I am a student, not just of Goju Ryu Karate, also an MRes (Research Masters) student and for the past eight months since I started this two-year course I had my head burried in text books and journal articles. You pick them up and read what you need to know and return to it, again and again. Of course I see value in such text books. It never gets old or expired, on the opposite it gains more value as it reveals to you what you missed from the first reading. Barrett and Lever Senseis efforts have materialised into one such book - a text book for Goju Ryu Karateka. Not having read the book yet I won't be able to make in-depth comments on the value I am going to get from it, but by looking at the contents table I already have a glimpse of the gem-quality of this essential reading.
Why I think it's an essential? Because it tells you things others keep secret or choose not to say for the sake of keeping it to themselves. In this book you will also find step by step instructions with explanations on why certain things in Goju Ryu are done the way they have been done for generations, and more importantly how it needs to be done. The how it's very difficult to find it illustrated or explained to a level that can be understood and followed. This book has that guiding quality, which is needed when you're looking for answers, and your teacher is not there to guide you.
I am not saying this will replace a Goju Ryu Karate teacher, what I say is that this volume is a kind of guide you need when you are training on your own in between sessions with your teacher. I look forward to make the most of Barret and Lever Senseis joint long-years efforts that have materialised in this text book for Goju Ryu Karate-ka. Below is the blurp of the book and its full table of contents. See for yourself!
This book represents many years of combined research into the fascinating art of Goju Ryu Karate-Do, and is a joint work by Richard Barrett and Garry Lever concerning the relationship between Junbi Undo, Hojo Undo and Sanchin. Covering the history, correct practise,advanced Qigong and esoteric studies within these traditions, this work is aimed directly at the intermediate or advanced practitioner seeking to add greater depth to their understanding of these areas, and how to effectively apply them to the advanced classical kata of Goju Ryu. For more information read www.gojukenkyukai.blogspot.com
Introduction
Junbi undo:
The toes, The ankles, The knees, The hips Torso, Fingers and wrists, Elbows, Shoulders, Neck, Conclusion.
Sanchin no Kenkyu (the study of Sanchin kata):
The origins of Sanchin, The introduction of Sanchin in Okinawa, Higashionna Kanryo sensei studies in China, Higashionna Kanryo returns to Okinawa, The Sanchin of Miyagi Chojun.
Two ways of Sanchin?
The emphasis of Higashionna Kanryo, The emphasis of Miyagi Chojun.
The Go and Ju of Sanchin
The Go, Shime, Guidelines to the correct application of Shime, Shime and the Central Nervous System, The Ju, Go and Ju in relation to the body, Yoi, Sanchin kata chikara michi, Kokyu no michi (the path of the breath), Ashi no chikara michi (strength paths of the legs), Ude no chikara michi (strength paths of the arms), Linking the paths, Chikara michi in relation to Sanchin, San Tanden.
Miscellaneous thoughts on the use of Sanchin
Hakkei and the Yang state, Ancient beliefs which influenced the development of kata, The Miyagi family crest.
Conclusion
