Biography
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Anecdote about “hidden warrior” Hanashiro Chōmo
Hanashiro Chōmo (1869–1945) played a significant role in the development of modern karate. Despite his importance, he remains underrepresented in historical discourse. Fortunately, several written sources preserve his legacy. I recently came across one such example in the 1997 publication 沖縄の昔面影 Okinawa no mukashi omokage (Remnants of Old Okinawa), in which the author, Kinjō Kazuhiko 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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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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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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Magazine article about Itosu Ankō
I wrote an article about Itosu Ankō (1831–1915) for the new issue of the martial arts magazine “Bugeisha. Traditional Martial Artist”. In it, I mainly look at his last years. The article “Anko Itosu. In the autumn of his life” is available on Amazon. Continue reading
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Itosu Ankō biography published
After more than three years of work, the first comprehensive biography of Ankō Itosu (1831–1915) has finally been published. Itosu trained a new generation of martial artists who were responsible for the further spread of this unique art. His students included Yabu Kentsū, Hanashiro Chōmo, Funakoshi Gichin, Motobu Chōki, Gusukuma Shinpan, Mabuni Kenwa, Tōyama Kanken Continue reading
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Review: Toyama Kanken: The Heritage of Shudokan
This year, a biography of Tōyama Kanken (1888–1966) was published in both German and English. On 236 pages, it deals with the life and work of the karate master who opened his first dōjō, the Shūdōkan, in Tōkyō in 1930. Tōyama Kanken was a student of Itosu Ankō and Higaonna Kanryō, and also learned from Continue reading
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Review: Book about Erwin von Baelz
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. Erwin von Baelz (1848–1913) was a German doctor and, together with German surgeon Julius Continue reading
Investigations into the history of karate 