This book is for the beginner to the Black Belt. With illustrations and instructions.

This book is for the beginner to the Balck belt. With illustrations with all instrucitons.

Complete Shotokan Karate is actually two books in one: a thorough history of Japanese karate in Asia and the United States, and an instructional manual for students of the Shotokan method. Part One outlines the history of karate from its probable origins in India (or perhaps Greece), and its transmission from China through Okinawa to Japan. Relevant aspects of Japanese history and culture, such as the samurai ethos and Zen, are emphasized. Part Two, profusely illustrated with over 600 clear black-and-white photographs and 20 line drawings, outlines instruction for kumite (sparring drills). Included are two-person drills such as the double-line drill and the circle drill which give practice in facing multiple opponents. Descriptions of many of these drills are not found in other English-language books. In addition, nine karate kata (forms) are presented, two of which, sochin and nijushiho, are rarely seen in print in English. The two parts of this exhaustive book--the first historical and philosophical, the second practical--combine to form one of the most comprehensive presentations of Shotokan karate available in English. Complete Shotokan Karate is an essential resource for all those interested in Japanese karate.

One of the most demanding martial arts, karate combines physical fitness with mental and spiritual training. More and more people are now taking up the challenge, and this book is an essential companion to enhance any student's study of Shotokan karate. In this user-friendly approach, all the basics are presented in easy-to-follow lessons. Each move is broken down into stages, using step-by-step photography together with clear, concise instructions. And there are foot-position diagrams, so you can make sure you are getting it exactly right. Handy hints and tips throughout help you avoid common pitfalls, and there is advice on taking your training further, once your karate is more advanced. Lessons include: Warm-up Stances Punching Striking Blocking Kicking Combination work Sparring Karate: A Step-by-Step Guide to Shotokan Karate: Features clear step-by-step color photographs that illustrate all of the techniques Covers all the basics, from dojo (training hall) etiquette and grading, to the basic training itself Includes advice on performing kata--set sequences designed to develop particular areas of training Is perfect for both new students and those already in training

The Essential Karate Book is an informative, illustrated guide to the techniques, philosophy and practice of karate. With 20 chapters covering practically every aspect of karate, this in-depth reference will assist students and instructors as they plot their course through karate instruction, benefiting those at all levels. The Essential Karate Book contains 200 diagrams mapping out moves with 300 step-by-step photographs and companion videos, making it a comprehensive general karate reference for Western audiences. Readers of this karate guide will learn about: Stances, blocks, strikes and kicks Preparing your body through warm-ups, stretching, and conditioning through karate-specific exercises Kata grading and fighting (kumite) techniques and competition rules Martial arts weapons (kobudo), and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) applications The origins and history of karate Required behavior, clothing and etiquette, as well as the fundamentals of karate and the different styles that share them The Essential Karate Book is a must-have for any martial arts enthusiast, from beginners to black belts!