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Zen Odyssey, An Okinawan Karate & Martial Arts Journey

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2017-01-02

Total Pages: 334

ISBN-13: 132690521X

An entertaining odyssey by all means, which all readers, not only karate-ka, can enjoy. The work describes a fascinating 'voyage of discovery' through the Okinawan martial arts during the author's younger years. Both informative & factual, the work leads the reader on a journey of initiation from the preliminary stages of being a 'live-in disciple' of Goju-ryu & trainee of Matayoshi Kobudo in post-Reversion Okinawa, as he travels with the reader through the exploration of Uechi-ryu, Shorin-ryu & Okinawan te; also of a vast spectrum of connected Ryukyuan cultural entities. His attention to detail is commendable, as the shared expedition becomes an esoteric odyssey to find the zen spark of enlightenment that evades so many seekers, but which can be found within one's own nature. Mark D Bishop is arguably the foremost authority on historical Okinawa karate & martial arts. He continues to write, travel, research and teach extensively on various aspects of these, including its related anma bodywork & zen.

Zen Odyssey, a Martial Arts Journey

Author: Mark Bishop

Publisher:

Published: 2008-01-01

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13: 9780955987601

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A journey through the martial arts of Okinawa, giving accounts of the authors experiences and training on the island over a period spanning nearly two-decades. It also describes much of the Ryukyuan culture related to the martial arts and their associated teachers. A blend of travel writing and instruction.

Okinawan Karate (Kobudo & Te) Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques: Expanded Third Edition

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2017-12-18

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0244054843

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Time moves on, cultures change with the twists of history and secret arts are lost. To understand the essence of karate, kobudo and te is to read and digest this work. To devour the mysteries of the secret principles it records is to dwell in a former time, only then will the reader know the true meanings of what the masters passed on. This book was a classic of the 20th century and, with the passing of time, is now considered to be an historic record for the modern era; both a time capsule and an integrated tool of knowledge transmission. Also featuring contributions from the latest breed of expert researchers, this Expanded Third Edition keeps the original version alive in its entirety, while bringing the Okinawan karate world up to date, as it expands into an ever-increasing international world. Be warned though, it also answers questions that have not been asked until now and topics that could not have been discussed, while expanding on newly debatable issues. This is what the masters were really saying

Okinawan Te (Martial Art of Kings & Nobles) Revealed, Second Edition (Revised & Expanded)

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2017-08-21

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 0244922497

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Another revealing book by Mark D Bishop. This work expands on the original best-selling version, by including more than 40 extra pages and further explaining the methodology of applications, as well training methods, for proper conditioning. Providing a teaching format for the instructor, it is also an informative workbook for the beginner and a how-to-do manual for those already with experience in the martial arts. In effect, it is the first ever work that deals thoroughly with the training and techniques of Okinawan Te as it developed from 1609, following the Satsuma Invasion of the Ryukyu Islands, until 1879, when the monarchy was dissolved by Japan. Until now, despite demonstrations of its effectiveness, the study of and training in Okinawan Te of this period has been known only to a few adherents. This has led to a mystification and often false representation. However, this can no longer be the case, as all is uncovered in this detailed and brilliantly coordinated work.

Zen Bodywork Dynamics, Enigma Key to Restorative Martial Arts: Primary Course (Part 1)

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2018-04-18

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 0244078149

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Zen Bodywork Dynamics is a natural, martial-arts-based, hands-on method of helping to restore health in a holistic way. It corresponds with other martial-arts training, which it is seen as complementing - whatever the style. Thumbs, hands, elbows and feet, etc. are used to apply pressure and relieve pent-up stress in the format of: Relax, Release & Let Go. Many trainees have benefitted from its wisdom, as have thousands of members of the public - the book is highly recommended.

OKINAWAN TE Self-defence Applications Decoded (Book Two)

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher:

Published: 2021-11-30

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13: 9781291273458

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Karate Uncovered (Fact & Fiction, Wisdom & Magic)

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2018-12-02

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 0244985928

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Explosively direct: Always one to stand his ground for technical reality and historical fact, this work reflects the quality and sheer scale of information in the author's previous works. Poignant questions are asked, debates are raised and down-to-earth, enlightening answers are given. Much of what is considered to be tradition by many a karate-ka is shown to be not necessarily the case. If you think the closed-fist punch is standard fair, read the facts. If you have been taught that karate is an ancient Japanese art founded on violence, reconsider the fiction. If you think karate training is for self-development, absorb the wisdom. If you seek the truth about zen, enjoy the magic. Packed with until now undisclosed information, this book leads the way for the mature karate-ka to discover those hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface. Fifty years of training will give any teacher insights and Mark D Bishop has more than most to offer. Read, absorb, be enriched & uncover your true self, through karate

Okinawan Weaponry, Hidden Methods, Ancient Myths of Kobudo & Te

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2017-02-07

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1326916742

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This work clearly defines and catalogues the fifty historical hand-held weapons that were used in Okinawa Prefecture and the Ryukyu Islands from the dawn of its history. It show the stages of development and introduction of these weapons to the islands and how they affected the culture through the ages. The 'standard five' popular weapons of the modern era (bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku & kama) are described in detail with many scale drawings, but surprisingly, it clearly shows the influence of bladed weapons, such as the curved sword. Firearms also made a huge contribution to Ryukyuan weapon development, so these are also introduced in their historical context. Most surprising is the contextual detail of the historic eras, such as the affects of the Satsuma Invasion of the Ryukyu Islands in 1609 & the dissolution of the monarchy in 1879. Contrary to popular myth, between these years Okinawans did not adopt farmers tools for self protection, for quite a different history is revealed herein.

Okinawan Te, In the Footsteps of The Masters

Author: Mark D Bishop

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2019-11-02

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 0244477671

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Known for its knock-out strikes, fluid footwork & bladed weaponry, Okinawan te is a survivor that has endured due to its ability to adapt to social changes. In 1609, in order to suppress Okinawa's developing military might & vast trading links, the Japanese Satsuma clan launched a massive invasion & subjugated the island kingdom. Until then, te had been a bushido battlefield system, with organised castle & naval warfare. However, under Satsuma's rule, the Okinawan bushi, could no longer bear arms in public or have standing armies, so te was transformed into a personal fighting system & recreational activity. Within karate, Okinawan dance & music, the hidden essence of te still provides the framework. It fills Okinawan cultural life & keeps its subtle social machinery revolving. In this detailed work the foundation stones of Okinawan te are laid out through the explanations of historic technical photographs left by the masters for future generations; their forethought has enabled us to walk in their footsteps.

Wandering Along the Way of Okinawan Karate

Author: Giles Hopkins

Publisher: North Atlantic Books

Published: 2020-09-15

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 1623174481

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A personal, philosophical, and historical exploration of Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate written by an experienced master. In Wandering Along the Way of Okinawan Karate, Giles Hopkins draws on his fifty years of martial arts experience to take the reader on a journey through the meaning of kata (form) and bunkai (application) in Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate. Hopkins offers his personal reflections on the enigma of karate kata while explaining many of its little-understood applications. With skill and insight into kata's connection to nature, the book addresses key topics such as why some movements are done slowly while others are fast, the significance of steps and turns, and the role of tradition in karate. The purpose of kata solo patterns is to solidify specific self-defense techniques. Contrary to the commonly held belief that kata techniques can have multiple interpretations, Hopkins argues that kata embodies specific martial principles that must be followed rigorously for it to be truly effective. He also reveals the spiritual dimensions of martial arts by explaining its deep connection to nature. Providing new understanding of kata structure, themes, and martial art principles, Hopkins sheds light on the practitioner's journey.