Gichin Funakoshi book: Karate-Do: My Way of Life

Review of Eric Eckman (eric_eckman@yahoo.com) from New Jersey

Excellent primer to the deeper meaning of Karate

The true martial genius of Funakoshi is presented in this book. A Shotokan Karate-ka, a martial artist of any other style, or a common person could equally benefit from reading this account of Funakoshi's life. I recommend this highly to anyone looking to improve themselves as a martial artist and as a person.

Review of randmeister from Chillicothe, Ohio United States

Not a Book of Technique, a Book of the Heart

Gichin Funakoshi has often been credited with the popularization of karate in Japan. He was trained, however, in the "old style" during his childhood on Okinawa. This book affords the reader a glimpse of what type of person that training produced. In contrast to the day-glo budo so widespread today, he was a truly humble man. His writings and his works reflect his dedication to the spread of the art. Rather than recounting endless tales of conquest, the reader is presented with a man (a true GENTLEman) to whom fighting represented a personal failure and a source of embarassment. His like are few and far between, but at least we have his story, in his own words.

Review of Jim Johnson from Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Karate Do My Way of Life - For The True Martial Artist

For anyone who believes that they have made a lifelong committment to the Martial Arts, you should read this book. Master Funakoshi intertwines the important spiritual and physical components of a life in "the way" with the story of his own personal life. One of the things that I liked most was that he went through some of the same thought processes that I have during my training. If you are truly a student of the Martial Arts (whether it is Karate or not) this book belongs in your personal library.