Analysis of Genuine Karate 2: Sociocultural Development, Commercialization, and Loss of Essential Knowledge (Martial Science)

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I highly recommend the first book as well. The author of the book really knows his history and explains in detail the roots of authentic karate. Highly recommend to anyone that wishes to know the true essence of genuine karate.

In the: Analysis of Karate 2, Herman Bayer takes the reader on a journey through the development of this martial art. A novice to the sport may wrongly associate a Japanese origin to it. This notion is quickly corrected as the origin is identified and its evolution is analyzed. Karate, the reader will come to understand, is not a single sport. It can be divided into several strands. Further in the book, he brings his academic background to bear on what it means to gain mastery in karate. The analysis is illuminated with a number of analogies of the learning and teaching process. Concepts outlined can apply not only in the mastery of karate but also to the acquisition of knowledge and skills in other fields. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in martial arts, whether a novice or seasoned observer. This book may also interest educators through its thoughtful exploration of learning and mastery.

Very interesting book for dedicated karate practitioners. Highly recommend for those interested in historical background and evolution of the art from its origins in Okinawa to mainland Japan.

An exceptionally interesting and engaging book. Author Hermann Bayer provides a clear and easy to understand history and explanation of the various types and styles of Karate. He provides in-depth discussions of the cultural underpinnings of Karate in its several forms, and provides helpful summaries of what is discussed at the end of each section, that forms a "recap" of what you just read, and cements the knowledge well in the reader.Especially helpful are the numerous examples of some cultural phenomena the western reader is likely familiar with, which Dr. Bayer uses to explain the "how and why" of certain eastern cultural phenomena the reader may not be as familiar with.Overall, a great read. Great for people knowledgeable of Karate, and for those wanting to learn.

As with the first volume in this series, Dr. Bayer provides the karate practitioner with a very detailed description and analysis of certain specifics of karate from the perspective of a person who came to the art at a later stage of life. Such a perspective is invaluable as it grows out of a deep and profound understanding of humanity in general.Bayer’s discussion of quantitative vs. qualitative research sets the tone for the book and opens the reader’s mind to the possibility—nay, the distinct probability—that the two are neither contrary nor dichotomous. This understanding is repeatedly revisited and challenged through the volume, particularly for this reviewer in Chapter 2’s exploration of origins. Read at a more general, non-karate-specific level, this chapter alone justifies having this book on the shelf of anyone who has ever wondered, “How did we get where we are, and who should get the credit (or the blame)?”In subsequent chapters, we get a detailed study of martial art in a nationalistic, military context; a critique of “peaceful” karate; an exploration of karate mastery and the meaningfulness of such mastery in a world that eschews mastery in lieu of mediocrity; and a hopeful look to the future of karate.Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 is an enlightening and worthwhile read for practitioners and non-practitioners alike. It’s not a quick or easy read; be prepared to devote considerable time and energy to the effort, and the book will not disappoint.

As in his first book, Dr. Bayer answers many questions concerning the martial arts, in particular karate as taught in Okinawa. He not only answers questions a reader may have, but also questions never even thought of by most.This is a fascinating book that asks and answers how karate developed as it did and explains how it evolved into three distinct forms that exist today.

This book was a gift from a friend. This book takes another look at Karate through the eyes of Dr. Hermann Bayer who holds several degrees in economics, sociology, psychology, and business administration. Plus. he began training in 1981 with teachers from Japan, Okinawa, and the Western World. I point this out because his insight into the subject comes from these strengths. It's captivating as he takes us through the many histories of Karate and concludes that genuine Okinawan Karate was developed as a fighting tool. Dr. Bayer writes as he sees it. This is his second book on the subject, but each book has been researched thoroughly. Well Done.

Mr. Bayer’s work is as solid as you can get with a history as charged, oftentimes veiled, and legend-woven past of Karate. Analysis of Genuine Karate II moves from neurological patterns, and social movements, to down-and-dirty Aha moments.Note: I read an advanced copy of the book. As a result, I added a comment about the high quality of the book to the back page and inside as well. You should know, I am an unpaid fan of Hermann Bayer.Good work needs to be supported and made available to those that seek it.