Investigations into the history of karate

Kyan Chōtoku (1870–1945) is a fascinating person of the karate world and a peer of Yabu Kentsū (1866–1937). Both studied with Matsumura Sōkon (c1809-c1899). And together they appear in the well-known group photo from 1937, which shows the leading karate masters of that time. As most senior experts they sat to each other in the front row. Kyan came back into widespread interest a few years ago when a rare manuscript of his was discovered in Okinawa. It shows him in the early 1930s doing kumite exercises with a partner. The work is of great historical value, as photographic material from this period by masters of Kyan’s generation is extremely rare. Patrick McCarthy has now published significant aspects of this work within a larger anthology that features countless information on the life of Kyan Chōtoku. Although one or the other text has already been published elsewhere, “Kensei – Kyan Chōtoku: The Man and his Art” is the definite work about the respected master! I congratulate the author on this work and I highly recommend this book!