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Debunking karate myths
Ikigaido Karate is a German-language channel for karate in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. I was recently invited to debunk seven karate myths with Stephan Rickauer, ‘Chief Karate Officer’ and podcast host. A great format and an interesting experience. Stephan really did an excellent job. Keep up the good work! The recording is unfortunately only available Continue reading
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Book review: The Six-Attribute Model to define martial arts
For the academic study of karate, it is also important to think outside the box. I always look to see what’s new on the market and what scholarly approach the authors have chosen for their research of other martial arts disciplines. What defines martial arts? Various authors have already investigated this question. At first glance, Continue reading
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Kyoda Jūhatsu’s teachings by Iraha Chōkō
Iraha Chōkō 伊良波長幸 (1901–1986) is relatively unknown in the karate world. A few months ago, while researching another topic, I came across his memoirs, in which he also writes about karate and his relationship with Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957). His memoirs are part of a series of several volumes published in Japan between 1980 and 1986. 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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Karate in 1916 Hawaiian newspaper – was it the first?
Before Yabu Kentsū (1866–1937) arrived in Hawaii in 1927, karate was already there. Although the aspect of karate in Okinawan immigrant communities overseas has not been sufficiently researched, there is some evidence (as presented by Bruce A. Haines and Charles C. Goodin in their respective studies). In their new home, the Okinawans not only talked Continue reading
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Young girls learn karate from Funakoshi Gichin
Asahi Graph (アサヒグラフ, Asahigurafu), also known as Asahi Picture News, was a Japanese weekly picture magazine that ran from 1923 to 2000. It began as a daily supplement from Asahi Shinbunsha, but became a weekly publication soon after. In the issue of 22 October 1941 (Vol. 37, No. 17) there is a short article about Continue reading
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Bulls and rams in karate folklore
Stories about animals have always played an important role in folklore. In the world of karate, the bull is the subject of many anecdotes. The bull is a very powerful animal. A form of bullfighting, in which peasants pitted bulls against each other for fun, is said to date back at least to the 12th Continue reading
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Brief thoughts on the origins of karate
The exact origins of karate cannot be clearly reconstructed today. This would require extensive research in the East Asian region, which has not been carried out to the extent that would have been necessary. And in the end, it can be said that many questions remain unanswered. However, the Japanologist and sports scientist Heiko Bittmann Continue reading
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Yabu Kentsū enthusiastic about Napoleon’s words
Eyewitness accounts about Yabu Kentsū (1866–1937) are not so numerous and therefore very valuable. I recently read a short passage recorded by the linguist, folklorist, and pioneer of Okinawan studies Iha Fuyū 伊波普猷 (1876–1947), of whom the historian Higashionna Kanjun 東恩納寛惇 (1882–1963) once said that no one knows Okinawa more deeply. Iha recounts an incident Continue reading
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Group photograph with Hanashiro Chōmo
Yabu Kentsū (1866–1937) was a great fan and supporter of sumō in Okinawa. But he was not the only karate authority back in the days who was fascinated by the sport. Apart from Yabu, who occasionally acted as a referee at the Prefectural Sumō Tournament in Ônoyama Park, Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957) is known to have Continue reading
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Investigations into the history of karate 