If you want to be really outstanding at karate, you are just the person for whom this book is intended. If you are determined to master the blindingly fast, powerful, and potentially devastating punches and kicks that make karate the most respected form of self defense (and a tremendously exciting sport as well), you can do it through the hundreds of excellent photographs and descriptions provided here.

Those who have tried one of the older books on karate usually have found to their disappointment that it simply did not give them the complete, detailed instructions and illustrations-the fundamentals plus the fine points-that they were hoping for. This book fills the gaps left by others. It is written in a precise, get-to-the-point syle by Masatoshi Nakayama, chief Instructor of the 100,000-member Japan Karate Association. Here he shares his great experience as a karate competitor and teacher, describing and illustrating in detail all the correct movements involved in the particular block, punch, or kick you want to perfect, as well as instructions on combining blocking techniques with decisive counterattacks. Also included is a glossary of all Japanese karate terms and a guide to their pronunciation. Because of the lightning-like speed of karate techniques, normal camera work often fails to record the action accurately. For this reason, many of the photo sequences found in Dynamic Karate were taken using a stroboscope with a flash time of 1/10,000 of a second, enabling you to follow each movement as it is actually performed.

Tkhe Japanese-language edition of this book is already a huge success in Japan, where modern karate was developed. Already it has proved ts value as the most authoritative, complete book ever prepared for students adn instructors alike.

Masatoshi Nakayama, born in 1913 in Kanazawa, Japan, began training in karate under the great master Funakoshi Gichin in 1931. After graduating from the Takushoku University in 1937 he went to Peking to study Chinese, and while there he also studied various styles of Chinese fightng. Prior to this trip he had obtained the third-degree rank in karate. In addition to his activities as a karate instructor, Mr. Nakayama joined the staff of his alma mater in 1952, and is at preasent assistant director of the physical education department there. He was appointed chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association in 1955 and was awarded the rank of eighth-degree black belt in 1961. During the past ten years he has taught karate in various Southeast Asian countries and in the United States. Several of Mr. Nakayama's many publications have also appeared in other languages.

Contents

Preface
Karate-Yesterday and today
Introduction-Basic principles underlying karate techniques
Part I: The fundamental techniques
Chapter 1: Stance and posture
Importance of correct form; Requirements of a good stance; Relation between stance and stability; Developing stance
Chapter 2: Applying the power in the hips
Rotating the hips; Thrusting the hips forward
Chapter 3: Balance and center of gravit
Chapter 4: Hands and feet can be weapns
Strengthening the hands and feet; Use of the hands; Use of the feet
Part II: Training in fundamental teachnques
Chapter 5: Tsuki (Punching)/Theory and practice
Tsuki-Delivery; Variations; Fundamentals of tsuki; Choku-zuki; Route of tsuki; Speed; Concentration of power; Gyaku-zuki; effect of stance on attacking range; Oi-zuki; Nagashi-zuki; Kizami-zuki
Chapter 6: Uchi (Striking)/Theory and practice
How to perform uchi; Striking techniques using the fist; Striking techniques with the elbow; Shuto-uchi
Chapter 7: Keri (Kicking)/Theory and practice
Keri includes some of the most powerful techniques in karate; Factors involved in raising and bendng the knee; Principles behind snap kick and thrust kick; Use of the hips and ankles; The various kicks and their training methods; stroboscopic photography of kicking techniques
Chapter 8: Uke (Blocking)/Theory and practice
Characteristics of blocking techniques; basic blocks; Direction of power in the block; Forearm rotation and timing; HIp rotation; Position of elbow of blocking arm; Terminal position of block; Blocks as attacks; Basic blocking techniques-Training methods; Blocks performed with special areas of the hand; Two-handed blocks; blocking techniques against kicks; Basic training in blocking techniques
Part III: The application of fundamental techniques
Chapter 9: Defense and countering Jodan (Upper) attacks
Steps in combining blocking techiques with decisive counterattacks
Chapter 10: Defense adn countering Chudan (Mid-section) attacks
Chapter 11: Defense and countering Gedan (Lower) attacks
Part IV: The completion of fundamental techniques
Chapter 12: Basic trainng
Training in consecutive movements for striking, kicking, punching techniques; Application of combination techniques
Chapter 13: Calisthenics and exercises
Calisthenics; Strengthening the arms and legs; Exercises performed by two people; Training with the sand bag; Training with the makiwara; equipment
Appendices: Analysis of karate movements; Anatomical charts
Glossary