Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate [Paperback]

Nathan J. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2000

This brave new approach to the martial arts clearly demonstrates that the traditional movements of both Kung Fu and Karate grew from the spiritual practices of the Shaolin order of Buddhist monks and nuns. Contrary to popular assumption, Johnson contends that it was never intended to be an actual means of self-defense. Includes practical instructions for preforming kata. Over 400 photographs. 35 illustrations. 54 figures. Glossary. Index.

Product Details

• Paperback: 265 pages
• Publisher: Nicolas Hays (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578631424
• ISBN-13: 978-1578631421
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,247,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Improvment on his previous book, Insightful & Enjoyable, December 29, 2002

By 

C. J. Hardman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate (Paperback)

Here Nathan Johnson presents his treatis for the relationship between Buddhist philosophy (primarily zen) and martial arts practice. He considers authenticity in forms, and examines meaning and concepts related to shaolin. I don't fully agree with all of his premises, such as the idea that it is more likely a form is "authentic" when its practitioners credit a Buddhist or Taoist creator (many forms were assigned mysterious origin to make the school or founder credible), has a Buddhist name or title (like Ji-on in shotokan), is simple in its movements, etc. However, Johnson is one of the first who has had the time and energy to research his topics, and formulate theories based upon the how and why, as opposed to simply regurgitating and not questioning older information (the tiresome old "sensei said it, so it is true!" routine).

Johnson also examines karate in the greater context of cultural relativity, pondering such oddities as the esoteric meaning of Sanchin kata ("Sanchin is a mandala..."), and tries his hand (well) at debunking many myths and mistaken notions common in karate and kung fu today. Johnson offers advnanced concepts. You don't have to buy all of his theories, but reading this book will definately encourage you to consider your forms and martial arts in general in a new light.

This second volume is also a great improvement upon the first, as Johnson explains all of the things that I felt were lacking in that book. He relates experiences, correspondences, and includes footnotes and a bibliography of sources, crediting quotes sources. Johnson again demonstrates the fundamental forms of Sanchin and Naihanchin with their applications as in his first book "Zen Shaolin Karate", but the reader has the opportunity to consider his ideas in a wider context. Throughout the time I spent reading this work, I was convinced that this is a highly personal effort, sincere and honest to its heart. Not a grain of arrogance or pretentiousness did I encounter in my reading. Johnson is not trying to force feed us, on the contrary I felt he was encouraging the same spirit of research and discovery among those who consider his words. A worthwhile read for the martial artist who is weary of the mundane and repetitive.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A renaissance in the practice of Kata, June 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate (Paperback)

Nathan Johnson's book is a gem. Zen Shaolin Karate was good but Barefoot Zen Is a classic. It's taken a long time for somebody with enough courage to stand up and admit that "the Emperor is not wearing any Clothes". What I mean by this is that the Bunkai (applications)of Karate's antique Kata were never meant as defences against punches and kicks, or as secret Dim Mak strikes. Nathan Johnson reveals that the original meaning to three of Karate's oldest Kata are in fact grip escapes, grip reversals and subduing techniques. He shows quite beautifully how these techniques evolve from the positions contained within the Kata. The techniques are performed with a partner exactly as they are performed solo by the Karate ka. There are no 'SECRET' meanings and hidden techniques that can only be learned from 'sage' like masters'. I have practiced the Martial Arts for 26years, and I've waited a long time for somebody to explain to me in such a clear and precise manner what these enigmatic movements are actually for. The book contains so much info on the background, philosophy and origins of the Shaolin empty hand forms. It sets out to show the common origins of Gung Fu and Karate rather than highlighting their differences. I believe that it elevates the stereotypical images of the Karate practitioner out of the playground and into the adult world. It doesn't claim to make you a better fighter or to give you the ability to fend off any would be mugger. It puts this popular Hollywood image to rest. Let's not forget that Hollywood is after all the place where fantasies are made. Barefoot Zen shows you what Karate is and how it should be practiced. The only question the book raises in my mind is why hasn't an Okinawan or Japanese Master written a book like this on Karate before? Quite frankly no serious Karate practitioners bookshelf is complete without Barefoot Zen. Do yourself a favour, buy it and absorb its message. It will change the way you practice Karate forever.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sanchin Kata, June 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate (Paperback)

This is truly an impressive book. If you are a student of Okinawan Karate this book is a must. I was very impressed with the way Mr. Johnson explained the role of the KATA in Karate, particularly, the section on Sanchin. I have studied the Sanchin Kata under one of the top instructors in the world, and yet still was able to learn a number of facts about Sanchin that I was completely ignorant about. This book is well researched, well written, and an eye opener.