The Essence of Karate

by Funakoshi, Gichin; Kanazawa, Hirokazu; Funakoshi, Gisho; Berger, Richard

• ISBN13: 9784770031181
• ISBN10: 4770031181
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-08-01
• Publisher: Kodansha USA

Summary

The father of modern karate reveals its fundamental essence in these philosophical and anecdotal writingsThe father of Shotokan karate, Gichin Funakoshi creates in his own words a narrative of modern karate, from its origins to its very essence. His work describes a fascinating picture of this martial art, including memories of his training since childhood, and his own recollections and stories of many karate masters. The author also tells of the importance of winning without fighting, and the reason why many great martial artists improve with age. He explores the philosophy and history of karate, among other things. This book will offer the reader a unique perspective on the history and art of karate told through the eyes of this legendary master. Through careful perusal of the pages, the reader will come closer to understanding the very essence of karate.The preface is written by Hirokazu Kanazawa, president of the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation. He fondly writes of his memories of Gichin Funakoshi during his youth and what he learned from the master. The afterword is by Gisho Funakoshi, the founder's great nephew. He writes of his own memories, and as-yet untold anecdotes of "Uncle Funakoshi."

Author Biography

GICHIN FUNAKOSHI (1868-1957) was one of karate's great masters. Born in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, he began training in secret Okinawan martial arts as a child. In 1922, at the request of the Japanese government, he demonstrated the still-secret Okinawan arts of self-defense on the Japanese mainland, which led to karate's introduction to the rest of Japan, and subsequently, to the rest of the world. Funakoshi devoted the remainder of his life to this traditional martial art and wrote several classics on the subject.