Karate Basic Concepts and Skills

Whether you're looking for relaxation and physical fitness, joy of movement, self-defense training , or are interested in competing in the sport of karate this book provides substantial coverage. A firm foundation in the history, philosophy, and mechnics of the sport provides the reader with the

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necessary preparation for advanced study. Schroeder and Wallace are unique in their approach to the study of karate in that concepts are stressed before skills. One learns not only how skills are executed, but also why they are performed in a specific way. Both the novice and the more experienced participant will benefit from uderstanding the underlying principles of balance, force, and motion. This approach enables the student to adjust 'creatively' to any situation with which he or she may be confronted. 'It is this creativity which elevates karate to its classification as a martial art.'

This book contains hundreds of drawings and photos (all by Schroeder) sequentially arranged to clarify proper execution of skills. A chapter on 'The First Kata' (a karate form which must be performed in order to advance) contains a total of 300 illustrations arranged in sequence to clarify a difficult aspect of karate training. A chapter on sparring is also included. The spiritual elements of karate as they relate to developing respect, maturity, self-control, and responsibility subtly pervade each chapter.

Charles R. Schroeder is Associate Professor of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Memphis State Univesity. He is a specialist in execise physiology and has written successful texts on health, anatomy and physiology, adagio, and boxing. Professor Schroeder earned hs B.Ed degree from the University of Miami (Florida), his M.S. and Ph. D. degrees from Florida State University.

Bill Wallace is a three-time national and two-time world middle-weight karate champoin, a title which he currently holds. According to Professional Karate magazine, Mr. Wallace is 'regarded by many as the greatest karate compeitior in history.' He is head instructor at Tennessee Karate Institute. Mr. Wallace earned his B.S. degree from Ball State University and his M.S. degree from Memphis State University.

Contents

Karate-Past, present, and future
History of karate-Egypt; India; China; southeast Asia; Okinawa; Japan; Korea; The United States
Karate as a sport
2 Uniform, equipment, and class procedures
Uniform-Gi; Belts
Equipment-Full-length mirror; Striking devices
Class procedures-General considerations; Lining up; Bowing; Class activities; Meditation
3 Warm-up and stretching activities
General information-Warm-up; Stretching
Specific warming-up and stretching exercises-Neck circles; Push-ups; Trunk twisting; Wrist circles; Finger presses; Sit-ups; Hip twisting; Hip circles; Thigh stretches; chinese splits; Hamstring and spine stretches; Side squat stretches; Ankle circles; Rope jumping
Typical warm-up and stretching session
4 Basic principles of karate movement
Equilibrium (Balance)
Stability
Motion-Speed; Accuracy
Force-Avaliable force and speed; Summation of forces; Force and distance of aplication; Force and direction; Muscle contraction and stretch; Action-reaction; Force-pressure relationship; Dissipation of force
Summary
5 Karate stances and techniques
Stances-Attention stance; Ready stance; Horse stance; Forward stance; Back stance; Cat stance; Pigeon-toe stance; Sanchin stance; Changing stances
Techniques-Introduction; Vital points; Punches and strikes; Kicks; Blocks
6 Sparring and self-defense
Pre-arranged sparring-Typical procedures; Principles; Examples of prearranged sparring
Semi-freestyle sparring
Freestyle sparring-Match procedures; Freestyle principles; Avoiding attack
7 The first kata
General information
Performance points-Footwork; Stances and techniques; Timing; Breathing
Guide to using the sequence drawings-Descriptions of sequence drawings
Glossary
Index

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