Book Description
Nineteen kata ("forms") of karate-the art of self-defense without weapons-are presented here in complete detail. They are the ones selected by the great master and teacher, Gichin Funakoshi, to give comprehensive training in Karate-do, the way of karate.
Fully illustrated demonstrations by the translator cover not only every technique of the kata but also the fundamentals and applications: how to make a fist; the correct form of the open hand; preliminary training in blocking, striking and kicking; the seven stances; and sparring.
The author presents, besides kata that he himself originated, beginning and advanced kata from both the Shorei school and the Shorin school, the former remarkable for their forcefulness and development of strength, the latter characterized by their gracefulness and lightning swiftness.
This book, the most comprehensive and authoritative ever published, was being revised by the author shortly before his death in 1957, at the age of eighty-eight, and is translated for the first time. Through his advice on both practical and spiritual aspects of training, the master guides the
student from techniques to the Way of karate. Complementing the English edition are illustrations of National Treasures from Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji temples in Nara and Master Funakoshi's calligraphy.
Karate, whose value for the well-rounded development of strength, coordination and agility is scientifically validated, can be practiced at any time and in any place, for any length of time, by men and women of all ages, and requires no special equipment. It also fosters the development of spiritual
qualities: courage, courtesy, integrity, humility and self-control.
Gichin Funakoshi's karate books, the first published in 1922, are landmarks, for the development of this martial art in Okinawa was shrouded in secrecy, and almost no records of its early history, dating back more than a thousand years to the Shao-lin Temple in Hunan Province, China, exist.
Karate-do Kyohan is a book that lives up to its title: it is in truth the master text for karate instruction at all levels and in all aspects of technique and character development.
Customer Reviews:
An Invaluable Resource, Among the First Karate Documents.......2007-07-14
I am a 2nd-dan practitioner under Tsutomu Ohshima, the translator, and I want to point out a few things, regarding the comments. Mr. Ohshima read the original Japanese text of his teacher(Funakoshi), at least 50 times (before translating), and was authorized by his family to translate it into English. With those considerations (and the fact that it took 10 years), it was a monumental undertaking--personally, professionally, and historically. I can appreciate that he used his own photos, because, as someone else pointed out, the stances got lower and longer, and some things were in transition at the time the book was written--think of it as a "2nd, updated edition." For more information on the changes going on at the time, investigate Shigeru Egami's excellent Karate-do Nyumon, also available here. Egami was Mr. Ohshima's senior and very close friend, considered by many to be the top karateka during his life.
Master Funakoshi mastered 2 styles--shorei-ryu and shorin ryu-during his lifetime, instructed by Masters Itosu and Azato. The former has powerful, hard directed movements, rooted in deep stances, while the latter has swift, sweeping, bird-like movements, and we have kata from each style (Ie. the Heian/Pinan forms are Shorin, while Tekki/Neihanchu kata are shorei). Traditional "karate" come from Okinawa, and the different regional styles, named for the towns, drew some influence from Chinese sailors trained in kung-fu, who washed ashore and trained the villagers, further influencing their styles, and differentiating them. "Shotokan" means "House of Shoto." "Shoto" was Master Funakoshi's nickname. When a karateka was asked where he was going, he'd say "Shotokan," or Shoto's house. "Shoto" also means the sound the wind makes when blowing through pine needles, which Master Funakoshi loved.
Numerous styles claim heritage through Funakoshi, and widespread, unauthorized use of the Shotokan "circled tiger" has ensued. This symbol was created by one of Funakoshi's students, and is trademarked. You can see it in the opening of one of Jet Li's movies, and probably many others.
Traditional Tae-Kwon-Do was created by practitioners who got their karate black belts in Japan in the 20th century (according to my research) although there's a raging debate about the "ancient" origins of those arts. Some claim Tae-Kwon-Do descended from a children's game in which practitioners tried to knock down their opponents with a kick, which was banned by elders long ago--a view that is often ridiculed by martial art historians. This is buttressed by the fact that many Tae-Kwon-Do schools use this Kyohan as their text, and either the exact same kata (particularly the Heian), or lightly modified (usually with modified or added kicks).
Not all "karate" styles are directly descended from Shotokan. Goju-ryu and others at least partially developed in parallel, but they definitely influenced each other, and had common roots. To be called "karate," however, implied, originally, Chinese roots. This changed, later, to mean "open-hand" styles, so karate, today, is more generally loosely defined. This website has a clear "family tree," of karate heritage, as well as incredibly useful information and links-- [...]. Ohshima Shihan's website is [...]. Also see [...] (in English or Spanish).
One reviewer criticized the Shotokan punch, and it seemed that he was responding not to the book, but to Shotokan generally. Our stances have gotten longer and narrower. When Funakoshi brought karate to mainland Japan, many practitioners were already experts in judo and kendo. One effect was the lengthening of the distance between fighters--often a judo expert would immediately slam a karateka to the ground, or a kendoka would quickly "spear" the uninitiated with a punch. These 2 aspects, as you might imagine, caused a relatively immediate change, not unlike (although it's a long-shot) the effect Gracie Jujitsu had on early mixed martial arts events. These three disciplines (and others) combined to develop the efficacy of Japanese karate, as practiced by Funakoshi's students.
Another reviewer sharply pointed out that the book was written for beginners, as well as advanced practitioners. One isn't meant to punch (and fight) with the hand opposite the punching hand pulled back to the hip (ie. "pulling hand), so there is no "arm ending up behind one's body" as the other reviewer had mentioned. This is taught to beginners to show them the proper movement, and is often reverted to by the advanced, to refine the development of power through the thrusting of the hips. In a real engagement (and sparring), fighters hold their hands up naturally, like boxers or MMA fighters.
This review is supplemented by my material here--[...]
The highly-rated Karate Jutsu: The Original Teachings of Gichin Funakoshi, by Ohshima godan John Teramoto (and also available here on Amazon) is the first official English translation of an earlier Funakoshi book. Also do not miss Funakoshi's Karate-do: My Way of Life.
A must have.......2007-06-05
This book is a fantastic must-have for any Karate enthusiast. It really is The Master Text (it says so right on the cover). The early chapters provide an insightful background and history of Karate and Shotokan, and are a great read. The later chapters serve as wonderful reference material for the practicing Karate-ka.
Highly recommended.
Disappointing.......2007-06-02
I feel quite disappointed abut this product: The original pictures by master Funakoshi (more than 50% of the book) were replaced by similar pictures of the translator doing similar examples. This information was not available online, I just realized this when I received the item. I've been told that a new english edition has been released by ITKF recovering the original pictures of the author.
A must own for Japanese and Korean Students.......2007-04-13
If you want to see the evolution of Okinawan Karate from Shuri-te into Shorin-Ryu, Shoto-Kan , and eventually Korean Tang Soo DO You need to have this book and also Karate Jutsu. Then study Hwang Kees Two texts on Tang Soo Do vol 1 and 2 and you'll see Tang Soo Do is the Korean version of Shoto-Kan (which is nothing to be ashamed of). Even though the Koreans don't like to admit it, there's no question where Tang Soo Do's roots lie and it's not in a 2000 year old Korean art or anything Mstr. Kee learned in China! You will also see the changes that evolved, from the High original stances of Okinawan karate (Karate Jutsu) that Funakoshi was taught by Itosu, to the deeper and longer stances that later developed in shoto-kan, as well as many Shoto-isms particular to both styles such as Pinan 1 and 2 being reversed from Itosu's original order. You'll notice the single index finger knife hand blocks in Seishan Kata (Hangetsu), which modern Shoto-kan no longer uses but Tang Soo Do still does, the commonality of the total kata and the overall simularity which is remarkable especially when Tang Soo Do's leaders and most Koreans refuse to admit it.
A classic for all martial artists.......2007-04-10
This book is good glimpse of a budo master and his art in early 20th century Japan. Through this work, one can really learn about the "Do", or the spirit of karate. Even if one is not a karate student, I do believe practicing these kata can also help improve themselves in the art. I've done taekwondo for 10 years, and practising these forms (which are also practiced in tang soo do schools) help improved myself greatly as a martial artist.
If one is studying karate, or its similar arts, this books is not only good in explaining how to do kata, but also how to use various techniques practiced through them. I even just enjoyed reading the section on each kata before I practiced them.
This book also does put a perspective on the relationship between Japanese, Korean, and Chinese martial arts, however divergent they are today.
This is a book for all masters and students in the arts.
Book Description
Gichin Funakoshi, "the father of karate," once said that "that ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
To support this life-long stance and offer guidance to future practitioners, he penned his now legendary twenty principles. While the principles have circulated for years, a translation of the accompanying commentary has never found its way into publication-until now.
Master Funakoshi's approach stresses spiritual considerations and mental agility over brute strength and technique. Practitioners should not rely on technique alone-striking, kicking, blocking-but must nurture the spiritual aspects of their practice as well. Attend to yourself and the rest will follow, was the message he set for posterity over sixty years ago.
As axioms, Funakoshi's principles are open to various interpretations. "There is no first attack in karate" has occasioned endless discussion about its true meaning. Many of these ambiguities are clarified in the commentary, which is also filled with philosophical musings, fascinating historical episodes, and advice for anyone seeking a better Way.
Translated for the first time into English by John Teramoto, a karate practitioner himself, and accompanied by original calligraphy, this long-awaited treatise is a provocative read and, for martial arts enthusiasts, a long overdue godsend.
Customer Reviews:
A GREAT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE BOOK.......2007-08-23
This is an excellent book. It is an easy read, and covers the important spiritual, social, physical and practical parts of Karate. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what Karate or martial arts in general is really about.
A Bible for any Martial Artist........2007-07-22
Again, every Shotokan Karate-ka (in fact any martial artist) ought to have one of these and read it often to learn the proper meaning of what karate is all about.
It's [karate] not just all kicking, punching, grunting and stuff. Some of the 20 "guiding principles" or "precepts" in the book have actually been acquired from earlier great martial art [Budo] masters (Matsumura e.g.)
That's not to say that Master Funakoshi copied them, and even if he did, it was a very wise decision to have them listed all in one place.
A short book that can easily be devoured in a day, it's full of "worldly" wisdom, no matter what martial art you study. It's best read a few times to digest the intention behind each precept.
Even if you're not martial artist, there are many great principles here that when applied to everyday living will enhance your life and help you to be more successful, kinder and a happier person, regardless of your religion. Each short one sentence precept is then interpreted over the next page or two in simple but meaningful way.
I incorpoarte all of these principles in my lessons (one at a time of course!) and try to have my students learn them & understand their true meaning. I'm certain it goes a long way to improving my students character, especially with junior students.
Again, this is another one of those books, that, if I were able to afford it, I would give my students for FREE when they joined my club.
Not exactly "by Funakoshi"!!!.......2007-06-02
Although the book is announced to be written by master G.Funakoshi, only a 10% of it was actually written by him, the other 90% are commentaries by G. Nakasone. Despite this the book is quite inspiring in the advanced study of karate.
THE Basis of Karate-Do.......2007-03-25
Master Funakoshi provides an even greater legacy to our troubled world than that of modern karate. His book, "The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate," is a rich guide to living one's life day-to-day. The applicability is not just to the dojo; but our homes, the corporate world, and every other environment.
Although the serious karateka will treasure this volume; anyone who understands the benefits of mind-body-spirit integration can gain from the lessons. Some may say the book is too short; it is deceptively short and deceivingly simple. It is easy for a reader to "intellectually" connect with a long tome where everything is spelled out. They close the volume and that's that. The challenge is every morning and evening to look oneself directly in the eye and do an honest inventory of how we are living the principles.
As Rule #4 clearly states (echoing one of the most insightful strategies of Sun Tsu); First Know Yourself Then Know Others. In the same way that one can never "master" karate, the wisdom that can be gained from the insights Master Funakoshi offers is directly proportional to the honest introspection of the reader. When many people are so quick to judge and blame others for the quality of their lives, rather than assume responsibility, this book offers simple guidance.
Each time I read it, there is some new insight gleaned; another layer peeled. At times, there is a brief moment of chagrin accompanying the realization of a behavior not in keeping with the principles; but quickly followed by appreciation for the opportunity to change. As with Principle #1; a little more REI (respect) could go a long way in all venues.
The 20 Guiding Principles of Karate.......2007-02-19
Very insightful and well written. This book provides the novice martial artist, as well as the more experienced practitioner, a basic, fundamental approach to learning, recognizing, and appreciating the essence and spirituality of karate. It helps the reader understand that practicing martial arts extends beyond the technical aspects of learning the art and focuses on one's development of character, proper attitude, and respect for self, others, and life itself. The book is very enlightening and should be read and practiced by all who study the martial arts.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-10-09
This is a really good book . . . I have been studying Tae Kwon Do for a couple of years now and this book allows be a quick review of some of the things we do at class. The step by step Poomsae picture section at the end is very helpful for polishing your forms.
I highly recommend this book.
Really Good for beginners.......2007-01-17
I bought this my first week of TaeKwonDo. At first it was a little overwhelming. As I learned, the book became a very useful tool. It's really great to practice the physical and read the theory and history behind it in this book. It's a great guide for practicing at home. I recommend this book for any beginner to this sport.
Taekwondo: The State of the Art.......2006-11-17
This book offers a comprehensive overview of Taekwondo, from the history and philosophy of TKD to strikes and Poomse. It is the perfect reference for beginners and intermediate students of TKD.
Great book for beginners.......2006-04-02
Excellent summary of TKD techniques, philosophy and forms, however advanced TKD practitioners may find it too basic and lack of deepness. Illustrations are great, it was a superb idea to substitute photos with drawings since important details can be pointed out more easily.
Great "after class" reference.......2006-02-25
It is hard to remember everything that you learn in an hour class. This book is a handy reference for the things that I have forgotten! My daughter, who is five and also a student in the class, has found the pictures to be easy to follow!
The history section is also interesting!
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding, enlightening, and very worthwhile!.......2006-10-06
Shoshin Nagamine (1907 - 1997) was the founder of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do. He wrote The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do, another valuable tome, in addition to this book. Practicing his art for more than 70 years, he achieved the rank of Hanshi (10th dan black belt) in karate and also earned black belts in judo, kendo, and sumo. He was president of the Okinawan Police Station, served as police chief of Naha City, and as an instructor of police judo teams in Okinawa, Japan. The guy not only knew his stuff, but was one heck of a good researcher. His insight into the titans of Okinawan martial arts is fascinating, a "must read" for any serious martial artist. Patrick McCarthy's translations are extraordinary. The book is a quick, easy read, coming across as if it had been written by a native English speaker. McCarthy even translates haiku into poetic, user-friendly English.
Nagamine Sensei spent a lifetime researching the budoka covered in his book. He trained and/or talked with some of them personally, interviewing the relatives and students of those who have passed on. He artfully portrays the exploits of Tode Sakugawa, Sokon Matsumura, Kosaku Matsumora, Anko Itosu, Gichin Funakoshi, Chotoku Kyan, Choki Motobu, Kanryo Higaonna and Ankichi Arakaki, to name a few, cutting through the fables and exaggerated legends to get to the truth.
The only drawback is that it does not include a glossary or index, so you will probably want to take notes as you peruse it. My copy is battered, dog-eared, and covered with sticky notes. An extraordinary tome, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
Fantastic and original!.......2006-09-25
Books with serious data on old Karate-do Masters' biography are not common, unfortunately. This one comes right to hit this spot. Learning Karate-do is far from being only punching and kicking. We need to learn and exercise other aspects, as already said by the Masters Nagamine presents in this book: philosophical, moral and historical aspects. Knowing the history, you know better your Karate-do. In addition, this book presents some peculiar aspects of Okinawan history and tradition (dance, Tegumi wrestling, etc.) and Nagamine's view of "Karate and Zen as one", presenting Zazen theory and exercises to complete the book in great style.
Hard to put this book down!.......2005-07-02
This book is a great read.
Valuable information on the early pioneers of karate, and important insights into their lives. This book is well written and exciting to read. I would say it is like reading fiction, but that belittles the historical accuracy of many of the accounts.
Great Account Of Karate.......2003-10-25
This book written by one of Okinawas legendary Masters and translated by one of Karate's leading authors is simply a masterpiece of writing. It gives detailed accounts of Okinawas early Te-Tode-Tuite Masters many of whom have never been written about before. It's a much more indepth account than Richard Kims Weaponless Warriors, not to knock Kim, and well worth the price. Lots of pictures and lots of info.
Extremely informative work........2003-06-07
I highly recommend this book to all practioners of the Martial Art of Karate. Exploring not only his personal lineage but that of all the original styles of karate founded and developed on Okinawa, Shoshin Nagamine provides a great work and a first hand account of many of the mentioned Masters.
It is nice to know that historically correct information is starting to come out about the true origins of karate and of its' founders. It is also nice that a little bit of myth also surrounds those same founders. Shoshin Nagamine does well to dispell those myths.
By knowing and understanding truth from the past we grow today and prepare for the future. This reviewer is glad that Patrick McCarthy translated this work for the world to read.
Buy the book.
Book Description
Karate-do Nyumon literally means a passage through the gates of the Karate way-in other words, an introduction to the world of Karate. Karate-do Nyumon is the result of Master Funakoshi's wish to clarify Karate thought and practice for those who know nothing about it. It comprises unpublished
writings from the years before his death in 1957, together with simplified kata-sequences of movements-synthesized by Funakoshi from the traditional Okinawa Karate-do kata, for beginners.
Master Funakoshi begins by exploding some of the myths of Karate:
"Karate-do is a noble martial art, and the reader can rest assured that those who take pride in breaking boards or smashing tiles, or who boast of being able to perform outlandish feats like stripping flesh or plucking out ribs, really know nothing about karate. They are playing around in the leaves
and branches of a great tree, without the slightest concept of the trunk."
In his description of what Karate is, the Master describes the history of Karate-its origins in the ancient methods of unarmed combat in China, and its growth as a fighting method in Okinawa, a country where arms were banned in a succession of decrees from the Japanese mainland. In order to prevent
it being subjected to control, or more importantly, to prevent the Japanese overlords from knowing and using the techniques, the practice of Karate was kept a secret. To preserve this secrecy, the habit persisted until very recent times of keeping no records. Master Funakoshi, however, recognized in
this book and others the need to formulate the kata precisely, so as to establish a standard of true Okinawan Karate.
The kata in this book are not traditional kata, but they serve to establish the correct habits of stance, thought and action, and to facilitate the eventual mastery of the true Karate-do kata. All these special kata are clearly explained and illustrated by photos.
Lastly, Master Funakoshi recalls stories of men who were living legends when he was a youth in Okinawa, men whose reputations overcame even the secrecy that clung to Karate until the middle of this century.
Customer Reviews:
The Master does it again!.......2002-02-18
There are certain books in which EVERY true martial artists should have in their library. A few of those books are "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do", "Karate-Do KyoHan", "Zen in the Martial Arts", "The Book of Five Rings", "The Art of War", and last but not least, "Karate-Do NyuMon". Gichin Funakoshi has a view of Karate-Do that most practitioners do not see. He wants it more of a way of life...a whole excesize of mind, body, and spirit. In this book, he expands on this belief and even includes the almost forgotten (but SO important) Ten-No-Kata. It is short and worth the study. VERY IMPORTANT! This book contains a lot of "Do" as well as technique. Funakoshi is the "man" in my book, along with Lee, Inosanto, Ueshiba, Rhee, and Hatsumi. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Introductory Text.......2000-06-18
This book begins with history of te and a couple of masters. Of course in Funakoshi style there is no in depth details nor any dates. Ten no Kata is revisited, which is no longer practiced with frequency today. Funakoshi's books were the text book of karate in the early 1940's. Good for their time, but still a good addition to your library.
A fun overview but nothing deep.......2000-05-23
All of us who study karate are lucky that Funakoshi wrote all he did. Except for a very few others, Funakoshi is the only early written information about karate and the earliest material that was translated into English.
Unfortunately for myself and many others who study karate history, Funakoshi never goes into much detail about much of anything. He almost never gives a date and he rarely, if ever says where he learned any of his kata or other practices.
The material on his teachers (Itosu and Azato primarily) is in summary form, never mentioning more than anecdotes. There are no dates, mentions of other students they had, what they taught etc...
Over all, this kind of book is about real karate, certainly enough to get a young mind going in the right direction about karate. It is well written, we can probably thank the translator for that. It contains some interesting material that is fun to read. Beyond that, it lacks detail to keep you interested for long.
Most of Funakoshi's books are like this for history. For the real meat of Funakoshi's karate (rather than this introduction), take a look at "Karate-do Kyohan", which contains much more technical information.
Living History.......1999-12-19
Karate-Do Nyumon is a wonderful book for any karate practitioner to read. I've read my copy through many times, and that's not counting all the times I've come back to specific areas of the book. This is one of the best books available for the new student in helping them understand just what karate-do really is, and it is no less a very informative read for students and teachers of all other levels.
A bit disappointing.......1999-12-14
So, there's some nice stories about Funakoshi and his masters, all with some kind of morality in them. Well, not that bad. Than there's the presentation of Ten No Kata. So, that's interesting because this Kata is not practiced anymore formally in the JKA and few karatekas even know it exists, and personnaly I think it's a great method of training basics. So at least the book shows this kata, but the performer has (seems to me) a very weak technique compared to the performer in karate-do kyohan the master's text (see this title). Sometimes the postures and techniques seem to be shocking for modern shotokan standards. Maybe it has to do with the evolution of shotokan since the book was written, but then again the performer in kyohan looks much more the way we are used to for modern shotokan karate-Do. All in all, I was a bit disappointed with this book. I give it 2 stars for the Ten No Kata and maybe a little nit for the stories.
Book Description
The only American heir to W. C. Chen, Phillip Starr continues the master’s teachings in this useful guide that also profiles the exciting early years when martial arts were still new in America. Through this entertaining collection of personal anecdotes involving Master Chen, the author, and his classmates, readers learn a particular aspect of the traditional martial arts. Included are explanations of the importance and meaning of courtesy and the custom of bowing, the significance of training with weapons and how it impacts bare-handed skills, and the value of traditional forms and how they relate to actual combat.
Customer Reviews:
IIlluminating and entertaining stories from a great martial artist and teacher.......2007-03-18
I had the good fortune to train under Sifu Starr for a couple of years in the early 90's before time and circumstance took my life in other directions. From personal experience, I can attest both to his great skill as a martial artist and healer, and to his teaching presence in the dojo. I will always remember him with great fondness and respect, which is odd when you consider that he spent most of my time in his school kicking my butt with old school traditional kung fu training protocols. I think that is what the Zen tradition calls "grandfatherly kindness" - where a lot of martial arts diploma mills just put you through the motions and handed you your black belt, Sifu Starr assumed that you were worth the investing the time and effort to really TRAIN.
This book brings back a lot of memories from that time; it is very much written in Mr. Starr's "voice", and it showcases his wry humor, zest for life and training, and his larger than life personality. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone interested in what really goes into the training of a real martial artist. I also hope that the book brings Sifu Starr some of the recognition and acclaim he deserves after a long, distinguished career.
A student-eye view of solid martial arts instruction........2006-12-03
As a ShoDan-level assistant karate instructor, I'm always looking for good books to help me become a better teacher and practitioner. I've found martial arts-based memoirs to be particularly helpful and encouraging. I recently stumbled across "The Making of A Butterfly," and it was no exception.
Phillip Starr began his martial arts journey in the 1950s. His family moved a lot due to military service, so he studied at a couple of different clubs. In 1961, his parents finally settled into a more permanent living situation in McLean, Virginia. There, the author began looking for yet another dojo (they weren't easy to find back then). He finally found a karate school and resumed his training. However, Mr. Starr was fascinated by kung-fu, and so after more searching he discovered a Chinese Sifu (master) who taught out of his home.
Mr. Starr approached Sifu Chen and respectfully asked for instruction. After some initial rebuffs to test his resolve, he was taken on as Sifu Chen's only Caucasian student. Sifu Chen demanded much from his students, so the training sessions were often physically and mentally challenging. Despite some resentment from the other Asian students, Mr. Starr eventually earned their grudging respect. And more importantly, he became a surrogate son to Sifu Chen and his wife Mei. He often learned as much at their dinner table as he would during a typical class.
Mr. Starr writes well - the book is an easy and informative read. Each chapter encapsulates a principle learned from Sifu Chen, such as chi, discipline, and courtesy. Of course, these lessons were usually learned the hard way. Sifu Chen used many methods to impart both his knowledge and his character to the author. I found the inclusion of Mr. Starr's thought responses toward his teacher (denoted by italics) to be quite fascinating. It was easy to identify with his honest internal expressions of incredulity, or appreciate ah-ha! moments when a lesson hit home.
Unfortunately, Sifu Chen passed away in 1971 from a kidney ailment. But in 1982 Mr. Starr took what he learned from Sifu Chen and created another martial art called Yilichuan (One Principle Boxing), thereby continuing his teacher's legacy. "The Making of A Butterfly" lets us in on Sifu Chen's timeless martial arts principles, and provides insight into a good student's mentality. It's a recommended addition to every martial artist's library.
I strongly recommend this book .......2006-08-25
Pete reminded me that it has been over 38 years we have know each other, and I stand corrected. On the third reading of the book I began to remember myself as one of Pete's students and how he taught us with the nearly same mannerisms of his teacher. I having no experience then in the arts, learned not only the physical rigors of the training but of the philosophical aspects as well. What age has taken from me, the knowledge still remains strong .
Now it has been almost 40 years later and I still can visualize the teachings, both mental, spirtual as well as physical. This book is valuable for the stylist as well as a parent wishing to know how to work with or understand their teenagers. The method and learning is the same nurturing Chen gave to Pete, and Pete sharing it with us.
I gave a copy of it to one of the people I work with and it is a copy in my classroom as well for my more difficult students to read as well.
A great book for ALL Martial Artists........2006-07-25
This was an absolutely wonderful text. It really drives home what the martial arts teach. The stories are thought provoking, entertaining, humorous and motivational. Thanks Sifu Starr!
An excellent read!.......2006-06-07
Sifu Starr has captured the experience of studying with an exceptional master and described his becoming one himself. This book is not the "nuts and bolts" technique oriented manual that too many bookshelves hold, but the personal insights, stories, and discoveries of an experienced martial artist as he masters the art. Sifu Starr writes in an engaging and descriptive manner that makes the book hard to put down. Yet, the chapters are written so that one can read a quick single chapter, or settle in for a couple hours and imagine the smell of incense and sweat. Starr also shows his humor and humility that is rarely expressed in popular masters-- his personal thoughts, doubts, and insights are counterpoints to the events he writes about. I have been a student/instructor of t'ai chi for about 40 years and this is one of the best books I have read. I have recommended it to all of my students, and hope that Sifu Starr will continue his writing career. I strongly recommend it.
Book Description
Up to 1,000 words.
Customer Reviews:
A Guide for Our Children's 'Guiders'........2000-11-03
Finally, there is a guide to help teachers, caregivers, coaches, and other mentors interact with children in a respectful and successful manner. "The Art of Empowering Children" is a book that enlightens the parents to how important the influence of other teaching figures are in our childrens lives. I read this book as a parent and found several ways to successfully work with and discipline my children in a 'win- win' outcome. The respect and enthusiasm for children that Graybeal describes is contagious. I couldn't wait for the next chapter. This book should be included in college curriculums for teaching degrees; as also for all those soccer coaches and anyone else who works with children on a day to day basis. There might not be a manual for parenthood, but this comes the closest I've read yet for a manaul for teachers, coaches and caregivers.
inspiring parental reading.......1999-10-26
I bought this book for my daughter's karate teacher and read it before giving it to him. I enjoyed it. It explained much of the why and how behind karate for a know nothing parent, who just loves what it has done for my daughter (who I suspect has ADD). Her self esteem, attitude and school work have improved. thumbs up and a bow.
Secrets that you must share!.......1999-02-11
"The Art of Empowering Children" is a shelf full of parenting books in one. The ideas are not brand new cutting edge techniques; instead they are based on age-old ways of how children can excel with the right amount of attention and care. The book is clearly written with each new subject falling in line with the previous one. It is also filled with many examples of how the techniques are used in real life situations. The book was written from a teaching perspective, but it can be easily incorporated in a family setting.
Book Description
Karate is one of the most popular martial arts in the world. With roots in China that led to the development of shorin-ryu and shorei-ryu in Okinawa, and from there migrating to Japan where it evolved into shotokan, shito-ryu, wado ryu and gojo ryu, karate has a colorful past. Through interviews with karate pioneers such as Osamu Ozawa, Hirokazu Kanazawa, Fumio Demura, Minobu Miki, Morio Higaonna and Hidetaka Nishiyama, the many threads of karate history, lore and legend are woven together in this book to present a complete view of this form of self defense and cultivation. A must for any dedicated karate student.
Customer Reviews:
A must have book.......2007-04-10
For those who are interested on martial arts, and specifically karate, this is a must have book. Great interviews with great masters. Makes you understand the essence of practicing karate.
Outstanding first-hand interviews.......2004-11-01
A very readable and enjoyable collection of interviews with famous masters and exponents in the karate world. Alas, some of my favorites, such as Mabune and Nakayama, have passed away since this book was published, but Fraguas has done us the service of immortalizing their thoughts on karate in this great little volume. You'll find dozens of famous masters here, and it includes interviews with well known American and European experts (such as Dan Ivan, Chuck Merriman, and Ray Dalke in the U.S., and H. D. Plee in France) as well as Okinawan and Japanese masters. At the time of these interviews, many of these masters were already in their 50s, 60s, or 70s, and it was interesting to hear their thoughts on the evolution of karate during their lifetimes, as well as how their understanding of karate had changed or deepened with age. There were some surprises too, when I learned that Kanazawa had been studying Yang style tai chi since 1957 and was rated a master in it (he mentions there are 7 levels to Yang tai chi and he holds the highest level). He feels that tai chi has helped his karate, which was interesting, since I study tai chi and have found it useful to me also in many ways. Overall, a very fine book of fascinating and informative interviews with many of the most famous names in karate of our time.
Book Description
Distilling the martial art known in the West as kung fu, Robert Smith presents Chinese boxing (ch’uan shu) as an art “that combines the hardness of a wall and the softness of a butterfly’s wings.” His lively, pragmatic account conveys the discipline and insights acquired in ten years of study and travel in Asia. Smith describes his work with t’ai chi master Cheng Man-ch’ing, and connects ch’uan shu with the softer aspects and inner power of that popular practice. Fifty black and white photos illustrate this informative and personal account of the Chinese boxing tradition.
Customer Reviews:
Probably mostly true.......2007-05-15
Chinese boxing lends itself to stories that are, well, perhaps not entirely true. If at all. Mr. Smith himself likes a good apocryphal story but has the good sense to change his name when he really tells some whoppers. In this book, he is very restrained, giving us the benefit of his long experience in 1960's Taiwan while including only the occasional bit that would be better saved for a flying swordman novel. But that's okay; I enjoy those bits too.
Pretty good.......2007-01-11
The book is o.k. I guess. It is quite interesting although a bit superficial. The biggest regret is that the author concentrates his studies almost exclusively on internal northern systems, mostly Hsing I, Bagua and Tai Chi. Apart from that, it's quite an entertaining book if you are interested in the subject of Chinese martial arts masters.
Superb.......2006-08-16
The author, a US government employee, arrived in Taiwan when that nation's government was extremely grateful to the US. He was given introductions to many of the leading Chinese martial artists of the time, and took up every one -- adding what they had to teach him to what he had learned earlier in the US and during a posting in Japan. Virtually all of the masters he describes in the book are dead and no longer available for interview. His accounts of what he saw, heard and experienced can never be matched, and Asian principles of loyalty to a single master mean that nobody other than he was able to study as widely from the leading teachers of the day. The more you learn personally about Chinese boxing, the better this book shows itself to be. For those on the first steps of this study, the book's a profound inspiration.
Biased and arrogant!.......2006-06-08
Once I finished reading this book, Robert W Smith made a really terrible impression as both an individual, a writer and a martial artist. He writes and communicates in an arrogant and conceted manner. However his book on Baguazhang was a lot better. This book is a waste of money, though you will find out what one American thinks, if that is what you want. His attitudes about chinese martial arts on Taiwan and on China are biased. He just seems to really dislike China.
For those who want to learn more.......2003-08-09
Mr. Smiths book has been around for quite sometime now however, with the current popularity of Chinese Boxing in AMerica and much of the mystic that surrounds many of those who teach it. THis book presents in a very clear light just who the traditional CHinese Boxing MAsters really were and just exactly what their views were and are on the study of CHinese Boxing. Smith is impressed by the subjects of his book, and rightly so, however he dosen't become so engrossed with them that he falls prey to the depths of mysticisim. His observations are informative, educational and at times down right funny. This is far from a how to learn Tai Chi book, it is however a very educational read on true Chinese Boxing,
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General
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Karate-Do Nyumon: The Master Introductory Text
Karate-Do: My Way of Life
The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master
25 Shoto-Kan Kata
Best Karate, Vol.5: Heian, Tekki (Best Karate, 5)
