: Ebooks

Free Ebook: Shigeru Nakamura and Okinawa Kenpo

I’m very pleased to announce the release of this new ebook entitled “Shigeru Nakamura: A Study of the Man Responsible for Okinawa Kenpo”. This work is a culmination of research and exploration into the roots of both modern karatedo and the life of one of its great progenitors.

Although the terms “Okinawa” and”Kenpo” are both sprinkled throughout many styles, the term “Okinawa Kenpo Karate” is specific to the efforts of one individual – Shigeru Nakamura. Interestingly, Nakamura never chose to name his martial art anything specific like Goju Ryu or Shotokan. Instead, he intentionally left it very broad in the hopes of gathering all the styles of karate together under one banner.

This ebook explores the climate of changed that engulfed Okinawa during the early-mid 1900s and how World War II Japan effected the develop of the Ryukyus in significant ways. It also discusses Nakamura’s life and how he found himself simultaneously entwined with Japan’s assimilation projects and some of the most stalwart protectors of Okinawa’s unique culture.

Even if you aren’t an Okinawa Kenpo practitioner, I believe you’ll find the environment in which Nakamura grew up to be very interesting and telling of how karate has developed into what it is today.

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CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

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Finding history for this kind of project was a difficult task. Okinawa is renowned for its penchant toward word-of-mouth transmission, so very few significant resources were available for Nakamura Sensei.

In order to create a streamlined story, I tapped Heilman Hanshi (Student of Seikichi Odo) heavily and took the cues he gave more to pursue other avenues more deeply.

The result (hopefully) is a story that has both personal aspects and elements of context.

If you have any information or pictures that you think might enhance this ebook and shed even more light on Nakamura Sensei, contact me at ikigai108@gmail.com. I am perpetually open to improving this work.

New ‘Best of Ikigai’ Ebook (With Bonus Articles)

The funny thing about blogging is that articles have a tendency to fade into oblivion. Even the strongest content can slide out of sight, and that is a shame. The goal of this ebook is to provide readers with 20 of the best articles I have created and 4 bonus articles that are completely unique to this ebook. Topics range all over, but are designed to help martial artists of all backgrounds find new ways to explore and improve in their art.

This ebook can be purchased with credit card (no accounts required) or through Paypal account. To buy, click ‘add to cart’, then click the yellow ‘check out with paypal’ button that will pop up. Both credit card and Paypal transactions are processed through the secure Paypal website.

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  The Best of Ikigai (With Bonus Articles)
$4.99

Get the very best Ikigai articles in one comprehensive ebook, and receive 4 never before seen articles that won’t be published anywhere else. (114 pages).
Click Here For Free Preview
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What’s Inside?

I have always tried to create article-style blog posts that have a lot of meat to them. That approach has lent itself to the creation of this book where I was able to collect the articles that I thought were the most significant or had the most positive impact on readers.

Some topics include:

• Expanding your ability to decipher bunkai in kata
• Real world tips for increasing your self defense abilities
• Philosophical considerations regarding the purpose and direction of traditional martial arts
• Tales of old martial arts masters and their contributions
• Discovering ways to improve your body, mind, and spirit through training

Also included are 4 new articles that I created specifically for this ebook. They range from tactical advice on creating a self defense “touch reflex”, to commentary on how we can return to the old methods of Okinawa using the tools right in front of us.

Why Charge For This One?

You may have noticed that I decided to charge for this ebook while I offered my previous one for free. This was a pure time-commitment decision. If I wish to continue dedicating significant effort to this website and to the creation of unique ebooks (which I definitely want to), I have to make sure that I do not neglect my financial obligations in “the real world”. Although I’d like to do everything for free, I’m going to need to charge small amounts from time to time out of necessity.

On the plus side, charging has inspired me to include all of the bonus material here that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. My plan is to always make these products worth your while!

A Prize-Inducing Thanks For Your Support

There are about 80 trillion websites on the internet, and I feel fortunate to have you visit my little corner. If you choose to support the site and purchase this ebook, it is my plan to create some fun ‘thank you’ rewards. In the near future I intend to conduct two giveaways – one for anyone who buys the book (I’ll have a complete list of receipts), and one for anyone who reviews or links to the book from their own website.

In the meantime, if you’d like to help get the word out, here are some options:

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Questions or Concerns

Should you have any questions with the buying process, or simply with the ebook in general, contact me at ikigai108@gmail.com. Thanks again!

The Student’s Guide to Surviving a Traditional Dojo

The dojo can be a perplexing place. Everything is different – the clothes, the atmosphere, the terminology, the etiquette…it truly is a whole different culture. Why then are we expected to jump in without any knowledge of what to expect? Even experienced students get tripped up by the intricacies of the martial arts.

Every dojo has its own way of operating, but over the years I have found certain foundational concepts that lead practitioners to success and longevity in their training. I have also noticed some very common pitfalls that trap students in ways they never saw coming. It is my goal with this ebook to give students of all ages and ranks a deeper understanding of how to prosper in their chosen art.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK NOW

Who It’s For:

This ebook is for traditional martial artists of all styles and experience levels. I start at the very beginning in order to help prepare individuals who have never stepped foot in a dojo. I move on to explain how to achieve continued success for current students, and end with advanced advice for people who are black belt and beyond.

Parents who are starting their kids in the arts can also benefit. As a parent, it is critical that you have an understanding of what is normal and abnormal behavior in a martial art school. Furthermore, you’ll want to learn how to deal with problem students, teachers, and other issues that could arise. You can also pass this ebook on to your child (depending on age of course) as it is written in a very accessible manner.

What’s Inside:

Here is a small sampling of the info covered inside -

• Achieving a beginner’s mindset
• Learning the martial arts uniform and belt
• Taking care of yourself and avoiding pitfalls
• Stretching and effective practice
• Handling problems with teachers and other students
• Fighting and self defense
• Dealing with rank and hierarchy
• Shuhari and lessons in being advanced

How To Download and Spread the Word:

To download the ebook, click on the above link or right here. If you are having trouble viewing it, make sure to install the latest version of Adobe Reader (which is also free). The ebook will likely open in a new window – from there click the little disk in the upper left hand corner to officially save it to your computer.

Link:

If you’d like to link to the ebook and tell your readers about it, here is some html (you can actually win some cool prizes by linking in):

<a href = “http://www.ikigaiway.com/2009/students-dojo-survival-guide/”>Free Martial Arts Ebook – Student’s Guide to Surviving a Traditional Dojo</a>

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I hope you enjoy the book, and if you have any comments please leave them in the field below. I’m always looking for feedback or thoughts on what you think I should write about in the future.