japan
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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
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Physical examination of Ryūkyūan recruits
In 1911, German internist and anthropologist Erwin von Bälz (1849–1913) talked about the people from Ryūkyū, in whose “peculiarities” he was interested: “When I learned in 1899 that recruits from Riu-Kiu [sic] had been recruited in the southern garrisons, I asked the military authorities for permission, which they gladly granted, to study these people anthropologically.… Continue reading
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Review: About the changing values in kyūdō
For the academic study of karate, it is always important to think outside the box. I regularly look to see what’s new on the publication market and what scholarly approach the authors have chosen for their research of other martial arts disciplines. Kyūdō 弓道 or the “way of the bow” is the art of Japanese… Continue reading
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Master Funakoshi 1937 in Korea
Funakoshi Gichin 船越義珍 (1868–1957) is known as the father of modern karatedō. In 1922, he left his home Okinawa for Tōkyō and demonstrated his karate at various occasions and eventually decided to devote his further life to spread the benefits of a lifelong karate training. His efforts were extensive. He wrote articles and books about… Continue reading
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No high kicks in Okinawan karate?
Recently a video was published about the supposed influencing factors of high kicks in karate. The theory is interesting, the video very entertaining. But there is a lack of historical evidence. There are so many myths and legends in the world of martial arts. For many years, serious efforts have been made to explain historical… Continue reading
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Review of Stephen Turnbull: Ninja: Unmasking the Myth
For the academic study of karate, it is always important to think outside the box. I regularly look to see what’s new on the publication market and what scholarly approach the authors have chosen for their research of other martial arts disciplines. It has been a long time coming. But now Stephen Turnbull’s new book… 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 