What Is Self Defense, Paperback

This book introduces the reader to the techniques and philosophy of the traditional martial arts of Kenpo Karate. It features some of the earliest students of Kenpo, including the author, demonstrating techniques including take downs and joint locks. The author, James M. Mitose, was the twenty-first Descendant of the Founder of Kosho-Ryu Kenpo, a complete martial arts system of ethical self-defense which teaches humility, respect, development of the mind, body, and spirit and the use of Kenpo physical arts only as a last resort when threatened with bodily harm. This, his first text on the subject, is considered by many to be a 'martial arts classic'. Many of the physical demonstrations of techniques include well known Kenpo practitioners including Thomas Young (mentor to Bruce Juchnik and Mitose's designated successor of Koshoin Hawaii when he left for the main land)and William Chow (Teacher of Kajukenbo's Adriano Emperado and American Kenpo's Ed Parker as well as Bill Chun, Sam Kuoha, and other

James Mitose was born in Hawaii in 1916 and left to Japan at age 4, returning at the age of 21. While in Japan, he is said to have trained extensively in Kenpo Karate which would become the foundation for his art of Kosho Shorei-ryu Kenpo. As one of the early pioneers of the martial arts, he is credited with bringing the art of Kenpo to the United States, and virtually every style of Kenpo today can trace its lineage to him. As one of the most colorful martial artists ever, his life included extensive teaching at his school in Hawaii with what many say is a less than accurate historical account of his life, before moving to Southern California where he was convicted of murder and was sentenced to life imprison.He remained incarcerated at San Quentin until his death in 1981.