Karate-Do: My Way Of Life

Karate-Do: My Way Of Life by Gichin Funakoshi (1975). This is an autobiographical book written by the man generally credited with exposing Japan and the world to Karate-Do, an Okinawain martial art.

The book reads as if you are politely listing to an old man reminiscing about his life, the things he believes are significant. At times I felt that a good editor would have made for a better story structure. Obviously Master Funakoshi is a proud man of exemplary character who has changed the world for the better. I would like to read a biography about him where the context and impact of his actions are illustrated. I imagine that much of what he did naturally had profound impact on his students and the community. However, as we can never know the extent of our own influence it requires a third person to observe and report.

The Karate book I read before this (The Weaponless Warriors) was a history of many karateka that told great stories of challenges, fights and self defense. It gave me the impression that Karate was primarily a fighting art. But Gichin Funakoshi didn't get into any significant scraps, as a mature martial artist he focused on kata and teaching. I suspect that by taking the danger/injury out of the martial art and focusing on the health and defensive nature you broaden the market (most people don't want to get hurt). Thus the domestication of Karate-Do is what, at least in part, led to its rapid assimilation around the world during Funakoshi's lifetime.

One of the passages that was particularly profound to me was a quote from his first book published in 1922, Ryukyu Kempo: Karate.

"Deep within the shadows of human culture lurk seeds of destruction, just as rain and thunder follow in the wake of fair weather. History is the story of the rise and fall of nations. Change is the order of heaven and earth; the sword and the pen are as inseparable as the two wheels of a cart. Thus, a man must encompass both fields if he is to be considered a man of accomplishment. If he is overly complacent, trusting that the fair weather will last forever, he will one day be caught off guard by terrible floods and storms. So it is essential for all of us to prepare each day for any unexpected emergency.

"... Today we are enjoying peace, and our country is making great strides forward in every field. Swords and lances, now virtually useless, have been stored away in our cupboards. But now the subtle art of self-defense called karate grows increasingly popular, and people have asked me time and again whether there is not some good reference book available."