At the time of this book's writing, Shimabukuro Masayuki Hidenobu was an 8th dan (8th degree black belt) in Shito-Ryū karate-do, a member of the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, and technical adviser to the Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai, Japan's most prestigious martial arts organisation. During his lifetime, he trained thousands of students on four continents in the art of karate-do. Leonard J. Pellman has been training in classical Japanese budo since 1965, and currently holds the rank of 5th dan in Shito-Ryū karate-do. Together, Shimabukuro and Pellman have written several articles on karate-do and other martial arts for Black Belt and Inside Karate magazines, as well as the books Katsujinken- Living Karate (published by JKI, Inc.) and Flashing Steel- Mastering Eishin-Ryū Swordsmanship (published by Blue Snake Books).
“At long last, the long-awaited book on Shitō-ryū karate from the
late Masayuki Shimabukuro and Leonard Pellman is here. The authors
detail the origins of karate as an art for killing to its current
transformation as a combat sport, and further lay out an argument
for moving karate away from its popular modern-day sporting
applications and returning karate to its original intent as a
killing art. The authors further detail the restraining philosophy
found within karate to guard against abuse of power and the
perfection of character. Without the great efforts of Mr. Pellman,
this book would have surely been lost and would have never come to
fruition after the passing of Master Shimabukuro.”
—C. Michial Jones, author of Entering through the Gateway of
Gōjū-ryū and 45-year karate practitioner
“This amazing treatise on the beautiful and powerful art of karate
is comprehensively written and presented by Leonard J. Pellman and
the late Masuyuki Shimabukuro. Karate as the Art of Killing
presents the art in its raw and combative form and origin, unlike
today’s sporting aspects of the deadly art. As you indulge in
reading the pages of this great publication, you’ll also find the
focus on the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the art.
Discover the antithesis of human aggression and abuse of
power.”
—Sterling J. Moore, 5th dan black belt in Shōtōkan karate, 3rd dan
black belt in Kenpō karate, 2nd dan black belt in Samurai Jujutsu,
and iaidō practitioner
“If you are interested in traditional karate-dō, this book can help
you with your quest to self-perfection. For the rigors of everyday
life such as family, career, health issues, school, parenthood,
childhood, or those with insecurities, karate can give you an
outlet by training, which in turn releases the stresses of these
common situations. Built for every person—it doesn’t matter your
size, big or small—all can benefit with the practice of these
martial techniques. Within this book, you will be able to
understand the philosophy of traditional karate-dō, which can guide
a person throughout one’s life. The true meaning of karate is the
act of compassion to everyone, no matter what their current
situation is. Open your heart to the philosophy, train your body to
become a weapon of self-defense, and both these tools together can
help you cultivate your spirit by bringing goodness to the world.
This is what karate has taught me.”
—Richard Madriaga, 4th degree black belt in JKI karate-dō, head
instructor at JKI San Diego Dōjō
“Being a person who not only loves martial arts but has studied it
for over 20 years, I love this book. It was both entertaining and
educational as well as sparking my spirit to get up and try some
moves right in my living room!”
—Nneka L. Cleaver, tae kwon do 3rd degree black belt, owner of
Black Business SA and 4 Community Growth
“When I was asked to write an endorsement to this book, I was both
honored and humbled. Honored because Masayuki Shimabukuro hanshi is
a legend in the world of traditional Japanese martial arts.
Humbled because when I think of Shimabukuro hanshi I envision
myself standing in the presence of the epitome of pure budō. The
knowledge he presents through this book is the culmination of a
lifetime of study under two of the most famous and respected
Japanese Shitō-ryū karate-dō teachers to have ever lived: Kenzo
Mabuni soke and Teruo Hayashi soke. I encourage all karateka,
regardless of style, to read, study, and put into practice the
techniques, skills, and concepts presented herein. The clear and
easily understandable presentation of those techniques, skills, and
concepts is the result of Shimabukuro hanshi’s knowledge and the
keen organizational presentation brought forth by Leonard
Pellman-sensei as the book’s coauthor. I salute all those who had a
part in creating this book. It is truly a job well done!”
—Colonel Roy J. Hobbs, USAF Retired, hanshi of Shōrin-ryū,
Gōjū-ryū, and Shitō-ryū karate-dō,
president and founder of Kenshinkan Sōgō Budō Kenkyukai
“Many of us are interested in a deeper understanding of karate;
this brings us to the need to know the who, the how, and the why we
do the things in our training and application. This comprehensive
book takes us back to the original context and intent in combat. It
strengthens our understanding of the purpose of balancing striking
and grappling when it comes to core principles. If your aim is to
become a better and more efficient world-class martial artist, then
this is the ideal training tool and study.”
—John Mills, founder of Mills Seito Family Dōjō and instructor of
karate-dō, Okinawa kobujutsu, iaijutsu, and jūjutsu
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