Investigations into the history of karate

Motobu Chōki 本部 朝基 (1870–1944) is one of today’s best-known representatives of Ryūkyū martial arts and an important contemporary witness of Okinawa in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Not only did he learn from Matsumura, Matsumora, Tokumine and Sakuma, he was also a student of Itosu Ankō (1831–1915) for several years, under whom he learned the kata Naihanchi, among other things. During his lifetime, he wrote two books that are now an important source for anyone interested in karate – both from a technical and a historical perspective.

In 1926 he published the book Okinawa Kenpō Tōdejutsu 沖繩拳法 唐手術 組手編. His book Watashi no Karatejutsu 私の唐手術 was published in 1932 by Tōkyō Karate Fukyūkai and contains “authentic experiences, first-hand information and original eyewitness accounts” by Motobu Chōki.

It is unknown how many copies were printed at the time. Based on an original issue, it was reprinted by Motobu’s son Chōsei and distributed to students and libraries in an edition of 200–300 copies. Another edition followed in 2000, this time by Iwai Tsukuo. Finally, in 2002, an English version was published by Patrick McCarthy.

Now, for Motobu Chōki’s 150th birthday, the book has been newly translated and published under the title My Art and Skill of Karate by Motobu Naoki, Motobu’s grandson, and Andreas Quast. On 216 pages, there is an English translation, plus commentaries and explanations, an overview of historical karate personalities, an index and an afterword by Chōki’s son, Motobu Chōsei, which is well worth reading.

The illustrations in the book, especially the kata Naihanchi Shodan, which is said to have been Motobu’s specialty, and kumite techniques, can be found on the pages in such a way that they can easily be used as a flip book. A nice gimmick! All in all, the book is an extremely valuable contribution to the historical discourse and especially for the historical and technical examination of Ryūkyū karate. Absolutely recommendable!