I'm pleasently surprised by the library in Honolulu

The section that this library has on the martial arts is phenomenal. There are so many books on the shelves that are out of print or are so outrageously priced that I could never afford them on a teacher's salary.

Right now I'm reading a shotokan manual dating back to 1957, right before O-sensei passed away. I trained in shotokan and I am completely amazed that the material in this book never transferred down the direct lineage, much the less the syncretic lineage through TSD to me.

Funakoshi sensei explains in detail the things that he changed and why he did it. He gives you and understanding of karate as it is on the cusp of being transformed into something else. You can read his trepidations and his warnings regarding the practice of the art. You can also read his predictions...in which his cynicism just so happens to play out to the fullest.

I'll have to post a more detailed thread about this book when I finish it. I think it will blow a lot of minds.

After starting this book, I think I really understand the animosity that many Okinawan Karateka feel toward Funakoshi sensei.

Many of the changes he made were political and he tells you that point blank. Given today's society of half truths and smoke and mirrors, I respect that.
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