Funakoshi Gichin & Funakoshi Yoshitaka: Two Karate Masters

Karate is a word widely known today. However, mostly it is full of clichés based on ignorance and prejudice. This book is written for newcomers to the history and teachings of karate. It shows some of the problems which can arise while viewing the backgrounds of karate. Using Japanese sources, it imparts worth knowing information on two key figures of karate history and the karate taught by them: Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957) and Funakoshi Yoshitaka (1906–1945). Both Funakoshis compiled a school bearing the name Karate-dô Shôtôkan-ryû. Shôtôkan-ryû belongs to the most widespread currents of karate worldwide. The book contains a biography of both Funakoshis directly translated from Japanese and comprehensively annotated. It was devised during Funakoshi Gichin’s lifetime and contains besides important data also interesting anecdotes and insights in their karate conceptions. Additionally old photos of the two Funakoshis are shown and explained. Finally important and interesting facts regarding Funakoshi Gichin and Funakoshi Yoshitaka are presented in the form of a timetable. Although the book is designed for newcomers, it also supplies material for experts, for it contains information and pictures which are introduced for the first time in an English language work.