Isshinryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed [Paperback]

Javier Martinez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

The book is a research on the traditional kata Kusanku.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Many karate styles don't understand the origins of their katas (forms). This is the first published research on this magnificent kata. It include history, movements and more important the "bunkai" or application of the movements for self defense. The applications are based on traditional ancient Chinese techniques. It is the first book that covers the application of the movements based on White Crane (the origin of Okinawan Karate), Chin Na, Chinese Wrestling and many others. -- From the Publisher

About the Author

Born in 1958, Javier Martinez started Isshinryu Karate in 1971. From 1980 to 1989 he published a newsletter for the Isshinryu practitioner.

He is the author of the series Secrets Revealed which covers all the Isshinryu katas and the secrets behind their movements.

Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: Javier Martinez (April 1, 1999)
• ISBN-10: 0965008517
• ISBN-13: 978-0965008518
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #775,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kusanku with a speculative but intersting Bunkai, May 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Isshinryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed (Paperback)

This is the second of author/publisher Javier Martinez' novel Bunkai interpertation for an Isshinryu Kata. Based on his study of antecedent Chinese martial arts, he has created a revisionist bunkai of Kusanku Kata that concentrates on pressure points, locks and throws and claims to be more true to the Kata's origins. Unfortunately, as with the prior book, there is no proof included that his interpertations are indeed those of antecedent Kata rather than simply the result of his noticing that certain moves in Kusanku appear similar to moves present in other, more elder arts. Absent such proof, the work is truly speculative albeit interesting. He understands that his Bunkai is not the traditional version, and as with his book on Chinto it will raise the blood-pressure of those of us with a more traditional attitude. This is particularly true since Isshinryu is based on the principle of sudden application of direct force, and many of the author's multi-stage techniques exceed that realm and cannot even fairly be described as "derived from Isshinryu." He also fails to discuss the limitations of pressure-point techniques, such as their admitted failure to work on all opponents or in all situations (e.g., if the opponent has layers of clothing), and that great force is often required to implement them. Put another way, "if I break his arm, I am sure to hit all those pressure points" -- the more traditional Detroit Isshinryu attitude.

Your martial arts education will be advanced by reading this book, with its different emphasis. If you already have his book on Chinto, purchasing this would be a nice addition to a good martial arts library but is less important. I do intend to buy his other books as he writes them, but cannot help but to regard what the founder of the Isshinryu system tought as the accurate bunkai for Isshinryu practioners. As with his prior book on Chinto, there are numerous typographical errors.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kusanku, June 17, 2000

By 

M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Isshinryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed (Paperback)

Martinez goes over Isshinryu Kusanku Kata which is similar to that of Matsubayashi Ryu. What is of interest is his application of Bunkai, using mainly Chin Na or Okinawan Te locks. He has no historical proof for his interpreation, but I do not feel that it is important. Dispite the typos in the book, it is a very good addition to any martial artist library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential addition to your martial arts library, December 2, 2006

By 

Book Reviews "myKarateStore.com" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Isshinryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed (Paperback)

I originally purchased one of Javier's books, and 20 minutes into it I raced back to amazon to order the rest. His insights into various techniques - and their possible lineage - make for fascinating reading. And even better: They enliven your kata. When reading a book makes me feel like I cannot wait to perform kata, I know it is a valuable teaching and training tool. Be sure to get all of Javier's books: Each one contains a different, essential nugget. The same could be said of your kata.