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Nezumi
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Need Book Reviews

I've been considering purchasing a couple of books for my library for some time now, but they're both quite expensive.  One is Shotokan Karate: A Precise History by Harry Cook.  The other is Hidden Karate: The True Bunkai for the Heian Katas and Naihanchi by Gennosuke Higaki.  Does anyone have or has anyone read either of these and if so, are they worth the exhorbitant prices they fetch?  Thanks.

JWT
JWT's picture

I own the first book.  I have found it an interesting and useful book, but only if you are concerned with the history of Shotokan.  For the pre 1930s stuff there are probably other things out there that are superior.  You also face the moral dilemma as to whether you wish money to go to that particular author given the crimes for which he is presently serving time in jail (google his name).

ky0han
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Hi,

I don't own the Cook book but I read a review about it that was a little bit more objective than the usual ones.

Cook compiled a vast amount of western sources into one kind of compendium. He doesn't use any japanese sources. So therefore you can ask yourself how precise this work really can be. John is right that there are certainly books out there that are more precise with the early history of Karate. The next thing is Cook often isn't able to recognize important people from the Shotokan lineage and focusses his work more on the lesser important folks from the JKA side of things. That you can see on a lot of photos in this book were important people standing right beside Funakoshi himself with no mentioned names or just a mere sidenote.

The moral dilemma John mentioned aside. If you are looking for such a collection of western sources on Karate history then this book is for you. But don't take it for precise.

I do own "Hidden Karate" Vol.1 and Vol.2 by that anonymous author which uses the pen name "Higaki Gennosuke". It is very interesting. I do like both a lot. You have to ask yourself why does the author wants to stay anonymous? He is rather consiquent with his anonymity. He doesn't use any embroidery on his belt and on his keikogi in the pictures.

The next thing that is curious in my eyes is the fact that he uses old pictures out of Funakoshis books to underpin his Kata applications. Why is he calling his stuff hidden when it is obviously published decades ago? I guess it is a marketing thing.

That aside he claims that his teacher was given a lot of verbal instructions (Kuden) on Kata from Funakoshi which no one can proof or disproof. I found them to be convincing and they are totally in line with Funakoshis writings. The applications always start with a Karate attack but I find they are easy to adapt for close range attacks so that is only a little downside.

I hope that helps.

Regards Holger

Nezumi
Nezumi's picture

JWT wrote:
You also face the moral dilemma as to whether you wish money to go to that particular author given the crimes for which he is presently serving time in jail (google his name).

Yes, I am a subscriber to Classical Fighting Arts magazine and was shocked like everyone else to hear that Mr. Cook was convicted of that particular crime.  I am an adult leteracy instructor in a men's federal prison, so I work with and around many of those types.  Don't get me wrong; I find that category of offense as dispicable as the next guy, but I guess I've trained myself to separate myself from my personal feelings in order to maintain professionalism.  That being the case, I would have no problem appreciating his work if it's good.  I didn't, however, think about it from the perspective of putting money in his pocket.  That is indeed a different matter to me and will (especially given your lukewarm review of the material) refrain from buying it.  Thanks for the insight. 

Nezumi
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Holger,

I am as intrigued as ever about "Hidden Karate" as I was not aware there were two volumes.  Maybe the edition I'm contemplating is a compilation of both which would explain the $225 price tag.  I feel as you do about adapting good bunkai from lunge punch attacks to more realistic hay-makers, left crosses, etc.  Thanks for the input!

ky0han
ky0han's picture

Hi Nezumi,

I'd be cautious.

Nezumi wrote:
The other is Hidden Karate: The True Bunkai for the Heian Katas and Naihanchi by Gennosuke Higaki.

That sounds to me if it is only Vol.1. Volume 2 contains the applications for further Shotokan Kata (Tekki 2 and 3,Hangetsu, Kanku Dai, Bassai Dai, Empi, Gankaku, Jitte and Jion) and a very interesting interpretation of Itosus 10 precepts. $225 seems to be excessive for just Vol. 1.

Take a look here:

http://www.kamikazeweb.com/index.php?action=article_detailed&id=00459&ty... http://www.kamikazeweb.com/index.php?action=article_detailed&id=00622&ty...

Thats were I ordered them years ago. Back then they were not that expensive.

Regards Holger

JWT
JWT's picture

Nezumi wrote:
Yes, I am a subscriber to Classical Fighting Arts magazine and was shocked like everyone else to hear that Mr. Cook was convicted of that particular crime.  I am an adult leteracy instructor in a men's federal prison, so I work with and around many of those types.  Don't get me wrong; I find that category of offense as dispicable as the next guy, but I guess I've trained myself to separate myself from my personal feelings in order to maintain professionalism.  That being the case, I would have no problem appreciating his work if it's good.  I didn't, however, think about it from the perspective of putting money in his pocket.  That is indeed a different matter to me and will (especially given your lukewarm review of the material) refrain from buying it.  Thanks for the insight.

I've continued to reference Cook in my new book as I feel that it is important that people know where I have sourced information.  

Nezumi
Nezumi's picture

JWT wrote:
I've continued to reference Cook in my new book as I feel that it is important that people know where I have sourced information.

Oh, what is your book and is it available now?  Sounds as if you offer the benefits of both good research and a balanced perspective.

Nezumi
Nezumi's picture

ky0han wrote:
That sounds to me if it is only Vol.1. Volume 2 contains the applications for further Shotokan Kata (Tekki 2 and 3,Hangetsu, Kanku Dai, Bassai Dai, Empi, Gankaku, Jitte and Jion) and a very interesting interpretation of Itosus 10 precepts. $225 seems to be excessive for just Vol. 1.

Take a look here:

http://www.kamikazeweb.com/index.php?action=article_detailed&id=00459&ty... http://www.kamikazeweb.com/index.php?action=article_detailed&id=00622&ty...

Thats were I ordered them years ago. Back then they were not that expensive.

Regards Holger

That's more like it; both volumes for less than just the first.  So much for Amazon.  I'll order them today.  Thanks.

Frank

JWT
JWT's picture

Nezumi wrote:
Oh, what is your book and is it available now?  Sounds as if you offer the benefits of both good research and a balanced perspective.

You can get Heian Flow System: effective karate kata bunkai at amazon.com and amazon.co.uk.

My new series Pinan Flow System consists of four volumes, the first for Pinan/Heian Shodan and Nidan and the remaining Pinan kata have a book each.  The first in the series will be available in ebook soon and paperback afterwards.  This series has some overlaps with my older work, but is the result of a greater focus on infighting and the feedback from the scenario training we have done, along with more theoretical information.

Gary Chamberlain
Gary Chamberlain's picture

JWT wrote:
You also face the moral dilemma as to whether you wish money to go to that particular author given the crimes for which he is presently serving time in jail (google his name).

I'm a little saddened but not at all surprised that Mike Tyson's autobiography starts with graphic details of his rape case.  

Number 1 best seller but I wont put money in his pocket.

Gary