The Past, the Future Summary and Analysis

Funakoshi claims a misconception that weapons of karate are only the hands, arms, feet and legs. He identifies by name ten weapons alone from the wrist down. Similarly he identifies more weapons from the ankle down as well as other parts of the body. Most frequent use is made of the basic fist, or "seiken." Configuration of the thumb, knuckles and wrist are important to avoid injury and gain strength and power. Gichin considers the seiken as the heart of karate that should be practiced daily with the "makiwara." The makiwara is a thick post seven feet tall and six inches wide covered with rice straw. It is anchored in the ground so the top is at the practitioner's shoulders. The trainee stands in front close enough for his fist to reach it. The legs...