Rating: 
Summary: Sincere,motivational,inspiring insight for dedicated student
Review: A excellent source of theory ,motivation, culture and history, of original Matsubayhashi-ryu Karate-do. Written for the true development of skills, tradtion, culture, respect and expierence through practical application. This reading is a must for any dedicated karateka. The greatest benefit of this book is achieved through the direction of a great sen-sei. Since the book is written from the first hand knowledge and expierence and life long dedication of Shoshin Nagamine, one must expierence karate-do first hand through self challenge and physical persistence to develop a meaningful respect for the authors incredible endeavor. Some things in life cannot be gained without first hand participation. The essence of the writting is not without sacrifice, and through this personal investment of self, one can begin to consider the vast opportunities presented, to begin the life fulfillment process. Humility is a constant effort, but a most worthy teacher. If only some of these insights were taught at an early age, I dare beleive that the world would be a safer and more enjoyable place. Personaly I cannot give enough appreciation to repay those who taught me the valuable lessons I have received directly and indirectly from the reading and implementation of this magnificent recipe for life. All I can do is try to pass it on to those who are willing to grasp it.A sincere Domo-Arigato go zai master to the grand master of Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do; "Domo Arigato" Shoshin Nagamine . DHC
Rating:
Summary: The True Bible of Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu
Review: All Matsubayashi Practioners need this book in their possesion. Breaks down all eighteen katas and leaves room on every page for notes and highlighting. Shoshin Nagamine does an excellent job in helping us learn about his life, the history of karate and the techniques of Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu. This book is the best guideline in helping anyone learn and maintain their katas, kihon and yakusoku kumite. I have recommended it to all of my students and friends . I live by this book. Sensei Dan Cole Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Rating:
Summary: Absolute must
Review: An absolute must for any martial arts practitioner. The exquisite historical information and introduction are enlightening. Shoshin Nagamine guides the reader toward the way. Illustrations of the kata preserve forever the Master's art.
Rating:
Summary: Absolute must
Review: An absolute must for any martial arts practitioner. The exquisite historical information and introduction are enlightening. Shoshin Nagamine guides the reader toward the way. Illustrations of the kata preserve forever the Master's art.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent value.
Review: An excellent book from a historical point of view as well as techniqual. I enjoyed it immensely. My only disappointment was in the Kata section. The reader sees no transition from technique to technique, only the end product. I believe in doing so, the book would have been much larger. In other books they may take half a page to a full page to demonstrate each techniuqe. In this book, each page may average 10 techniques. On the whole this is an excellent book and a must have for any serious Karate Ka.
Rating:
Summary: The bible of Okinawan Karate, essential Matsubayashi.
Review: I have read and lived this book and its teachings. This is the essential student companion to class instruction. Plenty of room under photographs for note taking. Hard cover for durability. All eighteen katas shown. Text is through and understandable. I've carried this book for 13 years as my reference and recommend it to all students of Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu. For more info on Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu please see www.wmka.com. Nidan, 2nd degree - Sensei Michael Tobin.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Book on History and Kata; but the Essence - Maybe Not
Review: I received this book (hardbound edition) in '98 from my wife's sensei at the time, who taught Shorin-Ryu in Hawaii (and I hope he still does, he is a very nice person). I have been involved in the martial arts since 1977 and not being much of a kata enthusiast, have regulated this book to the self. But as I get older and a couple of injuries later, I have discovered that in my case kata has a place at times to focus and get some martial exercise and keep the warrior spirit. While I still prefer a more `ruff-n-tumble' martial direction, I did find this book praiseworthy.
The history section of karate is clear, concise, yet detailed enough to not mislead the reader. Yet, maybe due to his experience, he does go into an over the top polemic against the Tournament system. First, I am well aware he is speaking about Japan and not America; but, the hard core systems from there have produced great athletes and damage to individuals has been minimized, probably a lot less than other sports like boxing. His problem is in making an inductive fallacy by taking his experience and apply it to everywhere. (p. 27, 28)
Otherwise, this book is pretty good and even though kata is not my strong suite, I did enjoy the book. Kata is explained by words and photos, and the photos are very sharp, which is needed when using photos to teach movements. While I'll probably never be a huge fan of kata, I can appreciate the history, exercise, and place it still has in the warrior tradition.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent reference book on Shorin-Ryu kata
Review: In his book, Sensei Nagamine provides great insight into the spirit, history, and training methods of traditional Okinawan karate. Detailed, easy-to-follow pictures make this an excellent reference book for anyone learning Shorin-Ryu kata.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Its a great book, lots of pictures showing Master Nagamine going through kata. The information presented gives much insight into his thoughts and ideas about the history of the kata, Okinawan KArate and how both should be practiced. Nothing on the mystical side here just good strong karate presented by a legend.
No matter what style of Okinawan Karate you practice this book will be of help to you in your studies
Rating:
Summary: A National Treasure
Review: Nagamine Sensei was one of the three persons declared a National Treasure. The other two were Yagi Sensei of Goju Ryu and Matayoshi Sensei of Matayoshi (Okinawan) Kobudo.
Every serious martial artist needs four books on their shelf: this book, the Essence of Karate-Do,Shotokan a Precise History, Karate-Do Kyohan, and The History of Karate.
Nagamine Sensei was truly an Okinawan Treasure as was his art, Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu. He was a Master to the Masters. This is a great book by a great man.
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