This book is one of the best ways for Shotokan or Shotokan influenced (such as Chung Do
Kwan Tae Kwon Do) students to research their roots. In this work subtitled the Master
Text, Funakoshi writes on a myriad of subjects from the philosophical to the technical.
The introduction to the art of Karate and the associated philosophical discussions offer
valuable insight and reinforcement of the true purposes of Karate. The fundamental and
basic training sections provide another perspective on the essential elements. A bulk
of the book consists of description and pictorials of the forms (kata, hyung). While
this section is a bit weighty and dry, occasionally an application or other nuance is
inserted that may be of value to the reader. Other subjects include a discussion on
throwing, a rather technical section on the vital points of the body, sitting one-step
sparring, and other sparring techniques. The variety means that while most of the
book will be familiar (although maybe with a new twist), there is a good chance there is
at least something of value to just about everyone.
Granted, this master text hardly contains all the secrets of mastery, and depending on
the knowledge of the reader and his/her instructor, the mileage may vary. But
throughout all of the book is the constant potential to learn or discover some little
jewel or historical fact that the reader was unaware of, such as a more detailed
explanation of the origins of the names of the forms. Perhaps equally valuable is
the sheer historical value of the text. If you are a student of Shotokan or a Shotokan
influenced lineage, then it is hard to deny the importance of hearing some of the
essential elements explained by the founder himself.
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