Secrets of Uechi Ryu Karate and the Mysteries of Okinawa

This second edition is the most complete and factual work ever presented, in English, about the history and techniques of Uechi Ryu Karate as well as the culture and karate of Okinawa. This wealth of historical information was painstakingly gathered by the author from personal experience and Okinawan sources for well over forty years. Intimate sources include accounts from five people who spent daily time with Kanbun Uechi during the last ten to twenty years of his life. It contains translations from more than 600 pages of the Uechi Ryu Karate Do Kihon (Master Text) and presents 1000 photographs and illustrations. Alan Dollar's experience as a former Marine Corps Sergeant, Master Karate Instructor and Kyoshi eighth degree black belt, make him the best person to write this superlative narrative. His experience of living in Okinawa and returning repeatedly, coupled with his close exposure to the key elements and persons of past and current history take the information included here to a new level. This book is enriched with a complete, Okinawan government authorized presentation of the history and lineage of the major recognized Okinawan Karate and Kobudo styles. Finally, it contains an informative historical and cultural account of Okinawa and its people. There is not a more complete presentation of Ryukyu history and martial arts than can be found between these covers.