Karate-Do, My Way Of Life, by Gichin Funakoshi

[Elan Wilbur]

  Karate-Do, My Way Of Life, by Gichin Funakoshi had some very important stories to learn from.  I loved the chapter Training For Life, Win By Losing.  He avoided fighting attackers by using his head and not his karate defenses.  He remained calm which helped to stop a fight.  He said,"Why fight if he knew he would lose."  Of course he knew he could win , but he chose not to fight.  He calmed them down by saying what he did.  They were happy with his cakes and left him alone.  He understood the true sprit of karate.  I learned that karate should never be used unless it is unavoidable.  If you keep a calm head during a confrontation a fight may never happen.

  I also loved the chapter Important Points, Karate For Everyone.  The quote ''You must become not strong but weak" is very powerful.  I understand through training a person will get good at karate, but ,"only through training will he be able to recognize his own weakness."  We are human and  we will never be perfect.  Through training in karate we should try to become a better person.  Karate will help us work on our shortcomings and faults.  No matter how advanced we become in karate there will always be things to improve in ourselves.

  This book was really wonderful and I recommended it to my husband.  He is reading it now.  I am glad I got the chance to read it.

[stephanie l straehly]

When I was moving up in ranks in EARLY 2000 I purchased this book. I read it & re read it. Such a powerful book. Such good reading! I remember that quote,  ''You must become not strong but weak"  at first I did not understand it. Until I advanced in my rank. WOW!! Awesome!!!