japan
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Bringing Funakoshi Gigō’s thoughts to English readers for the first time
Eric Shahan, a highly accomplished translator known for his numerous English editions of classic Japanese martial arts texts—from ninjutsu and jūjutsu treatises to seminal karate works by masters such as Mabuni Kenwa and Motobu Chōki—once again delivers a remarkable contribution to the study of traditional martial arts. With The Fleeting Karate Master: Funakoshi Gigō, his Continue reading
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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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Yamakawa – Ancestral home of karate masters
Yamakawa, a district in Shuri (Okinawa) just a few minutes’ walk from Shuri Castle, was once home to many aristocratic families—the scholar-officials of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. The neighborhood looked much like a traditional Ryūkyūan village, with both small and large houses that reflected the social status of their residents. The homes were wooden and single-storied, 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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The blog as a book
Karate’s history is richer and more complex than popular narratives often suggest. Based on this blog, Investigations into the history of karate (Lulu, 2025) brings together a diverse collection of essays that explore the art’s overlooked figures, pivotal moments, and forgotten contexts. From the pioneers of Hanashiro Chōmo and Yabu Kentsū to the appearance of karate Continue reading
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Karate footage from 1938/9
Recently, I came across the TV documentary Japan – A Living Travel Book. Sponsored by the Japan Society for International Cultural Relations, the film was likely produced in 1938 by James Farquharson Leys (1901–1999), a Canadian author, historian, and radio broadcaster. A Living Travel Book is a documentary that portrays Japan in the late 1930s. It offers Continue reading
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Book review: The Seven Innermost Techniques of Toyama Kanken
Tōyama Kanken (1888–1966) was a prominent figure in karate, having trained under masters such as Itosu Ankō (1831–1915) and Higaonna Kanryō (1853–1915). He founded the Shūdōkan dōjō in Tōkyō in 1930 and was instrumental in teaching and spreading karate in Japan. Despite his contributions, he remains less well known than contemporaries such as Funakoshi Gichin Continue reading
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Annotated bibliography of Funakoshi Gichin
I am pleased that my new book is finally available: “An Annotated Bibliography of Funakoshi Gichin. Including a list of selected books and articles“ (Lulu, 2025). Considered by many to be the father of modern karatedō, Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957) is undoubtedly one of the most important pioneers of modern karate, both as a martial art Continue reading
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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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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
Investigations into the history of karate 