Category Archives: Publications

The First Western Eyewitness Account of Okinawa

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Andreas Quast

[This article was first published in: Quast, Andreas: Karate 1.0. 2013] The first Western eyewitness accounts of Okinawa originate from Richard Wickham and William Adams (1564–1620).[1] The latter was later provided an estate and samurai status by shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundstücke, Okinawa Peace Theory, Publications, Unknown Ryukyu | Comments Off on The First Western Eyewitness Account of Okinawa

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 →

Posted in Book Reviews, Publications, Translations, Unknown Ryukyu | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Motobu Chōki: “My Art and Skill of Karate” (1932)

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 →

Posted in From the Classics..., Misc, New Developments, Publications, Theories of Historical Karate in Comparative Perspective, Translations, Unknown Ryukyu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Okinawan Samurai — The Instructions of a Royal Official to his Only Son

NEUERSCHEINUNG: Studien zur Kampfkunst in Japan. Band 1.

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Andreas Quast

Bunbu Forschungskreis: Studien zur Kampfkunst in Japan. Band 1. Augsburg/Tōkyō 2017. Im umfangreichen Schrifttum zur Theorie, Philosophie und Ethik der vormodernen Kampfkünste Japans ist der Ausdruck bunbu-ryodo, verstanden im Sinne „einer gemeinsamen kulturellen, moralischen und kämpferischen Schulung“, häufig anzutreffen. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Publications | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on NEUERSCHEINUNG: Studien zur Kampfkunst in Japan. Band 1.

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 →

Posted in Publications | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Oni Oshiro

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 →

Posted in From the Classics..., Publications, Translations, Unknown Ryukyu | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Matsumura Sokon: The Seven Virtues of Martial Arts

A Stroll Along Ryukyu Martial Arts History

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Andreas Quast

A Stroll Along Ryukyu Martial Arts History Paperback – May 15, 2015 by Andreas Quast (Author) Paperback edition: available at Amazon US ($14.99), Amazon UK (£9.79), Amazon Germany (EUR 14.97), CreateSpace eStore ($14.99), and at online and offline bookstores and retailers, as well as via public libraries and … Continue reading →

Posted in Publications | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on A Stroll Along Ryukyu Martial Arts History

Karate 1.0: Parameter of an Ancient Martial Art

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Andreas Quast

OUT OF PRINT! The most comprehensive study on the parameters of primordial Karate, this work intrigues readers with rich detail and insights into these ancient combat traditions, the pride of Okinawa. KARATE 1.0: Parameter of an Ancient Martial Art. Düsseldorf 2013, by … Continue reading →

Posted in Publications | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Karate 1.0: Parameter of an Ancient Martial Art

Okinawa Kobudo, Volume I and II

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Andreas Quast

ecently Leif Hermansson, Hanshi, 10th Dan Karate and Kobudo, and me published a book on Okinawa Kobudo. Exceeding 850 pages, these two volumes are vast. The two works contain all basics and Kata from the 6th kyu to 1st dan. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Publications | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Okinawa Kobudo, Volume I and II