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Title: Indispensible for Matsubayashi-ryu
Review: Do not say that you study Matsubayashi-ryu unless you own and study this book. My instructor, a sixth degree black belt, carries it in his duffel bag. I do likewise.The first section is a good review of the history of the matsubayashi system and of the principles of martial arts. The bulk of the book contains photographs of Nagamine, the author, demonstrating kata. I have been able to learn and practice kata between lessons without waiting to ask my instructor this or that question. Consequently, I have progressed very rapidly.However, speed of progression is not the point of the book. The point is that karate is and should be practiced as a martial art. If you want to know what that means, you MUST read this book.
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