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.

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. The first English translation of this remarkable martial arts manual includes numerous explanations and notes. McCarthy's work also includes groundbreaking research on Okinawan and Chinese history, as well as the fighting and healing traditions that developed in those countries, making it a goldmine for researchers and practitioners alike. 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.

Richard `Biggie' Kim, Lefty Nakayama, Clarence Lee, Richard Lee, and Herbert Lee taught me all the katas contained in this book. These katas are very rare and only a few people around the world practice them. That is the reason why I decided to document and share these kata. I felt an obligation to not allow these beautiful and effective forms to be lost to history. In a sense, this book is a tribute to Richard `Biggie' Kim, one of the most knowledgeable martial artists the world has ever known. Please be aware that this book is meant for high level traditional martial artists and for those who already are familiar with these katas.

A personal, philosophical, and historical exploration of Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate written by an experienced master. In Wandering Along the Way of Okinawan Karate, Giles Hopkins draws on his fifty years of martial arts experience to take the reader on a journey through the meaning of kata (form) and bunkai (application) in Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate. Hopkins offers his personal reflections on the enigma of karate kata while explaining many of its little-understood applications. With skill and insight into kata's connection to nature, the book addresses key topics such as why some movements are done slowly while others are fast, the significance of steps and turns, and the role of tradition in karate. The purpose of kata solo patterns is to solidify specific self-defense techniques. Contrary to the commonly held belief that kata techniques can have multiple interpretations, Hopkins argues that kata embodies specific martial principles that must be followed rigorously for it to be truly effective. He also reveals the spiritual dimensions of martial arts by explaining its deep connection to nature. Providing new understanding of kata structure, themes, and martial art principles, Hopkins sheds light on the practitioner's journey.

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.

"My Way Of Kobudo" Book One is an introduction of various Okinawan and Japanese ancient Martial Arts weapons including the Bo; Tonfa; Kama; Sai and the Nunchaku Kata (patterns/forms) along with some appropriate analysis of the weapons suitable for the beginner to advance level practitioners.