“Since 1990 when Mr. Parker first came to Okinawa, I have had the privilege of being his teacher. I have watched him learn and grow beyond my expectations and am proud to see Parker become such a fine ambassador for Okinawan Karate.—Takamiyagi Hiroshi, Okinawa Goshukan-ryu Karate-do “Fascinating and important lessons from a man who lived and trained in a place most people only every dream about. I highly recommend this book to all who study traditional Okinawan and Japanese martial arts.”—Joe Swift, Tokyo Mushinkan Dojo – Japan Chanpuru: Reflections and Lessons from the Dojo offers glimpses into the old ways of karate through the personal journey of Garry Parker, a modern day sensei, who learned traditional karate the old way on Okinawa. Parker invites the reader to come along on his journey to see how he gained entrance into a rapidly disappearing society of authentic Okinawan martial art traditions. A tradition honed for a century before air-conditioned schools, colored belts and sport competitions. To offer deep insights into the many topics of karate, Chanpuru is divided into three parts. Part 1 is autobiographical, highlighting the reflections of Parker’s personal journey in karate. Part 2 is filled with essays on topics relevant to the study and practice of karate, including lessons learned, advice, the author’s personal thoughts and stories, and little nuggets of wisdom he’s picked up along the way. Part 3 is dedicated to the legacy of the author’s teacher, Takamiyagi Hiroshi, the founder of Goshukan-ryu, and pioneer of Wu Zhu Quan (Five Ancestor Boxing) on Okinawa. An exclusive interview, along with rare photos from Takamiyagi’s personal collection, complete the book. “A perfect book to snuggle up next to the fire with and reflect on life with a glass of wine or coffee.” —Jake Burroughs, The Ground Never Misses “ Chanpuru has been added to the DOJO Bar library and a very worthy addition it is.” —DOJO Bar, Okinawa “The honesty that pervades from this book comes from Parker’s total immersion in the Okinawan culture.” —Gary Gabelhouse, Novelist “Fascinating and important lessons from a man who lived and trained in a place most people only every dream about.” —Joe Swift, Tokyo Mushinkan Dojo (Japan) “As a glimpse into the cultures, training, methods, and daily life from the perspective of ‘an American student in Okinawa,’ it’s a great opportunity to see how all the parts actually connect.” —Wade Chroninger, Meibukan Okinawa Dojo (Okinawa) “Parker is kind enough to give those of us who have only dreamed of actually living in Okinawa and dedicating ourselves to our training, a chance to live it through his eyes, his sweat, and his relationships.” —Russ Smith, Burinkan Dojo Garry Parker was born in Columbus, Georgia, and began training in Kodokan Judo as a high school student in 1984; after high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and was stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Shortly after arrival in Okinawa, Parker enrolled in the Hamagawa Dojo, where he learned under the watchful eye of Takamiyagi Hiroshi, Hanshi - The founder of Goshukan-Ryu Karate. After separation from the Air Force, he was granted a visa and continued to live and train in Okinawa until 1996, when he moved back to his native Georgia in the United States. Parker received authorization to teach Goshukan-Ryu in America, and opened the first branch Okinawa Goshukan-Ryu Dojo outside of Okinawa in 1999. As the senior American student of Takamiyagi Hiroshi, Mr. Parker serves as the North American Honbu-Cho/Director for Goshukan-Ryu Karate; he also hosts the annual Goshukan Gasshuku, and teaches at regional training camps and seminars as he works passionately to spread his teacher's art and the values of Okinawan Karate and Wu Zhu Quan (Five Ancestor Kenpo). He is the pioneer of Okinawa Goshukan-Ryu Karate in North America, and is the author of dozens of articles and has worked in both the Private Security industry, honing his skills in the tactical training field, in addition to being a small business owner, and a corporate trainer.