Shito Ryu Masters

Book excerpt: With the wisdom, curiosity and sharp insights that have brought thousands of readers to his "Karate Series," the author looks at some of the world's greatest Shito Ryu masters and inspiring leaders going through internal struggles and own limitations to finally build a strong inner character through the practice of the art of Karate-do. This volume includes a repertoire of exclusive interviews with legendary figures of the different branches of the Shito Ryu style such as the sons of the founder, Kenei Mabuni and Kenzo Mabuni, Shigeru Sawabe, Yashunari Ishimi, Shoko Sato, Genzo Iwata, Sadaaki Sakagami, Yuishi Negishi, Fumio Demura, Kunio Mu- rayama, and legendary masters like Ryusho Sakagami, Teruo Hayashi, Yoshimine Inoue and Yoshinao Nanbu, amongst many others. The many threads of traditional Shito Ryu karate technique, philosophy and tradition are woven together in this classic work. In this definitive book about the greatest Shito Ryu masters, old and new interviews have been gathered to present an integrated and complete view of the of the system developed by the late Grandmaster Kenwa Mabuni. This book contains intriguing thoughts, fascinating personal details, hid- den histories, and inspiring philosophies, as each master reveals his true love for the art and a deep understanding of every facet associated with the practice and spirit of Shito Ryu Karate-do as a way of life.