it was an obscure or “all-mighty” phenomenon. Rather, the art has been presented by a person who knows karate very well, a person who truly understands the real meaning of the discipline and its authentic waza (technique). Mysterious stories about karate sometimes confuse the actual purpose of the art. I can understand and accept the reason behind them, as they serve to spark interest in young boys. However, each reader or listener should interpret the message in his own way.
Stories about courageous warriors have always provided young boys with dreams about becoming strong and moral. Since karate-do is native to our island, it provides a sense of patriotism and regard for one’s heritage and community. I too, remember as an elementary student reading a story which left a remarkable impression on me. So too, I believe, will Nagamine Shoshin’s impressive publication greatly influence the young people of this generation.
Even though I know little about karate-do, I still maintain a great passion for this remarkable tradition. Every time I have observed a demonstration of the art by young people, I have been moved. When I see the frightening beauty of karate’s magnificent ferocity I experience an inner exhilaration. Strange as it may seem, I secretly shed a tear of regret for the great opportunity I had let pass.
Nearly a half-century has passed since I first saw the photograph of Nagamine Sensei and Satonishiki. Yet, still full of life, it is as if Nagamine just stepped out of the photograph yesterday. Having contributed so much to the growth and development of karate-do in Okinawa and throughout the world, we are all deeply grateful for Nagamine Sensei’s outstanding efforts, and this book is a testament to his dedication.
—Funakoshi Gisho
Foreword
I would like to say that this book is interesting, and I am impressed to say the very least. The reason I found it interesting was because it was written by someone who, as a modern bushi himself, was able to convincingly portray the legacy of Okinawa’s old bushi.
Before reading this book I had no idea that the bushi and the arts shared any connection. Moreover, and in all modesty, I also have to say that I had no real knowledge of Bushi Nagamine Shoshin either. However, after having read his book, twice, I came to understand much more than I had ever expected.
Historically, there have always been misunderstandings surrounding karate masters and Okinawan sumo wrestlers alike. Oral tradition characterizes them as hero-like figures, and television dramas portray them as such. However, the more I read Nagamine Sensei’s book, the more I had to modify my preconception. After first reading Funakoshi Gisho’s foreword, I thought it was a little exaggerated, and chalked it up to supporting the author. However, after carefully reading the subsequent pages, I came to realize two important facts: the detailed explanation of bunbu, and the documentation which Nagamine Sensei had compiled from his extensive research and interviews.
I was also impressed that Nagamine Sensei had carefully corroborated his historical investigation with either the testimonies of the masters themselves or their immediate families. Additionally, Nagamine Sensei’s superb writing forte is second only to his deep understanding of karate-do which is clearly evident in the way this book has been composed. This publication should therefore represent a scale by which to measure the depth of a man who devoted his entire life to karate-do.
I am not a person who easily expresses my feelings; however, when reading a stirring book, and especially if I am moved, tears often culminate my emotions. For this, my family has often teased me. Yet, I experienced the same feeling when reading this book. My family laughed at me, but that did nothing to change the way I felt. I was truly touched.
In this fascinating book, historical inaccuracies surrounding Okinawan martial folklore have been corrected. Hence, we can read stories about stalwarts like Makabe Choken, To-Te Sakugawa Kanga, Matsumura Sokon, Matsumora Kosaku, Itosu Anko, Higaonna Kanryo, Funakoshi Gichin, Kyan Chotoku, Motobu Choki, and Arakaki Ankichi.
This book also describes the training chronicles of Okinawa’s sumo community. For example, it recounts the stories of Akarie Matsuzo, Kawamae Kitatsu, Kinjo Masayuki, Uezu Jiryo, and Ishikawa Seijin. Moreover, this fascinating publication also introduces Kushi Jokei, who, by all accounts, enjoyed a glorious interval as a postwar leader of the sumo community in Okinawa.
As I stated at the beginning of this foreword, this book is an interesting publication in that it represents an authentic account of pre- to post-war Okinawan karate masters, bujin, and native sumo wrestlers, their bouts and reputations. Most of all, these chronicles are introduced by Nagamine Shoshin, a master of bunbu ryo do: someone whose physical skills are equally balanced by his intellectual dexterity.
As mentioned earlier, at first I thought Funakoshi Gisho’s foreword was exaggerated. However, after reading the manuscript, I concur. This book is a must for everyone who studies karate. Moreover, I also recommend it as a source from which the modern bujin can better understand karate and Zen, as well as knowing karate’s place in Okinawan culture.
—Kadekawa Junki
Journalist, Ryukyu Shinpo
[Note: This foreword first appeared in the Ryukyu Shinpo evening edition on July 12th, 1986.]
Translator’s Foreword
It is both an honor and a surprise that I should be associated with Grandmaster Nagamine’s book. First, it is a honor that someone as important as Nagamine Shoshin considered me worthy to undertake the translation of such important research. Second, it is ironic because the very first book on the history of karate-do I ever bought, more than twenty years ago, was Professor Shinzato Katsuhiko’s wonderful English translation of O-Sensei’s first publication, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do. Having made a big impression on me, I never thought that I would one day befriend such a man, much less be petitioned to translate his research, and then write a foreword for its publication. It just proves that anything is possible.
I first met the great master during my pilgrimage to Okinawa in the summer of 1985. Living in Japan, I have personally enjoyed many training opportunities with O-Sensei in the years which have since past. To learn from a master, who had himself been taught by such legendary figures as Motobu Choki, Kyan Chotoku, and Arakaki Ankichi, has been a privilege which words can hardly describe.
During my lengthy analysis and English translation of Okinawa’s enigmatic book, Bubishi, I was fortunate to obtain the assistance of Grandmaster Nagamine. It was during that time that I really got to know more about Nagamine Shoshin the man, and the principles for which he stands. It is no secret that his guidance has had a profound impact on the way I embrace karate-do, in the way I assess its evolution, its value to society, and my personal philosophy with regard to its future direction.
Every generation produces experts who, in an effort to keep their tradition a living experience for the society it serves, reinterpret the common principles on which it rests. Nagamine Shoshin is one such man, and this book is a testament to his incomparable research, profound knowledge, and commendable dedication. If I have gained any further insight into karate-do, its history, philosophy, and application, then it has been because of men like bushi Nagamine Shoshin. He is the most senior authority of karate-do in the world today. I highly recommend this book to both teacher and student alike.
—Patrick McCarthy
Director, International Ryukyu Karate Research Society
Author’s Preface
It was February of 1975 that my modest book, Okinawan Karate-do: The Preservation of a Traditional Legacy, was first published by Shinjinbutsuorai-sha in Tokyo. Much to my surprise the book met with such popularity that I was asked to have it translated into English, a task completed by Professor Shinzato Katsuhiko. The English version was published and released in October of the same year by the Charles E. Tuttle Publishing Company under the new tide The Essence of Okinawan Karate-do. I received many letters of encouragement from karate enthusiasts from all over the world.
Shoshin