One of America&#8217;s foremost experts on the Japanese martial arts shows that karate is not just a sport or a hobby&#8212;it&#8217;s a lifetime study toward perfection of character. Dave Lowry illuminates the culture, philosophy, and practice of this popular martial art and covers myriad subjects of interest to karate practitioners of all ages and levels including:The relationship between students and teachersCultivating the correct attitude during practiceThe differences between karate in the East and WestWhether a karate student really needs to study in Japan to perfect the artThe meaning of rank and the black beltDetailed descriptions of kicks, punches, evasions, and techniques and the philosophical concepts that they manifestWhat practice means and looks like as one agesHow the practice of karate aims toward cultivating character and spiritual development<br><br>After forty years studying karate and the budo arts, Lowry is an informative and reliable guide, highlighting aspects of the karate path that will surprise, entertain, and enlighten.