|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
|
Product Description
Review
"Whether or not you practice the martial arts, they make a great deal of sense, and will take you far, as a philosophy of life." -BookLoons Reviews
"While focused on the practice and application of martial arts, this book's "pursuit of the way" has myriad applications for less physical forms of combat, work-related or otherwise" -Publishers Weekly
"Filled with philosophical musings, fascinating historical episodes, and advice for anyone seeking a better way." -Rafu Shimpo
"The Master insists on a training that involves both mind and body, to create a karate-do, a karate way." -Asian Week
Product Description
Gichin Funakoshi, "the father of karate," once said that "that ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
To support this life-long stance and offer guidance to future practitioners, he penned his now legendary twenty principles. While the principles have circulated for years, a translation of the accompanying commentary has never found its way into publication-until now.
Master Funakoshi's approach stresses spiritual considerations and mental agility over brute strength and technique. Practitioners should not rely on technique alone-striking, kicking, blocking-but must nurture the spiritual aspects of their practice as well. Attend to yourself and the rest will follow, was the message he set for posterity over sixty years ago.
As axioms, Funakoshi's principles are open to various interpretations. "There is no first attack in karate" has occasioned endless discussion about its true meaning. Many of these ambiguities are clarified in the commentary, which is also filled with philosophical musings, fascinating historical episodes, and advice for anyone seeking a better Way.
Translated for the first time into English by John Teramoto, a karate practitioner himself, and accompanied by original calligraphy, this long-awaited treatise is a provocative read and, for martial arts enthusiasts, a long overdue godsend.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
First Sentence
Along with judo and kendo, karate-do is a representative Japanese martial art. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Along with judo and kendo, karate-do is a representative Japanese martial art. Read the first page
Explore More
Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Principle Breakdown!,
By RA Bowman (Victoria, BC CAN) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master (Hardcover)
This book is excellent in it's approach to further clarify the true meaning of our twenty guiding principles. It undoes any and all misconceptions of the thought process set down by Master Funakoshi (as he oversaw this book prior to publishing) and is a recommended, easy to read "guide to the guiding principles".I'm an avid reader of literature pertaining to the Okinawan and Japanese martial arts, and a dedeicated martial arts practitioner of 15 years, primarily in Shotokan Karate-do.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life Lessons in a Martial Context,
By Matt Trainor (Harrison, NY United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master (Hardcover)
In this book, Sensei Funakoshi outlines the philosophical benchmarks that exemplify the way a true Do practitioner should live and think. He has provided here an invaluable resource, not only for lessons inside of the dojo- but for outside as well. I must emphasize that books like these, in general, are not only for the instructor Sensei, but should ESPECIALLY be looked at by sometimes confused students (kyu) who need guidance at times with understanding how their dojo training can continue outside of class as well. These lessons are simple in nature, but upon closer review, along with commentaries to go with them, one may find deeper meanings in Funakoshi's few words- making the lessons so easy, yet just that hard as well. Each principle is complimented, again, by insightful commentary, and shown with beautiful calligraphy which in and of itself bring an elegance, style, and simplicity to this beautiful book.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.7 out of 5 stars (22 customer reviews) 24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life Lessons in a Martial Context,
By Matt Trainor - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master (Hardcover)
In this book, Sensei Funakoshi outlines the philosophical benchmarks that exemplify the way a true Do practitioner should live and think. He has provided here an invaluable resource, not only for lessons inside of the dojo- but for outside as well. I must emphasize that books like these, in general, are not only for the instructor Sensei, but should ESPECIALLY be looked at by sometimes confused students (kyu) who need guidance at times with understanding how their dojo training can continue outside of class as well. These lessons are simple in nature, but upon closer review, along with commentaries to go with them, one may find deeper meanings in Funakoshi's few words- making the lessons so easy, yet just that hard as well. Each principle is complimented, again, by insightful commentary, and shown with beautiful calligraphy which in and of itself bring an elegance, style, and simplicity to this beautiful book.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Short but sweet,
By L. A. Kane - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master (Hardcover)
This elegant book is a great treatise on the spiritual and mental aspects of traditional karate. Funakoshi, founder of the Shotokan School outlines the principles he felt exemplified the true spirit of karate. This is not "how to" book nor is it about technique. It is, however, an insightful easy read. I recommend it for those students who are interested in the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond just the techniques. I only wish it was longer.Lawrence Kane Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE Basis of Karate-Do,
By Deborah Wear Finkle "Executive Synergy" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master (Hardcover)
Master Funakoshi provides an even greater legacy to our troubled world than that of modern karate. His book, "The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate," is a rich guide to living one's life day-to-day. The applicability is not just to the dojo; but our homes, the corporate world, and every other environment.Although the serious karateka will treasure this volume; anyone who understands the benefits of mind-body-spirit integration can gain from the lessons. Some may say the book is too short; it is deceptively short and deceivingly simple. It is easy for a reader to "intellectually" connect with a long tome where everything is spelled out. They close the volume and that's that. The challenge is every morning and evening to look oneself directly in the eye and do an honest inventory of how we are living the principles. As Rule #4 clearly states (echoing one of the most insightful strategies of Sun Tsu); First Know Yourself Then Know Others. In the same way that one can never "master" karate, the wisdom that can be gained from the insights Master Funakoshi offers is directly proportional to the honest introspection of the reader. When many people are so quick to judge and blame others for the quality of their lives, rather than assume responsibility, this book offers simple guidance. Each time I read it, there is some new insight gleaned; another layer peeled. At times, there is a brief moment of chagrin accompanying the realization of a behavior not in keeping with the principles; but quickly followed by appreciation for the opportunity to change. As with Principle #1; a little more REI (respect) could go a long way in all venues. |
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
