Motobu Choki Karate - My Art Book (Revised Edition)

We are thrilled to announce the release of the 4th and revised edition of Motobu Chōki’s works, now available in this comprehensive Japanese-to-English translation compilation. This revised edition includes Motobu’s seminal books: The 1926 "Okinawa Karate-jutsu Kumite-Hen" and the 1932 "Watashi no Karate-jutsu."

In addition to these foundational texts, this volume offers a treasure trove of supplementary material that enriches our understanding of Motobu Chōki’s legacy. Among the highlights are firsthand testimonies from his direct students, rare interviews, and articles painstakingly sourced from difficult-to-obtain Japanese publications. This work also includes contributions from Joe Swift, a long-time resident of Japan, renowned researcher, historian, and senior instructor of Karate and Kobudo, whose expertise adds depth and context to this volume. A remarkable collection of rare photographs drawn from diverse sources further brings the master to life in an entirely new and captivating way. Thanks to advanced AI technology, all these photographs have been meticulously restored and colourized for this edition.

This expanded edition has grown from the previous 182 pages to an impressive 252 pages, incorporating 70 pages of new and thought-provoking material. Within these additional pages, readers will find content that has never been published before, shedding light on deeply insightful perspectives and previously unexplored aspects of Motobu’s methodologies.
This modest yet powerful work provides a clear and accessible outline of the unique techniques that made Motobu Chōki arguably his generation's most accomplished technician and karate fighter. One standard error among modern karate practitioners is the reliance on contemporary assumptions when attempting to interpret the technical complexities of early karate practices. This volume offers a much-needed window into the cultural landscape and social mindset of the pioneers who shaped karate’s development, enabling readers to walk in their footsteps and deepen their understanding of the art.
Great individuals like Motobu Chōki should never be forgotten, as their stories remind us of the incredible potential we hold within ourselves. By studying the anthropology of karate, we uncover how the early masters forged a symbiotic relationship with their art—shaping it as much as it shaped them.

Researched and translated by Patrick McCarthy, with invaluable contributions from Joe Swift and Graham Noble, the revised edition is an essential resource for anyone passionate about karate’s history and evolution.

Length: 254 pages

Publication date: 2024