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 - A GREAT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE BOOKThis is an excellent book. It is an easy read, and covers the important spiritual, social, physical and practical parts of Karate. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what Karate or martial arts in general is really about. Rating: - A Bible for any Martial Artist.Again, every Shotokan Karate-ka (in fact any martial artist) ought to have one of these and read it often to learn the proper meaning of what karate is all about. It's [karate] not just all kicking, punching, grunting and stuff. Some of the 20 "guiding principles" or "precepts" in the book have actually been acquired from earlier great martial art [Budo] masters (Matsumura e.g.) That's not to say that Master Funakoshi copied them, and even if he did, it was a very wise decision to have them listed all in one place. A short book that can easily be devoured in a day, it's full of "worldly" wisdom, no matter what martial art you study. It's best read a few times to digest the intention behind each precept. Even if you're not martial artist, there are many great principles here that when applied to everyday living will enhance your life and help you to be more successful, kinder and a happier person, regardless of your religion. Each short one sentence precept is then interpreted over the next page or two in simple but meaningful way. I incorpoarte all of these principles in my lessons (one at a time of course!) and try to have my students learn them & understand their true meaning. I'm certain it goes a long way to improving my students character, especially with junior students. Again, this is another one of those books, that, if I were able to afford it, I would give my students for FREE when they joined my club. Rating:  - Not exactly "by Funakoshi"!!!Although the book is announced to be written by master G.Funakoshi, only a 10% of it was actually written by him, the other 90% are commentaries by G. Nakasone. Despite this the book is quite inspiring in the advanced study of karate. Rating: - THE Basis of Karate-DoMaster 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. Rating:  - The 20 Guiding Principles of KarateVery insightful and well written. This book provides the novice martial artist, as well as the more experienced practitioner, a basic, fundamental approach to learning, recognizing, and appreciating the essence and spirituality of karate. It helps the reader understand that practicing martial arts extends beyond the technical aspects of learning the art and focuses on one's development of character, proper attitude, and respect for self, others, and life itself. The book is very enlightening and should be read and practiced by all who study the martial arts.
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