Karate-Do Nyumon: The Master Introductory Text by Gichin Funakoshi

by Gichin Funakoshi

"Le karaté-do est un art martial noble. Ceux qui s'enorgueillissent d'être capables de casser des planches et de briser des briques ou qui affirment être capables d'arracher des morceaux de chair de leur adversaire à mains nues, ne connaissent absolument rien au karaté. Ils jouent dans les branches et le feuillage d'un grand arbre sans avoir la moindre idée de ce que révèle le tronc."Ce livre est un des rares écrits du "Père du karaté". Gichin Funakoshi présente ici ce qui fait la valeur de son art, son essence, son âme ; pourtant Karaté-dô Nyûmon est un ouvrage que le maître a voulu accessible à tous, chacun découvrant à la lueur de son expérience ses sens cachés. Il dévoile aussi un des katas les plus importants ; le Ten-no-kata.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1988

Reviews

[Stephen Romney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is a fairly apt one, as it serves as an introductory primer to the art of Karate.

It devotes a fair bit to philosophy, but most of the book focuses on technique, both the how and the why. It even includes a full breakdown of Ten no Kata, a form made by Funakoshi to demonstrate some basic techniques. It even has a two person drill meant to teach technique application.

Overall, it's fairly short read, but has some interesting insights into both the philosophy and technique of karate. While there were some translation choices that I tilted my head at, for the most part, Funakoshi's words come across faithfully in a very down-to-earth manner.

Definitely a book I'd recommend to someone interested in Karate who may not have the luxury of attending a formal school.

[GORDON · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text beyond the basics of Japanese Karate Do. Explication of Iai and other methods that led to Senior Egami's Shotokai school of movement and martial arts.

[Стоян Бончев · Rating 3 out of 5]

Повтарят се много от нещата от биографичната книга на Гичин Фунакоши. Ако си прочел едната, другата не си струва много. Основната разлика е обяснението на ката движенията.

[Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and clear test that anyone involved in traditional martial arts should read. Funakoshi is clear and concise with his words.

[Paul J. Youngman. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funakoshi sensei is considered the father of modern karate. To read this book is to come as close as possible to actually sitting down with the master and listening to him discuss all matters of karate, martial arts, budo and spiritual ideals. If you have any interest in martial arts this book will appeal to you. If you have an interest in Shotokan karate, this is a must have book to aid in the development of your mind body and spirit connection. I read this book a couple of years into my training. As a novice karate-ka I wanted to find out all I could about this fascinating martial art and the creators of it. This book Karate-Do Nyumon The Introductory Text is an excellent starting point on the path of self discovery.

[Jeremy Preacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has two halves - the historical and parable section, which is interesting if brief, and the technical section, which I skimmed. (I don't get a ton out of looking at still pictures and reading painstaking step-by-step movement descriptions.) It's an interesting read nonetheless, though, if only as an example of what the founder of modern karate considered the bare essentials for a beginner.

[Jim Bouchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a serious student of the arts, you should go to the source as often as possible. Funakoshi is the father of contemporary martial arts study and one of the first teachers to bring Asian arts to the general public. This is his introductory text book.