kobudo - Vol. 2.1 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Via Media Publishing
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 159 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Okinawan Martial Traditions: Te, Tode, Karate, Karatedo, Kobudo - Vol. 2.1 by : Michael DeMarco, M.A., et al.

Download or read book Okinawan Martial Traditions: Te, Tode, Karate, Karatedo, Kobudo - Vol. 2.1 written by Michael DeMarco, M.A., et al. and published by Via Media Publishing. This book was released on 2016-12-06 with total page 159 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What would you like to obtain from your research and practice of an Okinawan martial art? For an academic, it would be to obtain historical and cultural facts and details. For a practitioner, it would be to gain expertise in the combative skills. If you’re interested in both, this three-volume anthology (paperback) is assembled for your convenience to facilitate your endeavors. These volumes assemble a wealth of material originally published during the two decades when the Journal of Asian Martial Arts was in print. Hundreds of pages and photographs present the richness of Okinawan martial traditions, from the original combatives to those influenced by Chinese and mainland Japanese martial art styles. The variety of topics shown in the table of contents indicate the depth and breath in the chapters, along with the authors who are well-known for their meticulous research and practical skills in specific arts. These three volumes dive deep into the history and culture of Okinawan martial arts. You’ll find coverage of the actual artifacts—the material culture related to weaponry and training methods. Instructions from the masters details both open-hand techniques as well as with weapons. The chapters offer insights the lives of many masters over the past few centuries, giving the raison d’être for these unique fighting arts—their reason for being. Many streams of arts have contributed to the martial traditions found on the small island: Naha-te, Shuri-te, Fukien White Crane, Shorin, Goju, Motobu, Shotokan, Isshin, Kyokushin, Pwang Gai Noon, Shito, Uechi, and the list continues… Along with the various styles come the associated training methods, such as conditioning exercises with weights and creatively designed apparatus, such as the punching post (makiwara), or stone lever and stone padlockshaped weights. Some become battle-hardened by active and passive breaking of objects (tameshiwari), including wooden boards, baseball bats, rocks, and ice. The extensive use of weaponry is found in many Okinawan styles, often associated with their farming and fishing occupations. Such a blend of history and culture make the Okinawan fighting traditions a fascinating field of study. Besides being such vital sources of information, these three volumes will prove enjoyable reading and permanent at-hand reference sources in your library.