"The first complete and most authoritative book on the technique of unarmed self-defense…A fully illustrated manual giving step-by-step explanations of all the fundamentals of karate. --Robert Klaverkamp, UPI"

Master the techniques and theory of Japanese Karate with this easy-to-follow, illustrated martial arts guide. Karate: The Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting has inspired hundreds of thousands of karateka, and it remains one of the finest texts available on the technique, art, and spirit of karatedo. This definitive volume is a systematic presentation of the art of traditional Japanese karate. An easily accessible martial arts manual illustrated with more than 1,000 photographs, this comprehensive karate book gives step-by-step explanations and thorough analysis of all the basic movements and techniques of karate. Topics of Karate the Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting" include: The history of Karate The theories and principle of Karate The best training and exercise methods Karate techniques like stance, blocking and attacks Defenses against weapons

Master the techniques and theory of Japanese Karate with this easy-to-follow, illustrated martial arts guide. Karate: The Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting has inspired hundreds of thousands of karateka, and it remains one of the finest texts available on the technique, art, and spirit of karatedo. This definitive volume is a systematic presentation of the art of traditional Japanese karate. An easily accessible martial arts manual illustrated with more than 1,000 photographs, this comprehensive karate book gives step-by-step explanations and thorough analysis of all the basic movements and techniques of karate. Topics of Karate the Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting" include: The history of Karate The theories and principle of Karate The best training and exercise methods Karate techniques like stance, blocking and attacks Defenses against weapons

The Essential Karate Book is an informative, illustrated guide to the techniques, philosophy and practice of karate. With 20 chapters covering practically every aspect of karate, this in-depth reference will assist students and instructors as they plot their course through karate instruction, benefiting those at all levels. The Essential Karate Book contains 200 diagrams mapping out moves with 300 step-by-step photographs and companion videos, making it a comprehensive general karate reference for Western audiences. Readers of this karate guide will learn about: Stances, blocks, strikes and kicks Preparing your body through warm-ups, stretching, and conditioning through karate-specific exercises Kata grading and fighting (kumite) techniques and competition rules Martial arts weapons (kobudo), and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) applications The origins and history of karate Required behavior, clothing and etiquette, as well as the fundamentals of karate and the different styles that share them The Essential Karate Book is a must-have for any martial arts enthusiast, from beginners to black belts!

This title teaches all the various kumite techniques, and presents a systematic approach to applied kumite that is designed to provide essential information for match-style kumite and tournament kumite. Hirokazu Kanazawa is the renowned karate master in the world today, and a close disciple of Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate and founder of the Shotokan School. Having earned his impressive reputation in Hawaii, the mainland United States, and Europe as an official trainer for the Japan Karate Association, Kanazawa founded Shotokan Karate-do International

Apply the ancient close-combat secrets of the Samurai to modern warfare with this military martial arts self-defense guide. Today's ground soldier may be required to carry up to 60 lbs. of equipment when on patrol, or in any situation where they might be engaging the enemy. Unfortunately, mobility is sacrificed in the name of protection. In close-proximity combat, the modern soldier is at a decided disadvantage compared to his more nimble opponent -- but this is nothing new in the history of warfare. On the battlefields of medieval Japan, the Samurai faced a similar situation. This created the need to devise a new defense method that you can learn from today. In his self-defense guide Modern Hand to Hand Combat, Isler has blended Samurai techniques with the battlefield combat needs of the modern soldier. This book gives step-by-step instructions on how to effectively deal with life and death situations through movements and principles that still hold true. These principle-driven guidelines make for a variety of self-defense applications and are valuable to everyone from law enforcement officers and security personnel to soldiers and military professionals. With almost 300 illustrations and a detailed instructional DVD, the guidelines set out in this book and DVD set can, and will, significantly enhance the warfighter's ability to survive in combat. Topics covered include: Chapter 1) JOURNEY TO CREATION Chapter 2) LESSONS FROM THE PAST Chapter 3) B.P.C. PHILOSOPHY Chapter 4) FOCUSES OF B.P.C. TRAINING Chapter 5) THE BASICS Chapter 6) UNDERSTANDING DISTANCE Chapter 7) WINNING CONCEPTS Chapter 8) EXHAUSTIVE MEASURES Chapter 9) BATTLEFIELD GROUND COMBAT Chapter 10) TECHNIQUE SET 1 To learn how the martial arts of the Samurai can be useful to those in the military and beyond, Modern Hand to Hand Combat is the most comprehensive guide to blending these two systems for optimal safety and effectiveness.

In this book, I will introduce traditional karate terminology and its technique. My intent is to aid current karate students' technical progress and deepen prospective students' interest in karate.

Complete Shotokan Karate is actually two books in one: a thorough history of Japanese karate in Asia and the United States, and an instructional manual for students of the Shotokan method. Part One outlines the history of karate from its probable origins in India (or perhaps Greece), and its transmission from China through Okinawa to Japan. Relevant aspects of Japanese history and culture, such as the samurai ethos and Zen, are emphasized. Part Two, profusely illustrated with over 600 clear black-and-white photographs and 20 line drawings, outlines instruction for kumite (sparring drills). Included are two-person drills such as the double-line drill and the circle drill which give practice in facing multiple opponents. Descriptions of many of these drills are not found in other English-language books. In addition, nine karate kata (forms) are presented, two of which, sochin and nijushiho, are rarely seen in print in English. The two parts of this exhaustive book--the first historical and philosophical, the second practical--combine to form one of the most comprehensive presentations of Shotokan karate available in English. Complete Shotokan Karate is an essential resource for all those interested in Japanese karate.

The legendary 20 guiding principles of karate penned by Funakoshi have been circulating for years but have never been published until now. Accompanied by rare photos and original calligraphy, this long-awaited treatise is a provocative and long overdue read for martial arts enthusiasts and followers of karate.

‘The secrets of karate are contained in the kata,’ said the masters of old. What did they mean? For many years, people have struggled to understand where padwork, grappling, ground-fighting and even high kicks fit into traditional karate. While many people understand the purpose of individual kata, this book demonstrates how the various kata work together to create a logical fight progression from stand-up striking to close-quarter grappling and groundfighting. Four Shades of Black decodes the kata in a radically different way, revealing how the traditional arts set out to develop a complete and rounded fighter. If you think you know karate, think again.