Rating: 
Summary: karate as more than a sport or exercise
Review: One gets the feeling from reading Sensei Funakoshi's book that boundary between the dojo and the rest of his life was not very distinct. He writes with much honesty and humility about his own education in the ways of karate, and of the relation between history and his art.The translation is good, but the editing is not always great in this volume. Still, it is the finest book I have read by a practitioner of karate-do.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent primer to the deeper meaning of karate
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Learn from the experience of a real master!
Review: There are books like "Zen in the Martial Arts", by Joe HYAMS, which have some thing to do with this... They are books supposed to show the spirit which underlies the Martial Arts by reading about the experiences of the author. The point here with this book is that you can be confident you're reading the words from a real great master who is one of the best references in this matter. By the way, in his book mentioned above, Mr Hyams refers to Funakoshi as the greatest of all masters... He doesn't need to say he will teach you anything... He doesn't need to state any formula of wisdom... His simple examples, the "simple" example of his life is a great intuitive and inspiring lesson!
If you ever wanted to know a little or much about the wisdom of the Way of the warrior, this is one of the most fundamental books for this!
Rating:
Summary: Reading Into Technique
Review: This autobiography of the Father of Modern Day Karate exposes the character behind the legend and may surprise the student raised in awe of a superior teacher. Using anectdotes of past masters and lessons in his own life, Funakoshi is able to explain the philosophy of karate clearly and concisely. Anyone attempting Shodan in Shotokan Karate should definately read this book so that they can read into the basic techniques and understand that karate's ultimate goal is tranquility and not to beat the hell out of anyone who confronts you!
Rating:
Summary: A must read for any karateka!
Review: This book is a must for anyone aspiring to train in martial arts (not just karate), or who is already training. Master Funakoshi's wisdom is timeless, and can definitely help today's martial artist to find enlightenment and further themselves in the study of their art.
Rating:
Summary: An incredible book by an incredible man
Review: This book is simply one of the best books about a martial artist you can find. The wisdom of this martial arts master is displayed perfectly in this book. It gives many useful insights into the martial arts as well as life itself. The observations and insights of Gichin Funakoshi are unique as well and so unlike many other common realizations in most martial arts books that whether you are a beginner or a master that has study for fifty years this book will help you no matter what. Even for those who are not martial artists this book will be of great help for it gives many tidbits and oddities about the authors life that, when you think about them, apply to everyone. A great book and definately required reading for anyone who practices martial arts or seeks to gain a greater understanding of modern day life.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Karate books I've ever read!
Review: This book is very insightful and gives the reader a lot to think about. It reads very easily, and any martial artist would be able to relate to it.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Work from A Great MAster
Review: This book should be on every Karate-ka's bedside. It's written as a first hand account by one of Karate's most noted Masters. The book details Master Funakoshi's life from the time of his earliest years right up until his last days. In it he reflects on Okinawan Karate and how it was practiced in Itosu's backyard at night by lantern light, and then how it changed once introduced to Japan. His words are both heart warming and encouraging. This book is a very valuable resource for karate-ka of all styles.
Rating:
Summary: Very good book. Required reading for karateka
Review: This book should be required reading for all karateka regardless of style. It offers insight into the why and how karate it taught today. I may not agree 100% with all the ideas presented in the book but I do have a better understanding of some of the philosophy behind karate.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book.
Review: This is a great book on the life of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. It is an excellent primer for traditional martial arts students.
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