Interview
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Unknown testimonial by Gima Makoto (1983)
Gima Makoto (儀間真謹, 1896–1989) is one of the most important eyewitnesses to the early development of karate on the Japanese mainland. He is best known for assisting Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957) during the historic karate demonstration at the Kōdōkan in Tōkyō in 1922. On that occasion, Funakoshi performed the kata Kūsankū, while Gima demonstrated Naihanchi. Funakoshi… Continue reading
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The Okinawan Years of a Karate Pioneer – Interview with author James M. Hatch
I am delighted to share an interview with James M. Hatch. After many years of research, James published a book in early 2025 on Chitose Tsuyoshi (千歳 剛直, 1898–1984), an influential figure in Okinawan karate who later taught and promoted the art on the Japanese mainland: Chinen: The Okinawan Years of a Karate Pioneer (Lulu,… Continue reading
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Remembering Miyagi Chōjun: A conversation with his grandson on the Chōjunkan project
Okinawa is the island of karate. It may sound like a marketing slogan, but it is simply true. The island is home to hundreds of karate dōjō; every year, countless visitors travel to Japan’s southernmost prefecture to explore the birthplace of karate and kobudō, to train, and to immerse themselves in the history of the… Continue reading
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Speaking about karate research
Over the past few years I have been invited to take part in a number of conversations about my passion for research and my work. Please find below a collection of the available recordings. With a click on the tiles directly to the clip. Continue reading
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Interview with Joachim Laupp
When he first set foot on the island of Okinawa more than 35 years ago, he could not have imagined where his journey would take him. Today, Joachim Laupp (9th Dan Hanshi) is the official representative of Shōrin-ryū Shidōkan in Germany and Europe and teaches hundreds of students throughout Europe. Mr. Laupp, what was it… Continue reading
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Interview with Professor Heiko Bittmann
Heiko Bittmann is a Japanologist and sports scientist. He practises iaidō (Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū, 6th Dan), jōdō (Shintō Musō-ryū, 5th Dan) and karatedō (Shōtōkan, 3rd Dan). In the course of publishing his dissertation Karatedō – The Way of the Empty Hand, he founded his own publishing house. Mr. Bittmann has been an assistant professor since… Continue reading
Investigations into the history of karate 