I highly recommend Patrick McCarthy’s Bubishi
. Until recently, the handful of Okinawan karate greats who possessed copies of the Bubishi guarded them as closely as the military guards its secrets today. Only their uchi deshi were allowed to read them. If they were deemed deserving, these uchi deshi were allowed to hand copy a version of it. In fact, the copy used by Hanshi McCarthy for his translation had been hand copied by none other than Kenwa Mabuni from Anko Itosu’s personal copy.
. Until recently, the handful of Okinawan karate greats who possessed copies of the Bubishi guarded them as closely as the military guards its secrets today. Only their uchi deshi were allowed to read them. If they were deemed deserving, these uchi deshi were allowed to hand copy a version of it. In fact, the copy used by Hanshi McCarthy for his translation had been hand copied by none other than Kenwa Mabuni from Anko Itosu’s personal copy.The following is what one of our greatest martial artists had to say about Hanshi McCarthy’s translation of the Bubishi:
:“… the Bubishi is a historically important document whose secrets, until only just recently, have remained closely guarded by karate-do masters in Okinawa.
is a historically important document whose secrets, until only just recently, have remained closely guarded by karate-do masters in Okinawa.“In addition to the copious amount of intriguing information contained within the pages of this profound document, the Bubishi also reveals the original application of orthodox kata and the moral precepts that govern the behavior of those who understand these secrets. Disclosing the principles of tuidi and kyusho-jitsu (art of attacking vulnerable points on the human body), the reader will come to understand that which has been kept secret for generations.
“The Bubishi must be considered mandatory reading for all serious enthusiasts of true karate-do and is therefore an essential addition to one’s personal library, a work to be deeply studied by both teacher and student alike. In so doing, the torch of true karate-do will continue to burn long into the future, lighting the arduous path upon which others may follow.” - Shoshin Nagamine, Hanshi, 10th Dan, World Shorin-ryu Karate-do Federation
must be considered mandatory reading for all serious enthusiasts of true karate-do and is therefore an essential addition to one’s personal library, a work to be deeply studied by both teacher and student alike. In so doing, the torch of true karate-do will continue to burn long into the future, lighting the arduous path upon which others may follow.” - Shoshin Nagamine, Hanshi, 10th Dan, World Shorin-ryu Karate-do FederationMake sure you get Hanshi McCarthy’s latest version, printed in 2008. If you click the book name, Bubishi, you will be taken to Amazon and the correct version.
, you will be taken to Amazon and the correct version.
I remember Hanshi McCarthy discussing his various books at a lecture once. He was saying he was displeased with the publisher for leaving things out - mostly photos from the kobudo books. But he also mentioned the bubishi and how he wanted to redo it - glad to see that has happened.
ReplyDeleteDo you know if Joe Swift has completed his translation and if so, published it? It would be interesting to read them side by side.
I did this once with 3 different translations of the Art of War. It was quite enlightening seeing the different texts side by side by side.
I have both the latest edition of the McCarthy Bubishi and the 3rd printing of his first. It says printed in 1994. I've seen Joe Swift's name mentioned recently in my readings but don't remember where. Amazon has nothing listed for him but he could have self published something and it's not listed. But don't know. There were also several known versions of the Bubishi, each hand copied by someone and, therefore, subject to error or misinterpretation. If you find anything out, let us know.
ReplyDeleteI've just ordered a copy. I was wondering if anyone knows of a publication of an untranslated copy?
ReplyDeleteI just found out that the originals where written in Chinese, and that some of of the kanji are either old and unused or poetic form. I wonder if there's a Japanese kanji version?
ReplyDeleteThere's a good deal of background information in the book and the various theories about who wrote it. No one knows for sure. The bibliography might include clues as to where to find a more original version. Interesting read.
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