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
Book Recommendations:
Recommended by Sensei Noel Smith
“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.” (from Amazon)
by Hermann Bayer PhD, Patrick McCarthy·You?
by Hermann Bayer PhD, Patrick McCarthy·You?
Genuine 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.