Three Budo Masters: Jigoro Kano

by John Stevens

Trois personnalités fascinantes sont à l'origine des arts martiaux japonais, partie intégrante de notre univers sportif et culturel : Jigoro Kano (Judo), Gichin Funakoshi (Karaté), Morihei Ueshiba (Aïkido). C'est l'aventure de ces nouveaux samouraïs, à cheval entre deux siècles, dans un Japon en mutation, que nous raconte l'auteur avec la rigueur de l'historien et l'enthousiasme d'un pratiquant. Voici l'histoire de leur vie, de leurs épreuves personnelles et de l'accomplissement d'un destin merveilleux.

Genres: Martial Arts

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John Stevens (1947- ) is a Buddhist priest and Aikido teacher.

Reviews

[Luke Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Budo Masters by John Stevens is an information-packed book, and has a lot to offer in the way of knowledge. This book includes detailed biographies of Gichin Funakoshi, collaborator of karate, Morihei Ueshiba, creator of aikido, and Jigoro Kano, creator of judo. For example, “Gichin Funakoshi is perceived as being the “father” of modern karate, a representative of, and role model for, that style of budo rather than its actual inventor.” (Stevens 51) Stevens uses this to introduce us to Gichin Funakoshi, as well as contrast him from Ueshiba and Kano, the actual founders of their martial art. Stevens also includes even the smallest details about the three men, such as, “Funakoshi followed a more traditional diet of rice, vegetables, and fish, and he would rarely drink alcohol.” (Stevens 134) Clearly a lot of research went into the making of this book, and it seems that every one of those facts are included. This is a great book if you are interested in learning about the founding of the 3 main Japanese martial arts I would recommend this to someone currently doing martial arts, because it’s good to know where a lot of it came from, even if you aren’t practicing karate, judo, or aikido. It’s a phenomenal way to gain this sort of knowledge, and this book has much to offer within its pages. Personally, I really enjoyed this book, because I thought that the information was really cool. I can also connect to it, and still look back into the book, because I practice karate, and like I said, it’s good to know where it all came from. In conclusion, Three Budo Masters by John Stevens is a fantastic book, and has tons of information to offer to its reader.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

What should have been a pleasant comparison of the three fundamental martial arts practices which are the basis of all Asian martal arts brought to the west missed the target.

Repeatedly, Stevens a western Buddhist scholar sadly idealizes and in the case of Morhei Uechiba "deifys" him. Gichin Funakoshi (Okinawan Karate), Jigero Kano (Judo), and Morhei Uechiba (Aikido) are all figures worthy of historical comparison. Unfortunately Stevens neither provides a strong comparison or deep analysis.

[Victor Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you practice budo, you most read this book. Its and incredible introduction to the real budo.