Rating: 
Summary: "Bubishi" is a must for all serious martial artists
Review: Beyond the usual "how to" kick and punch manual, this first ever English translation of the Bubishi is a must for all serious martial artists. Prefaced by a comprehensive history of the origins and development of karate, this book will round out any karateka's library. Great for understanding "pressure points".
Rating:
Summary: True Chapter and Verse
Review: Bible of Karate: Bubishi translated by Patrick McCarthy is an indispensable volume for the avid Karate-ka. A novice to Karate-do might do well to put off getting this volume until a more stable grounding in the art in attained. Otherwise, I say get it.It contains no detailed explanation of technique but the section on the history and philosophy alone would make buying this book more than worth it's price. Those practicing Goju-ryu, Isshin-ryu, or Kyokushinkai varieties of Karate-do will find the origins of Kata, such as Sanchin and Seisan, given here most interesting. If technique is what you're looking for then get The Essence of Okinawan Karate-do by Shoshin Nagamine, ISBN 0-8048-2110-0, along with this book and you won't go wrong. The Bible of Karate: Bubishi contains the descriptions of Chinese medicine, vital point striking, and strategy that informed the techniques of the Okinawan Masters. In and of themselves these explanations are inadequate introductions to these subjects. But that together as a book, that it became a volume treasured by the Okinawan Masters is of immense importance in that it give us helpful clues to the subjects these Karate-ka concerned themselves with and which they felt to be of vital importance to the advancement of their technique. If what you are interested in is more specifically the history of Okinawan Karate-do and Kobudo get this book along with Patrick McCarthy's two volume Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts: Koryu Uchinadi; ISBN 0-8048-2093-7 volume one, ISBN 0-8048-3147-5 volume two.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent, high quality book
Review: I bought this book mainly for the first 40 pages or so. It is basically a history of the bubishi itself, but also gives an excellent overview of karate history in general, even though it is mostly previously known information. It goes further than most karate history texts, including a good set of references about where the author found some of his information. This, along with "Unante" by John Sells is the most read karate book in my library. As for the actual Bubishi translation, I have it on good authority that it is an excellent translation from people who can read the original Japanese translation from which this is taken. I personally didn't find the Bubishi sections on fighting and grappling particularly useful, but they do serve for good historical perspective. Some very useful sections from the book include a glossary of terms with their kanji equivalents, something that I've found very useful for translating lists of people's names, names of kata etc... The quality of the books is excellent, with very crisp, sharp photos liberally distributed through the text and an excellent index. I do feel that this should probably rank high on most people's list of books to buy, especially if you are starting out and are interested in karate history.
Rating:
Summary: A timeless treasure
Review: I really liked this book. Mr McCarthy has did all his english speaking brothers a big favor. All that needs to be said is that Mr. Chogun Miyagi endorses the Bubishi. And Mr. McCarthy translated it into english, so all Goju Ryu practioners need this book. It traces were Karate had its beginnings. My only complaint is that the Chinese Medicine was hard to understand. But it was still cool that he included it.
Rating:
Summary: Worthwhile but Incomplete History
Review: Karate students will enjoy this historical review of different styles, karate masters and basic techniques. Just keep in mind that more complete historical material is available. Structured martial arts have been around for thousands of years. Bubishi picks up some vague notions of how various fighting arts mingled with the native arts of Okinawa just a few hundred years ago. Also, don't expect to find useful medicinal recipes or self-defence techniques.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Normaly I keep my mouth shut about martial Art stuff because its so political and you always get into that conversation "What rank are you? What have you studied? My system is better than yours,blah blah blah" What crap...anyways after seeing the review by "Michael Ramos" I have to comment. This is a great book, if you are interested in the roots of "traditional" martial arts and how they evolved, this is it..END OF STORY. Partick McCarthy is the FIRST translation of this book in english..FULL STOP. Ramos critics the book and says that he doesnt like the comments by McCarthy...well in a world where rank usually means nothing, McCarthy was the first caucasian ever to be awarded Kyoshi 7th dan teaching license for the Butokukai, and his insight is awesome, hey Ramos you bone head.. "Whats your rank...BLUE SMURF"
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Normaly I keep my mouth shut about martial Art stuff because its so political and you always get into that conversation "What rank are you? What have you studied? My system is better than yours,blah blah blah" What crap...anyways after seeing the review by "Michael Ramos" I have to comment. This is a great book, if you are interested in the roots of "traditional" martial arts and how they evolved, this is it..END OF STORY. Partick McCarthy is the FIRST translation of this book in english..FULL STOP. Ramos critics the book and says that he doesnt like the comments by McCarthy...well in a world where rank usually means nothing, McCarthy was the first caucasian ever to be awarded Kyoshi 7th dan teaching license for the Butokukai, and his insight is awesome, hey Ramos you bone head.. "Whats your rank...BLUE SMURF"
Rating:
Summary: A great book on the evolution of karate.
Review: Probably the best book ever on the early history and evolution of modern karate. A must have for everyone who really wants to know from where this art truly comes from. But, if you're not dying to know the answer to all those questions, don't. Discovering lots and lots of recepies of ancient chinese herbal medicines does'nt always make you drop your jaw...
Rating:
Summary: The Martial Art Spirit
Review: The Bible of Karate, "Bubishi" is a good title for this book. The Bubishi must be in every true martial artist library. This particular translation has a lot of commentary by McCarthy. His translation is accurate, and his commentary is not out of line. But I prefer literal translations, with my own mind being used to interpret what was meant. (As I feel this book was originally intended). This is the second translation of the Bubishi that I have added to my library, and I consider both copies very important to my collection. I believe that martial artist can benefit by reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: The Martial Art Spirit
Review: The Bible of Karate, "Bubishi" is a good title for this book. The Bubishi must be in every true martial artist library. This particular translation has a lot of commentary by McCarthy. His translation is accurate, and his commentary is not out of line. But I prefer literal translations, with my own mind being used to interpret what was meant. (As I feel this book was originally intended). This is the second translation of the Bubishi that I have added to my library, and I consider both copies very important to my collection. I believe that martial artist can benefit by reading this book.
| 
