The Classical Man

by Richard Kim

194 pages filled with historically significant stories of the real masters of the martial arts names like Miaygi Gettan Musashi Funakoshi come to life at the pen of of one of the most famous writers ever Richard Kim who wrote for years in Karate Illustrated and brought names back to life through his skillful story telling second to none. Now in its 7th printing this is truly one of those classic books that will sell for ever.

Genres: Martial Arts

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 1999

Reviews

[Michael Sypes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly short pointless recollections. A few interesting facts or philosophical points are made here and there, but most the book's essays, which are only a couple of typed pages read like the random boring musings of an old man.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Classical Man” by Richard Kim is a wonderful series of stories/articles originally published in “Karate Illustrated” magazine. A total of forty-six stories, offer a meaningful collection of the attributes and sentiments instilled and developed by “classical” Okinawan martial arts training and practice(s).

Richard Kim was an exquisite storyteller. Within his stories the ideals and purpose of genuine martial arts training are very well presented. Kim’s various stories include; “I know I have learned enough” (pp25), “Equality” (pp35), “Clothes cannot change the skill” (pp55), “Balance” (pp59), “We all have fear”(pp119), “Tell it like it is”(pp145), “Don’t think karate is only in the dojo”(pp149), “The kiai” (pp157), “Potential into reality” (pp165), “Quality is better than quality” (pp179), “Psychology of the martial arts” (pp183), “Importance of kata –past and present”(pp173) among many, many other wonderful stories. Kim’s stories also discuss and explore several martial arts icons and their respective legacies; Chojin Miyagi (pp28-33), Gichen Funakoshi (pp96-105), Higashionna (Higaonna Kanryō)(pp123) among many others..

Lacking citations, or footnotes of any kind it is difficult to determine either the origins, or the potentially larger context(s) of the original article publication(s). Yet a master storyteller, Richard Kim offers morality tales, reflections of Okinawan martial arts and practices highest purposes and which become entirely useful in truly unlimited ways.

Similar works in English include:
Peter Lewis's Myths and Legends of the Martial Arts, Kim's "controversial" earlier work The Weaponless Warriors, Paul Reps's Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings, Peter Urban's Karate Dojo.

[Lance Schonberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

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