Yamane Ryu
"Once an obscure and little-known tradition, Yamane-ryu has grown into an international phenomenon thanks largely to its uniqueness and public acceptance. Characterized by its fluid motion, unique footwork and hip rotation, and dynamic power, the tradition stands alone as a hallmark in the annals of kobudo history. Evolving from the teachings of Chinen Sanda, who fostered many disciples, his valuable lessons have been handed down by only a select few and this vanguard publication clearly illuminates the shrouded passage through which it has journeyed. Yamane-ryu was first popularized in the west by the talented students of Kishaba Chogi, who had learned bojutsu from Chinen Masami, the grandson of Chinen Sanda. Yet, in spite of this, its immense popularity has also given rise to rumors surrounding its lineage and legacy. This situation demands nothing short of a definitive explanation of the tradition and its many lineages. This book does that and much more. In addition, the recent popularity of Yamane-ryu has also spurred many to explore the alternative sources from which the tradition has been handed down to our times. One such lineage is that of Oshiro Chojo, arguably the most visible students of Chinen Sanda. In fact, it was Oshiro's bojutsu that was included in Miki Jisaburo's 1930 classic, Kenpo Gaisetsu, which contained the first ever published technical record of Ryukyu Kobudo featuring the traditions of Shuji, Sakugawa and Shirotaru. Indeed, it is also the bojutsu of Oshiro Chojo that forms the basis for the Yamane-ryu found within these pages. It can be said that the Yamane-ryu tradition continues to grow and evolve, as practitioners find that they can adapt the principles, body dynamics and flow of Yamane-ryu technique to any bojutsu kata, and to any of the other Ryukyu Kobudo weapons, too.
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Perhaps it may even be more correct to say that Yamane-ryu is compelling all Ryukyu Kobudo to go back to its roots, from a rigid tradition heavily influenced by modern karate to one that is reclaiming its fluidity and powerful application practices. Quoting McCarthy Hanshi, "I am absolutely certain that this is far more in line with the spirit and aims of the original pioneers then it is with today's overblown emphasis placed upon incongruous practices and the conceit associated with one's "style" being the ONE & ONLY CORRECT WAY!" In either case Yamane-ryu, a tradition once in fear of vanishing all together, has resurfaced and is here to stay. This publication is a journey into this tradition."
Joe Swift
Tokyo, Japan
"My teacher, Oshiro Chojo (1887-1935) was a senior student of Yamaneryu Kobudo founder Chinen Sanda (1842-1925). On October 12, 1934, I participated in a demonstration before Prince Fushinomiya Hiroyasu (1875-1946), at which Oshiro Chojo was the guest speaker. I believe that was one of the highlights of my teacher's, and my own, karate career. On that, I believe that this publication is also a fitting tribute to my teacher and I am grateful to Mr. McCarthy for undertaking this project. Although it may seem easy for a Japanese person to correctly understand the Japanese culture, it is actually very difficult. It is even harder for the Japanese to fully understand a foreign culture. In the same way, there are also difficulties in trying to get a non-Japanese person to understand the intricacies of the Japanese culture. I pray from the bottom of my heart that Yamaneryu Kobudo will be read far and wide, throughout the world."
Kinjo Hiroshi
Hiratsuka, Japan"It is with great enthusiasm that I write this for the publication Yamane-ryu Kobudo, by my friend and world-renowned karate researcher, Patrick McCarthy. I know of no foreign martial artist who loves Ryukyu as much as Mr. McCarthy, nor of any enthusiast who has researched the Ryukyuan martial arts to the depth that he has. His understanding of Ryukyu karate is beyond comparison. He is also someone who I have no reservations in calling one of the premier researchers of Ryukyu karate today. He travels the world, spreading the true essence of Ryukyu karate and kobujutsu to all who will listen. In fact, this is his life’s work, and his contributions to the art are innumerable. I have not met a foreign enthusiast who takes more pride in Ryukyu karate than Mr. McCarthy does. I believe that every reader will be able to immediately recognize the importance of this book. It truly is a publication that looks toward Okinawan culture to discover the spirit and the originality of the martial arts that lie hidden within."
Hokama Tetsuhiro
Okinawa, Japan
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