Encyclopdeia of Okinawan Weapons

Some of the translations are sketchy and there are conflicting and misprinted dates. There are only a few kata included, so I'd hesitate to call it an "encyclopedia." I think if the translators added some supplementary material or at least some introductions, it may have made a better book. However, as a historical reference for karateka interested in Shinken Taira and kobudo, it's a decent addition to a library.

This translation, though not flawless, supplements Patrick McCarthy's earlier effort to share Taira's masterpiece with an English speaking audience. It would have benefited by an extended introduction placing Taira in the context of his times and assessing the book and Taira's contributions to contemporary Ryukyu kobudo. But it is a great addition to the martial arts library.

I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS BOOK FOR A VERY LONG TIME I FOUND IT HERE AND HAVE BOUGHT 2 COPIES. TAIRA WAS A TRUE WEAPONS MASTER.I TALKED TO HOHAN SOKEN BEFORE HIS DEATH ABOUT TAIRA.HE HAD MANY STORIES. IF YOU WANT FACTS ABOUT WEAPONS THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

This book brings the opportunity to see the correct position of the body in Kobudo. The best thing is that it's shown by the father of Kobudo in Okinawa.

Excellent study resouce

This book is fantastic!!! He was my teacher's Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato's Kobudo teacher years ago. I highly recommend this book to all Okinawan Kobudo students.

This translation of _Taira_ Shinken's 1964 Japanese language book "Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan" has the benefit of having been translated by an Okinawan and Kobudo practitioner, Eihachi _Ota_, with Michael _Rovens_. Known in some circles as the "Funakoshi of Kobudo", Taira was instrumental in preserving the traditional weapon arts of Okinawa and bringing them into the modern age. Indeed, Funakoshi and Taira were colleagues, and Taira dedicated a page of tribute to Funakoshi in this book! (page 167)Included in this affordable edition are all of the same photographs and illustrations from the original publication which show Taira demonstrating kata and technique. Taira is also pictured with other persons of note, including _Fujita_ Seiko and _Higa_ Seiko (page iv). For those history buffs out there, also depicted in photos from the original publication are the Board of Directors of the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai of which Taira was the president. Includes are photos of Higa Yuchuoku, young Motokatsu Inoue, Teruo Hayashi, Mabuni Kenei, and many others from diverse karate traditions. (pages 169-177)The first 15 pages cover the introduction and history of Kobudo, followed by 7 sections on kobudo technique and 6 kata (forms). The contents breaks down as follows:- Introduction- Profile of Taira Shinken- History of Ryukyu Kobudo- Items of Kobudo- Other WeaponsPart I: Bojutsu, Bo Makiwara, How to grip the Bo, Basic Movements with the Bo,- Kata "Shushi no Kun" (Dai)Part II- Kata "Hamahiga no Sai"Part III- Kata "Hamahiga no Tonfa"Part IV- Kata "Sueyoshi no Kun" (Bo)Part V- Basic Nunchaku KataPart VI- Bojutsu "Kingo no Kata" DemonstrationPart VII- "Kingo no Kata" (Bo)- Gichen Funakoshi- Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai Board of Directors- Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai Supporting MembersAll of the kata are shown in complete photo sequences, with the exception of "Kingo no Kata", which is every bit as complete, but shown with a series of woodblock prints accompanied with descriptions.While this is by no means a completely exhaustive "bible" of Kobudo, it is still in its age one of the best works out there. This is by far the best translation Masters Publications has released to date. I can't imagine any serious student of Kobudo forgoing this. A study in history, well-explained in one volume.

This book is a remake of old documents of Taira Shinken. He was one of the most important Okinawa Kobudo masters and wrote a lot of papers about Kobudo, especially Bo Jutsu Katas. This book " Encyclopedia of Okinawa weapons" has only a small but important number of different Katas. It is very interesting to see the change of these Katas in modern books and videos, partiallly because of new ideas of onother master or because they have forgotten the original modification. I think it is an important book for martial artist. The price is good and is value for the content.Helmut Kogel M.D., Professor of Surgery5.Dan Shotokan Karate Renshi ( IMAF)5.Dan Kobudo "2.Dan Nihon Jujutsu1.Antas Combat ArnisRegional Director IMAF

Pour tous ceux qui aiment les arts martiaux d'Okinawa très proches des arts chinois d'origine, le Karate et le Kobudo d'Okinawa représentent le vrai et authentique art de la main vide (Karate) et les armes rudimentaires des paysans et des pêcheurs (Kobudo ). Taira Shinken est au Kobudo comme Funakoshi Gichin au Karate . C' est le fondateur d'une des deux grandes écoles de Kobudo dOkinawa ( Taira et Matayoshi) .