Customer Reviews

Karate, the Art of Empty Self

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

the previous reviewer arrests his attention on a single sticking point that is quite irrelevant to the integrity and premise of the main text (his bone of contention rests solely within the brief introduction). Karate: The Art of Empty Self is not a missive on martial theory, nor is it an extrapolation of other men's understanding of the matter. rather the book is comprised of a series of brief and stark perceptions about the grossly misunderstood subject of self defense. formatted in an effective, reader-friendly manner, this book does not purport to educate, but instead invites the reader to interact with its content in order to gain an evolved understanding of the true nature of self defense. and as the previous reviewer discovered, its elegant, clever design ensures that nothing is revealed to the reader that he or she isn't prepared to perceive.

highly recommended.

I've read numerous martial arts books and articles and found The Art of Empty Self a refreshing and thought-provoking change of pace from the usual. Not a history or biography book, not a personal journey or even a narrative, this is a collection of insights and observations --some pages are only one or two sentences long-- which would be helpful to any true student of martial arts. I feel that I could read this book again every year and find something new speaking to me!

The strident objections given in the other review are actually amusing considering the advice given throughout the book.

As a 45-year karate practitioner and instructor, I was drawn to Dr. Webster-Doyle's teachings, and sensed his novel methods could enhance the maturity of my students. His enlightened strategy for comprehending the nature of human aggression provides an underpinning for developing tactical skills in voiding it. But, there was far more, being drawn from the author's extensive education and practice in psychology, traditional karate, and education.

His, "Karate: The Art of Empty Self," proved deeply insightful for anyone ready for Dr. Webster-Doyle's revolutionary digression from violence as a solution to violence ... who realize it only begets more violence. Combined with dedicated dojo training, it provides far greater rewards than mere physical training in fighting. Even for those untrained in self-defense, it can thwart aggression.

I acquired more of his works, including Why Is 'Everybody Always Picking On Me? One Encounter, One Chance to name a few. They provided study and workshop teaching in effective, bloodless tactics for stopping physical violence. Throughout, they shared a strategy for overcoming the internal battles with one's own ego ... the source of all violence, from interpersonal to international.

Like all visionaries, Dr. Webster-Doyle has detractors. Their main criticism is that by not heroically jumping into physical engagement, one is cowardly ... a wimp promoting feminism. Granted, their solution is one way to meet aggression ... but with no comprehension of the potential aftermath: hospital or morgue, court or prison. Dr. Webster-Doyle's far more effective approach substitutes cool, rational thinking for unthinking physical resistance ... until an attack in imminent. Then, effective self-defense training equips the student to back up what he says. This is what karate and other arts are supposed to be all about. "In Okinawa, one never strikes the first blow," is a maxim among the island's karate masters. The creator of our style stated it was important that he maintain a soft, almost feminine character, to avoid driving new students away. He also said the secret is to be able to be hard or soft, as the situation demands.

To the criticism that Dr. Webster-Doyle lacks valid scholastic credentials from an accredited school is incorrect, as the Web site they mention states his school was accredited when he graduated. Regardless, if he came down from the planet Mongo, his teachings would be equally valuable for those who have seen enough aggression given and taken in the world, seen it doesn't work, and know there is a better way.

Dale Scott, Costa Rica

Dr. T. This is a great book! It intelligently explores the roots of conflict in everyday living through the martial larts. I think it is the most imformative and practical book I have read on the martial arts for it makes you think for yourself. Most books of this sort are either just arrogant diatribes on the history of the martial arts and who's style is the best or who's teacher is related to what great, great grandmaster. This unique book is very valuable because it brings the essence of the art of karate to the average person so they can see how it can apply to their daily life. It should be read by every student of the martial arts regardless of style of type of martial arts practiced. Al Dracco
This review was sent to me and I submitted it to Amazon because I was proud of it. Dr.Terrence Wbster-Doyle

Dr. Webster-Doyle, Let me thank you for this Gold Medal winning book. I think that this is probably the most important book on the Art of Karate outside of the ones written by Funakoshi himself! I think that it may challenge many "traditional" students of the martial arts because it takes the martial art out of the limited confines of the authority of the ""Great Grand Masters" and puts it into the hands of the "average person" and in so doing makes this art come alive. With respect, Sensei Mary Cohen
This was another e-mail I received that I was proud of so I submitted it.

To be fair, there is knowledge to be gleaned from this book. However, the work is erroneous and incoherent relative to Mr. Webster-Doyle's thesis. Karate, and martial art in general, is strategy--simultaneously physical and mental. At page one, the author juxtaposes words of Funakoshi and Musashi, claiming that Funsakoshi presents a nonviolent methodology while Musashi presents a dangerously violent approach.

This is little more than nonunderstanding. Funakoshi's words are explained in relation to an internal enemy, and Musashi's are explained in relation to an external one. Nonsense. If, as the author suggests, one considers the context of the words, we remember that Musashi studied at the end of his life in seclusion. He only had internal enemies to conquer. It was after this time in isolation that he wrote the Five Rings.

Follow Mr. Webster-Doyle 3/4 of the way through his work and you will see that he insists that 'trickery' should be resorted to to 'subdue' the 'opponent' in a 'peaceful' manner. This is nothing short of employing deception--or strategem--to avoid physical confrontation.

In any case, on nonviolence, Ghandi stated that "nonviolence presupposes the ability to strike." Funakoshi, like any of the Masters, had the ability to strike. To claim nonviolence without this ability is incongruent with the reality of competency in martial training--which is only to suggest that decent human beings bring peace to martial study.

It would be best to read Musashi and understand him before categorically dismissing him. There is valuable information in all paths. There are only two decent western translations of Musashi's work: 1) The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings, by Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi (10th Dan); and 2) A Book of Five Rings, by Victor Harris.

Having thought about it further, Doyle's book is a farcical misrepresentation. Here's why:

Funakoshi emphasized:

"You must be deadly serious in your training. When I say that, I do not mean that you should be reasonably diligent or moderately in earnest. I mean that your opponent must always be present in your mind, whether you sit or stand or walk or raise your arms. Should you in combat strike a karate blow, you must have no doubt whatsoever that that one blow decides everything."

Karate-Do: My Way of Life; Funakoshi Gichin, pp. 105. Kodansha, 1975

His words are located precisely in the section of his book called "IMPORTANT POINTS." And you guessed it; that statement is point #1.