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Linking the time when karate was a strictly Okinawan art of self-defense shrouded in the deepest secrecy and the present day, when it has become a martial art practiced throughout the world, is Gichin Funakoshi, the "Father of Karate-do."
Out of modesty, he was reluctant to write this autobiography and did not do so until he was nearly ninety years of age. Trained in the Confucian classics, he was a schoolteacher early in life, but after decades of study under the foremost masters, he gave up his livelihood to devote the rest of his life to the propagation of the Way of Karate. Under his guidance, techniques and nomenclature were refined and modernized, the spiritual essence was brought to the fore, and karate evolved into a true martial art.
Various forms of empty-hand techniques have been practiced in Okinawa for centuries, but due to the lack of historical records, fancy often masquerades as fact. In telling of his own famous teachers-and not only of their mastery of technique but of the way they acted in critical situations-the author reveals what true karate is. The stories he tells about himself are no less instructive: his determination to continue the art, after having started it to improve his health; his perseverance in the face of difficulties, even of poverty; his strict observance of the way of life of the samurai; and the spirit of self-reliance that he carried into an old age kept healthy by his practice of Karate-do.
Out of modesty, he was reluctant to write this autobiography and did not do so until he was nearly ninety years of age. Trained in the Confucian classics, he was a schoolteacher early in life, but after decades of study under the foremost masters, he gave up his livelihood to devote the rest of his life to the propagation of the Way of Karate. Under his guidance, techniques and nomenclature were refined and modernized, the spiritual essence was brought to the fore, and karate evolved into a true martial art.
Various forms of empty-hand techniques have been practiced in Okinawa for centuries, but due to the lack of historical records, fancy often masquerades as fact. In telling of his own famous teachers-and not only of their mastery of technique but of the way they acted in critical situations-the author reveals what true karate is. The stories he tells about himself are no less instructive: his determination to continue the art, after having started it to improve his health; his perseverance in the face of difficulties, even of poverty; his strict observance of the way of life of the samurai; and the spirit of self-reliance that he carried into an old age kept healthy by his practice of Karate-do.
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The Meiji Restoration and I were born in the same year, 1868. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
The Meiji Restoration and I were born in the same year, 1868. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is a super biography of today's master of Karate, Gichin Funakoshi. Even since his death in 1957 he has helped Karate to be exported throughout the world. It makes for a VERY interesting read. A must for those interested in not just the combat of Karate, but the Spiritual side of it too.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is a true must-have for any student of martial arts, not just shotokan karate. Within Master Funakoshi guides the reader throughout his life and shares stories and information about his experiences. Master Funakishi's way of writing is humbling and enlightening and a delight to read. It cannot be recommended highly enough and all martial arts students, whether beginner or black belt, should read this amazing life story of a remarkable man.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book and could not put it down.Its the great true life history of master GICHIN FUNAKOSHI and the things that happen to him within and out of his karate life,(funny avents),a great read and a must for all karate folk.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent read
This book is a really good read for anyone who does martial arts or studies japan in any way. i found it very interesting. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Robert Morrison
"My Way of Life" improves your Karate-Do skills!
Everybody can make kicks or punches and to think, wrongly, that is training Karate-Do... If you grasp the true spirit of Karate-Do explained in this text written by the Master... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jose Pina
An inspiring read!
Being someone that does karate, this book has most certainly supplemented my practising, as it's given me a level of understanding behind the moves that I am doing and has allowed... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mr. J. Rodwell
Oss Sensei
Brilliantly written and a wonderful insight into Funakoshi Sensei's life.
Started reading and could not put it down, dozens of fantastic stories and tales from the great... Read more
Started reading and could not put it down, dozens of fantastic stories and tales from the great... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Ashdon MCFALL
A way of life for all
A great little read about an inspiring man. The words of Gichin Funakoshi describe an attitude and life code that we can all afford to live by or even partially absorb regardless... Read more
Published 10 months ago by PeteS
This is THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ!
I really enjoyed reading this book, it made me think of Karate a lot more seriously (not that I didn't take it very seriously before I read it). Read more
Published 20 months ago by Brighid Jagger
brilliant book
i started reading this book on here when you look inside the book but when it ended i thought wow i
have to get this book and ordered it then. Read more
have to get this book and ordered it then. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Dylan
A great read
A great history of Karate, told through an autobiographical narrative. An insight into the meaning behind the art, what it means to be a karate-ka, and a life story of the Sensei... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Computer-Engineer-UK
Study & Learn From The Master of Karate
As a 5th dan practitioner of Shotokan Karate for nearly 40 years I have been aware of Gichin Funakoshi as it's founder the whole of my life. Read more
Published on 7 May 2010 by Andrew O. Brien
Karate Do My Way Of Life.
An OK read, I was interestred in finding out about this man
and his life.
It was informative, but a little tedious in places.
and his life.
It was informative, but a little tedious in places.
Published on 7 April 2010 by Greg Desmond
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