Rating: 
Summary: Open book
Review: an inspiring, touching overview of the most influential masters of karate. Okinawa was a melting pot for different influences and this is reflected in its wonderful contributions to the world of martial arts. The author speaks reverentially of those who impacted his life. He then develops philosophical insights that take the reader to the heart of martial arts and the real meanings behind the movements.A nicely edited work that features many interesting photos, 'Tales' will surely satisfy.
Rating:
Summary: The lives of ten of Okinawa's greatest karate masters.
Review: Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine's Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters was published in Japanese a few years ago. The English translation, by Patrick McCarthy, recounts the lives and histories of ten of Okinawa's greatest masters. Nagamine Sensei spent a lifetime researching these masters and either training with them or interviewing their families and students. Tode Sakugawa, Sokon Matsumura, Kosaku Matsumora, Anko Itosu, Gichin Funakoshi, Chotoku Kyan, Choki Motobu, Kanryo Higaonna and Ankichi Arakaki, are just a few of the luminaries profiled in the book. History buffs will also appreciate the numerous photographs and illustrations from Nagamine Sensei's personal collection. This book crosses over all karate styles. Whether you are a student of Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu or Shotokan, there is so much here for you. And for students of Matsubayashi-Ryu, the style founded by Nagamine Sensei in 1947, this book is must reading. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 20!
Rating:
Summary: The lives of ten of Okinawa's greatest karate masters.
Review: Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine's Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters was published in Japanese a few years ago. The English translation, by Patrick McCarthy, recounts the lives and histories of ten of Okinawa's greatest masters. Nagamine Sensei spent a lifetime researching these masters and either training with them or interviewing their families and students. Tode Sakugawa, Sokon Matsumura, Kosaku Matsumora, Anko Itosu, Gichin Funakoshi, Chotoku Kyan, Choki Motobu, Kanryo Higaonna and Ankichi Arakaki, are just a few of the luminaries profiled in the book. History buffs will also appreciate the numerous photographs and illustrations from Nagamine Sensei's personal collection. This book crosses over all karate styles. Whether you are a student of Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu or Shotokan, there is so much here for you. And for students of Matsubayashi-Ryu, the style founded by Nagamine Sensei in 1947, this book is must reading. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 20!
Rating:
Summary: A Personal Glimpse Inside Okinawan Karate's Complexities
Review: I am among those who are very pleased to see so many works by Okinawan martial artists become available in the English language. In "Tales of Okinawa's Great Karate Masters", translated by Patrick McCarthy, Shoshin Nagamine offers an honest look at the roots of the art he practiced and taught for over 50 years. This is not a 'how-to' karate book, there are no technical pictures although there are some decent historical pictures of people and documents, and some illustrative ones of the author, Nagamine. If you have Nagamine's first book, translated into English as "The Essence of Okinawan Karate" and focusing mainly upon the 17 kata of Matsubayashi Ryu Shorin Ryu Karate (an Itosu-ha lineage), this second work of his provides the literary heart of the art. It does not dwell merely on the roots of Nagamine's style, but includes fascinating information on a myriad of styles, teachers, Okinawan history, and karate folklore. There is plenty of new information: this is not simply a 're-do' of old data. One chapter for instance, focuses on Okinawa's Native art, a form of wrestling called "Tegumi". Book includes endnotes, and an Appendixed article by Nagamine called "Okinawan Karate and World Peace".
Rating:
Summary: A Personal Glimpse Inside Okinawan Karate's Complexities
Review: I am among those who are very pleased to see so many works by Okinawan martial artists become available in the English language. In "Tales of Okinawa's Great Karate Masters", translated by Patrick McCarthy, Shoshin Nagamine offers an honest look at the roots of the art he practiced and taught for over 50 years. This is not a 'how-to' karate book, there are no technical pictures although there are some decent historical pictures of people and documents, and some illustrative ones of the author, Nagamine. If you have Nagamine's first book, translated into English as "The Essence of Okinawan Karate" and focusing mainly upon the 17 kata of Matsubayashi Ryu Shorin Ryu Karate (an Itosu-ha lineage), this second work of his provides the literary heart of the art. It does not dwell merely on the roots of Nagamine's style, but includes fascinating information on a myriad of styles, teachers, Okinawan history, and karate folklore. There is plenty of new information: this is not simply a 're-do' of old data. One chapter for instance, focuses on Okinawa's Native art, a form of wrestling called "Tegumi". Book includes endnotes, and an Appendixed article by Nagamine called "Okinawan Karate and World Peace".
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely informative work.
Review: I highly recommend this book to all practioners of the Martial Art of Karate. Exploring not only his personal lineage but that of all the original styles of karate founded and developed on Okinawa, Shoshin Nagamine provides a great work and a first hand account of many of the mentioned Masters.
It is nice to know that historically correct information is starting to come out about the true origins of karate and of its' founders. It is also nice that a little bit of myth also surrounds those same founders. Shoshin Nagamine does well to dispell those myths.
By knowing and understanding truth from the past we grow today and prepare for the future. This reviewer is glad that Patrick McCarthy translated this work for the world to read.
Buy the book.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely informative work.
Review: I highly recommend this book to all practioners of the Martial Art of Karate. Exploring not only his personal lineage but that of all the original styles of karate founded and developed on Okinawa, Shoshin Nagamine provides a great work and a first hand account of many of the mentioned Masters.
It is nice to know that historically correct information is starting to come out about the true origins of karate and of its' founders. It is also nice that a little bit of myth also surrounds those same founders. Shoshin Nagamine does well to dispell those myths.
By knowing and understanding truth from the past we grow today and prepare for the future. This reviewer is glad that Patrick McCarthy translated this work for the world to read.
Buy the book.
Rating:
Summary: History for all Karate-ka
Review: This book provides an excellent history of Karate as well as some entertaining tales. We all know history and our recollection of it are selective at best. This book is an excellent blend of truth and tale. Regardless of your style, you will love reading this book from cover to cover.
Rating:
Summary: History for all Karate-ka
Review: This book provides an excellent history of Karate as well as some entertaining tales. We all know history and our recollection of it are selective at best. This book is an excellent blend of truth and tale. Regardless of your style, you will love reading this book from cover to cover.
Rating:
Summary: History of Okinawan Te Master's
Review: This book was written by the late Grandmaster Nagimine. Founder of Matsubayashi Ryu. The style I practice. This books is for all martial artist whoes karate originate from the Ryukyu Islands. It is a history of great Karate Master's of the past. Book filled with tales and pictures that should be liked by student and historian alike. As usual, McCarthy does a good job translating for us westerners. A must read for all martial artist.
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