English Version of "Karate and Ki" by Kenji Ushiro Sensei

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[Marc Abrams]

Karate and Ki: The Origin of Ki- The Depth of Thought
By Kenji Ushiro, 8th Dan. Kyoshi of Shindo-Ryu Karatedo.

I am pleased to announce that the English version of this POWERFUL book in now available from Kinokuniya Books worldwide and Aiki News in Japan.

I was fortunate to be involved in the translation of this book. This book is not another "how-to" book, but represents some of the philosophical approaches that Ushiro Sensei utilizes. I personally found that this book helped to change the way (for the better) that I approached my training in martial arts.

I would strongly recommend this book as a great holiday gift for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the world of martial arts.

Respectfully,

Marc Abrams

Ps.- Ushiro Sensei will be back in New York on May 16 & 17, 2009. Details to be announced soon!

[Mike Sigman]

This book is not another "how-to" book, but represents some of the philosophical approaches that Ushiro Sensei utilizes. Hmmmm.... is there a "how-to" book on ki skills? ;)

Mike

[Erick Mead]

Karate and Ki: The Origin of Ki- The Depth of Thought
By Kenji Ushiro, 8th Dan. Kyoshi of Shindo-Ryu Karatedo.

...I would strongly recommend this book as a great holiday gift for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the world of martial arts.
I am sure it is very worthwhile. Ushiro has a very clear line of thought.

Interesting, the title is, though -- "depth of thought".

念 Nen

(Nen connotes concentration, one-pointedness, thought-moment.) The realization
of nen is the key to opening the essence of aikido ...

[akiy]

Interesting, the title is, though -- "depth of thought".

念 Nen
Actually, the "Depth of Thought" part of the title in the original Japanese is 「思考の深さ」(Shikou no Fukasa).

-- Jun

[Marc Abrams]

I just found out that Kinokuniya bookstore has not received it's shipment of the books yet, so people can order directly from the Aiki News website.

For a teaser, here is a section of the book that is on the promo pamphlet:

The first priority in marital arts is "enter your opponent".

Entering your opponent is the first priority in the one strike, one kill world of martial arts. Once you enter, your opponent will become weak and your one strike will be strong with destructive power. Hence, the significance is different from sports-based martial arts where your strike is suppose to "hit" your opponent. While it is commonly believed that hitting makiwara and sand bags strengthens your striking power, the actual result is contrary. For this reason, you do not do such training in martial arts. A powerful strike is just one example, but is shows the difference in the way of thinking and practice process between sports-based and traditional martial arts.

Your opponent's body will unconsciously be able to read your attack when your brain is creating an order to attack. This is because you are giving away the targets that you are aiming at your opponent. However, when you create ma (space, distance) to enter your opponent first, then your opponent is unable to read your intention of attack and defense. In martial arts practice, you must enter your opponent first.

The ultimate goal of sports is timing. But timing is only beginner's level in martial arts. The important thing is to "enter". If you misunderstand this, you will never make progress no matter how many years you spent practicing.

Marc Abrams

[Erick Mead]

Actually, the "Depth of Thought" part of the title in the original Japanese is 「思考の深さ」(Shikou no Fukasa).Thanks for the clarfiication I was not suggesting a word-for-word commonality. The similarity of focus on intensity of thought is interesting though. Ushiro's discussions place great weight on the intensity of honing mental perception, which is very much in keeping, in both the general sense of "nen" that comes across, as well as a number of particulars that are shared in both recommendations and criticisms of aspects of training.

[C. David Henderson]

Around 30 years ago I read this book: Zen Training: Methods and Philosophy, Book by Katsuki Sekida, A. V. Grimstone; Weatherhill, 1975. 258 pgs. The author talks about zazen in terms of three different "types" of nen, from a "raw" consciousness, to awareness of some thing, to self-awareness. The book is now on-line at http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=91258027. Or you can google "zen nen" and find it.

FWIW

David

[Marc Abrams]

Toby Threadgill has written the following review of this book:

My good friend Kenji Ushiro has written a unique treatise. Despite a title that identifies this work as a book on karate, it is in fact much more. It is a book that touches on and delves into the transcendent nature of all genuine budo. My own teacher, Takamura Yukiyoshi frequently discussed what he called the omote and ura of existence. He believed budo was one gateway to the ura of existence, a pursuit that enabled one to touch a living world beyond our temporal consciousness. Most people who undertake martial arts training seek only the omote or outward manifestation of budo because they are not aware that this other, more elusive world exists. Ushiro sensei, with great passion conveys the totality of budo to the reader and offers not only encouragement to seek out that other world but also offers the reader a roadmap of how to get there.

For the budo practitioner who seeks a deeper understanding of where he's headed and what riches exist in the study of budo, this book is a must have. It is book that will become tattered from being read over and over thru successive years because each time it is picked up, it is a new book, one with a new voice and a deeper message.

Toby Threadgill / Kaicho
Takamura ha Shindo Yoshi ryu

[Ron Tisdale]

Good Stuff --- Vitu Vizuri Sana!

I'll be checking it out...

Best,
Ron

[Mike Sigman]

For a teaser, here is a section of the book that is on the promo pamphlet:

The first priority in marital arts is "enter your opponent".

That's a pretty funny teaser, Marc. ;)

[Cady Goldfield]

LOL! The most common mis-typing of "martial" meets its perfect match in wordplays! :D

[Marc Abrams]

This might seem like a mis-wording to some. I simply invite people to the upcoming seminar to actually experience the meaning behind the words. He is one of those people you have to personally experience before you can even begin to believe the words.

Marc Abrams

[eyrie]

Do we have another contender for the budo of "love"? :D

[Howard Popkin]

I never met Ushiro Sensei, but this book is excellent. It really addresses the "mental intent" side of the martial arts.

I am looking forward to meeting Ushiro Sensei. I just have to stay far enough away so he doesn't kick me in the knee :)

Howard

PS Oh, by the way, the translating on this book is SUPERIOR, EXCELLENT, WONDERFUL !!!!

[Marc Abrams]

I never met Ushiro Sensei, but this book is excellent. It really addresses the "mental intent" side of the martial arts.

I am looking forward to meeting Ushiro Sensei. I just have to stay far enough away so he doesn't kick me in the knee :)

Howard

PS Oh, by the way, the translating on this book is SUPERIOR, EXCELLENT, WONDERFUL !!!!

Careful Howard!

I might have to kiss you for that comment about the translation ;)

Marc Abrams

[Mike Sigman]

Hi Marc:

Any further updates on sources, etc.?

Best.

Mike

[Marc Abrams]

Hi Marc:

Any further updates on sources, etc.?

Best.

Mike

OK FOLKS HERE IS THE UPDATED INFORMATION:

This book is available as follows:

1) Kinokuniya Books in NYC has some copies

2) Aiknews: http://www.aikinews.com/page.php?id=248

3) Aikido Journal website will carry the book soon.

I will update as more info becomes available.

Of course, you can buy the books and have it signed by Ushiro Sensei simply by attending his seminar at my school this May!

Marc Abrams

[Mike Sigman]

Perfect. Thanks, Marc.

Best.

Mike Sigman

[Bob Blackburn]

Budo Videos has it: http://www.budovideos.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=27963

Coupon code: budodog for 5% off