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Article by Nakasone Genwa (1938)
Nakasone Genwa 仲宗根源和 (1895–1978) was man of many talents. In his youth he studied karate briefly with Itosu Ankō 糸洲安恒 (1831–1915) at Shuri Middle School from which he graduated in 1913. Later he probably also was taught by Yabu Kentsū 屋部憲通 (1866–1937) at the Okinawa Normal School. Throughout the 1930s and early 1940s, he was Continue reading
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Review: German anthology on martial arts, combat sports and society
The ademic study of martial arts and combat sports is fortunately attracting growing interest. Michael Calandra, operator of the popular video podcast Martial Truth and himself a veteran master of various martial arts, even speaks of a golden age of martial arts research. A growing number of research works are now on the market. A Continue reading
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A note by Yabu Kentsū?
Written legacies of old karate masters are extremely rare. A note attributed to Yabu Kentsū 屋部憲通 (1866–1937) was shared by a well-known antique dealer from Okinawa. Here, Yabu is said to describe the route he took from Hawaii back to Okinawa in 1927. He may have recorded it for Miyagi Hisateru 久輝宮城 (1895–1991), a graduate Continue reading
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Why is it difficult to compare kata in historical discourse?
There have been repeated attempts to compare karate, especially kata from different styles, in order to draw conclusions about their origin or lineage. However, the methodical approach of analysing the movements and execution of kata has its weaknesses, because kata was and is not a fixed construct over time. Karate (and therefore kata) is constantly 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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Biography of Yabu Kentsū published
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, Continue reading
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Memories of Yabu Kentsū
Yabu Kentsū, who was born in 1866, died in 1937. The sympathy was great especially in the Shuri district and among students and teachers of the Okinawa Normal School. Beside several obituaries which were published following his death, the school publication Ryūtan in 1938 prepared a lengthy article which extensively remembered Yabu’s life and work. Continue reading
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Taiwan Nichinichi (1921) on Hirohito’s stay in Shuri
The karate demonstration led by Funakoshi Gichin 船越義珍 (1868–1957) during the visit of the Japanese Crown Prince Hirohitos 裕仁 (1901–1989) to Okinawa on March 6, 1921 is a much-cited event. Hirohito visited Shuri en route to Europe. After the visit the prince said that he had been much impressed by three things in Okinawa: the Continue reading
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Article in Asahi Graph from March 15, 1959
Blast from the past: Article in Asahi Graph from March 15, 1959 titled 夫は空手、妻は琉舞 (Husband does karate, wife Ryūkyūan dance). The photos were taken in the dōjō of Nakazato Shūgurō 仲里 周五郎 (1920–2016). The rest of the text is unfortunately difficult to read but referring to the fact that Nakazato sensei practiced karate, his wife Continue reading
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Review: A collection of biographies that separates fact from fiction
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. Biographies of famous martial artists have always fascinated me. That’s also the reason why Continue reading
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Investigations into the history of karate 