The Karate Dojo-Tradition and Tales of Martial Art

by Peter Urban

1967

Library's review

from dust jacket

Karate is at once a means of self-defense, a sport, and a philosophy. This book examines each of these aspects and explains why educators and parents are becoming interested in karate. It shows how karate can change the life of the devotee, giving him health, self-confidence, and
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mental and physical discipline. And it demonstrates convincingly the role that karate could play in reducing crime and delinquency in our cities.

The author discusses in detail the dojo, or school where karate is taught, and explains the belt system which marks stages of development. Particularly interesting, both to the practitioner and to the reader with no knowledge of the art, are the stories that the author has collected from the history of karate. The beginnings of karate in the distant past, tales of early practitioners, historical events in which karate played a leading role, and many other fascinating tales are included. These, more than any factual description of present day karate, will give the reader a real understanding of the karate tradtion and way of life.

Peter Urban is the chief instructor of the Chnatown Dojo in New York City. He is president of that city's Metropolitan Karate Society and a member on the board of governors of the United Karate Federation. In addition, he is the U.S. Eastern Regional director for the All-Japan Gojuru Karate Association.

While living for a period in Japan, he became a disciple of Professor Gogen Yamaguchi and achieved his master's degree from the Zen-Nippon Karate-do Gojukai Hombu in Tokyo.

Urban is th original propagator of the Goju style of karate in the U.S., where he introduced it into the curricula of police academies and colleges in several states. He has also appeared in training films about karate, frequently officiates as a referee at national karate tournaments, and has appeared in connection with the art on radio and television with such luminaries as Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin.

He has developed his own eclectic synthesis which he teaches in New York City and calls the Metropolitan Karate System.

Contents

The weaponless weaon
The dojo
The belt system
One's own iron will
Kata and jiu-kumite
The Goju style
Potential and goals
Guideline for self-analysis
Famous dojo stories
The shalin Monastery
The Okinawan champion
The ninjitsu people
The Aikido man
The Japanese magician
The three sons
The black circle
The red arrow
The emperor's champion
Fingers Charlie
The Chinese baby
The Chinese boxers
The bartender's knife
Tales of Professor Wong
Author's critique of the contemporary
Karate scene
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Publication

Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc. Rutland, Vermont & Tokyo, Japan
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