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!

A well placed kick can mean the difference between victory and defeat in a fight! This illustrated guide to martial arts kicks provides the reader with a wealth of information on 89 different types of kicks from various styles. This martial arts book features kicks from Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Kempo, Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do, and more. In a self defense situation there is no room for defeat. Readers will learn how to unleash a devastating barrage of kicks to throw their opponents off guard and leave every match in victory. The Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks has one purpose: to help readers hone their kicking proficiency so that they can readily deploy the most powerful tool in the fighter's repertoire. It contains contains thousands of photos and diagrams to show readers exactly how to perform all of the 89 kicks inside this book. Packed with full color photos, detailed diagrams and a companion DVD featuring 50 of the most powerful kicks, this book is required reading for every martial artist who wants to sharpen and expand their kicking skills. You'll learn all about: Front Kicks Side Kicks Roundhouse Kicks Back Kicks Hook Kicks Crescent Kicks And many more!

The techniques and philosophy of the world-renowned master. More than 1,300 photos make this the world's most complete guidebook.

In Essential Shorinjiryu Karatedo, Masayuki Kukan Hisataka, ninth Dan Black Belt Karate master, introduces the highly innovative and effective Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo system. An integral system of Okinawan karate practiced for centuries, Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo is an evolving scientific martial art that incorporates elements from kung fu, Kudakajima Shishiryu bo jutsu, and Western and Asian medicine. In this detailed martial arts guide, Master Hisataka demonstrates the karate techniques, fighting combinations, and kata (preset forms) that have made him a leading international master of both karate and judo. It describes in detail basic karate strikes, kicks, and blocks, as well as the philosophy of yin-yang and the five elements and how that philosophy relates to fighting strategy and attitude. The history and development of karate from ancient times are covered in detail, with a focus on the Okinawan masters who brought karate to Japan. This book's 430 photographs show karate fighting techniques in action, illustrating a variety of effective striking combinations, counters, and three classical karate kata. This is also the first book in English to show the use of Supersafe protective equipment in martial arts training.

This easy-to-follow guide is an essential reference for practitioners of all ages and abilities of this most popular martial art. Beginning with a chapter on breathing technique, this practical and detailed book goes on to reveal how to develop your energy-shout, the basic stances of Karate and how to accomplish the art of punching, blocking, kicking and striking, including all the must-know moves from the Knife-hand Block to the Roundhouse Kick. Each stance and movement is complimented with clear step-by-step photographs and includes a section on 'points to avoid' when practising each one. By demonstrating the key aspects of the basic technique and emphasising the need for a careful, classical approach to the practice of Karate, you will have all you need to know to practise the sport in safety. Coming from two of the UK's most respected and experienced competitors and teachers, this is the perfect guide for both new and improving students of Karate.

The worlds greatest karate master, and the founder of modern day karate, Mas Oyama, reveals his philosophy and technique for practicing one of the worlds greatest martial arts. With more than 1,300 photos that break down each movement and exercise, the Master describes every important aspect of karate.

Are you ready to learn karate, but don't know where to begin? Are you intimidated by the unfamiliar terms of the powerful punches? With Karate Basics you'll become an expert in this martial art in no time! With Karate Basics you'll learn: The origins of karate—philosophy, history, and different branches of the martial art What really happens in a karate class—invaluable tips on choosing the right school, getting ready for your first class, and basic training methods The essential elements of the style—stances, blocks, thrusts and strikes, punches, and kicks How to complement your karate training with sparring drills and kata Effective ways to successfully progress in karate—creating a training program, testing for belt promotion, and an overview of competitions and tournaments Resources that can help you further develop your knowledge of and training in karate Whether you're considering taking up this martial art, or you've already started, Karate Basics offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know to feel confident and be successful in your practice.