Rebel Isshinryu: The 57 Challenges: Exploring Karate Myths, Madness and Mysteries

This book throws down a gauntlet with a bold challenge to Okinawan karate practitioners, and particularly Isshinryu karateka to wake up to the amazing wisdom of Asian Esoteric Teachings embedded in all of Okinawan karate. Learn the secrets behind Isshinryu's unique fist formation, the Kihon, the Kiai, the Crescent Step, Sanchin kata, the reason for Isshinryu's eight Forms, how the blocks aren't blocks, how the Cat stance manipulates the human energy field, and more... Long held and taught only to select initiates, the Esoteric Teachings represent the source of authentic martial alchemy, Ki cultivation, and powerful, internal mind/body strength methods. Karate's next evolutionary step is provocatively outlined through its Kiko or internal practices. Shifu Hayashi, author of The Soul Polisher's Apprentice and Internal Karate: Mind Matter & The Seven Gates Of Power, Buddhist monk, and teacher of teachers with nearly fifty years martial experience, presents his personal rebellion in a series of 57 Challenges aimed to lift the ceiling of advanced Isshinryu and Okinawan karate training.