Habitual Acts of Violence - Deep-dive interview with Patrick McCarthy

Patrick McCarthy is an internationally recognised karate historian, instructor, author, and the founder of Koryū Uchinādi. For more than five decades, he has devoted his life to researching the history, philosophy, and functional application of the classical fighting traditions of Okinawa and Japan. He is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking research into the Bubishi—the influential Chinese martial arts manual often referred to as the “Bible of Karate.” After more than a decade of research, McCarthy published the first English translation of this seminal work in 1990, complete with extensive historical commentary, making one of karate’s most important classical texts accessible to a worldwide audience. Through his books, seminars, and teaching in more than thirty countries, McCarthy has inspired generations of martial artists to explore karate’s historical roots, rediscover the practical applications of kata, and better understand the traditions that shaped the art. In this interview, McCarthy reflects upon a lifetime of research, training, and teaching, offering thoughtful insights into karate’s history, evolution, and enduring relevance in the modern world. This interview was originally recorded as an exclusive long-form feature for Bujin.tv. With the platform now having closed, I am pleased to make it freely available here on YouTube. Since this interview was recorded in 2022, McCarthy has been awarded the rank of Hanshi 10th Dan in Karate by Hokama Tetsuhiro Hanshi (2023) and Hanshi 10th Dan in Kobudō by Nakamoto Ki’ichi Hanshi (2026), recognising his lifelong contributions to the preservation, study, and promotion of the classical martial traditions of Okinawa.