Rating: 
Summary: Really a Bible!
Review: The historical review of Mr. McCarthy is excellent. This book was only available for the disciples of the great Masters in the early days of Karate and now is seriously presented to us. It is an excellent companion for the "yudansha", who must be always guided by a real Master at the Dojo, anyway!
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but keep some perspective . . . .
Review: This book is quite interesting as an historical document. It is, by the author's own admission, incomplete and at times was uninterpretable. As a piece of martial arts history - it is a treasure. One can begin to see how a martial art migrated, was passed on and even how it influenced and influenced by, other styles. There are, of course, many unanswered questions. The Bubushi was undoubtedly of great value, but grammatical errors and uninterpretable, obsolete Chinese characters and time have made the true meanings of many of the parts, unknowable. What I came away with was, judging by the scope of knowlege the Bubushi covers, the martial arts practitioner of the past was a well rounded individual in the truest sense. Science, medicine, anatomy and philosophy as well as the martial techniques were all a part of the makeup of the martial artist. There are too many limitations to make the Bubishi a modern martial arts bible. Among others, there are really NO complete training guidelines, the medicine/treatments are incomplete, and the lethal striking points are unexplained (i.e. WHERE to strike may be explicitly documented, but HOW to strike and with what technique, and how hard is not addressed). As a book (hopefully one of many) the student of martial arts would study to understand the roots of their art, I would say it is a good read. As an instructional tome I would be quite wary. The author points out the limitations of his reasearch. He is aware of the shortcomings of the final product and he cautions the reader appropriately. But he has given us a fascinating view of the past, cobbled together and distorted as it is. So beware. This book is like being the last one in line at a game of telephone. We hear what has been passed on by the previous person, but do not really know if it is a complete and accurate interpretation of the original. This is not the fault of the author, it is just what is....
Rating:
Summary: The most important Karate book ever!
Review: This book is truly a great piece of work! I have trained Karate for 13 years and this book keeps on amazing me every time I opens it. If you are going to buy one book about Martial Arts buy this one! This book is perfect for the karateka who wants to get to the core of it!
Rating:
Summary: Patrick McCarthy has done everyone a favor with this book
Review: This I pick as the foremost book in the Martial Arts at the present. Covering Healing as well as vital combative information. The late Sensei Soken Hohan of the Matsumura Shorin Ryu displayed many of the Tecniques of Kyojutsu during our many training sessions. The information about the bronze man, helped to display how serious the early practioners were with their studies. Yet the modern practioners think they have it all, no there is alot more to learn and share with others. If Patricks next publication is anywhere near the Greatness of the Bubishi, it will be a top seller.
Rating:
Summary: good book
Review: This is a very interesting and informative volume. The history, while a little too concise, is a good introduction to the bubishi itself. A recommended read for all.
Rating:
Summary: good book
Review: This is a very interesting and informative volume. The history, while a little too concise, is a good introduction to the bubishi itself. A recommended read for all.
Rating:
Summary: Worthwhile with reservations
Review: This is an interesting book, but one should always be aware that generally only those who like the book review it, hence the preponderance of high ratings. Mr. McCarthy is to be appluaded for attempting an English translation of this much translated book. The book comprises a translation of several disparate documents which are gathered under the title of the Bubishi. The documents are from different martial traditions and periods and vary greatly in their relevance. The lengthy preface with testimonials from multiple masters appears gratuitous. The elucidation of vital points and lethal strike information is somewhat questionable given that many martial artists no longer follow moral or ethical codes. The section on herbal remedies could easily lead to disaster in inexperienced hands, resulting in poisoning or worse. Of most interest are the historical passages on the lineage of various styles, training methods and aphorisms. Overall, satisfactory, but hardly "a must have". Osu!
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