This is an essential read for anyone interested in learning karate, or any prominent martial art for that matter. The book describes both the physical and psychological fundamentals of the art, and touches on its history. The author, Funakoshi, is credited for popularizing karate, facilitating the spread of its practice from his village in Okinawa, to Tokyo, and eventually to the United States. Much of modern day karate can trace its roots back to Funakoshi.
The read is essential not for the learnings related to the physical elements of karate, but its mental and spiritual principals. Karate is as much a vehicle to embolden the mind and heart as it is one to train the body. The lessons that karate seeks to impart on its students can develop one’s character towards what should be considered a model for society.
Funakoshi weaves his basic teachings through the story of his life, for it becomes clear that the two were inseparable. He was one of the few that truly adopted karate-do as a way of life - for him, life was karate, and karate was life.
Notable Excerpts
…Any karate adept who boasts about how many boards or tiles he can break with his bare hand or who claims to be able to rip flesh into strips or tear ribs from their cage is one who has very little conception of what true karate is
“If two tigers fight, one is bound to be hurt and the other to die” - Master Matsumura
You were determined to win and I was just as determined to die if I lost. That was the difference between us.
Karate begins and ends in courtesy
Times change, the world changes, and obviously the martial arts must change too.
The team that is intent only on winning will usually fail to do so, while the team that enters the contest in order to enjoy the sport without worrying too much about winning or losing will frequently emerge victorious.
Daily practice of any of the martial arts may turn out to be invaluable to a man in times of emergency.
Deep within the shadows of human culture lurk seeds of destruction, just as rain and thunder follow in the wake of fair weather.
History is the story of the rise and fall of nations.
Change is the order of heaven and earth; the sword and the pen are as inseparable as the two wheels of a cart. Thus, a man must encompass both fields if he is to be considered a man of accomplishment… it is essential for all of us to prepare each day for any unexpected emergency.”
Karate is a defensive art and must never serve offensive purposes. ‘Be careful… About the words you speak, for if you are boastful you will make a great many enemies. Never forget the old saying that a strong wind may destroy a sturdy tree, but the willow bows, and the wind passes through. The great values karate are prudence and humility.
To what… Do I owe my longevity? And my candid answer is that I have no secret prescription - except moderation.
Karate-dō is not only the acquisition of certain defensive skills but also the mastering of the art of being a good and honest member of society.
- You must be deadly serious in training.
- Train with both heart and soul without worrying about theory. True practice is done not with words but with the entire body
- Avoid self-conceit and dogmatism
- Try to see yourself as you truly are and try to adopt what is meritorious in the work of others.
- Abide by the rules ethics in your daily life, whether in public or private. No one can attain perfection in Karate-dō until he finally comes to realize that it is, above all else, a faith, a way of life.
Only a true weakling capable of true courage