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The Essence of Karate Hardcover – August 1, 2010
The preface has been contributed by Hirokazu Kanazawa, President of the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (and Funakoshi's disciple). He fondly writes of his memories of Gichin Funakoshi during his youth and what he learned from the master. In the afterword, the founder's great-nephew, Gisho Funakoshi, shares previously unknown personal anecdotes about his "Uncle Funakoshi."
- Print length128 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherKodansha USA
- Publication dateAugust 1, 2010
- Dimensions7.5 x 0.4 x 5.2 inches
- ISBN-104770031181
- ISBN-13978-4770031181
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About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Kodansha USA; 1st edition (August 1, 2010)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 128 pages
- ISBN-10 : 4770031181
- ISBN-13 : 978-4770031181
- Item Weight : 8.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 7.5 x 0.4 x 5.2 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #6,271,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11,339 in Martial Arts (Books)
- #61,119 in Exercise & Fitness (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
GICHIN FUNAKOSHI is world famous as one of Karate's great masters. Born in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, in 1868, he studied Karate-do from childhood and organized the first public demonstrations. He was trained in the Confucian classics and was a schoolteacher early in life. After training for decades under the foremost masters in Okinawa he was elected president of the Okinawa Association for the Spirit of Martial Arts. He was chosen to demonstrate Karate at the First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo in 1922, which led to the introduction of the ancient martial art to the rest of Japan and subsequently to the rest of the world. Among his writings are Karate-do: My Way of Life, Karate-do Kyohan: The Master Text, and Karate Jutsu: The Original Teachings of Gichin Funakoshi. Master Gichin Funakoshi died in April 1957.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book insightful and useful for karate knowledge. They describe it as an excellent, must-read book on the philosophy of karate and a great reference for all styles of karate.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read and insightful. They describe it as a useful reference for students of martial arts.
"Good book" Read more
"...takes this art and applies it to their life this book is a great reference to get started and to see how the grandfather of shotokan karate mind and..." Read more
"This is another useful little book on Funakoshi's ideas and we should be greatful to the translators and publishers for keeping the price low...." Read more
"If you like martial arts then this book is essential for your library. Read and enjoy the roots of karate." Read more
Customers find the book an insightful treatise on karate philosophy. They say it's essential for all styles of karate and martial arts, and a great addition to your collection. The book includes interesting stories shared by Master Funakoshi.
"Great book on karate recommend it." Read more
"This book is great to add to your karate- do collection, for the individual who takes this art and applies it to their life this book is a great..." Read more
"Interesting stories shared by Funakochi" Read more
"...Read and enjoy the roots of karate." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024Good book
- Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2022Great book on karate recommend it.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2014This book is great to add to your karate- do collection, for the individual who takes this art and applies it to their life this book is a great reference to get started and to see how the grandfather of shotokan karate mind and spirit works. I have been training for only 6 years but what this art has done for me and my life is amazing and this book helps aid in the discovery of ones path to adhere too in the life of karate - do. This is the bible of karate in my opinion.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2022Interesting stories shared by Funakochi
- Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2010This is another useful little book on Funakoshi's ideas and we should be greatful to the translators and publishers for keeping the price low. Too much of the translated martial arts literature is far too expensive. But I wish those with an interest in translating early pieces on karate would focus on others besides Funakoshi, such as Mabuni, Nakasone Genwa, Motobu and others. There is still much to be done, and what is available is often ridiculously expensive.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021If you like martial arts then this book is essential for your library. Read and enjoy the roots of karate.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2017A great read and a must for karate practitioners.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2014This book is excelent! As a green belt in shotokan karate this is a very insightful read.
Top reviews from other countries
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MaximvsReviewed in Brazil on June 14, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Um clássico!
Praticamente uma obrigação em toda biblioteca dos que seguem a arte das mãos vazias. Vemos nosso mestre muito perto neste livro, o que nos inspira a continuar em seu legado.
- Trusted Reviewer - 100%Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Master of Life!
Truly a remarkable read. The tales and stories of a true master. Be humbled as you read over and over the words of Master Gichin funakoshi, as much a master of life as he was martial arts.
- Emma ManningReviewed in Australia on June 9, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Great condition and fast delivery
Impressed with condition, packing and delivery.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Master Funakoshi; the philosophy of training.
A 'must' addition to your Master Funakoshi collection. You will want to seek out his other publications and know more about his life before and during Japan's militarist period which brought catastrophy to the country.
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José Carlos PinheiroReviewed in Brazil on July 8, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Muito boa.
Belo texto do autor, que é uma referencia no assunto.