Karate Stupid: A True Story of Survival

I start this review with a sort of health warning. If you are not into Karate, yet, looking to start Karate or send your children to karate, this is Karate at the elite level. From also having started Karate at university 1970’s, and certain it has helped me keep fit plus I have travelled to many countries with our association which I would not have gone to. So please I have tried karate give it a go – you may enjoy.I was going to give book 4 stars, for these reasons. Firstly it capture the intensive training that is require to be elite martial artist, also I considered the admission of the mental impact of this training had was very honest. Secondly showing the nature of Japanese culture, the hospitality, the drinking, the eating yet the need to have woman carriages is well describe. So why only three stars. I felt that that with slight spooler alert, the last few chapters felt rush and fall out when send to review, this did not match the promotional pitch so felt slightly short changed. I may be being a bit harsh but was what let down. Otherwise, this an easy read and would recommended who enjoys his or her Karate.

Good book. Gives you a real insight into what training in Japan would be like at such a high level and Scott's experiences are invaluable. At the same time, I would have thought anybody with an iota of sense wouldn't have written so candidly (possibly biased) about the experiences one would face training in such circumstances, and then expect things to be dandy with the Japanese he trained with. I think his expulsion was totally expected given what he has written. I would have thought given the time he spent there, he may have picked up on some of the cultural nuances which are essential to survival and let's be honest, if you're going to a foreign country, you have got to play ball according to their rules. I'm not saying I agree with all of Japanese society and culture, but part of training out there entails a lot of grief and eating s**t as a junior.All in all, an entertaining and enjoyable read for anybody who practices Karate, Shotokan specifically. However, part of me thinks that a bigger business plan was being cooked up in its inception. And so begins Karate politics, which an entire anthology could be written about!

I have a space on the shelf for "martial arts related books written by British gentlemen"; Scott Langley's offering now sits comfortably to the left of Mark Law (Judo), C.W.Nicol (Karate) and Robert Twigger (Aikido). This is a personalised account of his 5 years living and working in Japan. He was a karate-ka before going to Japan, but his experiences, especially as a kenshūsei (trainee) on the Japanese karate instructors' course, meant that it was a very different man who boarded the plane to fly home. His story is brutally honest, humorous and intelligent. His western expectations and aspirations frequently spar with a Buddhist-like acceptance as he travels unsteadily along his chosen path. There are, in this regard, shades of Moving Zen interlaced with the harsh physicality described by Twigger. Langley makes many observations of Japanese people and culture but is never disparaging. Some of these he struggles to rationalize, while other aspects become part of his self (or 'not-self'), a spirit distilled through perseverance and pain.On the face of it, this is a story of survival against a backdrop of karate in Japan, but it also an exploration of physical endurance and how it connects with the human psyche.There is very little technical jargon which makes it wholly accessible, and makes for an easy read. But at the same time this book will be thoroughly enjoyed by those who have an interest in budō and/or Japan.

A fantastic and frank insight into the voyage of a westerner going to train in Japan. I can’t say I “enjoy it” because of the things the author faced, however you do find yourself willing him on – to succeed, not to give up. It is a fascinating read, I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one seating. Such a well written and insightful book of the experience Sensei Langley had. If you have the opportunity to train with him – do! He really brings karate alive perhaps due to the experience he documents in this book!

If you are a student of Karate or any other martial art then I urge you to read this book. If fact if you have ever played any sport and have pursued excellence then this book is for you. Read the true story of how Scott Langley's love of karate and his pursuit of excellence took him to Japan to train with the very best on the infamous instructor's course. How that love and pursuit of excellence brought him at times to the brink of madness in a completely alien culture. The book also manages to be very funny as well as heartbreaking. The message of this book is Never Give UP, Ever. You can't get more inspirational than that!

I quite enjoy reading about "sensei" Langley's journey.It says a thing or two about the experience of living abroad and trying to integrate and fit in a different culture.To me it was a treat knowing a little bit of karate, but it might bore to death to those who doesn't.The book is definitively not politically correct, but then it will not be so amusing otherwise.

Really enjoyed the read about the Scott Langley and his experience of the Kenshusei in Japan. He took a big risk (enough to be kicked out of his association) to record the events surrounding his training and even allowed his association to comment on the book. Great read if your a Dan grade and want to understand a bit more about real training in Japan.

Fantastic story, I couldn't put it down. One for the karate Nerd or or just sports enthusiasts....not too technical and hilarious in parts. Loved it and cannot wait for Karate Clever