Customer Reviews

Isshinryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed

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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.

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.

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.

This is a very good book to reference the Kusanku Kata with. The author makes no excuses about taking material from other books and sources and applying them to this kata. A wonderful insight into the linking of the various martial arts traditions.

With this new book the author has given to Isshinryu a new and more advance approach. The techniques in the book are not based on the traditional "block, punch and kick". Instead of describing the bunkai as "everything is pressure points", the author analyze the techniques from the perspective of locks, Chin Na, White Crane, Kuiai Jiao and others. The author also give another surprising theory about the Isshinryu patch, presenting proof of its origins. The book is a must for the advance Isshinryu martial art.

fAR & bEYOND FROM THE REAL CHINNA & THE oKINAWAN WAY! mmmmmmmmmmm! no good! sorry!!!

It would have been much better if the seller would have notified me the book did not meet their quality standards and offered an alternative or something. I continue to anxiously look for the book, expecting the delivery any day.

I did notice the "adjustment" to my account for the price of the book, but there was not a reason. I assumed I must have input the credit card number two time. Anyway since no book was received. The "process" was slightly flawed.(BWK)