Gichin Funakoshi

Gichin Funakoshi is the name of the author and subject of this book. This is an autobiography of his life during which he develops and promotes Karate-do as a way of life. Gichin is the main character writing this story as a ninety-year-old Okinawan man looking back on his life and accomplishments. He is born in 1868 and dies in 1957. A disciple writes a Foreword to introduce Gichin Funakoshi commenting on his gratitude to be a disciple and only regrets that "he is no longer with us." Gichin's actions and words depict him as a man of impeccable integrity and honesty. Ironically his story begins with a lie about his official birth date.

The Meiji Restoration begins in the year of his birth which must be 1870 or later to enter medical school. His proud family heritage as a shizoku demands wearing the Samurai topknot hairstyle. On this point...