J. Porta

What would you like to obtain from your research and practice of an Okinawan martial art? For an academic, it would be to obtain historical and cultural facts and details. For a practitioner, it would be to gain expertise in the combative skills. If you're interested in both, this first of a three-volume anthology is assembled for your convince to facilitate your endeavors. These volumes assemble a wealth of material originally published during the two decades when the Journal of Asian Martial Arts was in print. Hundreds of pages and photographs present the richness of Okinawan martial traditions, from the original combatives to those influenced by Chinese and mainland Japanese martial art styles. The variety of topics shown in the table of contents indicate the depth and breath in the chapters, along with the authors who are well-known for their meticulous research and practical skills in specific arts. These three volumes dive deep into the history and culture of Okinawan martial arts. You'll find coverage of the actual artifacts-the material culture related to weaponry and training methods. Instructions from the masters details both open-hand techniques as well as with weapons. The chapters offer insights into the lives of many masters over the past few centuries, giving the raison d' tre for these unique fighting arts-their reason for being. Many streams of arts have contributed to the martial traditions found on the small island: Naha-te, Shuri-te, Fukien White Crane, Shorin, Goju, Motobu, Shotokan, Isshin, Kyokushin, Pwang Gai Noon, Shito, Uechi, and the list continues. . . Along with the various styles come the associated training methods, such as conditioning exercises with weights and creatively designed apparatus, such as the punching post (makiwara), or stone lever and stone padlock-shaped weights. Some become battle-hardened by active and passive breaking of objects (tameshiwari), including wooden boards, baseball bats, rocks, and ice. The extensive use of weaponry is found in many Okinawan styles, often associated with their farming and fishing occupations. Such a blend of history and culture make the Okinawan fighting traditions a fascinating field of study. Besides being such vital sources of information, these three volumes will prove enjoyable reading and permanent at-hand reference sources in your library.

If you are interested in practicing a martial art for health, this anthology is highly practical for this purpose. The content will inspire readers to adapt ways to enrich their martial art practice to reach a higher standard of health. Whenever considering health, one's diet should be a priority. The chapter by Roberto Nurchis shows how the kind of foods ingested have a negative or a positive influence on martial performance. General conditioning exercise are illustrated in Oga-Baldwin's chapter. These exercise are in line with traditional qigong/stretching exercises. Netherton and Durstine's chapter addresses the sports-medicine views of the physiology of warm-up exercises. The authors examine changes in blood flow and body temperature and the impact of these changes on muscle tissue as an individual goes through the warm-up process. Porta and McCabe show a number of supplementary weight training practices derived from Miyagi Chojun in Okinawa. These exercises are designed to strengthen bodies and maintain overall flexibility to properly perform the techniques. Julio Anta looks to ancient Shaolin Temple physical conditioning traditions for inspiration. His chapter introduces iron ring and hard qigong exercises that are based on fundamental principles also found in modern training methods, such as weightlifting. The chapters by Smith, Bradley, and Mancuso all deal with a variety of breathing techniques necessary for energy and stamina. Some breathing methods are definitely more appropriate for the fighting arts, while other methods are more applicable as adjuncts to various physical and mental disciplines. While Bradley looks to a particular Korean system and Mancuso has a focus on Chinese practices, Smith utilizes an in depth multi-cultural approach. Niiler's chapter concerns the potential for leg injuries from jumping kicks. He uses examples of Chinese wushu flying kicks, but the scientific information and advice he provides will benefit anyone who practices jumping maneuvers. Last but not least are two very valuable chapters by Allen Pittman, one chapter dealing with the legs and the other with the trunk. The cross-cultural and scientific points of view he presents are extremely insightful. They are not only conducive for superb body conditioning, but will certainly lead to improved combative technique. Pittman's chapters along with the other authors are useful and effective for modern practitioners of martial arts.