Gichin Funakoshi - Karate-Do (My Way of Life)

[Karate Kitty]

I am so super excited to recieve this book via kalahari.com.
I know this was a great man and am sure that this will be a great read!
Also know that I will be able to take alot from this book.
Has anyone read it? Comments?

[andym]

It's a very good read, and will open your eye's to just how differant a world Karate devolped from. Some thing that Funakoshi dosn't really push, is the fact at 50, he left a safe, we paid job as a school headmaster. Risking it all to teach Karate in Tokyo. That was a really brave thing. Its writing style is a little staid and old fasioned, but it's writen by a man of the 19th century.

[Karate Kitty]

Thanx Andym, I should be getting it tomorrow via courier. Will let you know what I thought of it. He is a brilliant 19th century man!!

[Karate Kitty]

Thanx Andym, I should be getting it tomorrow via courier. Will let you know what I thought of it. He is a brilliant 19th century man!!

I eventualy recieved my book!!!! I already started reading at work..

[Marty McFly]

It is a good book, interesting to read his side of his story.. rather than everyone elses take on it

[Karate Kitty]

Oh wow, what a man he was. I sure am gad I didn't live in those times when karate was still practised behind closed doors and no one spoke of it!
I am getting 2 other books as well of Gichin: Karate Do Kyohan & Karate Do Nyumon.

[andell]

I sure am gad I didn't live in those times when karate was still practised behind closed doors and no one spoke of it!

I am the exact opposite to you Kitty,i would have loved to live and train early last century as classes were small and in a lot of cases you had to have a letter of introduction to be invited to train.Training was all combat and you trained to defend yourself against possible life or death situations.Unfortunately today the training is very watered down in comparison.

[Karate Kitty]

I have to agree Andell, the training is watered down and not as tough or hard as it used to be in those days!
Back then it was for defending yourself for life and death and it also meant something history and philosophy wise.
Today people do it because they want to brag or just run through to black belt / dan to say they did it.
For me it is very in the heart and soul and I truely appreciate it's origins, history and the legends that go with it, such as Master Gichin Funakoshi.
It's also a spiritual thing for me and a way of life. This is what I teach my kids too and the discipline is great!
What style do you do Andell?

Have a good weekend.