Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate (Japanese Arts) [Paperback]

Pat McCarthy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1987 | Series: Japanese Arts

This is a demonstration of 11 kata through detailed photo sequences and a thorough history of Okinawan karate, including Chinese-Okinawan relations, the creation of styles, and the birth and spread of karate. It introduces the reader to 37 karate patriarchs through biographical sketches and rare portraits. The shorinji-ryu stylist also discusses the origins of kata, the five-form fist, the physical and nonphysical aims of kata training, qualities of movement, evolution of kata, and variations of Okinawan kata.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications (June 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897501136
• ISBN-13: 978-0897501132
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #870,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book should be revised or taken out of print., June 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate (Japanese Arts) (Paperback)

Supposedly, this book details the history and the kata of classical Okinawan karate. Unfortunately for those that have already purchased it, the kata depicted are variations of modern versions and not anything remotely 'classical'. The historical sections of the book leave a lot to be desired as well, since much of it is either unsubstantiated legend or simply incorrect. In the 11 years since the publication of this book, McCarthy himself has admitted that these katas are not the classical versions, so why he continues to support the publication of it through his organization's web page is a mystery to me. The previous critique of this book is obviously either a McCarthy groupee or grossly misinformed about karate history. Unfortunately, there isn't a book on the market that does supply classical versions of the kata, however if you are anxious to spend some money on a book about Okinawan kata, I'd turn to Nagamine's Essence of Okinawan Karate, which is, unlike this, a valid piece of history.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Classical Kim?, August 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate (Japanese Arts) (Paperback)

While I am by no means a master of Okinawan Karate, I have studied Shorin ryu for many years under Seikichi Iha, an Okinawan master of some renown who is a leading student of Shinpan Gusukuma and Chosin Chibana, and I have to say that the physics behind these katas seems quite lacking. As well, they are not traditional. Nonetheless, the history behind the katas and the bios of the masters is helpful. I suppose that I must say that trying to learn a kata from a book is stupid since the transitions between moves are just as or more important than "how you got there". (Regarding this book, I don't want to get there.)

For another good history book, see Mark Bishop's "Okinawan Karate". That book doesn't try to teach you kata, yet it does give some good ideas about application which a seasoned practitioner could use (which is true of mccarthy's book, too). After sounding like a jerk, I am still happy that at least the attempt was made which, as another reviewer wrote, inspired many people to join a dojo or club.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You should probably look elsewhere, May 24, 2000

By 

Travis Cottreau (Wellington, New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate (Japanese Arts) (Paperback)

At the time it was published, there were very few good references on karate and karate history. Since then however, there have been many excellent texts and articles, including some from the same author.

While the kara descriptions are excellent, with good photography showing the movements and how they should be done, the kata themselves are not classical versions. They are rather versions taught by Richard Kim, which don't always agree with the originals taught in Okinawa.

Also, there are a fair number of incorrect historical references and incorrect translations of kata names (and the kanji is not included either), making most other current history books much more desireable.

This would only be a "must have" book is you are in the lineage of Richard Kim and want a kata reference, for which it would serve nicely.