An Insider’s Look at American Karate History
Blood and Guts Dojo is a fascinating and entertaining journey into American karate history, set during the explosive Bruce Lee kung fu boom of the 1970s.
John Graden’s unlikely path from an abusive childhood to appearing on the cover of the Wall Street Journal and The Dr. Oz Show is a story that’s part Breaking Bad, part Karate Kid.
The book chronicles the story of a shy young boy who dreams of fighting like Batman—and has a few other dreams about Catwoman.
At its heart, Blood and Guts Dojo is about Graden's complex relationship with his martial arts instructor, Walt Bone. Bone was a world-renowned black belt, but behind the scenes, he had a hidden dark side. He was known to dispense more marijuana than martial wisdom.
The stories in this fast-paced read are equal parts funny and shocking, as Graden tells his coming-of-age tale with brutal honesty and humor.
Reviews consistently highlight that Blood and Guts Dojo is a gripping book that keeps readers glued to the pages, often staying up late to find out what happens next.