Customer Reviews

Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate (Japanese Arts)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Or not. I was very disappointed with this book. Being a youngster in martial arts and having only studied in kobayashi for 6 years, when I moved, I was forced to take up under matsubayashi. Well, I like to research things first so I know what I am getting into, and I picked up this book. Granted, the information at its start concerning the historical teachers in the lineage is interesting, it overall the bookk didn't have anything new, or unique that could be found better explained in other texts. If you want a book, Get 'The Essence of Okinawan Krate-Do'. If you want a history lesson, go ahead and pick up Mark Bishops 'Okinawan Karate - Teachers, Styles, and Secret Techniques'. Not only are these two books more useful, they are probably more accurate.

This book has some good background information on the history of the kata. While they are not the way that my system traditionally runs the kata, who is to say that they are not traditional, or classical, as Mr. McCarthy titles them. There are so many variations even on the island of Okinawa. This shows us that more then one version of a kata can be the traditional way of running the kata. The book has a good discription of each move, numbered with the picture that it corrosponds with. They are not difficult to pick up from the book, however I don't advocate learning kata from a book, this is a good place to see a different version then the one that you may run!

I am a 7th dan in Shorin ryu, half Okinawan and have practiced and lived in Okinawa for over 27 yrs since 1969. These kata are strange versions and you will not find anyone doing the kata in this way on Island. I think Pat McCarthy learned these from Mr Richard Kim, where Mr Kim learned them, I don't know. Only the names of these kata are classical, that's it. Why is it most of the foreign self procalimed Okinawan karate experts never lived in Okinawa, they just visit a few times then write a book? Forget about this book and buy a DVD of Zempo Shimabukuro or Takayoshi Nagamine or Shugoro Nakazato if you are curious about Okinawan Shorin ryu kata. Viewing kata isn't a way to learn karate anyway, but interesting for the folks who live in other countries to watch...

This is a very good book, its not meant to teach you kata its meant as a reference , and the section on all the different branches of okinawan karate from shuri-te , tomari-te to even okinawan kempo was very informative and entertaining. Everyone is giving it bad reviews saying its inaccurate and plugging Shoshin Nagamines book , while Nagamines is a good book it only shows one style of okinawan karate. Mccarthys book is meant to give the reader a broad reference , not as a manuel of how-to. If you want a book with one style of karate,then get Nagamines book if youwant a book with a braod reference of styles then get mccarthys book, its a good book.

The cover looks nice but the title is decieving as there is nothing classical about the kata in this book. The forms are from Richard kim and there are differences from those practised in Okinawa.For accurate piece of history see Nagamine Shoshin`s "Essence Of Okinawan Karate".I would like to add that the lack of explanation for the kata and applications makes this even less useful to the general karate practitioner.I ask what can be gained from this book,Very little.those who practise Richard Kims school of karate may find this useful for reference to their kata positions but thats it.My advice look elsewhere.

Those who say the kata in this book are not "classical" should be informed or reminded that the style Shorinji-Ryu was created in the late 1940's, so you're not going to find the Heian katas, or other "centuries old" katas of Shotokan or other, older karate systems. For example, the nijushi (or nijishio) kata in Shorinji-ryu is different than the shotokan version, so don't judge this book by that alone.
I can't comment on the book itself, as I havn't read it, but I wanted to clarify this point for those reading the reviews.

I appreciate the depth of knowledge and experience of Mr. McCarthy in the realm of martial arts, particularly karate. However, this book would likely be more accurately titled "Kata of Japanese Karate" because the techniques he shows in this book are that of perhaps traditional Japanese karate, NOT Okinawan karate that is truly traditional (e.g. Shorin Ryu or closely related styles). I've long wondered if this book would be at all helpful...perhaps it will, but only if I forget the direction to move during a kata.