Publisher's Synopsis
This book explores the deep roots of Okinawan martial arts before they became modern karate, tracing how fighting methods developed through necessity and cultural exchange. It examines how local techniques blended with Chinese influences to create practical self-defense systems, passed down secretly during times of weapon bans. The chapters reveal training methods that prioritized real combat effectiveness over sport, with detailed explanations of forms and their hidden applications. Traditional philosophies are discussed not as abstract concepts but as lived principles that guided practice and daily conduct. The work also investigates why certain techniques faded over time while others survived, offering insights into how martial arts evolve. Through firsthand accounts and careful research, it presents Okinawan fighting arts as they were originally practiced-not for competition or performance, but as tools for survival and personal development. The final chapters consider how these historical approaches remain relevant today for those seeking martial arts with practical value and cultural depth.
