Customer Reviews

Essential Shorinjiryu Karatedo

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The other reveiwers have obviously been offended by the religous references in this book. I however disagree. Just as in the concept of bunkai (the practical application of kata) history can have a metaphorical component. The philosophy section is still some of the best I have read and the kata section is excellent with great photos and description. This book is well worth the purchase for non practictioners of the shorinjiryu style as the depictions of its kata really show karate's chinese influences. I love this book and at one time was desperately searching for scientific karate-do, unaware of the treasure that I already owned. A must have not only for practitioners of Kori Hisataka's legacy but for anyone wishing to enhance there knowledge of karate and this rare tradtional style.

I was the co-author of the book, or at least for most of it. I did not co-author the ancient historical piece with religious references.

This book had the heart and soul of both Hisataka sensei and myself put into it, and it was written over 2 years during my time in Japan. Hisataka-sensei is a brilliant karateka, and the technical information in this book reflects his extraordinary knowledge.

I second the comments of the other reviewer - get the book and read the technical information. Take the preface and the historical perspective and apply your own thoughts. The history of karate is extensively researched, and quite comprehensive.

Yes, the "historical" info in this text is quite far-fetched, BUT the theoretical, philosophical and technical sections (basically MOST of the book, aside from a small section) are some of the absolute best I've ever seen in any book on Karate-Do. I am a Shodan in Shotokan and have found this book to have been VERY useful and applicable to my own practice in every way. HIGHLY reccomended ("historical" info aside).

If you skip the forewords, and the history bit at the beginning of the book (saying that it's flaky would be putting it mildly!), you will be very glad you bought this book. It answers all those questions you probably have on the finner details of Kata, Kumite and Shiai. It's a must for any practitioner of Kenkokan or even Kentokukan Karatedo.

I participated in the research for this publication in two continents, over two years and about 10 pints of blood and sweat. Hanshi funded it's publication through Yakuza-like business transactions. Technically, it's totally sound. The legitimacy of this book as a source of knowledge for the Martial Arts community cannot be disputed, but the master himself is just a man. I'm relieved that there is no reference to my name and exploits in this manual, as its inception will always be an embarrassment to me, and to karate in general.