Karate as the Art of Killing - Masayuki Shimabukuro - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

Grounded in a comprehensive overview of the philosophical and spiritual foundations that underlie karate, The Art of Killing emphasizes its original purpose: to kill an attacker swiftly and brutally. Prior to 1900, karate-dō was exclusively an art of unarmed self-defense. Its practice was designed for life-or-death situations--effectively, an art of killing. Here, authors Leonard Pellman and the late Masayuki Shimabukuro restore karate to its original intent. They move karate away from its popular modern-day sporting applications back to its deadly origins---and to the restraining philosophy of peace, self-sacrifice, compassion, and service to others that necessarily accompanied it. With chapters on kokoro (heart, mind, and spirit), ki (spirit and energy), and the seven major precepts of bushidō, The Art of Killing shows readers that the lethal art of karate is more than a method of bringing an enemy down--it’s a philosophical and spiritual system grounded in essential lessons to guard against abuses of power. This book does not contain detailed instruction in killing methods, but it does showcase the deadly power of karate--and explain why purity of intentions matters, and how compassion and respect are the essence of karate training. Readers will learn: The purpose and meaning of karate-dō The origins and major precepts of bushidō Training methods, preparation, and etiquette Fundamentals, spiritual power, training patterns, and analysis and application of kata About the body as a weapon

Kata and Bunkai of Goju-Ryu Karate - Giles Hopkins - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

Challenging timeworn conventions of karate training and revealing the original intent of classical kata —or forms—through detailed descriptions of self-defense applications known as bunkai , this is a crucial addition to any martial-arts library. Containing more than 265 photos, the book is divided into chapters that illuminate each of the ten classical kata of Goju-ryu. Drawing on more than forty years of experience in the martial arts, Giles Hopkins Sensei takes us on a journey into the Goju-ryu karate system, providing a principles-based method for analysis of kata practice. Arguing against the commonly held notion that kata techniques can have multiple interpretations, he insists that a kata cannot simply mean what the user wants it to mean, but contains specific martial principles that must be followed for it to work effectively. The step-by-step descriptions of the receiving, controlling or bridging, and finishing techniques contain in-depth analysis of commonly misunderstood aspects of kata. Each chapter concludes with an engaging anecdote from the author’s time in Okinawa, the birthplace of Goju-ryu, connecting it with the kata under discussion. Equally useful for the novice and for more advanced karate practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of kata and bunkai.

The Kids' Karate Workbook - Didi Goodman - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

The Kids’ Karate Workbook is an engaging workbook meant to be used at home by young people who want to supplement their regular Karate or Taekwondo training. Drawing on the author’s more than 20 years of experience teaching martial arts to children, the book offers a step-by-step curriculum that traces a typical journey from first-day beginner to intermediate-level student.Along the way, kids learn about uniforms and etiquette; practice the most frequently used strikes, kicks, blocks, and forms; and unlock the basics of martial arts physics. The curriculum is highly interactive, inviting readers to answer questions and solve puzzles. It also highlights common mistakes to avoid, answers frequently asked questions, and points the way to a deeper understanding of martial arts. The easy-to-follow text is accompanied by 150 illustrations depicting the author’s own students—real kids who are also serious martial artists. While written for youngsters, the book is equally useful for parents who want to assist in practicing at home, as well as instructors who teach children.

The Kenpo Karate Compendium - Lee Wedlake - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

The Kenpo Karate Compendium details the forms of American Kenpo as prescribed by the “Father of American Karate,” Ed Parker. Author Lee Wedlake, 9th degree black belt, world-class instructor and competitor, brings his acclaimed training and teaching experience to bear in this unique resource for all who practice and teach American Kenpo and its offshoot systems. The American Kenpo system is taught worldwide and this reference will become a standard for thousands of Kenpo practitioners in various lineages. It will also serve as a stimulus for all martial artists by providing a sense of the logical framework of American Kenpo. Having collected the general rules of motion and the numerous fine points of Kenpo, the book is a standout in the genre. • COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT of the Kenpo Karate system provides a progression of teaching curricula for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students and instructors • COVERS history, fundamentals, forms, solo and partner practice, and advanced technical skills • INCLUDES over 450 black and white photos detailing forms and techniques • SOMETHING FOR ALL STUDENTS, whether pursuing martial arts for health, competition, self-defense, or personal improvement Table of Contents Introduction Preface Chapter 1: What the Beginner and the Black Belt Should Know Chapter 2: The Basics and Exercise Forms: Short and Long 1 and Short and Long 2 Chapter 3: The Intermediate Forms: Short Form Three and Long Form Three Chapter 4: Form Four Chapter 5: Form Five Chapter 6: Form Six Chapter 7: Form Seven Chapter 8: Form Eight Chapter 9: The Sets Now What? Legal viewpoint by Frank Triolo Capstone--The Thesis Form General rules of motion Recommended Reading About the Author

Sabaki Method - Kancho Joko Ninomiya - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

Sabaki means staying open to the world at large and responding to others in a way that blends energies in new directions. Whether it is a question of repelling an attack or building relationships, the combined energy that comes from sabaki is an effort of cooperation, openness, and respect. Whether you are training for health, competition, or self-defense, The Sabaki Method can show you how to turn defense into offense, anticipate attacks, condition the body, and focus the mind. Kancho Ninomiya takes the mystery out of karate.

History of Karate and the Masters Who Made It - Mark I. Cramer - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

Beyond Self-Defense - Michelle Shihan - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

A feminist-forward guide to setting boundaries, assessing safety, and defusing violence by a six-time karate world champion—tools and skills to build confidence, fight back, and live life on your own terms. Disclaimer: this is not your average self-defense book. As educator, martial artist, movement analyst, somatic therapist, and rape crisis advocate Shihan Michelle explains, “Self-defense doesn’t work to prevent assault; it’s too late, you’re in a fight.” Instead, Michelle champions self-offense, a preventative personal protection strategy invested in defusing trouble before violence becomes necessary. Beyond Self-Defense empowers you to prevent and de-escalate violence without resorting to physical contact. Including personal stories, interactive practices, and reflective prompts, this practical, accessible, and timely handbook teaches you how to craft your own unique protection protocols. Topics include how to: - Use your body weight to fend off attacks - Recognize the emotional triggers of others before they escalate - Unlearn common biases about safety and vulnerability - Use space and time to get the upper hand and control situations before they become unsafe - Challenge patriarchal social standards and claim your voice—and your space The founder and lead instructor of Self Offense Services, Michelle is a sixth degree black belt in Full Contact karate who gives workshops in assault prevention, boundaries, listening, de-escalation, and bullying prevention.

Martial Structure - Phillip Starr - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

A unique guide to becoming faster and more powerful in martial arts through correct body alignment and proper structure, featuring over 100 images In all martial disciplines—including karate, judo, taekwondo, and gong-fu—real martial skill does not require the development of large muscles or great strength but rather correct posture. Drawing on decades of experience as both a student and a teacher, Phillip Starr focuses on how physical posture affects not only physical abilities but also the mental condition and emphasizes the importance of developing power without exerting unnecessary muscular force. Thoroughly and accessibly explained and abundantly illustrated throughout with photographs that provide step-by-step instructions, Martial Structure is essential for anyone wanting to understand how the laws of physics and biomechanics can be harnessed to make them faster, more powerful, and more effective in actual combat.

Suparinpei - Giles Hopkins - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

An illustrated step-by-step guide to the structure, themes, and techniques of Suparinpei--the last kata of Goju-ryu. Suparinpei, or Pechurin, is the highest and most difficult kata in the Goju-ryu system of Okinawan karate. Its performance has long been reserved for high-level practitioners, its history and applications obscured by misunderstanding and misinterpretation.In this indispensable manual by experienced master Giles Hopkins, readers will learn the skills, techniques, and bunkai of this little-understood kata, step by step. Suparinpei explores the initial receiving, bridging, controlling, and lethal finishing techniques in sequence, and offers illustrations of both the applications and movements of Suparinpei. Hopkins questions conventional interpretations of kata movements, suggesting instead that there is only one originally intended application for each move in kata, and that each is to be understood in sequence and not as isolated components. This strict interpretation of kata movements reveals not only realistic self-defense executions, but also potentially the original intent of kata.

Authentic Iron Palm - Phillip Starr - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

An advanced training course for developing a strong striking hand to deliver powerful blows using the Iron Palm martial arts technique A comprehensive guide for experienced practitioners of Chinese martial arts—including kung-fu, karate, and taekwondo—with over 200 instructive images Iron Palm is a set of martial art conditioning skills—dating back to the Shaolin Temple of 5th-century China—whose purpose is to strengthen the hand while empowering the fighter to strike with force and precision. Training is focused and incremental, requiring the guidance of an experienced master. Author, instructor, and 5-time US National Chinese martial arts Champion Phillip Starr provides the definitive guide to Iron Palm, meticulously outlining the 3 sequential steps of training: • hardening limbs• developing technique• engaging Qigong for coordinating breath and mind The end result is a more powerful and precise strike that can impact the target’s viscera with no trace on the outer body. Lavishly illustrated with more than 200 images, this book is ideal for experienced martial arts practitioners.

The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts - Alex W. Tong - Bog - North Atlantic Books,U.S. - Plusbog.dk

Through the lenses of Shotokan Karate and biomedicine, sensei and biomedical scientist Alex W. Tong shows readers how body, mind, and spirit can be developed through martial arts practice. Through the practice of martial arts, a person can realize their full potential--not only in body, but in mind and spirit. The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts shows readers how. Author, sensei, and biomedical scientist Alex W. Tong delves into the physical, mental, and spiritual components of martial arts and integrates contemporary sports psychology, kinesiology, and neuroscience into a nuanced and illuminating understanding of what martial arts practice can be. Structured into three sections, Tong discusses: The Mind: The dao of martial arts, mental tranquility, contemporary neuroscience, and warming up the brain The Body: Posture and stance, breathing in martial arts, and the physics of mastery and effort The Spirit: Soul, spirit, and moving zen; nature and manifestations of the spirit Each section includes observations on martial arts origins, physiology, and tangible results on martial arts training. Blending traditional and contemporary approaches, knowledge, and research, The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts builds a vision of practice that elevates physical performance, awareness, decisiveness, and strength of spirit.