Post by Paul Bedard on Oct 18, 2010 2:30:24 GMT
Whenever I have the opportunity I like to expand my collection of Shotokan books, particularly books that have anything to do with master Funakoshi or books of shotokan historical significance. I recently bought the book `The Essence of KARATE` Gichin Funakoshi.
This book is one of the type that makes the appearance of being written by master Funakoshi when in fact it was put together by others. The first time that I lookes at this book, I had passed it by thinking that it was just a copy similar to karate-do my way of life, A book that all traditional shotokan karate-do should have.
Essence is forwarded by master Hirokazu Kanazawa, with an afterward by Gisho Funakoshi who`s father was master Funakoshi`s cousin & translated by Richard Berger who trains in master Kanazawa`s SKIF headquarters.
It is good reading to see Kanazawa`s memories of his interactions with master Funakoshi, obviously much respect shown & his own feeling on how using karate to be a better person relates to him.
Gisho Funakoshi grew up in Okinawa, but went to Japan for three years to stay with master funakoshi`s second son Giyu. What Gisho tells us is his childhood memories of interacting with his famous uncle `Old man Gichin`. In Okinawa the term `old man` was used in the highest respect in the manner adapted in this book. I found this to be a very interesting account of the kind of person master Funakoshi was.
The part written by the old master was mainly bits & pieces from `my way of life`, however for me at least a bit more info about certain things. For example making it quite clear that masters Itosu & Azato were direct students of Sokon Matsumura & also an interesting tale of Matsumura`s wife.
Add in some very good pictures of master Funakoshi at the beginning of the book & I am now pleased with my purchase. The hard cover book is a bit pricey $25.00 Canadian, but I don`t by that many so not to hard to swallow. However much like `way of life`, I wish the book would have been bigger & giving more. However, I`m sure that I would say the same with a 500 page book..
One bone of contention: this book is published by Kodansha International a very reputable Japanese publishing company. However they introduce master Kanazawa as` the most respected figure in the karate world today`, although I would agree to the term `one of the most respected`, I don`t agree that anyone has earned the title of being the `most` respected.
Not even me, if you can believe it.
Overall a welcome addition to my shotokan library!!!
Osu
Paul B
This book is one of the type that makes the appearance of being written by master Funakoshi when in fact it was put together by others. The first time that I lookes at this book, I had passed it by thinking that it was just a copy similar to karate-do my way of life, A book that all traditional shotokan karate-do should have.
Essence is forwarded by master Hirokazu Kanazawa, with an afterward by Gisho Funakoshi who`s father was master Funakoshi`s cousin & translated by Richard Berger who trains in master Kanazawa`s SKIF headquarters.
It is good reading to see Kanazawa`s memories of his interactions with master Funakoshi, obviously much respect shown & his own feeling on how using karate to be a better person relates to him.
Gisho Funakoshi grew up in Okinawa, but went to Japan for three years to stay with master funakoshi`s second son Giyu. What Gisho tells us is his childhood memories of interacting with his famous uncle `Old man Gichin`. In Okinawa the term `old man` was used in the highest respect in the manner adapted in this book. I found this to be a very interesting account of the kind of person master Funakoshi was.
The part written by the old master was mainly bits & pieces from `my way of life`, however for me at least a bit more info about certain things. For example making it quite clear that masters Itosu & Azato were direct students of Sokon Matsumura & also an interesting tale of Matsumura`s wife.
Add in some very good pictures of master Funakoshi at the beginning of the book & I am now pleased with my purchase. The hard cover book is a bit pricey $25.00 Canadian, but I don`t by that many so not to hard to swallow. However much like `way of life`, I wish the book would have been bigger & giving more. However, I`m sure that I would say the same with a 500 page book..
One bone of contention: this book is published by Kodansha International a very reputable Japanese publishing company. However they introduce master Kanazawa as` the most respected figure in the karate world today`, although I would agree to the term `one of the most respected`, I don`t agree that anyone has earned the title of being the `most` respected.
Not even me, if you can believe it.
Overall a welcome addition to my shotokan library!!!
Osu
Paul B