Karate and Kung Fu -Shorin ryu, Okinawan Karate-

Nintai -Philosophical Lessons in Okinawan Karate

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This is the inspiring story of an ex-Marine who sought out the one form of martial arts that would polish his mind and strengthen his spirit- Kobayashi Shorin Ryu Karate. Finding the right dojo would lead him to Okinawa and a Sensei (teacher), a seventh degree black belt, who would show him what lay beyond the pain, beyond the exhaustion. He was taught Nintai: the art of patience, perseverance, and endurance.

“The reason there are mirrors in the dojo is to allow the student to always face his greatest opponent: himself. It is the aim of the true karate practitioner to overcome the ego, and focus on the higher goal of unifying the mind, body, and spirit. In Okinawa, it is the Sensei’s responsibility to help the student become humble enough to attain this objective.”

Only when Nintai is accomplished, can one pursue a higher spiritual path.

"On another occasion, I was performing the oar kata at a demonstration event in the community. As I manipulated the spinning oar past my leg, I sliced my calf with the beveled edge. Although it stung, I proceeded with the routine as if nothing happened. It is amazing how much you can control your emotions when performing in front of hundreds of people.
When I left the demonstration stage, Sensei noticed I had left a trail of blood and that my gi pant leg was turning red.
“Mark, you idiot, the next students may slip because of your carelessness!” I acknowledged his touching concern with a quick apology and immediately ran on to the stage and wiped up the blood with a towel before the next group went out. Only after that was accomplished did I tend to the injury.
The oar had sliced a nice even gash in my right calf. That really taught me a valuable lesson - never underestimate the cutting power of a wooden weapon. As with most lessons learned during my years in Okinawa, pain was a cruel and impartial teacher. It was only by learning to transcend the physical; that I could begin to embark on the more spiritual path of the art."

About Lawrence Mark Vellucci
Lawrence Mark Vellucci has been studying the martial arts for over 25 years, attaining the rank of Renshi, a sixth-degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. He lived, trained, and studied in Okinawa and Japan for seven years. Renshi Vellucci is a professional martial arts instructor who currently resides in Redmond, Oregon, with his wife and family. For information on other books and training videos he has produced, please visit his website, www.cranekarate.com.

Book Reviews

Humorously Uplifiting and Encouraging, January 3, 2008

By jakatak (Redmond, OR)

"Nintai" is a thought provoking account of a determined martial artist's challenges to overcome his most daunting opponent: himself. This author motivates the reader to join him on a spiritual journey, leave your ego at the door, and free your soul to change your attitude. This book is recommended to anyone looking to improve upon their own way of thinking.

A student speaks, December 22, 2007

By Forrest Mac (redmond, oregon) -

Until reaading this book,as a student of Renshi Vellucci,I had never fully understood what he went through to achieve his karate goals. His personal experiences in Okinowa make me more determined then ever to improve in Shorin-Ryu. This is a must-read!

BSearle, December 20, 2007

By B. Searle (Redmond,OR USA) -


What an enjoyable read. I really wasn't ready for it to end. The story is entertaining, the cultural contrasts enlightening, and the philosophy priceless. There is a sense of pleasure in watching the auther navagate the challenges of a foreign Dojo with the personalities, the hard lessons , the developing relationships, the evolution of a young man through the challanges of karate. I was motivated, yet, I felt a sense of regret in the contrasts with American martial arts schooling structur.

eye opening, December 20, 2007

By Nichole Alvarez "kiki 559 :)" (Redmond, OR USA) -

This is a must read book for a true martial artis student.It is a eye openner to what it means to be a karate disciple. Learn from the prospective of a person with an ego.There is no place for it in a true martial artist life.

Great Book!, December 19, 2007

By Ione George -


This is just a great book. An inspirational story of one mans humble search for enlightenment that gives tremendous insight into the true path of karate. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in martial arts, or searching for personal growth.

Very insightful. A must read!!, December 17, 2007

By P. Massey -


A very in depth book about true martial arts training. This is a must read book for anyone interested in martial arts.

Inspiring, December 15, 2007

By karatekasi "kgirl" (redmond, or) -

This book presents a first hand account on what it is like to train in a traditional karate dojo in Okinawa. The author, the only American to study in the small Nishihara village dojo; details the often harsh and sometimes humorous lessons researching the true `way of karate'. This is an inspiring story that is a must read for any serious student of the martial arts, or anyone interested in this path towards spiritual development.

You may also order by phone at (541)923-9865,
via e-mail, or send check or money order to Nintai, Inc 1718 NW Larch Ave, Redmond, OR 97756.