Does Karate Work in a Phone Box?: From Bruce Lee to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other life lessons. - Softcover

Savage, Gary

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798379388096

Publisher: Independently published, 2023

Synopsis

My Martial Arts odyssey began in the early 1970's. I like many, being heavily influenced by Bruce Lee and the kung fu craze that swept the United Kingdom following the Little Dragon's untimely death. I started with Shotokan Karate under the late, great Steve Cattle before moving onto Japanese Jujitsu and later Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA. This is my story. It is an often brutal account of a troubled youth that saw me testing my Martial Arts training in fights on the streets and doors during the unsettled times of mass unemployment, the winter of discontent and a culture that saw Britains disenfranchised youth battling each other to represent their music and fashion taste. My teens and early 20's were spent riding a vespa scooter and identifying with the Mod movement that was enjoying a resurgence following the Who;s iconic film Quadrophenia. latterly I re-discovered a love for Martial Arts and have spent my life in pursuit of excellence in my chosen arts. Does Karate Work In a Phone box is interspersed with stories from a troubled past to Martial Arts training, competing and attaining Black belts in Japanese Jujitsu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu and ultimately my struggles with mental health. Something that has affected me throughout my life but was only diagnosed recently as Bipolar affected disorder. "Does Karate Work In a Phone Box" tells the story of a hard fought battle, against an opponent that is unseen and unrepentant in its goal to destroy all in its path. The books title is not meant as disrespectful to karate. It comes from something my late father said many years ago and has helped me to adapt my skills to whatever challenge I faced, be it physical or mental. This book pulls no punch, is honest and offers a self analysis that will resonate in some way with all who read it.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798379388096
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 231