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Via Media Publishing was founded in 1992 in order to produce the peer reviewed quarterly Journal of Asian Martial Arts (1992–2012)—the first publication of its kind to focus on martial traditions in an academic format. Many of the authors were scholar–practitioners, who utilized their unique talents to present articles from various specializations, such as Asian Studies, kinesiology, history, anthropology, philosophy, and physical education.

Those who were serious about this field subscribed to the journal to read articles noted for their high academic and aesthetic standards. Most were in the United States, Canada, and Europe, but also in other areas of the world. Subscribers naturally included martial art schools and individual practitioners. There was a strong base among university and public libraries too.

As founder of Via Media, I’ve decided to assemble this anthology of articles relating to the martial arts associated with Okinawa. There are over a hundred million karate practitioners worldwide, drawn to the art mainly for self-defense and a form of exercise. Researchers can benefit from this handy anthology, particularly for the information and analyses presented, including the rich bibliographic listings. Karate practitioners will also gain insights to benefit their own practice, be it for health and/or self-defense.

A total of sixty-four chapters are conveniently compiled in this two-volume set. In addition to 1,780 illustrations, there are glossaries, maps, charts, and bibliographies. Karate is the term representing the general category of study, but it can be subdivided into its branches, from indigenous practices to styles influenced from Chinese systems from Fujian Province.

The variety of material in this anthology reflects in-depth scholarly research and the experience of master practitioners. It will be a valuable source for karate enthusiasts for future decades. By making this book available to individuals and libraries, we hope this rare material will greatly contribute to further research in this field and inspire many to learn karate with aspirations to mastery.