Shotokan Masters: In Their Own Words : Book Review

"Shotokan Masters" by José M. Fraguas is a captivating exploration into the world of Shotokan karate, focusing on the lives and teachings of its most influential masters. With meticulous research, Fraguas provides readers with a comprehensive overview of this renowned martial art style, delving into its history, philosophy, and training methods.

The book begins by offering a detailed background on the origins of Shotokan karate and its founder, Gichin Funakoshi. Fraguas explores the core principles and concepts that are fundamental to the practice of Shotokan, including kata, kumite, and kihon. This foundation sets the stage for the following chapters, which delve into the lives and accomplishments of notable masters.

Individual chapters are dedicated to prominent Shotokan masters such as Hidetaka Nishiyama, Hirokazu Kanazawa, and Teruyuki Okazaki, providing comprehensive biographies that shed light on their personal journeys, training experiences, and contributions to the art. Their stories exemplify the dedication and discipline required to master Shotokan, and serve as inspiration for practitioners and enthusiasts alike.

A notable strength of this book is the inclusion of interviews with the featured masters. These interviews offer valuable insights into their thoughts and perspectives on Shotokan karate, its evolution, and the challenges it faces. Fraguas effectively captures their wisdom and passion for the art, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation.

Overall, "Shotokan Masters" is a must-read for any practitioner or enthusiast of Shotokan karate. Fraguas's profound knowledge and admiration for the art are evident throughout this well-researched and engaging book. It serves as a valuable resource, not only documenting the lives of influential masters but also celebrating the enduring legacy of Shotokan karate. Whether you are new to Shotokan or a seasoned practitioner, this book offers a captivating journey into the world of this revered martial art style.

What are readers saying?

"Shotokan Masters" by José M. Fraguas has received mixed feedback from readers. The book delves into the art and philosophy of Shotokan Karate, focusing on the teachings and experiences of influential masters in the field. While some readers appreciated the detailed content and historical information, others found it lacking in depth and engaging storytelling.

Those who enjoyed the book praised the comprehensive overview it provided of Shotokan Karate and its masters. They valued the author's extensive research and the inclusion of interviews with prominent figures. These readers found the book to be a valuable resource for gaining insight into the history and evolution of Shotokan Karate.

On the other hand, some reviewers felt that the book lacked a captivating narrative and struggled to hold their attention. They found the writing style to be dry and uninspiring, which hindered their engagement with the material. These readers were disappointed by the absence of personal anecdotes or stories that could have made the book more interesting and relatable.

Some readers appreciated the inclusion of photographs and illustrations throughout the book. These visuals helped provide additional context and enhance the understanding of various techniques and concepts in Shotokan Karate. However, others expressed disappointment with the quality of the photographs, stating that they were often blurry or poorly reproduced, which made it difficult to grasp the techniques being discussed.

In summary, "Shotokan Masters" by José M. Fraguas has received a mixed response from readers. While some found it to be a valuable resource for understanding the art and philosophy of Shotokan Karate, others desired more engaging storytelling and higher-quality visuals.

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