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The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master (Hardcover)

~ Gichin Funakoshi (Author), Jotaro Takagi (Author), John Teramoto (Translator) "Along with judo and kendo, karate-do is a representative Japanese martial art..." (more)
Key Phrases: twenty principles, karate practitioner, Shao Yung, Meng Tzu
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
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The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master + Karate-Do: My Way of Life + Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text
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Editorial Reviews

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"Whether or not you practice the martial arts, they make a great deal of sense, and will take you far, as a philosophy of life." -BookLoons Reviews
"While focused on the practice and application of martial arts, this book's "pursuit of the way" has myriad applications for less physical forms of combat, work-related or otherwise" -Publishers Weekly
"Filled with philosophical musings, fascinating historical episodes, and advice for anyone seeking a better way." -Rafu Shimpo
"The Master insists on a training that involves both mind and body, to create a karate-do, a karate way." -Asian Week

Product Description

Gichin Funakoshi, "the father of karate," once said that "the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Kodansha International; Bilingual edition (November 7, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 4770027966
  • ISBN-13: 978-4770027962
  • Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,509 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #8 in  Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Martial Arts > Karate

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More About the Author

Gichin Funakoshi
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
Along with judo and kendo, karate-do is a representative Japanese martial art. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
twenty principles, karate practitioner
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Shao Yung, Meng Tzu
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The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master
74% buy the item featured on this page:
The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master 4.7 out of 5 stars (18)
$12.24
Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text
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Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text 4.7 out of 5 stars (44)
$26.40
Karate-Do: My Way of Life
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Karate-Do: My Way of Life 4.6 out of 5 stars (49)
$9.00
Karate-Do Nyumon: The Master Introductory Text
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Karate-Do Nyumon: The Master Introductory Text 4.3 out of 5 stars (11)
$12.92
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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Life Lessons in a Martial Context, April 28, 2004
By Matt Trainor (Harrison, NY United States) - See all my reviews
In this book, Sensei Funakoshi outlines the philosophical benchmarks that exemplify the way a true Do practitioner should live and think. He has provided here an invaluable resource, not only for lessons inside of the dojo- but for outside as well. I must emphasize that books like these, in general, are not only for the instructor Sensei, but should ESPECIALLY be looked at by sometimes confused students (kyu) who need guidance at times with understanding how their dojo training can continue outside of class as well. These lessons are simple in nature, but upon closer review, along with commentaries to go with them, one may find deeper meanings in Funakoshi's few words- making the lessons so easy, yet just that hard as well. Each principle is complimented, again, by insightful commentary, and shown with beautiful calligraphy which in and of itself bring an elegance, style, and simplicity to this beautiful book.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Short but sweet, October 30, 2004
This elegant book is a great treatise on the spiritual and mental aspects of traditional karate. Funakoshi, founder of the Shotokan School outlines the principles he felt exemplified the true spirit of karate. This is not "how to" book nor is it about technique. It is, however, an insightful easy read. I recommend it for those students who are interested in the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond just the techniques. I only wish it was longer.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory for martial arts teachers, July 24, 2005
This is a short text that can, in principle, be readed in about 10 minutes. Nevertheless, full comprehention will probably demand new readings and long periods of thinking.
The clarifications on many principles by Nakasone, with the approval of Master Funakoshi, are inspiring, encouraging a closer look on the principles behing the trainning.
Indicated for most martial arts practioners, specially Karate-DO students, but mandatory for martial arts teachers!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Must have
A must have for karate stylist. The author did a great job on explaining the meanings of the 20 Principles.
Published 24 days ago by T. Bank

5.0 out of 5 stars A deeper look at Funakoshi's principles
This book steps deeper into the meanings put forth by Master Funakoshi in his Twenty Guiding Principles of karate. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Raymond Adams

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart of all martial arts
Makes an excellent gift for someone earning their black belt.
The principles here are applicable to all martial arts, not just karate. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Nate Meiers

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful purpose and design, excellently realized
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... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Bill Eger

5.0 out of 5 stars Guiding principles for all Shotokan Karate students.
The founder of Shotokan Karate, Gichin Funakoshi, laid down these principles for all karate students to follow. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Joseph J. Truncale

5.0 out of 5 stars An excelent book which make Karate
This Book teach us the principale way to applicate Karate in our life and day to day situation
Published 14 months ago by Miguel Mendoza

4.0 out of 5 stars pearls fo wisdom
Definitly a must for serious martial arts practitioners.
20 principles that focuse the mind on what is further than physical demonstration.
Published 15 months ago by Didier Nahon

5.0 out of 5 stars For True Martial Artists & Real Warriors
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... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Bohdi Sanders, Ph.D.

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE BOOK
This is an excellent book. It is an easy read, and covers the important spiritual, social, physical and practical parts of Karate. Read more
Published on August 23, 2007 by Joseph R. Sankows III

5.0 out of 5 stars A Bible for any Martial Artist.
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... Read more
Published on July 22, 2007 by Terry Tozer

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