FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Karate Builds Character and Transforms Lives:
The Philosophy of a Master Martial Artist

PHILADELPHIA, PA-November 17, 2006-Teruyuki Okazaki, the world’s highest ranked active karate master, is a man with a mission. He says, “Karate is not merely a system of self defense, most importantly it is a way to become a better human being in all aspects of one’s life.” To promote and explain this vision, he has written a new book called Perfection of Character: Guiding Principles for the Martial Arts & Everyday Life.

Master Okazaki is 75 years old, but you’d never know it were you to see him practicing Shotokan Karate in the early morning hours at his small store front dojo in West
Philadelphia or giving classes in the evenings. And when he discusses Perfection of Character, his enthusiasm is evident.

“My teacher, Gichin Funakoshi, who was known as the father of modern karate, always emphasized that the primary purpose of karate was to perfect one’s character. He believed that one must not just practice the physical aspects of karate, but must focus daily on the spiritual and ethical aspects of karate. As a guide to help students to work towards this lofty goal he gave us 25 principles: five general principles, and 20 sub-
principles for us to study daily..