This, the best selling book on Shotokan Karate in Europe, was published to fulfil the need for an elementary instruction manual written by a westerner for westerners, covering the three main basic concepts of karate training and a wealth of information on this fascinating Martial Art. It takes the student on the journey from beginner to black belt. It is an extremely versatile book and intended as a manual to assist club training and enable the beginner to follow the basic fundamentals that he has been taught by his own instructor. Ultimately and more importantly, it provides an insight into Karate-do, and its effect in terms of developing the character and mind of the student. The book contains over 1,500 photographs to illustrate the techniques in full and covers the following: Introduction: Part 1: Kihon: Basic techniques i.e. Stances, Punching, Striking, Blocking and Kicking Part 2: Kata:
Formal Exercise i.e. Taikyoku Shodan, Heian 1 - 5 with all applications Part 3: Kumite: Sparring i.e. Go Hon Kumite, Sambon Kumite, 21 Kihon Ippon Kumite, 30 Jiyu Ippon Kumite Part 4: Karate for Everyone. This comprehensive 100-page section includes: Women in Karate, 37 Self Defence Techniques, How to Choose a Club, The Relationship between Teacher and Student, Basic Rules of Etiquette, Children in Karate, The Dojo Kun (oath), The Mature Student, Preparing for Grading, The Belt Ranking System, The Grading Syllabus, 1 - 100 in Japanese, Weight Training for the Martial Artist, Anatomical Charts of Human Musculature, Vital Points of the Human Body, Exercises, The Master's Stories, Mind Over Matter, (Self Hypnosis, Visualisation, Sports Psyching, Guided Imagery.) Genealogy of Modern Karate. Shoto Niju Kun and Karate v Cancer. Eighteen years after its first publication, The Beginners Guide to Shotokan Karate, now in its 13th reprint, has proved to be the best selling book in the Shotokan style in Great Britain and many other countries worldwide. The latest edition packed with invaluable information, still retains the 'simplicity of layout' that has been a hallmark of this book. "I tried very hard to find satisfactory answers to the countless questions posed by beginners, and in the process impart my thoughts on the philosophical and traditional aspects of Karate-do. In concentrating on the myriad of fighting techniques, I have endeavoured not to neglect the even more important elements of discipline, etiquette, loyalty and chivalry - all of which are most admirable qualities that my own teacher, 'Kanazawa Sensei demonstrated - by example'.
Essential reading for all Shotokan practitioners. -- Traditional Karate Magazine
