One of America's foremost experts on the Japanese martial arts shows that karate is not just a sport or a hobby - it'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 teachers; cultivating the correct attitude during practice; the differences between karate in the East and West; and, whether a karate student really needs to study in Japan to perfect the art.He also covers: the meaning of rank and the black belt; detailed descriptions of kicks, punches, evasions, and techniques and the philosophical concepts that they manifest; what practice means and looks like as one ages; and, how the practice of karate aims toward cultivating character and spiritual development. 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.