Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate

This book has some good background information on the history of the kata. While they are not the way that my system traditionally runs the kata, who is to say that they are not traditional, or classical, as Mr. McCarthy titles them. There are so many variations even on the island of Okinawa. This shows us that more then one version of a kata can be the traditional way of running the kata. The book has a good discription of each move, numbered with the picture that it corrosponds with. They are not difficult to pick up from the book, however I don't advocate learning kata from a book, this is a good place to see a different version then the one that you may run!

This is a very good book, its not meant to teach you kata its meant as a reference , and the section on all the different branches of okinawan karate from shuri-te , tomari-te to even okinawan kempo was very informative and entertaining. Everyone is giving it bad reviews saying its inaccurate and plugging Shoshin Nagamines book , while Nagamines is a good book it only shows one style of okinawan karate. Mccarthys book is meant to give the reader a broad reference , not as a manuel of how-to. If you want a book with one style of karate,then get Nagamines book if youwant a book with a braod reference of styles then get mccarthys book, its a good book.

"Classical Kata," is a highly informative book for its time. Published during the mid-80's, we did not know as much then as we do today about the history and meaning of karatedo. I think the collection of photos is simply outstanding as is written text highly informative. I particularly liked "we need our lives to becomes as much a product of the art, as the art is a product of our lives." As far as the actual kata are concerned, they are typically Richard Kim's interpretation of Okinawan kata and must therefore be seen as such. People who criticize Mr. McCarthy's work should first learn a little more about what was or was not known about the tradition during the time it was published. The book was a best seller for many years and inspired countless thousands of serious karateka on their journey. Since that time many other great books have been written, including Mr. McCarthy's unprecedented publication entitled the Bubishi. Jim M Victoria B

In Mr. McCarthy's Book, he describes and shows the basic movements and relates it in a way that a beginner would understand. Although a beginner would not comprehend the inflections of his determination to convey traditional karte kata and values into today's society. I think his work is among 3 publications that far surpass all other works. By viewing Mr McCarthy's book, i came to several new aspects on the applicatons (bunkai) of techniques that, although i paractice another style most often, opened door within my own training, and help inspire me toward other authors and karateka. I treasure this book and will soon purchase another, since mine is so worn with love, sweat, and determination. In today's Society it is refreshing and uplifting to find an Author and Karateka with an openmindedness to share and spread his, and others, teaching and directions for current practitioners and for those of the future. Well Done, and Thank You for your contributions Mr. McCarthy Sincerly Terry Reed humble karateka Godan Wolff Dojo Satori Kai Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Matayoshi-Ryu Kobudo All Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo Federation (Kenshinkan)