Zen Odyssey An Okinawan Karate & Martial Arts Journey

An entertaining odyssey by all means which all readers not only karate-ka can enjoy. The work describes a fascinating 'voyage of discovery' through the Okinawan martial arts during the author's younger years. Both informative & factual the work leads the reader on a journey of initiation from the preliminary stages of being a 'live-in disciple' of Goju-ryu & trainee of Matayoshi Kobudo in post-Reversion Okinawa as he travels with the reader through the exploration of Uechi-ryu Shorin-ryu & Okinawan te; also of a vast spectrum of connected Ryukyuan cultural entities. His attention to detail is commendable as the shared expedition becomes an esoteric odyssey to find the zen spark of enlightenment that evades so many seekers but which can be found within one's own nature. Mark D Bishop is arguably the foremost authority on historical Okinawa karate & martial arts. He continues to write travel research and teach extensively on various aspects of these including its related anma bodywork & zen.