Anyone can learn karate, but to master oneself takes a lifetime.

This is the inspiring story of an ex-Marine who sought out the one form of martial arts that would polish his mind and strengthen his spirit- Kobayashi Shorin Ryu Karate. Finding the right dojo would lead him to Okinawa and a Sensei (teacher), a seventh degree black belt, who would show him what lay beyond the pain, beyond the exhaustion. He was taught Nintai: the art of patience, perseverance, and endurance.

"The reason there are mirrors in the dojo is to allow the student to always face his greatest opponent: himself. It is the aim of the true karate practitioner to overcome the ego, and focus on the higher goal of unifying the mind, body, and spirit. In Okinawa, it is the Sensei's responsibility to help the student become humble enough to attain this objective."

Only when Nintai is accomplished, can one pursue a higher spiritual path.

Lawrence Mark Vellucci has been studying the martial arts for over 25 years, attaining the rank of Renshi, a sixth-degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. He lived, trained, and studied in Okinawa and Japan for seven years. Renshi Vellucci is a professional martial arts instructor who currently resides in Redmond, Oregon, with his wife and family. For information on other books and training videos he has produced, please visit his website, www.cranekarate.com.