Shotokan Karate is one of the most effective forms of self-defense but it is this area that is most ignored in traditional Shotokan dojos. This modest manual is different from most Shotokan Karate texts because it focuses on the self-defense application of karate. Traditional Shotokan karate concentrates on three primary areas. They are basics or Kihon, Kata or forms, and sparring or kumite. The sparring may consist of five times sparring, three times sparring, one time sparring, semi-free sparring and free sparring. Self-defense training is seldom practiced and this manual hopes to fill that gap for students of Shotokan and other traditional styles of Karate. This manual covers the basic principles of self-defense, use of force factors in self-defense, simple and effective self-defense techniques to counter arm grabs, body grabs, choke attacks, punching and kicking attack counters, club attacks, knife attacks, gun attacks, ground attacks and multiple attacker self-defense techniques.

The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual is a complete guide for anyone who has an interest in the martial arts. Having a broad knowledge of the various techniques of the martial arts gives a martial artist an expanded ability to counteract a variety of attacks and overwhelm an opponent's defenses. Author Ashley Martin shares with the reader his years of experience as a practitioner and teacher. He provides a catalog of the various martial arts being taught worldwide and their strengths and weaknesses. He then covers the basics of hand-to-hand techniques within each of those disciplines, from strikes to ground fighting. Finally, he offers information on the overall health and well being of the martial artist, including important nutritional information and stretching techniques. The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual is a solid foundation of martial arts for beginners and a key supplement for the veteran martial artist.

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.

Fumio Demura covers stances, striking, blocking, combinations, sparring, and an entire bo kata.

Demonstrates simple and advanced self-defense techniques, including ground and falling techniques, kicks, punches, blocks, and throws.

Learn the origins of various martial arts, how to select the best style, and discover the keys to achieving a balance between physical, spiritual, and mental training. 70+ photos.

Street Karate consists of 35 real-life case studies of men and women from all walks of life who used simple karate techniques to successfully defend themselves against muggers, rapists, murderers, carjackers and other bad guys. Find out how they did it and see how you can protect yourself from similar attacks by learning these brutally effective, street-proven strikes.