Okinawan Kempo by Choki Motobu

[Fat Cat]

This book is small but excellent. In what was at the time only the second book ever published on the topic of Okinawan martial arts, Choki Motobu (1871-1944) focuses on the use of the makiwara and the jiyu hon kumite, or 12 fundamental applications. The techniques are definitely cut from a different cloth than modern karate, and use of the elbow, forearm and knees are prominent and reoccuring, as are attacks to the genitals. I was excited by this book because the depiction of karate is that of an effective and living martial art as exposed by a native Okinawan known for his fighting skill. Highly recommended.

Available here:

[Fat Cat]

Perhaps a better choice, which I have on order, is this translation which combines both of Choki Motobu's published works:

http://fightingarts.com/estore/catalog_ ... rate.shtml