Nathan J. Johnson

The legendary courage of the shaolin (chan/zen) order was not developed by fighting with enemies, but by not fighting! The shaolin teaching was designed to free us from fear, the only true enemy. Barefoot Zen, a brave new approach to the martial arts, clearly demonstrates that the traditional movements of both kung fu and karate, contained in the solo choreographed sequences of movements known as forms (or kata), grew out of the spiritual practices of the shaolin order of Buddhist monks and nuns. Nathan Johnson eplains that this mystical and non-violent teaching is a profound and beautiful expression of chan (zen) Buddhism and its pursuit of wisdom, peace, and enlighenment. Contrary to popular assumption, he contends that it was never intended to be a means of self-defense.

Barefoot Zen bridges the gap between kung fu and karate, and reveals their common origins through the disclosure of vital reserch material on three of the worlds's most important karate kata. We learn that the original 'empty hand arts' was used as a method of kinetic meditation between pairs, and was designed as a practical tool to help practitioners transcend the fear and insecurity of everyday living. Barefoot Zen makes the legacy of the shaolin way accessible to all, releasing the art from the clutches of popular images and painful concerns about self-defense.

Contents

Preface
Introduction
Part One The roots of kung fu and karate
Chapter 1 Kung fu and karate: Modern progeny of an ancient art
Chapter 2 Wisdom, not warfare
Chapter 3 The sacred science
Chapter 4 Trimarga-The triple path to zen
Chapter 5 Zen
Part Two The rationale for the empty-hand arts
Chapter 6 The creation of the empty-hand arts
Chapter 7 Pushing hands-Tui shou/Kahkie
Chapter 8 The forms-Their creation, purpose, and classification
Chapter 9 The natural range of movement
Chapter 10 Shaolin White Crane and Sanchin: The archetypal solo form
Chapter 11 Universal similarites in the function of trinity
Chapter 12 Two-man forms and Naifuanchin (Naihanchi)
Part Three A summary and a parable of the Shaolin Temple
Chapter 13 The way back
Chapter 14 The monk: A parable of the Shaolin Temple
Appendices
Irregularities in orthodox shorin-ryu karate kata
Glossary
Selected bibliography
Index
About the author… (meer)

This book is a must have. It backs up what has been practiced for years at Ryukyu Budo-Kai. This book ties in Zen and Karate, and specifically the KATA. You will see complete examples of Kata and how the bunkai is suppose to be applied. barefoot zen also clearly demonstrates that the traditional movements of both Kung Fu and Karate grew from the spiritual practices of the Shaolin order of Buddhist monks and nuns. And follows through to Masters of our time, like Grand Master Nagamine. There is also a section to help you distinguish between what is traditional kata and what has been changed for the modern world. I believe that everything in this book is presented in a stright forward method. This book is a must for all true karateka.… (meer)