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karate do and funakoshi
my way of life and shotokan master
Review by Jonah Ewell
Unlike other books by Gichin Funakoshi, such as Karate Do Nyumon or Karate Do Kyohan, Karate do My Way Of Life is not an instruction manual in Shotokan karate, but rather a personal memoir. This book is a blast to read, by turns inspirational, sad, hopeful, and hilarious.
When I first read this book, I was about thirteen years old, and Funakoshis complete dedication to karate helped fire my interest in kung fu. It was thrilling to imagine slipping off in the middle of the black Okinawan night, with only the moon to guide me, to practice an outlawed martial art. Funakoshis descriptions of his various sensei helped me to understand my Shi Fu If he remained dissatisfied with my technique, he would murmur, Do it again, or A little more. A little more, a little more, so often a little more, until the sweat poured and I was ready to drop. Who among us has not had a similar experience. If he found my progress satisfactory, his verdict would be expressed in a single word, Good That one word was his highest praise. page 6
The Okinawa Funakoshi describes ripples with life and danger. Karate masters try to keep a low profile, because everyone wants to test their skills against the man with the biggest reputation. In one incident, a young man sees Funakoshis sensei, and decides to take a blindside whack at him. Without turning or looking, the sensei catches the young man at the wrist, and marches off, pulling the helpless attacker in his iron grip, he walks into a bar, sits down, orders some food and drink, finally takes a look at his assailant, and says, I dont know what your grudge against me could be, but lets have a drink together. As Funakoshi writes in his typical understated style, The young mans astonishment at this behavior can easily be imagined.
Karate do is also a valuable historical piece. As Funakoshi says, The Meiji Restoration and I were born in the same year, 1868. This book was completed shortly before the authors death in 1957, and we see everything from the Russo Japanese War of 1905 to Japans disastrous defeat in World War II, filtered through the prism of Funakoshis life in karate.
Finally, if for no other reason, you should read this book to find out how the 20th centurys greatest Shotokan karate master survived without ever setting foot in a kitchen. Ever.
Hardback 127 pages
Karate Do My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi HARDBACK - $19.99
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Karate Do My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi HARDBACK
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