Karate Books

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Book SynopsisGenuine karate is an Okinawan martial art for self-defense; its ongoing globalization has jeopardized its inherent effectiveness. “The changes made to karate in mainland Japan and in America have altered karate so intrinsically that it can no longer claim to be genuine karate.” Dr. Hermann Bayer, Ph.D., examines how Japan re-interpreted Okinawan karate to create its own unique style of karate-do, and how Japanese and American changes resulted in a modern karate-sport business. Practitioners of karate are often confused, misguided, and even led to believe that karate is just karate—this is far from the truth. Practitioners need a clear understanding of what their training can offer them. This can only be achieved by understanding karate's true purpose and by discerning misconceptions from facts. Contents include Okinawan karate’s “principle of never changing kata”. Karate as an Okinawan cultural heritage. Socio-cultural arguments to preserve Okinawa karate—as is. Japan—the karate reproducing country. Karate or Karate-do? The business of karate, karate-do, and karate-sport. Scientific proof of a peaceful karate mind. The laws of physics reveal weaknesses when kata are changed. This substantially researched work makes a compelling case for the socio-cultural and historic arguments to conserve genuine Okinawan karate. Supported by historical facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Dr. Bayer reveals, for all to see, the complex evolution of karate and the unsettled claims made upon it by the various stake-holders.Trade ReviewAWARDS Finalist 2021, Sports, Best Books Awards "An understated but often enlightening journey into the Okinawan beginnings of karate ... fans and practitioners of the form will likely be captivated by this exploration of its origins and development"―KIRKUS Reviews "We welcome this fascinating exploration of the many modern misconceptions about genuine Okinawan karate. The book explains that Okinawan Te was originally developed for the purpose of self-protection but that over the last several decades other purposes were added, namely physical education, recreation, meditation, and sports. It acknowledges that there were good reasons for these additions but strongly suggests that we not confuse them with the genuine intention of the art—as that art is taught at our and other traditional dojos." –Sensei Noel Smith, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan, head coach for the US karate team 1973 to 1978, USA Karate Hall of Fame inductee "Dr. Bayer has written an extraordinarily insightful book that will assist its readers in their personal growth and understanding of Okinawa’s martial culture. His passion, curiosity, and finely honed research and analytical skills have resulted in a rare work of substance, enlightenment, and truth." —William (Bill) Hayes, Hanshi, 9th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shobayashi-Kan, inducted into the Karate Masters’ Hall of Fame and into the American-Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame, major in the United States Marine Corps (retired) "Hermann Bayer’s Analysis of Genuine Karate is extraordinarily interesting and informative. He brings clarity to many of the greatest misconceptions about karate, from cultural traditions and the mind-set of the founding fathers of traditional Okinawan karate to the modern worldwide promulgation of karate for fame and money. He leaves no stone unturned, addressing differences in training methods and goals that could mean the difference between life and death. In this book, Hermann Bayer has his finger on the pulse of authentic and traditional Okinawa karate-do and culture." —Nestor Tadeusz Folta, 8th Dan Uechi-Ryu, Soke Shubukan, master instructor in the Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association, inductee to the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame 1996 "Given the ever-widening gap between the karate practiced in Okinawa and the karate practiced elsewhere around the world, it was perhaps inevitable that a book such as this would be written. More than one man’s opinion, Analysis of Genuine Karate is the result of the author’s methodical academic research. Hermann has consulted widely and sought expert opinion. The result of his research awaits the reader. I have no doubt this book will spark a great many conversations about what is and what isn’t “Genuine Karate.”" —Michael Clarke, author, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Okinawan Goju-Ryu, author of The Art of Hojo Undo, Shin Gi Tai, and Redemption "Engaging, enlightening, and informative, this book reflects a love, devotion, dedication, and level of knowledge that is comparable to if not exceeds anything that has been published on the topic by anyone." —Bernard N. Curry, PhD, LCSW, CSOTP, CCTP; university professor "Doctor Bayer's book will be an excellent addition to the library of anyone interested in the study of karate. He has made good use of his considerable experience training in traditional Okinawan karate and Japanese karate in his examination of their fundamental differences. His research gives the reader a good look at the historical, social, philosophical, and physical dynamics of the development of karate as it evolved from its origins in Okinawa to its adoption by the culture of mainland Japan." —Raymond (Gene) Adkins, Renshi, 6th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan "Dr. Hermann Bayer’s book on the cultural heritage and influences of Okinawan karate versus sport karate is well researched, well organized and well presented. Hermann’s intelligent, sincere, and thoughtful approach helps both the novice and the experienced karateka “see” the brilliance behind kata and the deep well of potential preserved in the cultural art of Okinawan karate." —Ted Jacobson, 5th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan

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Book SynopsisGenuine Okinawan Karate was developed as a fighting tool. Non-Okinawan Karate are for other purposes. Karate practitioners, scholars, and everyone caring about Asian martial arts and its culture will enthusiastically appreciate this eye-opening work. Dr. Bayer substantiates further how the art Karate was used to prepare a nation (Japan) for total war, how it was deliberately industrialized into a worldwide Japanized Karate-Do inflation, and how its following transformation into athletic showmanship destroyed the art’s unity and distinctiveness. The author endorses Karate-Jutsu as a genuine Okinawan martial art even as foreign knowledge and skills from India (speculated) and from China (proven) were integrated― and he explains the imitative social mechanism used to turn this local fighting art into a symbol of national identity. Since martial arts were initially understood as a moral code-neutral tool, like a weapon, this happens to contradict the modern understanding of Karate being a peaceful art with inherent non-violent values. In truth, moral codes or guidelines on how to use this tool were developed separately, not within the art. A new “back to the roots” Karate-Jutsu movement gains importance and establishes a counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization, helping to integrate some neglected reminiscences of Karate-Jutsu back into Karate-Do. Such a development brings Japanized Karate-Do versions closer to their martial origins, whereas pure Karate-Jutsu will be preserved as a point of reference by a group of dedicated curators. Contents include: Okinawa is the birthplace of Karate-Jutsu and Japan is the birthplace of Bu-Jutsu. How Karate and Budo were used for Japan’s war preparations. Senpai seniority was the social mechanism to integrate Karate into Japan’s martial arts tradition. Consequences of an ancient fighting art being turned into athletic showmanship. In Sports-Karate there is no more Kata in Kumite, and there is no more Kumite in Kata either. The modern misconception of avoiding a fight by all means. The path toward mastery in Karate. Sensei correct your errors and blunders, you have to correct mistakes yourself. Today’s Karate-Jutsu movement is the counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization. Karate’s market structure in the 21st century. Trade Review"Hermann Bayer once again provides fresh perspectives and prudent explanations of the complex developments of karate-jutsu into karatedo and into sports-karate. He not only dares, in his seventies, to successfully add a combat karate system from scratch up to black belt to his thirty years of karatedo training, but he assesses his training observations and experiences with analytic acumen and astute research."—Noel Smith, Hanshi 9th Dan Yamashita International Budo Association, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan, head coach for the US karate team (1973 to 1978), USA Karate Hall of Fame Inductee (1976) "All who are serious about knowing more concerning the early life protection methods developed on Okinawa, and how they’ve “morphed” since then to become the karate-do many know today, will applaud this latest work by Dr. Bayer. I found it to be just as important to the future of genuine Okinawan karate as his first book, if not more so. This well-researched, comprehensive blend of history, philosophy, martial culture, and informed opinion educates our judgment when it comes to the reasons practitioners are rarely exposed to more than a glimpse of “genuine karate” these days, on Okinawa or elsewhere. This book fills numerous gaps in our understanding of that which we seek to learn and share. It provides thoughtful perspectives and honest appraisals—all with the intention of helping us steer a “true course.”" —William “Bill” Hayes, Hanshi, 9th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shobayashi-Kan, Major United States Marine Corps (retired), Karate Masters’ Hall of Fame and American-Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame Inductee, award-winning author of My Journey with the Grandmaster: Reflections of an American Martial Artist on Okinawa "Supported by historical and socio-cultural facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Bayer examines how Japan reinterpreted Okinawan karate to best serve its own nationalistic agenda. Through his collective analyses he quantifies karate as an industry and reveals a complex and convoluted evolution, aptly illuminating the motivations behind various stakeholders." —Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi 9th Dan, ranks in jujutsu, judo, Yamaneryu kobudo, and Japanese swordsmanship; martial arts researcher, historian, and best-selling author. Director of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society, Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee (2012) "Once again, the author, Dr Hermann Bayer, invites karateka around the world to look at their art through the lens of reality rather than myth. His dedication to budo karate is clear, but that enthusiasm is put to one side as he burrows further into the legends, propaganda, and misinformation entrenched in modern-day karate, a field of study and practice where many students and teachers regularly mistake fiction for fact and place imagery over substance. As with his first volume, a level of discomfort while reading this book should not be unexpected. The book challenges the reader to examine their beliefs, and that alone makes the work a valuable tool in the learning of karate. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone making a serious study of karate." —Michael Clarke, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Okinawan Goju-Ryu, award-winning author of The Art of Hojo Undo, Shin Gi Tai, and others "The first source for you to learn more about your karate. Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 is second to none!" —Kris Wilder, 6th Dan Goju-Ryu, black belt taekwondo and judo, USA Karate Hall of Fame Inductee (2018), award-winning author of more than twenty marital arts books, including The Way of Kata, The Way of Sanchin Kata, and others "Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 follows the first volume nicely. This is an insightful look at the multiple directions modern karate is taking based on the historic roots discussed in the first volume. An excellent reference for anyone interested in the history of karate and the directions it is currently moving toward." —Raymond “Gene” Adkins, Renshi 6th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan "Dr. Bayer’s Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 expands on and develops a further analysis of the concepts and relationships of karate-jutsu, karatedo, and sports-karate. Drawing on an anthology of publications, educational materials, people, places, and concepts, Dr. Bayer furthers his analysis of what he has termed “Genuine Karate,” discussing how it evolved, retreated, and is reinventing itself. Volume 2 is a wonderful exploration of his research and findings and his relevant exploration of Okinawa’s “Gift to the World”―Okinawan karate." —Ted Jacobson, Renshi, 6th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan "Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 is a book that reflects a love, devotion, dedication, and level of knowledge that in my opinion is comparable to, if not exceeds, anything that has been published on the topic." —Bernard N. Curry, PhD, LCSW, CSOTP, CCTP, university professor Table of ContentsIntroduction: Structure of the Text, Research, and Analysis Content and Structure Methods and Analysis Used Quantitative and Qualitative Research Characteristics Chapter I: Avoiding a Fundamental Misunderstanding: Why Different Terms Are Needed for Today’s Different Karate Variations Classic Okinawan Karate Jutsu Traditional Japanese Karate-Do Modern Sports-Karate Chapter II: Did Karate-Jutsu Originate in Okinawa or in China? A Contribution to Historic Reasoning in Martial Arts History Throughout History Foreign Knowledge Is Integrated into Existing Ideas China Is the Birthplace of Ch'üan fa, Japan Is the Birthplace of Bu-Jutsu, Okinawa Is the Birthplace of Karate-Jutsu Is the Presented Reasoning Plausible? Summary Chapter II Chapter III: Japan’s Assertion of Okinawan Karate―How a Sub-Cultural Intangible Heritage Is Used as a National Cultural Symbol Okinawa’s History Creates Unique Socio-Cultural Conditions Assertion of a Sub-Cultural Symbol as a National Cultural Symbol The First Reason For The Japanization of Okinawan Karate: Japan’s Preparations for War Karate and Budo as Means to Create an All-Embracing Warrior Spirit Karate as Means to Secure the Human Raw Material for Japan’s Armed Forces and to Demonstrate Socio-Cultural Superiority The Second Reason For The Japanization of Okinawan Karate: Japan’s Cultural Integration Efforts Conformity and Group Orientation in Japanese Culture Senpai Seniority as Social Mechanism to Integrate Karate into Japan’s Martial Arts Tradition Summary Chapter III Chapter IV: The Metamorphosis of an Ancient Fighting Art into Athletic Showmanship Commercialization of Sports-Karate and Its Consequences Consequence One: Loss of Essential Knowledge Offensive Moves Changed into Defensive Ones Systematic Knowledge About Nerve Strikes And Grappling Came to Be Patchy Excurse: A Psychological Perspective of Sensei Itosu’s Motivation to Teach Karate to Kids Consequence Two: The Unity of Kata and Kumite Separated into Unconnected Sport Disciplines Kumite’s Changed Purpose in Sports Karate Kata’s Changed Role and Purpose in Sports Karate Consequence Three: The Modern Misconception of Avoiding a Fight by All Means Karate-Jutsu’s Initial Moral Code Modern Alterations Violence against Women, Karate-Jutsu and Karate-Do (by Dr. Joyce Trafton) Summary Chapter IV Chapter V: The Path to Mastery in Karate-Jutsu―Growing into Higher Levels of Understanding Karate-Jutsu Three Core Components of Mastery Advanced Stage of Holistic Perception and Insight Advanced Level of Knowledge and Understanding “Automatic” Application of Insight and Knowledge Milestones on a Path towards Mastery “Inductive” vs. “Deductive” Learning Karate-Jutsu Sensei Correct Errors and Blunders, Mistakes You Have to Correct Yourself No More True Mastery in Today’s Changed World? Summary Chapter V Chapter VI: The Outlook―What Happens to Karate in the 21st Century? ‘Arts and Crafts Movement’ as Counterculture to Industrialization Offers a Historic Blueprint Today’s Karate-Jutsu Movement Is the Counterculture to Karate-Do’s Industrialization Postwar Industrialization and Commercialization of Japanese Karate-Do ‘Back to the Roots’ Karate-Jutsu Movement as Countercultural Response The Resulting New Market Structure Sports-Karate Remains the Prevalent Type Karate-Do Perpetuates Japanization’s Lasting Impact but Will Improve with Additional Karate-Jutsu Incorporations A Group of Dedicated Karate-Jutsu Curators Will Secure the Art’s Genuine Points of Reference List of Abbreviations Explanation of Asian Terms List of Photos and Graphs References Index Bibliographical Note

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Book SynopsisGenuine Okinawan Karate was developed as a fighting tool. Non-Okinawan Karate are for other purposes. Karate practitioners, scholars, and everyone caring about Asian martial arts and its culture will enthusiastically appreciate this eye-opening work. Dr. Bayer substantiates further how the art Karate was used to prepare a nation (Japan) for total war, how it was deliberately industrialized into a worldwide Japanized Karate-Do inflation, and how its following transformation into athletic showmanship destroyed the art’s unity and distinctiveness. The author endorses Karate-Jutsu as a genuine Okinawan martial art even as foreign knowledge and skills from India (speculated) and from China (proven) were integrated― and he explains the imitative social mechanism used to turn this local fighting art into a symbol of national identity. Since martial arts were initially understood as a moral code-neutral tool, like a weapon, this happens to contradict the modern understanding of Karate being a peaceful art with inherent non-violent values. In truth, moral codes or guidelines on how to use this tool were developed separately, not within the art. A new “back to the roots” Karate-Jutsu movement gains importance and establishes a counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization, helping to integrate some neglected reminiscences of Karate-Jutsu back into Karate-Do. Such a development brings Japanized Karate-Do versions closer to their martial origins, whereas pure Karate-Jutsu will be preserved as a point of reference by a group of dedicated curators. Contents include: Okinawa is the birthplace of Karate-Jutsu and Japan is the birthplace of Bu-Jutsu. How Karate and Budo were used for Japan’s war preparations. Senpai seniority was the social mechanism to integrate Karate into Japan’s martial arts tradition. Consequences of an ancient fighting art being turned into athletic showmanship. In Sports-Karate there is no more Kata in Kumite, and there is no more Kumite in Kata either. The modern misconception of avoiding a fight by all means. The path toward mastery in Karate. Sensei correct your errors and blunders, you have to correct mistakes yourself. Today’s Karate-Jutsu movement is the counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization. Karate’s market structure in the 21st century. Table of ContentsIntroduction: Structure of the Text, Research, and Analysis Content and Structure Methods and Analysis Used Quantitative and Qualitative Research Characteristics Chapter I: Avoiding a Fundamental Misunderstanding: Why Different Terms Are Needed for Today’s Different Karate Variations Classic Okinawan Karate Jutsu Traditional Japanese Karate-Do Modern Sports-Karate Chapter II: Did Karate-Jutsu Originate in Okinawa or in China? A Contribution to Historic Reasoning in Martial Arts History Throughout History Foreign Knowledge Is Integrated into Existing Ideas China Is the Birthplace of Ch'üan fa, Japan Is the Birthplace of Bu-Jutsu, Okinawa Is the Birthplace of Karate-Jutsu Is the Presented Reasoning Plausible? Summary Chapter II Chapter III: Japan’s Assertion of Okinawan Karate―How a Sub-Cultural Intangible Heritage Is Used as a National Cultural Symbol Okinawa’s History Creates Unique Socio-Cultural Conditions Assertion of a Sub-Cultural Symbol as a National Cultural Symbol The First Reason For The Japanization of Okinawan Karate: Japan’s Preparations for War Karate and Budo as Means to Create an All-Embracing Warrior Spirit Karate as Means to Secure the Human Raw Material for Japan’s Armed Forces and to Demonstrate Socio-Cultural Superiority The Second Reason For The Japanization of Okinawan Karate: Japan’s Cultural Integration Efforts Conformity and Group Orientation in Japanese Culture Senpai Seniority as Social Mechanism to Integrate Karate into Japan’s Martial Arts Tradition Summary Chapter III Chapter IV: The Metamorphosis of an Ancient Fighting Art into Athletic Showmanship Commercialization of Sports-Karate and Its Consequences Consequence One: Loss of Essential Knowledge Offensive Moves Changed into Defensive Ones Systematic Knowledge About Nerve Strikes And Grappling Came to Be Patchy Excurse: A Psychological Perspective of Sensei Itosu’s Motivation to Teach Karate to Kids Consequence Two: The Unity of Kata and Kumite Separated into Unconnected Sport Disciplines Kumite’s Changed Purpose in Sports Karate Kata’s Changed Role and Purpose in Sports Karate Consequence Three: The Modern Misconception of Avoiding a Fight by All Means Karate-Jutsu’s Initial Moral Code Modern Alterations Violence against Women, Karate-Jutsu and Karate-Do (by Dr. Joyce Trafton) Summary Chapter IV Chapter V: The Path to Mastery in Karate-Jutsu―Growing into Higher Levels of Understanding Karate-Jutsu Three Core Components of Mastery Advanced Stage of Holistic Perception and Insight Advanced Level of Knowledge and Understanding “Automatic” Application of Insight and Knowledge Milestones on a Path towards Mastery “Inductive” vs. “Deductive” Learning Karate-Jutsu Sensei Correct Errors and Blunders, Mistakes You Have to Correct Yourself No More True Mastery in Today’s Changed World? Summary Chapter V Chapter VI: The Outlook―What Happens to Karate in the 21st Century? ‘Arts and Crafts Movement’ as Counterculture to Industrialization Offers a Historic Blueprint Today’s Karate-Jutsu Movement Is the Counterculture to Karate-Do’s Industrialization Postwar Industrialization and Commercialization of Japanese Karate-Do ‘Back to the Roots’ Karate-Jutsu Movement as Countercultural Response The Resulting New Market Structure Sports-Karate Remains the Prevalent Type Karate-Do Perpetuates Japanization’s Lasting Impact but Will Improve with Additional Karate-Jutsu Incorporations A Group of Dedicated Karate-Jutsu Curators Will Secure the Art’s Genuine Points of Reference List of Abbreviations Explanation of Asian Terms List of Photos and Graphs References Index Bibliographical Note

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Book SynopsisGenuine karate is an Okinawan martial art for self-defense; its ongoing globalization has jeopardized its inherent effectiveness. “The changes made to karate in mainland Japan and in America have altered karate so intrinsically that it can no longer claim to be genuine karate.” Dr. Hermann Bayer, Ph.D., examines how Japan re-interpreted Okinawan karate to create its own unique style of karate-do, and how Japanese and American changes resulted in a modern karate-sport business. Practitioners of karate are often confused, misguided, and even led to believe that karate is just karate—this is far from the truth. Practitioners need a clear understanding of what their training can offer them. This can only be achieved by understanding karate's true purpose and by discerning misconceptions from facts. Contents include Okinawan karate’s “principle of never changing kata”. Karate as an Okinawan cultural heritage. Socio-cultural arguments to preserve Okinawa karate—as is. Japan—the karate reproducing country. Karate or Karate-do? The business of karate, karate-do, and karate-sport. Scientific proof of a peaceful karate mind. The laws of physics reveal weaknesses when kata are changed. This substantially researched work makes a compelling case for the socio-cultural and historic arguments to conserve genuine Okinawan karate. Supported by historical facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Dr. Bayer reveals, for all to see, the complex evolution of karate and the unsettled claims made upon it by the various stake-holders.Trade ReviewAWARDS Finalist 2021, Sports, Best Books Awards "An understated but often enlightening journey into the Okinawan beginnings of karate ... fans and practitioners of the form will likely be captivated by this exploration of its origins and development"―KIRKUS Reviews "We welcome this fascinating exploration of the many modern misconceptions about genuine Okinawan karate. The book explains that Okinawan Te was originally developed for the purpose of self-protection but that over the last several decades other purposes were added, namely physical education, recreation, meditation, and sports. It acknowledges that there were good reasons for these additions but strongly suggests that we not confuse them with the genuine intention of the art—as that art is taught at our and other traditional dojos."—Sensei Noel Smith, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan, head coach for the US karate team 1973 to 1978, USA Karate Hall of Fame inductee "Dr. Bayer has written an extraordinarily insightful book that will assist its readers in their personal growth and understanding of Okinawa’s martial culture. His passion, curiosity, and finely honed research and analytical skills have resulted in a rare work of substance, enlightenment, and truth." —William (Bill) Hayes, Hanshi, 9th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shobayashi-Kan, inducted into the Karate Masters’ Hall of Fame and into the American-Okinawan Karate Association Hall of Fame, major in the United States Marine Corps (retired) "Hermann Bayer’s Analysis of Genuine Karate is extraordinarily interesting and informative. He brings clarity to many of the greatest misconceptions about karate, from cultural traditions and the mind-set of the founding fathers of traditional Okinawan karate to the modern worldwide promulgation of karate for fame and money. He leaves no stone unturned, addressing differences in training methods and goals that could mean the difference between life and death. In this book, Hermann Bayer has his finger on the pulse of authentic and traditional Okinawa karate-do and culture."—Nestor Tadeusz Folta, 8th Dan Uechi-Ryu, Soke Shubukan, master instructor in the Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association, inductee to the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame 1996 "Given the ever-widening gap between the karate practiced in Okinawa and the karate practiced elsewhere around the world, it was perhaps inevitable that a book such as this would be written. More than one man’s opinion, Analysis of Genuine Karate is the result of the author’s methodical academic research. Hermann has consulted widely and sought expert opinion. The result of his research awaits the reader. I have no doubt this book will spark a great many conversations about what is and what isn’t “Genuine Karate.”"—Michael Clarke, author, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Okinawan Goju-Ryu, author of The Art of Hojo Undo, Shin Gi Tai, and Redemption "Engaging, enlightening, and informative, this book reflects a love, devotion, dedication, and level of knowledge that is comparable to if not exceeds anything that has been published on the topic by anyone."—Bernard N. Curry, PhD, LCSW, CSOTP, CCTP; university professor "Doctor Bayer's book will be an excellent addition to the library of anyone interested in the study of karate. He has made good use of his considerable experience training in traditional Okinawan karate and Japanese karate in his examination of their fundamental differences. His research gives the reader a good look at the historical, social, philosophical, and physical dynamics of the development of karate as it evolved from its origins in Okinawa to its adoption by the culture of mainland Japan."—Raymond (Gene) Adkins, Renshi, 6th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan "Dr. Hermann Bayer’s book on the cultural heritage and influences of Okinawan karate versus sport karate is well researched, well organized and well presented. Hermann’s intelligent, sincere, and thoughtful approach helps both the novice and the experienced karateka “see” the brilliance behind kata and the deep well of potential preserved in the cultural art of Okinawan karate."—Ted Jacobson, 5th Dan Shorin Ryu, Shorinkan

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Book Synopsis

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