Master Gichin Funakoshi wrote Karate-Do: My Way of Life. His book is required reading for adult yellow belts, and rightly so as Master Funakoshi records his time in history. The narrative details how karate impacted him personally from a young age, how he brought karate-do to Japan from Okinawa, and his experiences along the way.
To me, the most poignant section of the book was Master Funakoshi’s description of his wife’s karate. There was no formal training as we might assume; instead, she gleaned her karate from observing her husband’s actions and started to practice on her own. Funakoshi’s description of her art is such that the reader is lead to believe her karate becomes as strong as a great teacher or karate master, over time.
This transference struck me for 2 key reasons: (1) She saw, she desired, she pursued. (2) He supported her. These simple actions are often lacking. I myself do not always pursue something I know to be good. Most often, I talk myself out of the opportunity because there are too many loose ends, not enough support, its too new, or some other inconsequential reason. That bad habit is changing as karate is challenging me to do more, try more, be more… There is also more support in my life than ever before. Between friends, natural family, karate family, Ride To Walk cheer section, and increasing confidence gained through martial arts, there’s nothing I can’t do! And it all started from a simple invitation to try a class at the Coloma Center…
The passage has another, simpler application. It speaks to the infectious nature of a good thing. Funakoshi’s wife saw the benefits of karate as was drawn to them. She saw him with his students, and late at night practicing, and all day long enjoying better health, improved stamina, stronger focus, and so on. Whatever it was that appealed to her, she began on her journey as a martial artist. It did not stop at there. Just as she practiced, she assisted with students who arrived at the house before Funakoshi arrived home from work. She began by correcting the students’ forms as they practiced until his arrival. She so amply illustrates how good things are naturally infectious. They spread because their merits speak for themselves. Karate is one such good thing which has spread across the globe to all who desire its merits for themselves.
Karate-Do: My Way of Life new, instore at Barnes and Noble: $9.00
Karate-Do: My Way of Life used, online at Amazon.com: $0.82 +shipping
Karate-Do: My Way of Life borrowed, from the local library: free
Karate-Do: My Way of Life knowledge and applications: Priceless
Comments
Great write-up Miss Clark! It’s so helpful for us to identify the qualities in people (living and dead) that we respect and admire. Those old stories are almost like guideposts on our personal journey–pointing the way on the path to our goals. Master Funakoshi’s wife was also well known on the island as a skilled mediator. Stories say that she would peacefully resolve local disputes. Master Funakoshi was renowned for his tempered demeanor and I wonder how much she influenced him (or vise-versa?).