ED MCGRATH'S SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL ISSHIN-RYU
BOOK REVIEWS
The Karate Dojo/Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art by Peter Urban
This book, when initially published by Charles E. Tuttle, became the primer for all aspiring karate-ka. It brought to those who read it, the sense and soul of a dojo. It also brought to Americans, in particular, a feeling of the Asian Continent, it’s history, lore and exotic oriental attitude for the science of the art of defense, at a time when that was a matter of life and death, on a daily basis.
The late Grand Master of American Goju-ryu karate, who had studied in Japan, under Gogen Yamaguchi, known as the “Cat Man,” has again made his mark and along with his accomplishments as both a fighter and masterful Sensei, this book will be a part of his legacy. He was a unique man, singular in the progress with which he spread the doctrine of his style, his ability to produce Champions, the vigor and power with which he performed and even the powerful manner in which he officiated at tournaments, in the ring, making him a crowd pleaser.
Along with fanciful tales from the mystical days of the long gone past, that were half truth and half exaggeration, in order to bring across a point, Master Urban also allows the reader to feel the aura of a hard working dojo, with the discipline of the past. I read this book as a young kyu and it inspired me to give full effort to my studies. You will, indeed, enter and workout with Master Urban, while he tells you how a dojo operates and the familial attitude it engenders. It is well worth the price and the time it may take to find a copy, at this time. Amazon.com may be your best bet. You will pick up this book often, during your progress in the martial arts, when you find your efforts flagging or you have lost your inspiration, this book will reinvigorate you.