Imagine a doctor and clinical anatomist using kata to point out disabling defenses then giving you the medical data for evidence. Forms, or Kata in Japanese, have been used around the world to train warriors since antiquity, today, neuro-science states that there is no better way to teach as they make learning fighting techniques faster. As Pinan Shodan has a recent history (starting in 1901) and is seen in Okinawan, Mainland Japan (Heian Nidan), Korea (Pyong-ang), and many other martial arts it was used to make generalizations about other forms. The maxims state that Pinan Shodan should be used only as a last resort. One concept that sticks out is that of IKKEN HISSATSU, that one move should end the encounter so medical data was used to match a disabling strike to the kata move. ....................................................................... Reviews: "his book shares some informative principles on kata, martial injuries and Pinan." -Okinawa Karate News