Gojo ryu, one of the main styles of karate on Okinawa, has benefitted greatly from the expertise of Sensei Higaonna, the author of this well-reasearched book. He is a master technician of combat and also, in keeping with tradition, an accomplished man of letters. Thus he is a modern embodiment of the scholar/warrior that is held as the ideal in both Western and Asian cultures.

Concerning the text of his book, it is endorsed by a virtual "who's who" of Gojo ryu. He covers in great detail, in an engaging style, the various aspects of martial arts on Okinawa and the surrounding islands, including the Chinese influence. After this general background, he goes into much detail with the history of Gojo ryu's masters and influences. Some great photos add to Higaonna's gift of story-telling.

I would recommend Mark Bishop's book on Okinawa Karate as a detailed and readable (and ususally accurate) account of the major and minor traditions of Okinawan combat arts.

Enjoy!