In the last few days, two new pieces of information about new books have come to light. Firstly, after three years of intensive work, T. Feldmann has completed his book on Yabu Kentsū and announced that it will be published this summer. Secondly, Katherine Loukopoulos has also announced that she has finished her book. To my knowledge, her book is an autobiography. Loukopoulos sensei played a crucial role in introducing Matsubayashi-ryū to Germany.
I am very excited about both books and will definitely buy them, as both topics greatly interest me. I am very curious to see if Feldmann’s research will answer my personal questions.
- When exactly was Yabu sensei born?
- From when to when did he train under Matsumura Sōkon?
- Which kata did Yabu sensei learn/teach?
- What was the actual reason for his long stay in the USA?
- What did Yabu sensei do during his time in the USA?
- Did all four sons learn karate from their father?
- What is in Yabu Kentsū’s military record?
- What remains of his karate overview? Which styles teach kata that trace back to Yabu sensei, and what makes these kata so special?
- The author also had contact with two grandsons of Yabu Kentsū sensei – Yabu Kenjiō (second son of Yabu’s second son, Ken) and Norman Yabe (second son of Yabu’s fourth son, Kenneth „Kenshirō“). What could the two grandsons or their children tell Feldmann about their grandfather?
Feldmann has already proven himself with his Itosu Ankō book. This time, too, he will not disappoint any readers, and my questions will surely be answered 100% in the book.
I wrote to Loukopoulos sensei personally some time ago, and I would like to renew my statement here: „If she were a man, her role in Okinawa Karate/Ryūkyū Kobudō would be much more recognized.“ But the world is as it is. However, for me, she is one of the greatest foreign karateka to have lived in Okinawa. She trained, sweated, fought, won medals, and took extensive notes.
Karate research remains exciting!!!
Karate Kenkyū Shitsu 