Traditional Japanese Karate instruction doesn't use a lot of words. Perfection of Karate techniques requires seemingly endless repetition, often with little explanation by our teachers. The Masters have also told us that Karate is more than fighting. That Karate begins and ends with a bow. That the true value of Karate lies within the character of its practitioners. And that the ultimate goal is to be victorious without fighting. The wondrous paradox of Karate is that developing the strength and means to defeat an opponent physically allows anger and snap-judgements to fall away, and instead can promote compassion, understanding and a more even-keeled approach to conflict. While it is possible that we will at one time or another have to rely on our ability to fight, the greatest challenges we face in modern times are typically not physical confrontations, but instead are major difficulties in our studies, jobs and relationships. Familiarity with the true values of Karate as described above is perhaps more important in today's world than ever before.

However, just as we as practitioners are often provided with few instructional words for basic Karate movements, and are left to find the answers through years of repetition, little is said about how to achieve these greater precepts. While we may be able to recite the true meaning of Karate as written above, putting it into practice can remain difficult. This book presents a series of thoughts, stories, legends and anecdotes that may help demonstrate how and when the so-called "softer" precepts of Karate can be applied throughout many aspects of one's life .

Contains 63 separate essays, 140 pages. Available from Infinity Publications in paperback for only $14.95 plus $4.50 shipping. Also available at a discount from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com . Order a signed copy directly from the author at no extra charge ($14.95 plus $5 international postage; check or money order only), but please allow 2 weeks for delivery. Include any inscription you would like in your copy.