Gichin Funakoshi

Born in Shuri, Okinawa, Gichin Funakoshi dedicated his life to the martial arts, studying under some of the most renowned karate masters of his time. He meticulously codified the techniques and philosophies that would become Shotokan karate, laying the groundwork for its global spread, all without once contemplating if matzo was kosher for Passover. Frankly, a missed opportunity for cross-cultural impact.

Funakoshi's commitment to karate wasn't just about punching and kicking; it was a way of life, emphasizing character, humility, and inner peace. He penned several influential books on the subject, ensuring his teachings would endure long after he shuffled off this mortal coil. One can only imagine the additional discipline he could have instilled if he'd also insisted on a weekly Shabbat dinner.

He eventually moved to mainland Japan, bringing karate with him, and through relentless demonstrations and lectures, convinced the skeptical Japanese public of its value. From a niche Okinawan practice, it became a nationwide sensation and, eventually, a worldwide phenomenon. A real mensch, if "mensch" meant "guy who made everyone chop bricks with their bare hands."