Dude's got skills! Seikichi Toguchi Sensei studied directly under Chojun Miyagi Sensei, the founder of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate. He finished this book right before he died and it was published posthumously. The most important section in my mind is his disclosure of Kaisai No Genri, the theory of Kaisai. This book is the first place I have ever seen this essential information published.

So what is this theory and why is it so cool? The work to uncover hidden techniques in Kata is called Kaisai. Since it offers guidelines for unlocking the secrets of each Kata, Kaisai No Genri was once a great mystery revealed only to trusted disciples of the ancient masters in order to protect the secrets of their Kata. Although he only reveals the first three Kaisai principles in his book, this information alone is well worth the price of admission!

Quick background: Bunkai are applications or fighting techniques found in Kata. When executing the Kata, however, such movements are typically stylized with their actual applications obscured. Although a formal set of applications, or Kata Bunkai Oyo, have been developed for most Katas in Goju Ryu, nearly limitless interpretations may apply. There are numerous "correct" interpretations for each movement of every Kata, each demonstrating a functional, real-life application. Using the principles of Kaisai No Genri, practitioners can ascertain what works from what does not in a productive manner.

Beyond the techniques and theories presented in this book, there are also some very interesting life stories. For example, I find the following quote is illuminating as I believe it is much of the reason behind why Toguchi Sensei was willing to commit his secrets to print:

"Both Higa and Miyagi were very strict and questions were not permitted during training. When we practiced, we were not allowed to perform the Kata beyond what they had taught us. In essence you were not allowed to learn a new sequence of the Kata until the initial section or techniques were approved... No explanation of techniques was given. We simply followed instructions. We were not even permitted to utter a word in response to instructions. The Sensei often said that they were the "sculptors" and we were the "raw material" to be sculpted. Looking back, I realize that teaching the American GI's really helped me apply Miyagi's theories while developing a cohesive teaching system. Had I not taught them, my Shorei-kan system would look nothing like it does today. This may sound confusing, but let me explain. When I taught Kata to the Americans, they always asked questions regarding the meaning of the Kata movements and how they could be applied to real fighting situations. Okinawans would never ask such questions."