Author Archives: Andreas Quast

Kinjo Hiroshi and Motobu Choki – Deception is also Part of the Skill

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Andreas Quast

(The following is an episode translated from the stories of the late Kinjo Hiroshi Sensei himself, found on his website) There was a famous master of the fist named Motobu Chōki. Even among the younger generation, those who are training … Continue reading →

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Comparative analysis – Pascha 1663

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Andreas Quast

In comparative analysis of techniques, there are countless similarities between the movements of Okinawan karate kata and the techniques used in historical European martial arts.This example here is just one of a total 130 fighting techniques handed down by Johann … Continue reading →

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The Four Outer Forms of Postures in Contexts Other than Karate

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Andreas Quast

In my previous article I presented a chapter from Kinjo Hiroshi’s last book. In it he describes “The Four Outer Forms of Postures Discovered by Matsumura.” These four outer forms of postures simply describe how two opponents can face each … Continue reading →

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The Four Outer Forms of Postures Discovered by Matsumura

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Andreas Quast

(Note: The following is a partly abridged translation of a chapter from Kinjo Hiroshi’s last book. It is presented here for discussion und research purposes for those with ties to Okinawa Karate, particularly those of the Shurite genus.) The Four … Continue reading →

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Naihanchi of Tomari-te

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Andreas Quast

There is a interesting detail to Nagamine Shōshin sensei‘s Naihanchi, which has rarely been adressed, if ever. Namely, each step in this kata is performed with the leg raise referred to as nami-gashi (lit. returning wave). This continuous nami-gashi is … Continue reading →

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Long live the noodle soup: A cultural-historical slurp of Okinawa Soba

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Andreas Quast

Comparatively recent, on March 29, 2005, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly declared October 25th as “Karate Day.” The date was chosen in reference to October 25, 1936, when several leading karate practitioners of the era officially decided on the notation Karate … Continue reading →

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Kihon created from Kata – Shiromatsu no Kon

Posted on September 9, 2023 by Andreas Quast

A new playlist on my channel sports “Kihon created from Kata.” There I present various ideas and suggestions of how to use techniques and combinations from kata as kihon routines. The second installment features combos from Shiromatsu no Kon, which … Continue reading →

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Kihon created from Kata – Shushi no Kon

Posted on September 9, 2023 by Andreas Quast

A new playlist on my channel sports “Kihon created from Kata.” There I present various ideas and suggestions of how to use techniques and combinations from kata as kihon routines. The first installment features combos from Shushi no Kon Sho, … Continue reading →

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Gedan-uke, Mamori, Hikkake, Gedan-barai, etc.pp. – Variations in Bojutsu techniques

Posted on September 3, 2023 by Andreas Quast

When looking at old footage, or if you have practical experience, you know there are several variations in the performance and characteristics of the same movement in different schools. Also, from written descriptions, there are different names used by different … Continue reading →

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Kushaku-bō or 9-foot-staff of Taira Shinken

Posted on September 3, 2023 by Andreas Quast

In the bōjutsu tradition of Taira Shinken, we find a rarely seen pole weapon: the Kushaku-bō or 9-foot-staff. I have laid out all primary sources known to me before, here and here. To finalize the matter, and as another instance … Continue reading →

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