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Karate Doesn't Work In A Phone Box: From Bruce Lee to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Martial Arts Journey and Other Life Lessons

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Gary Savage is a 2nd Degree Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Black Belt under Mario Sukata. Amongst the first in the UK to be awarded the coveted Black Belt and an inductee to the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Gary is a former BJJ European Champion who also fought in MMA tournaments during his competitive career. "Karate Doesn't Work In A Phone Box" is his story.

Growing up in the grimy, tough, North West of England in the late '60's and 70's, with its Three Day Week and rampant unemployment, Gary shares how Martial Arts helped him navigate not only the tough economic times, but also hard-drinking, prejudice and bigotry, the sudden and unexpected loss of family, loved ones and dear friends, regular bursts of shocking violence, brushes with the law, the breakdown of personal relationships and the relentless and ever-present spectre of depression and mental health challenges to become the accomplished Martial Arts Champion, practitioner and coach he is today.

Amusing, exhausting, sad and shocking in equal measure, Gary's roller-coaster story will resonate with and provide comfort and guidance to many - whether you simply want to discover what it was like during the early days of Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in the UK or if you're looking for guidance with challenges in your own life, it's an unmissable read.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2020

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Gary Savage

13 books

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164 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2020
Excellent

A really good book that makes you in parts laugh out loud and try not to cry in others . The history and characters leap out and drag you in and dont let go . The mental health struggles and fights resonate deeply and give you hope if your in the same position and highlights how much more than "struggle cuddles" bjj is
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