Description
The Secrets of Chinese Karate was written in the early 60's by Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker Sr. Mr. Parker reveals the amazing techniques of Karate as developed and practiced by the Chinese - the true pioneers of the martial art of self-defense.Mr. Parker elaborated on the theories of various styles that occurred prior to the time of Shao-lin and how they were based on imitating the movements of animals such as, the deer, tiger, bear, monkey and bird. It was surmised that the various animals chosen, depicted different characteristics. For instance, the leopard's movements were used to develop speed as well as strength. Tiger movements were formed to develop the bones, dragon movements to develop alertness and snake movements to develop temperament and endurance.Through the years of experimentation, the Chinese discovered two types of strength-inner and outer strength. Inner strength-denoting hidden power. One such form of inner power was Dim Mak, the study and art of " Touching nerve points" which involved a detailed analysis of nerve points as well as developing the skills of the herbalist-a form that was only taught to the most patient peaceful exponents.Natural weapons used anciently by the Chinese were listed in charts and highlighted in terms of possible historical applications. The formation of natural weapons, as used by the Chinese shows the versatility with which body parts can function effectively in combat along with diverse methods of execution. Instruction is offered on the ranges within which an exponent could utilize such weapons with minimum force to maximum effect.In conclusion Mr. Parker included various tests, formalities, rituals, and ancient Chinese customs of related interest.… (more)
Library's review
From cover
'Congratulations, Ed. Without doubt your book on Karate will open the doors of mysticism which have so long been a veil to the Western hemisphere. Its contents will definitely benefit those practitioners who are both amateurs and professionals alike...From this came not
'Your excellent book on the art of self-defense will be of inestimable value to those interested in Karate....I have come to greatly admire and respect you as an example of the philosophic teachings of Karate.'-Black Edwards, Director and Producer of 'Peter Gunn'
'This is one of the outstanding texts, the most complete and authoritatiove, that I've ever read on Karate, written by an outstanding man in the field. You have make good use of illuminating material on the subject, and I enjoyed it very much.'-Terry Hunt, Director, terry Hunt Health System.
Here, revealed for the first time in English, are the screts of the original Chinese art of Karate. Unlike many books which deal with the later Japanese versions, which are copies, this on demonstrates the highly refined Chinese system which dates back almost four thousand years. Much of the material here has been translated from original Chnese sources.
If you have ever wondered how a Karate expert can smash ten clay roof tiles with his bare fist, or break a heavy board with his bare feet, this book will show you how you can train yourself to do it.
Karate (pronounced kah-rah-tay) is one of the oldest and most effective means of hand-to-hand fighting. So effective is it that a man who has mastered its secrets exudes such great self-confidence that he will rarely have to use his knowledge in an actual fight. If, however, he should find it necessary to defend himself, he can do so against as many as seven men with nothng but his bare hands and his skill in Karate.
But Karate is more than simply a method of unarmed combat. Practiced as an exercise system it will work wonders for your physical and mental well-being. Your coordination sharpens, your reflexes become lightning fast, your breath control, your muscle tone, your strength will all improve marvelously. Moreover, you will gain new confidence, patience and inner tranquility.
Ed Parker gives you all the essentials of this great Chinese martial art in this book,. Here you will learn Karate's history and how it was developed and refined by the Chinese. You will learn of the fantastically high standards for proficiency that the ancient Chinese set and the incredible tests they devised for students. You will be instructed in the theories and methods of training, the proper methods of breathing, the various stances and foot movements, the natural weapons and how to use them, what the various punches and kicks are and how to deliver them with full effect.
After you have mastered these techniques you will be able to say as Ed Parker does:
'I come to you with only Karate, empty hands. I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands.'
Ed Parker has been called by Time magazine, 'the high priest of Hollywood's fast-growing Karate sect.' A six-foot, 210 pound devout Mormon, Ed learned Karate in his native Honolulu in order to avoid fights with friends who taunted him because he didn't drink or smoke. A graduate of Brigham Young University where he studied sociology and psychology, Ed served a hitch in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. He followed this with two years as a teacher at Brigham Young and in 1957 opened his first Karate studio. He has taught more than 1500 students, including many top stars of movies and TV.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Ed Parker-A great teacher of a great art
1 The Chinese-True Pioneers of Karate
2 Historical highlights of Karate
3 Theories of various styles
4 Chinese standards of proficiency
5 Theories of training
6 Methods of training
Illustrations of training methods
7 Theories of breathing
8 Basic stances
Illustrations of stances
9 Foot patterns for stance movements
Illustrations of foot patterns for stance movements
Maneuvering of the box pattern
10 Theories and practical values of the stances
11 A pattern of alternating stances
12 Natural weapons
Illustrations of the natural weapons
Range scale of the natrual weapons
13 Punches
Illustrations of punches
14 Symbolic Meanings of some of the hand movements
15 Salutation
16 Kicks
17 Theories of basic foot mavements
18 Universal pattern
19 Sets or forms
20 Other theories and topics-Theories on gauging distance; Theories on falling and rollng; Developing the three senses
21 Weapons other than natural weapons-Illustrations
22 Tests, formalities, rituals and customs pertainng to Chinese martial arts-Test of acceptance; Family system; Meaningful customs