A comprehensive introduction for the beginning student of Karate.

This introduction to karate teaches both the physical training and the mentalhilosophy necessary for karate mastery. The book also provides the completeistory of karate.

A concise yet comprehensive history of traditional Okinawan and Japanese karate, with biographies of the great karate masters This concise-yet-comprehensive history of traditional Okinawan and Japanese karate includes authoritative biographies of the great karate masters of the past and the philosophical issues they faced as karate changed and evolved. Bringing a fresh understanding to the study of the martial arts, Mark I. Cramer dispels many of the often-repeated martial-arts myths as he details the lineages of the modern styles of karate and describes the social, cultural, and political events that influenced them. While most books focus on a single style of karate or the biography of just one of the great teachers, this book offers a well-researched and detailed overview. By bringing all of this knowledge together in one volume, Cramer—an award-winning inductee into the USA Karate Federation’s Hall of Fame—fills a crucial gap.

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.

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!

Get your karate training off to a great start--from basic footwork and strikes to training and demonstrations. This martial arts guide is a perfect introduction to karate for beginners. Are you planning to learn Karate, but don't know where to begin? Are you looking for a teacher? Are you taking a class but confused by the technical terms used to describe the punches? Karate Basics teaches you all the fundamentals of this ancient martial art form in a clear and easy-to-understand manner! This karate book contains the following vital information: The origins of Karate--its philosophy, history, and different schools How to find a teacher and a class that are right for you Getting ready for your first class--what actually happens in a Karate class? The essential elements--stances, blocks, thrusts, strikes, punches, and kicks How to complement your Karate training with sparring drills and kata Effective ways to succeed in Karate--how to create a training program, test for belt promotion, and an overview of competitions and tournaments Resources to help you develop your knowledge and understanding of Karate Whether you're just getting started, or have already been training for a year or two, Karate Basics offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to the sport that will make you feel more confident.