Karate Jutsu: Kumite

Eric Shahan has provided an outstanding, low-cost English translation of one of Motobu Choki's two books. "Karate Jutsu" provides insights into an underexplored, form of Okinawan kenpo focused on infighting. Too many of today's karate classes consist of punching in formations, static bunkai, tag kumite, and weapons dancing in the "spirit of Budo." Contrast with Motobu's karate, which emphasizes kumite. He taught just one kata: Naihanchi, and built a system of self-defense around it.It's not like any karate I've seen, which often looks like fencing. This style focuses on grabs and holds and constant attack, dealing blunt-force trauma with short punches, elbows, knees and low kicks. It looks more like something you'd see from a modern combatives instructor.Motobu was of noble lineage, though apparently he fought frequently in red light district brawls and gained renown when he knocked out a "Russian" (sometimes listed as Estonian) boxer in 1920 or 1922, while in his early 50s, in one of the challenge matches popular at the time. Motobu taught from experience, not conjecture. His karate is for when people collide, in the melee conditions of a real fight, and the skilled practitioner "stays in the pocket."I've seen this book previously within Japan's National Diet Library holdings in its original form. Shahan preserves the original text for those with the language skills, provides a thorough translation and offers some additional notes for clarification and insight. He even adds some additional pictures in an attempt to depict what Motobu discusses but doesn't illustrate.The book is a succinct 132 pages, deceptive because it's packed with useful insights and training tips. It's designed to be re-read. I've read it four times in the week since I received it. Motobu's manual offers his take on karate's origins, stances, practical training tips, details on kenpo, plans for constructing two types of makiwara -- including a rarely used swinging variant -- and offers both a kumite sequence and traditional remedies for recovery from knockouts and injuries.Throughout, Motobu emphasizes personal responsibility and good behavior in approaching karate and training. This is important because rivals such as Shotokan's Funakoshi maligned Motobu as a street thug. Motobu advocated karate-jutsu. Funakoshi promoted karate-do.So what do we see in the kumite section? A practical, upright stances that evokes bare-knuckle boxing in its guard. There's no drawing back the elbow for an elaborate reverse punch. Motobu's karate doesn't feature airy blocks that serve as their own event. Blocking is continuous, consisting of jolts, slaps, and grabs, flowing into a strike or powerful set-up. The "defensive' actions are used for holding and hitting, or to clear an opponent's centerline to open up hitting areas. There are no round-house kicks due to the ranges involved. Most of the sequence focuses on strikes, punches, elbows and knees, with a low side kick that uses the edge of the foot and an oblique/stomp kick depicted that follows a knee to the chest. Throughout, the emphasis is on holding and hitting, maneuvering the opponent for advantage. It's a close-range style not intended for standard boxing gloves. Readers should pay careful attention to the pictures, which are more nuanced than the explanatory text. A knee to the chest is angled so the foot hits the groin. The stances use the knees knock an opponent off balance and to control a foe's movement. There's a rising punch to the inside of the bicep that could deaden an arm.The book made me wish Motobu had the success certain peers enjoyed. The book also offers excellent insight into what a real tradition was, how much it has been diluted, and what's passed off as "tradition" today consists of incorrect information and lazy teaching. I've not being overly critical; anyone who has studied karate or kung fu has run into the mixed bag, especially Westerners who hide behind unfamiliar terms and "Eastern ways" to assume an unearned authority.In conclusion, Shahan provides a translation of Motobu's manual for blunt force trauma -- not for fancy demonstrations. Motobu's other book, "Karate: My Art" isn't available on Amazon.

Eric Shahan Has Produced An Outstanding Translation of Another Important Book on Okinawan Karate History. By making this important work by one of the greatest karate master's Choki Motobu we are given an insight into his martial philosophy and principles. For myself it makes me rethink about my karate practice and gives me as a karateka a better understanding of our history. Looking forward to more of Eric's work in this area.

I like Motobu Choki and the legend of his focus on tekki 1. The "kumite" he speaks of is what we would call one step kumite in my style of shotokan. He demonstrates mostly fight ending techniques like groin strikes or elbow strikes. There is also some history and some old medical advice that I wouldn't recommend trying, lol. Thank you to the translator. I like the Japanese and English side by side. This is an interesting and economical addition to my martial arts library but I wouldn't buy it for a beginner that expects much practical direction. Am advanced student or black belt looking to tweak some things or someone interested in karate history will find it valuable.

Manually scanned in and translated, but amazing. Thank you, I will keep purchasing his e-books

not worth the money...very little info on useful training

Great book

This is strictly for those who are interested in the history of karate through the eyes of one of its biggest historical figures. It's a fun read for anyone interested in how Choki Motobu viewed the art, so I can understand if many wouldn't be interested. Me? I very much enjoyed it, but I have to admit it's a very niche book to read.

Good for practitioners of Ryukyu arts and their derivatives.

Well translated, This book gives the original Japanese script on the translated page and it uses the original photographs ( A book published in 1995 uses 'photo reconstruction', crude pastel over-drawing ) Don't know why, as the originals are available on line and are good quality. GOOD BOOK

Well translated and presented version of one of the earliest books on karate. A must for anyone interested in the history of karate or its practical application. Very reasonably priced imo. the book has some nice bonus material at back. My only criticism is that I have seen clear versions of some of the photos but the ones present are perfectly acceptable given the age of the original publication.

Very interesting book which I will go back to many times I'm sure. Definitely recommended this book to fellow karateka.

Excellent publication - great stories, descriptions of drills, and photos.

A good and interesting book with quick delivery. Thank you.