Review
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The physics of karate: A chapter in modern karate history
The study of karate is multifaceted. In addition to its history, sports science, pedagogy, psychology, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, religious studies, media and film studies, researchers have also explored the physics of karate. First studies Scholarly interest in this subject in the Western Hemishpere likely began around the mid-1960s. On July 2, 1966, J. A. Vos Continue reading
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The Graham Noble Collection
For martial arts research, private collections are of inestimable value alongside libraries and archives. One such collection is that of Graham Noble. Graham Noble was born in 1949 and became interested in karate and its history in the mid-1960s. Seeing that reliable information on the martial arts, especially karate, was scarce, Graham set about gathering Continue reading
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New edition of Patrick McCarthy’s Tanpenshu
After a long wait, it’s finally here: the new edition of Patrick McCarthy’s Tanpenshu (2024). Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957) was a fascinating figure in Japanese martial arts history and a peer of the karate masters Yabu Kentsū (1866–1937), Hanashiro Chōmo (1869–1945) and Motobu Chōki (1870–1944). Best known for popularising karate in mainland Japan, Funakoshi was also Continue reading
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Review: Kensei – Kyan Chōtoku: The Man and his Art
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 Continue reading
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Review: Motobu book from 1932 newly translated
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 Continue reading
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Review: An Introduction to the Historic, Cultural, and Social Phenomenon of Okinawan Karate
Academic works on the historical and cultural background of karate are rare. Many, once submitted as diploma or master’s theses at technical colleges or universities, usually lie dormant unpublished in drawers at home. However, it is an essential part of science that results must be published. Only in this way can they be utilized as Continue reading
Investigations into the history of karate 