My Journey in Karate

Es un excelente libro, en dónde, el sensei Yoko Ninomiya no solo nos cuenta como ha vivido su camino en el arte sino de como llego a conceptos a tan profundos que convivio para su arte

While learning some Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu, I heard good things about Kancho Joko Ninomiya's "Sabaki Challenge" and its interesting and excellent Enshin Karate-Do. So, years later, I found the author's two books "Sabaki Method" and "My Journey in Karate". I was only going to get "Sabaki Method" for technical research and learning -- but decided to get the auto-biography "My Journey in Karate" as well -- reckoning an Art and its Artist are not separate. I am now glad I got both books as they are both well-written, interesting and informative. Kancho Joko Ninomiya eventually, after years of intense effort, injury and failure, won the "All-Japan Tournament" in 1978 -- intense full-contact knock-down Karate allowing grappling. Kancho Joko Ninomiya is very strong in Sumo and Judo as well as full-contact Karate inspired by Ashihara from Mas Oyama. Kancho Joko Ninomiya is a wonderful exemplar of Karate-Do -- what it means to seek, find and walk a path of personal perfection thru an Art and its Way +++

I will definitely read this book again, it motivated me, inspired me and helped me to have a new perspective over martial arts and not only.

Coming from Kyokushin background (started in Europe at a young age) and being part of one of the Satellite Sabaki Challenges, I appreciate the content of this book. Being an immigrant to the US, I can also relate to many of the stories Kancho has described. Thank you for sharing your path in life. Maybe one day I can visit your dojo in Denver and train with your students. OSU

Aspiring karatekas, those new to karate and those who have been living the way for years will all take something away from this book. Simply inspirational.Osu

Very good back story

I highly recommend this book for anyone who considers themselves a karateka or who is interested in the history of karate. Kancho Joko Ninomiya gives an incredible account of his life and his path in martial arts, including his competition in All-Japan, his relationship to Ashihara, and the formation of his own style, Enshin Karate, in the US. Some of the stories he tells in this book will stick with you - more than that, though, it reveals what it takes to have the heart of a fighter and to be strong of spirit, in martial arts and in life.

Anyone who has been a serious martial artist will throughly enjoy reading the inspiring story of Grand Master of Enshin Karate Joko Ninomiya. Anyone who has been serious about the martial arts for a significant amount of time can relate to Ninomiya's life story.Before beginning his study of kyokushin karate at the age of 15, Ninomiya practiced judo. After making the transition to karate, Ninomiya never turned back and had the dream of becoming a karate champion. The book explains how he would go to different karate schools in Japan and challenge the top students to improve his skills. He challenged different schools in a dignified way, he never used bully tactics. After hearing about the all-Japan karate tournement, Ninomiya practiced diligently for years until he was able to win first place. In the book, he talks about his training and preparation, his fights and the people who helped him become better as a martial artist and as a person.I like the way Ninomiya emphasizes that karate is not about winning tournaments and beating people up, it's about confronting yourself and pushing beyond what you are today. Master Ninomiya admits that he did not realize the true meaning of karate until after he had accomplished one of his goals. Sometimes that's what it takes because after we win something or accomplish something big, we often ask ourselves "now what?" and become complacent. We should fight against this complacency because it will only make things harder in the long run.Towards the end of the book, Ninomiya gives his opinion of "no holds barred" fighting contests. I agree with Ninomiya that "no holds barred" contests appeal to a morbid curiosity. People often watch these types of contests and are happy to see someone lying flat on their back at the end of a match or seriously hurt in some way. Ninomiya founded The Sabaki Challenge which is a real karate tournament, but he has a point system that emphasizes technique to minimize injuries.

This book is a fantastic addition to any karate-ka’s bookshelf, it isn’t an instructional book per se, but does include a section at the end that discusses a wide range of topics that are use to any karate-ka - which is a real credit to this book. There is also a useful glossary too. The book primarily focuses on telling Kancho Joko Ninomiya’s story, how he struggled to succeed, his move abroad and setting up his own association and style. The book is littered with interesting photos of Kancho, not just doing karate, but when he was growing up. It is quite an inspirational and enjoyable read, an insight into Japanese karate and culture, littered with references to Budo philosophy.

This is well worth a read. It contains the Kancho's Life Story and also about 40% of essays discussing what is Karate? I wish this sort of book was available 20 years ago. There was no discussion of "The Way" then and most Sensei then were only interested in the money or trophies. I now understand why I continued to train despite there being no communication between teacher and pupil apart from "hit harder" or "move faster".5 stars for content 4 starts for layout. The kindle edition hyperlinks to the glossary don't work. There is no TOC and the chapters are unmarked. Despite that the content makes up for it.

An inspiring read from one of the best karate instructors in the world.Useful for all who want to succeed, as its message on effort and spirit crosses all boundaries.Osu!

Un livre à la fois très distrayant et rempli de réflexions utiles pour tout pratiquant, quel que soit sa discipline. Un peu dans la lignée du livre 1000 days in the young lions dormitory de Sensei Nicholas Pettas (lui aussi passionnant) même si les deux témoignages sont totalement différents. Je ne connaissais pas Joko Ninomya avant d'avoir commandé ce livre et son ouvrage “The Sabaki method“ mais on sent, à ses propos et à son expérience qu'il mérite amplement son titre de Kancho.