Toshihiro Oshiro; Shorin Ryu Uchinadi Vol. II The Original Karate
The Original Karate of Okinawa DVD
by Toshihiro Oshiro

Includes a comprehensive historical section, as well as demonstrations for the kata Wankan, Wanshu, Rohai and Patsai. Plus a complete course in makiwara training and instruction in the Sai kata, Kyan no Sai and Kishaba no Sai.

Toshihiro Oshiro is a protege of the Shoshin Nagamine, the founder of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu. He is best known in the West for his mastery of kobudo weapons, notably the bo of Yamanni Ryu, which has eclipsed to some extent his really splendid karate skills.

The basic techniques section was also extremely interesting. Watching it you realize fully how much energy a karate punch could generate, and how that power was developed and transmitted. Placing his fist against the body of an assistant, Oshiro exerted pressure for an instant and the strongly built individual was thrown back about three feet. Nothing was arranged or set up, there was no fancy camera work, he just did it! Watching the technique in slow motion it was obvious how he did it, and equally obvious that we have all been doing it wrong all these years. The power comes from a reactive, rather than active hip movement, and from the way the wrist is used to deliver the fist to the target. It is all ridiculously simple when you see about it which makes one wonder why were not we shown this before!

Clearly this sort of technique is the basis for the stories about one inch knock out blows, and damage to internal organs from apparently soft punches.

The blocking techniques demonstrated by the author were also devastating. According to Oshiro, there are no defensive techniques in karate, only attacks delivered to the opponents attacking arm or leg. He demonstrated by attacking (blocking) a punch in the most vigorous and effective way judging from the expression on the face of the attacker.

Available in the following formats: DVD
Running time approx. 50 minutes. $39.99