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Karate Stupid: A True Story of Survival
The Japanese Instructors’ Course is infamous in the Karate world. In 1997 it had been running for 50 years, with less than one hundred people successfully completing it – only four of which had been non-Japanese. In the same year Scott Langley was at the top of his game, a third degree black belt, captain of the British JKS National Team and JKS European and World Champion. He moved to Japan with a secret plan – to be the fifth foreigner to complete the course. This is the true story of Scott’s Journey, spanning five years, chronicling the highs and lows of facing karate’s toughest challenge and how he learnt to survive and never give in.In Autumn 2013 Scott sent this book to his Sensei in Japan for their approval. They responded immediately declaring the book to be full of lies and misrepresentations of Japan and forbade him to publish it. He was suspended for a month and then affectively expelled in January 2014. Suddenly, his 30 year relationship with Japanese karate had abruptly come to an end. This had been major a part of his entire karate life and he had dedicated himself to its values and rules, running a karate organization in Ireland for over ten years. He never wanted to jeopardize his position or damage the reputation of the group. However, unfortunately, the sacrifices he made during this true story are nothing compared to the sacrifices he has had to make to publish it.About the AuthorScott Langley began karate in 1985. Showing a rare combination of aptitude, dedication and love of the art, Scott rose through the grades at a steady rate. In 1991 he gained his black belt. However, this was just the beginning. He quickly began winning national competitions and in 1993 was selected for the Japan Karate Shotorenmei national team. While at university he trained daily at his university club and under the guidance of Sadashige Kato 8th Dan. By the time Scott graduated, he was a 3rd Dan and had become one of the youngest people to win the JKS World Championships. But this was just the foundation of what lay ahead. In 1997 Scott moved to Japan to train full time at the World Headquarters. In 2000 he was invited to enter the elusive instructors’ course and after two years of intensive training, graduated, becoming only the fifth westerner to complete the challenge. He moved to Ireland with a mandate to promote the JKS within the British Isles. Within a decade Scott’s group had become the biggest single style association in the UK and Ireland and was as big at the JKS in Japan. He now teaches fulltime at www.hombudojokarate.com
- GenresMartial Arts
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2014
12 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 20, 2017
I have a split review.
Overall, I enjoyed the story of a Irishman taking the JKS Instructor course in Japan and the challenges overcome. I enjoyed the look into Japanese society.
But the writing is not great in some spots, especially in describing the actual Karate practice and why it was difficult. Also writing a tell-all book after going through this process might have been tempting but it comes across as petty in places. If he was granted a license to teach abroad (and fee-waived) by JKS why would you turn around and show any disrespect to the dojo, school and association? You just burned your bridge. Yes he was treated differently and he was made to endure more training, more work , more pain and it took 5 years. But the author came across as immature (this happened when he was 29) by effectively gossiping.
Overall, I enjoyed the story of a Irishman taking the JKS Instructor course in Japan and the challenges overcome. I enjoyed the look into Japanese society.
But the writing is not great in some spots, especially in describing the actual Karate practice and why it was difficult. Also writing a tell-all book after going through this process might have been tempting but it comes across as petty in places. If he was granted a license to teach abroad (and fee-waived) by JKS why would you turn around and show any disrespect to the dojo, school and association? You just burned your bridge. Yes he was treated differently and he was made to endure more training, more work , more pain and it took 5 years. But the author came across as immature (this happened when he was 29) by effectively gossiping.
June 14, 2015
I ordered the book on Amazon and devoured it in a single afternoon. Great, honest read and gives a good insight in what separates hobbyists (such as myself at this point) and truly dedicated karateka.
It also sends a clear warning about the politics in the karate world and I'm interested in reading further books on the development and current state of the JKA/S and affiliates in the shotokan karate world.
It also sends a clear warning about the politics in the karate world and I'm interested in reading further books on the development and current state of the JKA/S and affiliates in the shotokan karate world.
January 31, 2023
In this chronicle, Shotokan karate has its own version to aikido's Angry White Pyjamas.
Thoroughly entertaining read that like AWP, punctuated a story filled with fists, feels and busted lips, with anecdotes about Scott's experiences with Japanese culture and the perspective of life and the world from their corner of the universe.
Recommended read for karateka who are black belt, and looking for an extra motivation to train as hard as possible.
Oss!
🥋🇹🇹
Thoroughly entertaining read that like AWP, punctuated a story filled with fists, feels and busted lips, with anecdotes about Scott's experiences with Japanese culture and the perspective of life and the world from their corner of the universe.
Recommended read for karateka who are black belt, and looking for an extra motivation to train as hard as possible.
Oss!
🥋🇹🇹
July 13, 2021
I would actually love to see the vividness in big screen of what's going on in the novel.
November 12, 2024
Interesting and entertaining read that provides an inner look into Japanese culture and will appeal to those with an interest in martial arts in general and Shotokan karate in specific. It’s refreshingly candid and while not particularly well written has the endearing quality of the writing getting better as the memoir progresses.
The author does come off as having a bit of an ego and, yes, being very ‘karate stupid’. There is something admirable about the human spirit and its obsessive ability to preserve and overcome most challenges through sheer willpower, but this is certainly not a healthy application of it. Spending 3 years in an — assuming no exaggeration — extremely toxic environment while experiencing racism, wearing down your mind and body and learning more about bullying than karate just to prove a point to yourself is not smart. Of course everyone has made stupid choices, and many have persisted in them for even longer, but not all of us wear them as a badge of honour.
It’s overall worth a read and will feel relatable to those with a familiarity of the cult-like and hyper masculine culture surrounding many martial arts gyms/dojos and one that has a happy ending: the author’s experiences ultimately led to him creating an organisation that has championed a more healthy and sustainable interpretation of the art for hundreds of students.
The author does come off as having a bit of an ego and, yes, being very ‘karate stupid’. There is something admirable about the human spirit and its obsessive ability to preserve and overcome most challenges through sheer willpower, but this is certainly not a healthy application of it. Spending 3 years in an — assuming no exaggeration — extremely toxic environment while experiencing racism, wearing down your mind and body and learning more about bullying than karate just to prove a point to yourself is not smart. Of course everyone has made stupid choices, and many have persisted in them for even longer, but not all of us wear them as a badge of honour.
It’s overall worth a read and will feel relatable to those with a familiarity of the cult-like and hyper masculine culture surrounding many martial arts gyms/dojos and one that has a happy ending: the author’s experiences ultimately led to him creating an organisation that has championed a more healthy and sustainable interpretation of the art for hundreds of students.
November 23, 2020
I loved the premise. There was a touch of the excellent, "Angry White Pyjamas", and the sublime, "Moving Zen" in the idea. But whereas those authors (Robert Twigger and C.W. Nicol, respectively) admitted their own shortcomings and went through a process, I don't feel there was much of a path in Sensei Langley's book. Another reviewer has called the author's attitude "petty" in places, and that, along with "ego" are the two words that come to my mind in my personal view of this book. In fact, for me, those aspects dominated the book. Clearly, from the reviews, many others think differently.
The best martial arts books I have read in recent years have included works by Senseis Masayuki Shimabukuro and Dave Lowry, and to me they have been far, far more instructive and entertaining than, "Karate Stupid".
The best martial arts books I have read in recent years have included works by Senseis Masayuki Shimabukuro and Dave Lowry, and to me they have been far, far more instructive and entertaining than, "Karate Stupid".
August 22, 2017
Excellent book!
Excellent book, a must read for those interested in karate training in Japan! The story keeps you hooked, I couldn't put it down!
Excellent book, a must read for those interested in karate training in Japan! The story keeps you hooked, I couldn't put it down!
January 11, 2026
Great Read
Loved every minute of this book ,sad to finish it ,Sensei Langley is a true inspiration….what a journey he has had !! Osu
Loved every minute of this book ,sad to finish it ,Sensei Langley is a true inspiration….what a journey he has had !! Osu
January 28, 2021
If you have an interest in Japanese Martial Arts, you will likely enjoy this book. Additionally, if you have trained in a traditional dojo, you may even relate to some of it. Enjoyable read for me.
February 23, 2014
I enjoyed reading “Karate Stupid” by Scott Langley. “Karate Stupid” , is an inspirational read for anyone looking for motivation and self discovery.
Langley, a UK resident and graduate of Keele University where he majored in geography and anthropology, his minor would seem to have been in Karate. If karate was actually offered as a course curriculum it would have been his major, as he indicates in the book - that he studied karate more than any of his university courses while pursuing his degree.
“Karate Stupid”, all of the blood stained pages, are Langley’s detailed and explicit memoir from his days studying karate in Tokyo, Japan at the world headquarters of the Japan Karate Shotorenmei, the JKS for short. He spent a total of five years in Tokyo and surrounding area from 1997 to 2002.
The story rings true, the names of the participants may be the only fictitious portion that is no doubt Langley’s method of protecting the innocent and the guilty. The story of one young mans struggle to overcome obstacles. Langley’s story is a detailed account of the trials and tribulations that life can throw at you when you have set your sights on a lofty goal. His dream - to become one of the few foreigners to graduate from the renowned JKS instructors’ course, a world respected Japanese martial arts organization.
I found myself constantly comparing my life struggles with the battles that Langley faced. His stick to it attitude and succeed at all costs out look on life had me rooting for him throughout his travels. He faces many situations where fight or flight instincts would have had the majority of rational human beings taking the path of least resistance and fleeing the country.
The book comes off at times as a self study on the psychological effects of Langley’s perceived torture and his own masochistic tendencies. During his last two years in Tokyo at the Hombu school Langley delves deeply into his own psyche, always maintaining a voice of reason and humour as he tries to determine the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths. He comes to the realization that both apparently lack a conscience. The people he reveres and respects the most, his Japanese teachers and fellow students, engage in behaviour that harms him and they do so with no feeling of guilt or remorse. The aim as he sees it is to create a better individual, the result is that he is constantly trying to put himself back together physically, emotionally and mentally.
Langley’s book will appeal to anyone even mildly interested in karate, especially Shotokan karate, the style that the JKS follow.
Having said that, I believe this is one of those well written memoirs in the style of C.W Nicol’s contemporary classic “Moving Zen, A Way To Gentleness”, or “Angry White Pyjamas” by Robert Twigger.
Langley, a UK resident and graduate of Keele University where he majored in geography and anthropology, his minor would seem to have been in Karate. If karate was actually offered as a course curriculum it would have been his major, as he indicates in the book - that he studied karate more than any of his university courses while pursuing his degree.
“Karate Stupid”, all of the blood stained pages, are Langley’s detailed and explicit memoir from his days studying karate in Tokyo, Japan at the world headquarters of the Japan Karate Shotorenmei, the JKS for short. He spent a total of five years in Tokyo and surrounding area from 1997 to 2002.
The story rings true, the names of the participants may be the only fictitious portion that is no doubt Langley’s method of protecting the innocent and the guilty. The story of one young mans struggle to overcome obstacles. Langley’s story is a detailed account of the trials and tribulations that life can throw at you when you have set your sights on a lofty goal. His dream - to become one of the few foreigners to graduate from the renowned JKS instructors’ course, a world respected Japanese martial arts organization.
I found myself constantly comparing my life struggles with the battles that Langley faced. His stick to it attitude and succeed at all costs out look on life had me rooting for him throughout his travels. He faces many situations where fight or flight instincts would have had the majority of rational human beings taking the path of least resistance and fleeing the country.
The book comes off at times as a self study on the psychological effects of Langley’s perceived torture and his own masochistic tendencies. During his last two years in Tokyo at the Hombu school Langley delves deeply into his own psyche, always maintaining a voice of reason and humour as he tries to determine the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths. He comes to the realization that both apparently lack a conscience. The people he reveres and respects the most, his Japanese teachers and fellow students, engage in behaviour that harms him and they do so with no feeling of guilt or remorse. The aim as he sees it is to create a better individual, the result is that he is constantly trying to put himself back together physically, emotionally and mentally.
Langley’s book will appeal to anyone even mildly interested in karate, especially Shotokan karate, the style that the JKS follow.
Having said that, I believe this is one of those well written memoirs in the style of C.W Nicol’s contemporary classic “Moving Zen, A Way To Gentleness”, or “Angry White Pyjamas” by Robert Twigger.
January 18, 2015
There is a particular decadence - - a degeneracy - in much Japanese martial arts. It is exemplified by the idea that one trains for the sake of training (an infection of Zen ideology). The body is devalued, so that any injury incurred in practice, any violation, is acceptable, because one is training to polish one's spirit.
A true martial art , on the other hand, is a training methodology that is a means to an end. One should be training combatives to prepare, on some level, for combat. That is not to say that those who have a hobby are wasting time. Rather, the martial arts study should vivify the individual so that they are stronger and more responsive - able to use the power they acquire to contribute to life.
I'm not asserting that Mr. Langley is not capable of such a contribution nor that he is probably quite able to protect himself in a fight. Rather, I'm discussing abusive training (much of which I observed and experienced in my own years in Japan) that is accepted within martial arts societies because it's for one's own "spiritual training" - something that is decided by one's seniors and teachers.
Langley does does a good job of portraying such a world, one that is in many way quite brutal and repulsive.
A true martial art , on the other hand, is a training methodology that is a means to an end. One should be training combatives to prepare, on some level, for combat. That is not to say that those who have a hobby are wasting time. Rather, the martial arts study should vivify the individual so that they are stronger and more responsive - able to use the power they acquire to contribute to life.
I'm not asserting that Mr. Langley is not capable of such a contribution nor that he is probably quite able to protect himself in a fight. Rather, I'm discussing abusive training (much of which I observed and experienced in my own years in Japan) that is accepted within martial arts societies because it's for one's own "spiritual training" - something that is decided by one's seniors and teachers.
Langley does does a good job of portraying such a world, one that is in many way quite brutal and repulsive.
August 7, 2014
Karate Stupid is a very unique tale of someone whom defied odds and rose above to be the best that he could be in a tough situation. Becoming a black belt is already difficult enough, and this book also touches on cultural and racial difficulties that affected Scott as he made it to the top. There are a lot of different clashes that can take place between cultures and it can definitely be difficult as a white person to assimilate into Asian culture. Also, growing up non-Asian, you have to fight through a lot of your own cultural norms to make it to the different culture and through road blocks. I highly recommend this book for an uplifting yet truthful story of a determined individual to advance above all odds!
October 24, 2015
Read It Stupid: A Thoroughly Entertaining tale of Insanity, Determination and Karate
For many years I have seen this book pop up in recommended reading lists for martial artists and I am very glad to have finally gotten to it.
'Karate Stupid' is equal parts endearing, disturbing and hilarious as it recounts the author's attempt to obtain his Karate Instructor certificate, an immensely difficult task for any local Japanese man or woman, let alone a foreigner from a strange land.
On the way he must combat racism, heartbreak, mental illness and alcoholism. Oh yeah, and some of the toughest, strongest and strictest karate Blackbelts in the world.
A must read for anyone on their martial arts journey such as myself, and highly recommended to everyone else.
For many years I have seen this book pop up in recommended reading lists for martial artists and I am very glad to have finally gotten to it.
'Karate Stupid' is equal parts endearing, disturbing and hilarious as it recounts the author's attempt to obtain his Karate Instructor certificate, an immensely difficult task for any local Japanese man or woman, let alone a foreigner from a strange land.
On the way he must combat racism, heartbreak, mental illness and alcoholism. Oh yeah, and some of the toughest, strongest and strictest karate Blackbelts in the world.
A must read for anyone on their martial arts journey such as myself, and highly recommended to everyone else.
November 4, 2016
The strengths of this memoir are it's entertainment value and the sometimes painfully vulnerable honesty of it. Mr. Langley is not always a polished writer as far as grammar and smooth turns of phrase go, but he vividly and successfully describes his incredible adventure. I suspect the very lack of polish actually made me feel more connected to him. He just lays it all out there without holding back, his emotions and opinions weaving in an out of each other. You feel you are given a chance just to hang with him in all his humanness - and with the other people in his book. And he actually becomes a better writer as the book unfolds, which adds the charm of seeing him develop in another discipline than karate in real time.
March 3, 2016
A fascinating read about a young man's 2-year sojourn in the JKS hombu (headquarters) dojo, completing their infamous instructor course (only the 5th westerner to do so, in 55 years). Brutal reading, and telling the truth about his experience got him kicked out of the society for good. It's an enjoyable look inside an area of Japanese culture even more rigidly stratified than the mainstream society.
October 27, 2015
Inspirational and admiration are the only words I have for this book! Enough said.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews