Author Archives: Andreas Quast

Ryukyu Bugei’s Impact Statement

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Andreas Quast

From 2011 to 2024, I ran Ryukyu-bugei.com, an independent research platform dedicated to the history, practice, and cultural heritage of Ryukyuan (Okinawan) martial arts. Over more than a decade, I published over 900 articles, including original translations, rare source material, … Continue reading →

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A New Chapter for Ryukyu Bugei: Join Me on Patreon!

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Andreas Quast

Dear Ryukyu Bugei community, As I reflect on the journey we’ve shared since the inception of this blog in March 2011, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Over the past thirteen years, Ryukyu Bugei has grown into a vibrant … Continue reading →

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NEW RELEASE: Bo – Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan Fighting Traditions. Volume 1: Bo-odori.

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Andreas Quast

Softcover edition: US | UK | DE | FR | ES | IT | NL | JP | AU | BR | CA | MX | SE | IN | PL Bo Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, kobudo, kumibo, Performing Arts, Postwar Okinawa Karate, Prewar Okinawa Karate, Publications, Terminology, The Technique of Okinawa Karate and Kobudo, Theories of Historical Karate in Comparative Perspective, Tsuken | Comments Off on NEW RELEASE: Bo – Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan Fighting Traditions. Volume 1: Bo-odori.

The Best Martial Arts for MMA (Guest Content)

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Andreas Quast

There are more than 170 recognised martial arts globally with millions of regular participants, but they vary in popularity across the countries. France has almost 600,000 registered judo players – or judoka, in the UK over 200,000 people regularly partake in some … Continue reading →

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Motobu Chōki: “My Art and Skill of Karate” (1932)

Posted on January 26, 2020 by Andreas Quast

This translation was created in close cooperation with the author’s grandson, Motobu Naoki sensei. It also includes a congratulatory address by the author’s son, Motobu Chōsei sensei, the current head of the school. Moreover, this year marks the 150th anniversary of Motobu Chōki’s birth. In other words, three generations of the Motobu family were involved in this new translation, connecting the history and tradition of karate from the 19th to 21th century. Continue reading →

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Okinawan Samurai — The Instructions of a Royal Official to his Only Son

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Andreas Quast

Troubled about the future of his only son and heir, a royal government official of the Ryukyu Kingdom wrote down his ‘Instructions’ as a code of practice for all affairs. Written in flowing, elegant Japanese, he refers to a wide … Continue reading →

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On the First Alleged Itosu Photo

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Andreas Quast

In 2006 a photo was revealed to the public, showing a mysterious man with a mustache. At that time, this man was considered to be Itosu Ankō (1831–1915), the Okinawan father of modern Karate. The matter was publicly described for … Continue reading →

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Oni Oshiro

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Andreas Quast

In the era of Old Ryukyu, a legendary warrior of Okinawan martial arts appeared on the center stage of the historical theatre. Due to his unique appearance and powerful physique—reminiscent of a wolf or a tiger—the people of that time … Continue reading →

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Paradigm and Perspective

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Andreas Quast

Translator’s note: The Japanese language version of this article was published on the Motobu-ryū Blog. It was translated and published here by the courtesy of Motobu Naoki Shihan of the Motobu-ryū and Motobu Udun-dī. Any inadequacy is mine alone. Paradigm and Perspective Below … Continue reading →

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Matsumura Sokon: The Seven Virtues of Martial Arts

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Andreas Quast

by Andreas Quast This is the true story of the seven virtues of martial arts as described by Matsumura Sokon. Considered the primary source-text of old-style Okinawan martial arts, the “Seven Virtues” are admired for their straightforward advice. Handwritten in … Continue reading →

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