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 - A good book for a startAs one who started to practice Karate not long ago, I find this book as a good guide to understand some of the ideas behind this martial art. It is also a good practice for the day by day philosophy of others who do not practice Karate but want to use some of the wisdom of the east. At the begining it look a bit simple and shalow but it is part of the Japanees way to make you look for the things behind and not recieve them with the usual interpretaion we used to in the west. Rating: - Good for AllThis book is a great read for all students! It has good advice for students of any style and of any rank! Rating: - Mandatory for martial arts teachersThis is a short text that can, in principle, be readed in about 10 minutes. Nevertheless, full comprehention will probably demand new readings and long periods of thinking. The clarifications on many principles by Nakasone, with the approval of Master Funakoshi, are inspiring, encouraging a closer look on the principles behing the trainning. Indicated for most martial arts practioners, specially Karate-DO students, but mandatory for martial arts teachers! Rating: - Short but sweetThis 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 Rating: - Life Lessons in a Martial ContextIn 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.
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