Customer Reviews

Isshinryu Naihanchi Kata, Secrets Revealed

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This is the third in the series on Isshinryu kata by Javier Martinez, who has demonstrated a deep understanding of the integrated nature of the martial arts.

This salient monograph includes concise, extraordinary (and often non-traditional) discussion of: the origins of Isshinryu's Naihanchi Kata, the infamous Choki Motobu, the origins of elements forming the basis for Isshinryu Karate, the role of visualization in kata practice, the strategy of the Naihanchi stance (as compared to mere technique), the relationship between body mechanics and martial arts in general and with respect to techniques in this kata, the "traditional" techniques of the kata, advanced explanations for Naihanchi techniques uncovered through his deep research and analysis and related derived techniques. The author seriously addresses certain criticism from my prior review by including more depth in a variety of areas, such as but not limited to, pressure points. Simply put, you will not find such an excellent integrated discussion of a panoply of critical Isshinryu Naihanchi-related topics in any other single work. The author is to be commended for his dedication of the book to the late Master Don Nagle.

There are material differences between the techniques of Martinez's traditional Naihanchi Kata and those I learned which can be ascribed to the lamented factionalism of Isshinryu. I appreciated his constructive criticism of select elements of common traditional bunkai, but caution that there is considerably more to the traditional version than he could, or intended to, highlight in this single book. As with any good book, I would have preferred it have greater length. That is not practical from an editorial standpoint, and Martinez did an outstanding job picking his shots. I would also, very respectfully, disagree with his opinion that the value of the traditional bunkai is exhausted at the sub-black belt ranks; a Shodan (first-degree black belt) is just a beginner's learning permit. The book is refreshing to read and contains an abundance of new material.

There are once again too many typographical errors. Contrary to the statement on the back cover -- which it is quite possible a third-party rather than the author added -- this was not "the first published book about Naihanchi."

I would highly recommend serious Isshinryu practioners purchase this book to read now, and beginning students purchase it for later.

Although I do not necessarily agree with all of the author's assessments, especially in the history sections, this publication is, nonetheless, well presented. The sections on anatomy were well presented, and essential reading for instructors who wish to teach their students the mechanics of the predetermined responses that a certain technique will produce in an opponent. The applications are also interesting, and no doubt effective, especially in light of the "science fiction" that passes as kata bunkai these days. Although the author follows a different approach to kata application than I do, this book nonetheless will provide invaluable insights into this seemingly simple kata. All in all, I would reccomend this book to all who strive to understand the practical application of the kata of karatedo.

Having studied a related art form, Matsubayashi-ryu, I found the explanation of the origins of Nahanshi kata to be enlightening. The author is obviously well educated in not only his art, but also a man with a good scientific background. I shared the book with my students and am eager to read his other books on Chinto and Kusanku kata.

While the bunkai does not exist in my style it was interesting to see this interpretation. The author remains open-minded to the many explanations of the kata and its possible historical sources as revealed by his research. Anyone practicing the Okinawan arts should benefit from reading his work. This is certainly not a biased or exclusionary representation of the kata. I have encouraged my students to get a copy.

Applications are excellent, highly advance. The bunkais match perfectly the movements in the kata. Surely, some high ranks will have some trouble with this book. Obviously, it isn't intended for the blue belt. My only complaint, it covers only the Isshinryu version.