Books by Joe Swift

"Bubishi" is a classic Chinese work on philosophy, strategy, medicine and technique as they relate to the martial arts. Referred to as 'the bible of karate', for hundreds of years the "Bubishi" was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. This work features over 250 line drawings, photographs and calligraphy.

Itosu Anko - Using primary written and verbal testimony, this book attempts to elucidate the evolution of Okinawa Karate from its roots in Chinese and Japanese martial arts, through the Meiji Era and into modern times by looking deeply at the story of the Father of Modern Karate, not only as a legendary martial arts master but his personal quirks as a human being. The entire presentation is rounded out by an afterword by Patrick McCarthy, the worlds preeminent Karate historian.

For centuries, the warriors of Satsuma were both feared and respected for both their ferociousness in battle as well as their ideals in life. For the first time in English, learn the ideals and precepts that shaped the Bushi of Kagoshima, the same ideals and precepts that produced such legendary heroes as Saigo Takamori, one of the nobles who led the Meiji Restoration.

Translations of historically important documents in the history of Karate.