There are a lot of factors that go into creating a successful book, but for this particular project there is simply no substitute for participants! Imagine only five or six perspectives on the introduction of karate into America. That wouldn’t do. I’m happy to say I now have over ten completed interviews and a bunch more on the way.
The interviews thus far have spanned almost all the major styles represented in the United States, including: Isshin Ryu, Shorin Ryu, Goju Ryu, Okinawa Kenpo, Shotokan, Chito Ryu, Ryute, Seidokan, Matsumura Seito, and more.
I think my ultimate goal would be to have about 20 participants. Twenty of the most senior voices in American karate would make for an excellent resource for people to better understand where the art came from and how it has grown. The exact number of participants though will be left up to luck and some elbow grease. So far my current participants have been invaluable in introducing me to other potential interview guests. I hope to continue relying on them as the book proceeds.
I imagine you might like a comprehensive list of who is involved and who I’m aiming for…but that takes some of the romance out of the project don’t you think?