Investigations into the history of karate

After three years of extensive research and writing my biography of Yabu Kentsū has finally been published. The book can be ordered here.

About Yabu Kentsū

Not so well known in the Western Hemisphere, Kentsū Yabu (1866–1937) is a pivotal figure in Okinawan history. Born in the small village of Yamakawa very close to Shuri, the capital of then independent Ryūkyū Kingdom, Yabu bore witness to the forced incorporation of his homeland into Okinawa Prefecture under the Empire of Japan in 1879. In 1890, he embarked on a remarkable journey, volunteering for the Japanese Army and rising to the rank of Sergeant or “Gunsō”. His valorous exploits during the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War cemented his status as a revered war hero. Beyond the battlefield, Yabu Gunsō left an indelible mark on Okinawan society. Recognizing the importance of physical education, he later became a driving force in integrating karate, an indigenous martial art of the Ryūkyū Islands, into the school curriculum. Venturing beyond borders, he spent a significant time in California between 1919 and 1927 before making history as the first principal karate authority to showcase his art in the Hawaiian Islands upon his return to Okinawa, where he spent the last years of his life.

Update: My book Yabu. The Untold Journey of an Okinawan Man was published by Lulu in July 2024, and the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. I am deeply grateful for the feedback I have received and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to share their views which provided me with crucial insights into areas where improvements can be made. Over the past months, I’ve been revising the manuscript in order to address the most significant points, correct errors and inexcusable negligence, improving both the accuracy and the overall quality of the book. While there is neither an introduction to the revised edition nor the addition of additional findings, there is only a small note in the imprint of the book. Further revisions would have extended the scope significantly. However, I hope the adjustments made speak for themselves and reflect my commitment to delivering a better version of the book. The revised edition will be uploaded as soon as it is complete.