By Gichin Funakoshi
1975 Kodansha International

Review by Jonah Ewell

Unlike other books by Gichin Funakoshi, such as Karate-Do Nyumon or Karate-Do Kyohan, Karate-do: My Way Of Life is not an instruction manual in Shotokan karate, but rather a personal memoir. This book is a blast to read, by turns inspirational, sad, hopeful, and hilarious.

When I first read this book, I was about thirteen years old, and Funakoshi's complete dedication to karate helped fire my interest in kung fu. It was thrilling to imagine slipping off in the middle of the black Okinawan night, with only the moon to guide me, to practice an outlawed martial art. Funakoshi's descriptions of his various sensei helped me to understand my Shi Fu: "If he remained dissatisfied with my technique, he would murmur, `Do it again,' or `A little more!' A little more, a little more, so often a little more, until the sweat poured and I was ready to drop." Who among us has not had a similar experience? "If he found my progress satisfactory, his verdict would be expressed in a single word: `Good!' That one word was his highest praise." (page 6)

The Okinawa Funakoshi describes ripples with life and danger. Karate masters try to keep a low profile, because everyone wants to test their skills against the man with the biggest reputation. In one incident, a young man sees Funakoshi's sensei, and decides to take a blindside whack at him. Without turning or looking, the sensei catches the young man at the wrist, and marches off, pulling the helpless attacker in his iron grip; he walks into a bar, sits down, orders some food and drink, finally takes a look at his assailant, and says, "`I don't know what your grudge against me could be, but let's have a drink together!'" As Funakoshi writes in his typical understated style, "The young man's astonishment at this behavior can easily be imagined." (17)

Karate-do is also a valuable historical piece. As Funakoshi says, "The Meiji Restoration and I were born in the same year, 1868." (1) This book was completed shortly before the author's death in 1957, and we see everything from the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 to Japan's disastrous defeat in World War II, filtered through the prism of Funakoshi's life in karate.

Finally, if for no other reason, you should read this book to find out how the 20th century's greatest Shotokan karate master survived without ever setting foot in a kitchen. Ever.