Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #84887 in Books
• Published on: 1981-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Synopsis
This text presents the autobiography of the man who made karate an international martial art, in which he recalls his own teachers and of his efforts to define and spread knowledge about karate without compromising its spirit.

Customer Reviews

The Study of Karate
Funakoshi writes about his life. And what it was like to learn karate in the times when it was hard to find a teacher. The book should be read by all karateka. There are two things I feel that are missing from this book. The focus on the Shuri district (there are three districts that are important to the development of Karate)and the fact that Funakoshi never likes to have dates recorded in any of his books.

Humbled by the master
A wonderful book from the man who effectively created Shotokan Karate.
Funakoshi was a very humble man who was trained by two early Okinawan masters (Yasutsune Azato & Yasutsune Itosu). He never boasts of his acheivements and indeed claims only ever to have used his skills once, when he was quite old, to protect himself and his goods from a young thug. He regretted this act though.

The book is only small, and perhaps this reflects a man who lived a very simple life. As he says "think of everyday life as Karate". Whether you are a new student nervously awaiting your first grading or a Dan grade with years of experience you should really read this book to bring a sense of perspective to your Karate.

Every Shotokan Karate-ka ought to be given this when they 1st join their club
In his biographical masterpiece, Supreme Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi gives a very witty, intelligent & often funny account of his whole life, from his early days when he was forced to take up training for his poor health to when he was finally invited to Japan to give the first successful demonstration of his art - Shotokan Karate.

He was obviously a very clever man who really had a passion for his art. At an early age he developed a goal, a vision and a passion to learn all he could about karate from the then great masters of his time and present it to the world. He recounts several times in his life when he was confronted by would-be assailants and describes how he got out of the potentially lethal encounter, he does this in a very witty and often funny way.

Despite the book being very small and could be read by some perhaps in a day or so, it really is very interesting and worth reading several times, especially if you practice Karate. I think that it's the sort of book that should be given to new students on joining a Shotokan club.

It's just packed with gems of wisdom worth there weight in gold for successful living, even in today's manic society.

As in all the other positive reviews listed here already, Funakoshi's book is full of wisdom, inspiration and hope.

Check out Clive Layton's "Training With Funakoshi" too, an excellent work from a different perspective not to mention Funakoshi's "Twenty Guiding Principles".

Ought to be on every Shotokan karate-ka's bookshelf!