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Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate
 
 
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Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate (Paperback)

by Nathan Johnson (Author) "Only by following the path of non-violence can defeat be avoided ..." (more)
4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 265 pages
  • Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser; illustrated edition edition (7 Oct 2000)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 1578631424
  • ISBN-13: 978-1578631421
  • Product Dimensions: 25.2 x 17.8 x 2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 194,776 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Product Description
The author demonstrates that the traditional movements of both Kung Fu and Karate grew from the spiritual practices of the Shaolin order of Buddhist monks. Contrary to popular belief, they were not intended as a form of self defence, but used as a method of kinetic meditation to transcend fear.
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Only by following the path of non-violence can defeat be avoided. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
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 (7)
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3 star:    (0)
2 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A renaissance towards the practice of kata., 30 Jun 2001
Nathan Johnson's book is a gem. Zen Shaolin Karate was good but Barefoot Zen is a classic. It's taken along time for somebody to stand up and admit that 'the Emperor is not wearing any clothes'. What I mean by this is that the Bunkai (applications) of Karate's antique Kata were never meant as defences against punches and kicks, or as secret Dim Mak strikes.

Nathan Johnson reveals that the original meaning to three of Karate's oldest Kata are infact grip escapes, grip reversals and subduing techniques. He then shows quite beautifully how these techniques evolve from the positions contained within the Kata. The techniques are performed with a partner exactly as they are performed solo by the Karate-Ka. There are no 'secret' meanings and hidden techniques that can only be learned from 'sage' like masters.

I have practiced the Martial Arts for twenty six years and I've waited along time for somebody to explain to me in such a clear and precise manner what these enigmatic movements in the Kata are actually for. The book contains so much info on the background, philosophy and origins of the Shaolin empty hand forms. It sets out to show the common origins of Gung Fu and Karate rather than highlighting their differences.

I believe that it elevates the stereotypical images of the Karate practitioner out of the playground and into the adult world. It doesn't claim to make you a better fighter or to give you the ability to fend off any would be mugger. It puts this popular Hollywood image to rest. Lets not forget that Hollywood is after all the place where fantasies are made.

Barefoot Zen shows you what true Karate is and how it should be practiced. The only question the book raises in my mind is why hasn't an Okinawan or Japanese Master written a book like this on Karate before. Quite frankly no serious Karate practitioners bookshelf is complete without a copy of Barefoot Zen. Do yourself a favour, buy it and absorb it's message. It will change the way you practice Karate forever!

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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and original, but not flawless, 19 Nov 2001
By A Customer
This book is extremely interesting and iconoclastic. Not many martial arts books ever really face up to the fact that so many practitioners are just wallowing in machismo and self-delusion over the real origins, putpose and capabilities of their art. I would recommend that all martial artists read it, since it gives an extremely original take on how zen philosophy and ethics relate to the art, and supplies realistic and plausible applications for kata sections that modern karate usually interprets as ludicrously impractical ballistic fighting moves.

It is not without its flaws. Johnson's style is usually entertaining and effective, but occasionally wanders off into strange and puzzling territory. Some of the factual evidence used to back up peripheral claims is sketchy. In particular I felt that the sections discussing other Chinese arts and their Shaolin origins needed to be longer. For example, Johnson blithely assets in a few sentences that Tai Chi descends from the Shaolin temple and that its claims to be from a separate Taoist tradition are simply pretense. Whatever your opinion, there is a lot of debate on this subject and it is not as clear-cut as Johnson implies. I also found some of the picture sequences demonstrating kata or applications a bit hard to follow.

However, I think this is still an original and important book, for largely the same reasons spelled out by the previous reviewer. I would advise any martial artist to buy it for a hard and disquieting look at what many styles teach impressionable students - brutality combined with pretence and impracticality.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The importance of KATA and how its use at Ryukyu Budo-Kai, 7 Oct 2007
By M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughts
It is hard to transfer intellectual knowledge into habitual practise. Like riding a bike, a book is of little use compared to the feeling of doing it (being in the moment... Read more
Published on 20 Nov 2004 by amaz

5.0 out of 5 stars See truth through illusion if you have the courage to let go
The synopsis in the review section above is quite accurate, so this book is not for you if you are convinced karate kata movements describe blocks, strikes and kicks for use as... Read more
Published on 12 Nov 2004 by dafjeld

2.0 out of 5 stars I'm not so sure
It seems this book has grabbed some people's imagination and not done the same for others.
Is Johnson the great researcher and authority he sets himself up to be. Read more
Published on 17 Jun 2003 by chucklingbuddha

5.0 out of 5 stars Wooo
The whole phylosophy behind what he says clicks and makes sense with me. It's fantastic and i think it almost puts modern martial arts to shame. Read more
Published on 23 May 2003 by bungle8

5.0 out of 5 stars A practise that compliments its theory
It's unusual to find a practise that compliments its theory, we are more used to hearing about a theroy that has a complementary practise, it's not very often that not only does... Read more
Published on 21 Jul 2002 by Miss T Night

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