Okinawa KarateDo
UechiRyu Zankai
Nagahama Dojo
(A Koryu Association)
The Jubinkyo Bookshelf
2021 Apr: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu Bunburyodo Volume One – History, Philosophy, and Training Concepts of the Okinawa KarateDo UechiRyu Zankai”
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This volume, first published in 2021, was previously titled “Bunburyodo”. The only changes are the new title (“UechiRyu Bunburyodo Volume One”), a new cover, and some spelling and grammar corrections. Otherwise this is the same volume and text.
For the first time in English, the concepts and philosophies that drive the lifestyle and techniques of original pre-WW2 UechiRyu KarateDo are explained in a clear and easy-to-understand narrative manner. The few Japanese terms used in this book are defined simply and plainly. Esoteric terms and phrases are clarified in practical English to give the feeling of a friendly conversation rather than a stern pedagogical lecture. Without smugness or conceit, the author draws on experience, knowledge, and records gathered over more than four decades of living on Okinawa while training, teaching, and researching UechiRyu KarateDo. While he is swift to point out that he writes from a wholly “UechiRyu Zankai” perspective, his closeness and longtime relationship with direct students and associates of the founder of UechiRyu confers veracity on his writings of the system we know today as UechiRyu KarateDo, whether old or contemporary style. This is not a book that teaches karate technique, but one that opens the door to the concepts within the techniques that create the karate lifestyle.
*****
2021 Sep: Author, Editor, Publisher: “Anna’s Tales, Lost and Found, and Bear’s Song”
This is a book of vignettes in haiku format, followed by the story of the life of an abandoned cat, and finally ten songs of life's lessons, sung by an older cat to a kitten. These paint images of many aspects of a cat's life ranging from the tragic to the humorous, all related to cats' interactions with humans and the world around them. The purpose for this book is to raise awareness of the plight of abandoned pets, encouraging their rescue, care, and adoption through examples of the positive traits shared by most lost, abandoned, or strayed former pets. Most of the circumstances depicted in this book were witnessed over the years by the author and his family, who have been rescuing abandoned former pets for decades.
*****
2022 Jan: Author, Editor, Publisher, “35 Mindful Steps – A Bunburyodo Companion”,
shodo provided by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette
Here are 35 concepts or discussion topics, some of which are based on essays found in Bunburyodo. These are karate-themed but apply to daily life as well; the reader doesn’t have to be in the dojo, or even be a karate practitioner. They are merely an abridgment of some concepts detailed in Bunburyodo, along with many other related topics. As such, this could be considered a “Bunburyodo Companion”. Though either book can stand alone, “35 Mindful Steps” serves as a memory-jogger for some concepts and as an introduction to others, all of which apply as we train or go about our daily life routines. The purpose is to evoke thoughts and perceptions that affect actions. Each topic ends with one or more introspective questions.
*****
2022 Aug: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu Bunburyodo Volume Two – History, Philosophy, and Training Concepts of the Okinawa KarateDo UechiRyu Zankai”
The 3rd Edition Volume Two (late June 2024) amends the title of the volume, and converts the color photographs to black and white so the book is more easily accessible to readers in Australia and Japan, as requested. Nothing else is changed.
Toyama Seiko Sensei, the last-known actively-teaching student of Uechi Kanbun Sensei, predicted that we would discover more on the path if we simply continued to walk it. He was correct, and all that we learned aligns well with the teachings we received over the years during which we were privileged to know and train with him.
Of special interest in this volume is the addition of many more chapters in the life of Uechi Kanbun Sensei – his life, training, travels, and adventures in China, and his continuation in Japan and Okinawa after WW2. This includes several interviews conducted with individuals who knew Kanbun Sensei, lived with or near him, and/or studied from him. . .
Considerably more historical documentation was contributed to the story of Zhou Zihe and others in the Zhou Family Genealogy Book. Special thanks to members of the Zhou Family, my students, correspondents, and associates in China and Malaysia.
The UechiRyu Zankai is not the sole proprietor or custodian of any “secrets” of UechiRyu. There are no secrets beyond hard work, dedicated self-discipline, and a willingness to explore the material with which we have been gifted. All styles of UechiRyu have the same skills and meanings (despite some technical modifications) as the original style. Nothing is hidden; everything is right out in the open. The real joy in training a precision art like karate is in finding the keys to unlock the rest of the system. Most practitioners are fortunate to study with teachers who actually show the meanings and values of the system, other than simply “how to hit someone”. In that light, all practitioners of UechiRyu are its custodians. . .
*****
2021 Oct: Co-Author, Editor, Publisher: “Friends Everywhere - いたるところ おともだち: Through the Eyes of a Child - こどものめをとおして”
Bilingual, English / Japanese by Sumako Breyette-Matsuda
Sumako’s first book shares the wonder that Saki – and any child – feels when experiencing the changing world for the first time. Everything is magical – to a child’s mind, birds greet you in the morning. Cats speak and obey written signs, and dogs take trips in hot air balloons. Plants care for your health, dolls behave and are courteous to restaurant customers, and fish bow a fin to show their respect. The simple pleasure of a bubble bath transforms a little girl into a Snow Princess, colors can create power and rhythm, and a child’s dance is the ultimate expression of joy.
須眞子の初出版の本は、変化する世界を初めて体験したときの紗希、そして子供たちだれもが感じる不思議を表現しています。朝、鳥が私たちを迎えます。猫は書かれた張り紙に従い、話し、犬は気球で旅をします。植物は私たちの健康を守り、人形はレストランの顧客に礼儀正しく振る舞い、魚は彼らの尊敬を示すためにひれでお辞儀します。泡風呂の素朴な喜びが子供をお姫様に変身させ、色が力とリズムを生み出し、子供のダンスが究極の喜びの表現です。子供心には、その世界すべてが、魔法のような不思議なことばかりでいっぱいです。
*****
2023 Nov: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu Bunburyodo Volume Three – History, Philosophy, and Training Concepts of the Okinawa KarateDo UechiRyu Zankai”
The third in a series of books researching and recording the history, concepts, philosophies, and principles of the Late Qing Dynasty Zhou-Uechi System which was created during the late 1800's through early 1900's in Fujian, China.
Included are modern and period photographs, interviews with descendant Zhou and Guo Family members, senior students, and key chuan'fa masters and researchers in China, Malaysia, and other countries.
With a special dedication in six languages.
*****
2025 Jan: Editor, Publisher: “Paving the Hero’s Road”, by Sun Chonxiong (Fuzhou, China),
English translation by Sun Jingwei
"Paving the Hero's Road" is a fictional account of the life and times of one of the most famous late-Qing Dynasty martial arts masters of Fukien Province, Zhou Zihe. Professor Sun Chongxiong unfolds tales of fantastic battles, undying loyalty, and unexpected masters. Here are challenges from renegade monks, killers, thieves, plots by corrupt government officials, and other rascals. Here are also tales of family, friends, lovers, orphaned children, and devastating losses. Accurate descriptions of the social life and cultural environment of the Fuzhou and Zhitian/Nanyu areas of that time set the background for many lively and sometimes deadly exchanges between Zhou Zihe and his sworn foes. "Paving the Hero's Road" is a tale of loyalty to family, friends, and causes; a story of the growth and development of a brash young man to becoming a mature martial leader possessed of uncanny skills.
*****
2025 Mar: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu KarateDo – A Young Student’s Guide – Internal Development, History, Philosophy, and Concepts of UechiRyu KarateDo”
From the back cover:
This is probably the first book written for young practitioners of UechiRyu KarateDo that easily explains the concepts and philosophies on which this defensive system is built, the meanings of terms, and the purposes for training. Certainly the “internal development” – the mental, emotional, social, and psychological growth of those who are the future of the UechiRyu system – is as important as their physical development and perfection of technique. Without insulting the intellect of readers of any age, this little booklet simply and concisely addresses “one side of a different coin” by condensing many complex ideas and concepts found in the UechiRyu Bunburyodo Series.
*****
2025 Mar: Author, Editor, Publisher: Japanese version of above book,
Translation by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette and Tomimoto Saki
From the back cover:
This is probably the first book written in Japanese for young practitioners of UechiRyu KarateDo that easily explains the UechiRyu lifestyle, the meanings of terms, and the purposes for training.
Encouraging the mental, emotional, social, and psychological growth of young students is just as important as teaching techniques. This little booklet easily explains many of the ideas and concepts found in the “UechiRyu Bunburyodo” books.
上地流空手道を学ぶ児童生徒たちのために、上地流の生き方や用語の意味、稽古の目的などをわかりやすく解説した本は、おそらくこれが初めてだろう。 児童生徒の精神的、感情的、社会的、心理的な成長を促すことは、空手の技を教えることと同様に重要である。 この小冊子は、「上地流文武両道」にある考え方や概念の多くを簡単に説明している。
*****
2025 Jun: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu KarateDo – A Young Student’s Guide, Book Two – The Seven Animals of UechiRyu KarateDo”,
Bilingual, Japanese by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette and Tomimoto Saki
This is one of an ongoing series of books, sharing and keeping alive the traditions and ideas of UechiRyu KarateDo as passed down to us by the founders of our style.
これは、私たち上地流空手道の創始者から受け継がれた伝統と理念を分かち合い、後世に伝えるための一連の書籍の一つです。
Understanding how animals relate to our karate moves can help us understand our karate and our lives in a new way. Thinking about the strong and positive qualities of animals can inspire us to train better and build our inner strength.
動物が私たちの空手の動きとどのように関係しているかを理解することは、空手道と私たちの人生を新しい方法で理解するのに役立ちます。動物の持つ力強く肯定的な性質について考えることは、より良い稽古へ私たちを鼓舞し、私たちの内なる力を築き上げるでしょう。
*****
2025 Jul: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu KarateDo – A Young Student’s Guide, Book Three – Bunburyodo for Young Students”,
Bilingual, Japanese by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette and Tomimoto Saki
This is the first book in English and Japanese that explains and demonstrates the concept of “Bunburyodo” for young karate students. It’s often tough to balance sports, karate, and other physical activities with school-work like language, math, and science. You want to strengthen your abilities to their max! The concept of Bunburyodo can help you manage your stress, keep your cool, and unite body (physical skills), mind (academic studies), and willpower (your determination to continue) to become the best version of yourself.
空手の児童生徒向けに「文武両道」という考え方を説明し、実践する初めての英語と日本語の本です。スポーツ、空手、その他の身体活動と、語学、数学、科学などの学校の勉強とのバランスを取るのは、しばしば大変です。あなたは自分の能力を最大限に高めたいはずです！文武両道の考え方は、ストレスを管理し、冷静さを保ち、体（身体能力）、心（学問）、そして意志力（続けるという決意）を一つにして、最高の自分になる手助けをしてくれます。
*****
2025 Dec: Author, Editor, Publisher: “Reflections on the Path”,
Bilingual, Japanese by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette and Tomimoto Saki
Intended for readers and practitioners of any age, this book is a collection of martial arts training and lifestyle concepts presented through simple whole-page images accompanied by layered text - kanji, romaji, and English. Each page offers a standalone reflection that invites quiet consideration, not immediate answers. There is no fixed order; readers may begin anywhere and find meaning through practice, experience, and personal insight.
Inspired by the rhythm of training and the depth of tradition, these reflections are suitable for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. The format is bilingual and accessible, with minimal explanation to encourage exploration. Whether used in the dojo, classroom, or home, this book supports a lifestyle of thoughtful movement and enduring values.
*****
2025 Dec: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu KarateDo – A Young Student’s Guide, Book Four – History of Uechi Kanbun”,
Bilingual, Japanese by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette and Tomimoto Saki
The fourth in a series of UechiRyu KarateDo books for young people.
As a youth, Kanbun Uechi had no education other than the natural rhythm of farm and village life, and the changing seasons. He was a peaceful, unassuming farm boy in a small village in northern Okinawa. Yet an act of desperation, a perilous ocean voyage, and a chance life saving encounter with one of China’s greatest martial artists became the unique ingredients that transformed his life and laid the foundation for a personal defense system that spread worldwide in less than a century.
Kanbun Uechi’s story reminds us that there is endless potential in the palm of an empty hand. Even an ordinary, uneducated farm boy can leave a legacy beyond the imagination of the world’s great.
*****
2025 Dec: Author, Editor, Publisher: “Uechi Kanbun Sensei – Life and Legacy”
"Uechi Kanbun Sensei - Life and Legacy" follows the remarkable journey of a man who crossed oceans, cultures, and eras undergoing profound change. Beginning with Kanbun’s childhood in the fields of northern Okinawa, the book traces the pressures and circumstances that shaped his early life - including the difficult and near-fatal decision that sent him across the sea to China.
His years in Fuzhou are brought to life through the people he met, the training he endured, and the influences that later formed the roots of UechiRyu. The narrative then follows him home again, through the years when he kept his art private, and into his teaching life in Wakayama, where his responsibilities as an instructor and community member shaped the way he passed on his knowledge. His final years on Ie Jima bring the story full circle, grounding his legacy in the rhythms of everyday life, and sending it forth via thousands of UechiRyu practitioners today.
Rather than repeating familiar legends, this biography places Kanbun back into the world in which he lived - its customs, language barriers, political pressures, and the practical realities that shaped his decisions and helped forge his path. Through this lens, readers gain a clearer understanding of both the man and the art he carried intact and taught with such quiet resolve.
*****
2025 Dec: Author, Editor, Publisher: “UechiRyu KarateDo – A Young Student’s Guide, Book Five – Boy of Motobu: Young Uechi Kanbun”,
Bilingual, Japanese by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette and Tomimoto Saki
“Boy of Motobu: Young Uechi Kanbun” introduces readers to the early life of one of Okinawa’s most influential martial artists. Written for ages 10–14, this book explores Kanbun’s childhood in Izumi — a world of farming, festivals, village stories, and quiet strength. Through simple, vivid scenes, young readers discover how Kanbun learned responsibility, loyalty, and courage long before he ever studied martial arts in China. This book serves as a prequel to the previous “Young Student’s Guide, Book Four – The Story of Uechi Kanbun”, which is more concerned with his adult life.
*****
The above UechiRyu books have been / are being translated into other languages and published for world distribution.
Currently working on:
“UechiRyu KarateDo – A Young Student’s Guide, Book Six – Zhou Zihe – Teacher of Teachers”, Bilingual, Japanese by Sumako Matsuda-Breyette and Tomimoto Saki
“UechiRyu Bunburyodo Volume Four – History, Philosophy, and Training Concepts of the Okinawa KarateDo UechiRyu Zankai”