The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master

Great book for karate enthusiasts. Very brief, and very deep at the same time.

Just what I wanted !

The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master This book is a "must have" for anyone's martial arts library. It should be required reading for any martial arts students or masters. It could easily have been titled, "The Twenty Guiding Principles of Life". Ginchin Funakoshi, the founder of modern karate brings several of his philosophies to life in this short book. As students in the martial arts frequently become discouraged by a self-perceived lack of progress, proper insight into the reasons for continued practice can reinforce their confidence. Most of these principles can be applied to life in general. Being aware of what we are doing as well as why we do it is perhaps one of the most important lessons one could learn. Master Funakoshi breaks these lessons down into 20 easily digestible sections. This book is an easy read, but don't be fooled by its size. It is packed with wisdom and concisely presented.

This is a great book on the real philosophy behind the martial arts. Although Master Funakoshi founded Shotokan karate, the principles in this book are universal throughout the world of martial arts. This should be required reading for every martial artist, and especially those who practice Shotokan karate. I have a lot of respect for Master Funakoshi from studying his life and therefore his writings carry a lot of weight with me. This book, although a short and easy read, is packed full of wisdom and should be a part of every martial artist's home library. Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

I read The Twenty Guiding Principles as soon as it became part of my martial arts library. Currently, I am training in Tae Kwon Do, which has its roots in Shotokan Karate, which in turn was given to us by the author of this book. Many of his guiding principles carry over to Tae Kwon Do, and to the other martial arts I've dabbled in, as well as to everyday life. It doesn't take too long to read the passages, but time may be needed for some to digest their meanings (especially if you're new to philosophy behind the martial arts!) Ultimately, I'd recommend this to anyone who's interested in martial arts OR philosophy!

This book captures the core aspects of Budo. As a budoka and being immersed in one form of budo after another over the last 20 or so years, I bought this for my students to read when they are experiencing mental fragmentation and losing focus, I have found this book brings their mentality closer to the heart of training sincerely. It helps to remind young students of the original thought process laid as foundation, for their benefit in the present time. It is great for connecting the past with the present and instilling the cultivated mental guide of Gichin Funakoshi into hungry young hearts. -Scott Doerr, Sensei-Shisei Ryu Aikibudo Kai Seishin Budokan

I took up karate shotokan several years after I first started (I used to do it as a kid) and I felt like I wanted to get a little more from the discipline. Reading this book definitely gave me a philosophical perspective on karate. I ended up getting 'Karate-Do Nyumon', 'Karate-Do Kyohan' and 'Karate-Do, my way of life' by Funakoshi. Overall, a great introduction to the fascinating world of this martial art. It is much more complex than what one may originally think when starting to practice it... :)

The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate is a slim, inspiring book that reaches into the rich history of Karate. From the choice of paper and binding through the beautifully chorographed use of Kanji and significant samples of very old principles, this is a great addition to every martial arts library. The only problem is there won't be any sequels available from this venerable master. Bill Eger

Livro essencial ao estudo do Karate-do. Edição excelente.

Well laid out and excellent quality from the best publisher in the martial arts business! Love these little books on the martial arts as they originated from the original masters!

Brand new condition

I bought this book as I’ve been digging into the history of Shotokan and believe it or not I don’t even do karate. I’m well aware Funakoshi didn’t actually write the interpretations but nonetheless I enjoyed reading it. Karate-do is a philosophy for life not just in the dojo. I think Funakoshi and his contemporaries make for an interesting tale. Okinawan influences really resonate with me.

The 20 Principles are all there, accompanied with brief commentaries so as to give the reader food for deeper reflection yet not so much as to let one think of all the implications the principles can have in our daily lives. As a karate practitioner this is of priceless value for the relentless practice in the martial arts, for any practitioner. Having said that, it is also for any non-related person to martial arts wishing to improve one's life. Thus, a multiple-one-sitting book. Also, the book itself is beautiful, hardcovered, very nice paper and printing and nice japanese calligraphy. A must have.