Kata, the formal exercises of karate training, were the essence of practice in Okinawa and China, and are the core training method even today. Detailed here in 1500 sequential photos are the five Heian and three Tekki kata, mastery of which is necessary to attain first dan. Demonstrated by the author and Yoshiharu Osaka. Kata, the formal exercises of karate training, were the essence of practice in Okinawa and China, and are the core training method even today. Detailed here in 1500 sequential photos are the five Heian and three Tekki kata, mastery

These advanced kata may be selected for testing above shodan level. The techniques in Bassai Sho, using sword hand, ridge hand and tiger mouth, make good defenses against stick attacks. In Kanko Sho are many counter-attacks to the upper level. Chinte has unique techniques, the rarely seen tateken, and is especially valuable for women's self-defense.

This volume is one of a series presenting all karate and kumite' practiced by the Japan Karate Association. Each chapter contains photographs of an instructor of the Association executing a certain technique. The kata in this volume are at the advanced level and may be selected for examination above the grade of shodan. In Unsu, there are constant transformations, signified by the name meaning 'Cloud Hands.' All parts of the body are used as weapons, with feints and provocations leading to unique combination techniques and multi-directional kicks.'

Two kata from the recommended list: Gankaku-crane standing on a rock-a name descriptive of this kata, which has techniques for striking upward or downward with either hand while standing on one foot. Here are dazzling techniques for counterattacking with the back-fist or side kick.In the Jion kata there are many crisp, flowing movements, but within these calm, harmonious movements are strong, spirited techniques appropriate for mastering shifting positions, changing directions and sliding the feet.

As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.

“lt offers easy-to-learn karate responses in typical self-defense situations. Diligent practice at home will equip one with … more than instinct in an emergency situation." —Mainichi Shimbun newspaperPractical Karate: Self-Defense in Special Situations is the final volume of the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Beginning with tactics for dealing with automobile situations, escalating to tied-hand situations, then switchblade, chain, meat cleaver, and razor attacks, and finishing with tactics for dealing with handgun attacks, the authors cover a wide range of effective responses in situations calling for advanced tactics.This martial arts manual helps to replace false confidence with an ability to make a quick, realistic appraisal of a dangerous situation and take the correct countermeasures for personal safety.

"Simple, clear, easy to learn…Dispenses with hours of needed to practice for the professional…Outstanding primer on self–defense." — Marine Corps GazettePractical Karate: Fundamentals of Self–Defense is the first volume in the classic six–volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger. Written for those too busy to devote hours a day to Karate training, it is a serious introduction to the basic elements of self defense.Excerpts from Practical Karate:"The secrets of self–defense can be summed up in the proverbs: ''a wise man avoids danger’ and ''to run away is the best way to win.'' Yet, sometimes you are not able to choose these courses. I select here several techniques which you will be able to master with comparative ease, thus protecting yourself more effectively against any unarmed assailant." – M.Nakayama"Properly learned karate response will teach you to face emergency attack situations or to run—both with confidence. The few minutes a day you spend in practice will never be wasted." – Don Draeger

"The illustrations represent situations where attacks actually occur, rather than a gymnasium scene, which considerably enhances their realism…An excellent point is the emphasis on footwork, with diagrams similar to those used by dance teachers." —Black Belt magazinePractical Karate: Defense Against an Unarmed Assailant is the second volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Written for those with an understanding of karate techniques, all methods described in this martial arts book are workable, easy-to-learn karate defense responses to an unarmed assailant. Divided into chapters dealing with attacks from the front and from the rear, this book provides an uncomplicated approach to using fundamental karate skills for defense.Mastery of the responses in this text will not make the reader invincible in personal encounters, but will certainly better prepare the reader should defense of his life or those of others become necessary.

"For the person who has already mastered the fundamentals, the present volume, profuse with diagrams and photographs, will serve as a handy guide to expanding [the options]." — Yomiuri ShimbunPractical Karate: Defense Against Multiple Assailants is the third volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Written for those with an understanding of karate techniques, all methods described are workable, easy-to-learn karate defense responses to unarmed assailants. Divided into chapters dealing with attacks from standing, sitting, and ground-fighting positions, including grappling attacks, this karate book provides a simple approach to using fundamental karate skills for defense.Mastery of the responses in this martial arts guide will not make the reader invincible in personal encounters, but will provide a ready repertoire of techniques to deal with a wide variety of attacks by multiple assailants.

“The illustrations are clear and the instructions are simple, and a reasonably agile [practitioner] will not find it difficult to master these practical techniques… It really is a serious book.” — Mainichi Shimbun newspaperPractical Karate: Defense Against Armed Assailants is the fourth volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Written for those with an understanding of karate fundamentals, all methods described in this karate book are workable, easy-to-learn karate defense responses to an armed assailant. Comprising chapters on dealing with club and stick attacks, blade and sharp edged weapon attacks and multiple armed assailants, this volume presents a realistic approach to dealing with armed attackers for those with a full understanding of karate fundamentals and acquaintance with the basics of weapon usage.Mastery of the responses in this martial arts manual will not make the reader invincible in personal encounters, but will provide a ready repertoire of techniques and understanding of principles needed in dealing with a wide variety of attacks by armed assailants.

“The authors do not purport to turn out a legion of female karate experts. They have selected responses for the average woman and…are generous with advice and warning. They have worked out terse descriptions of the action in each instance so that it can be rapidly grasped.” — Mainichi Shimbun newspaperPractical Karate: Self-Defense for Women is the fifth volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn DraegerWritten primarily for women, the karate techniques in this volume are equally useful for men and children — anyone in a situation where the assailant possess a physical advantage. Included in this volume are chapters dealing with simple hand and wrist seizures, partial body seizures, and full embrace seizures.Although the methods set out in this martial arts manual do not require an extensive background in karate training, the authors recommend that the reader consult other volumes of the Practical Karate series, as well.

Most books on karate usually do not provide complete, detailed instructions and illustrations-the fundamentals plus the fine points-that readers hope for. This book fills the gaps left by others. The late Master Masatoshi Nakayama, chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association, left this book as a testament. It reveals 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

This book complements volume 3 of this series and, like the earlier volume, includes writings of masters of the martial arts to guide the student toward spiritual awareness and mental maturity. It places kumite in perspective, relating it to training as a whole. This book complements volume 3 of this series and, like the earlier volume, includes writings of masters of the martial arts to guide the student toward spiritual awareness and mental maturity. It places kumite in perspective, relating it to training as a whole.

Two kata from the recommended list: Gankaku-crane standing on a rock-a name descriptive of this kata, which has techniques for striking upward or downward with either hand while standing on one foot. Here are dazzling techniques for counterattacking with the back-fist or side kick. In the Jion kata there are many crisp, flowing movements, but within these calm, harmonious movements are strong, spirited techniques appropriate for mastering shifting positions, changing directions and sliding the feet.

Kata, the formal exercises of karate training, were the essence of practice in Okinawa and China, and are the core training method even today. Detailed here in 1500 sequential photos are the five Heian and three Tekki kata, mastery of which is necessary to attain first dan. Demonstrated by the author and Yoshiharu Osaka. Kata, the formal exercises of karate training, were the essence of practice in Okinawa and China, and are the core training method even today. Detailed here in 1500 sequential photos are the five Heian and three Tekki kata, mastery

These advanced kata may be selected for testing above shodan level. The techniques in Bassai Sho, using sword hand, ridge hand and tiger mouth, make good defenses against stick attacks. In Kanko Sho are many counter-attacks to the upper level. Chinte has unique techniques, the rarely seen tateken, and is especially valuable for women's self-defense.

This volume is one of a series presenting all karate and kumite' practiced by the Japan Karate Association. Each chapter contains photographs of an instructor of the Association executing a certain technique. The kata in this volume are at the advanced level and may be selected for examination above the grade of shodan. In Unsu, there are constant transformations, signified by the name meaning 'Cloud Hands.' All parts of the body are used as weapons, with feints and provocations leading to unique combination techniques and multi-directional kicks.'

Two kata from the recommended list: Gankaku-crane standing on a rock-a name descriptive of this kata, which has techniques for striking upward or downward with either hand while standing on one foot. Here are dazzling techniques for counterattacking with the back-fist or side kick.In the Jion kata there are many crisp, flowing movements, but within these calm, harmonious movements are strong, spirited techniques appropriate for mastering shifting positions, changing directions and sliding the feet.

As well as setting forth the basic rules that must be put into practice when performing kata or applying techniques in kumite, this volume pinpoints the underlying physical and physiological principles of karate: source and concentration of power; stance, form, stability and technique; movement in all directions; basic and comprehensive aspects of training.

“lt offers easy-to-learn karate responses in typical self-defense situations. Diligent practice at home will equip one with … more than instinct in an emergency situation." —Mainichi Shimbun newspaperPractical Karate: Self-Defense in Special Situations is the final volume of the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Beginning with tactics for dealing with automobile situations, escalating to tied-hand situations, then switchblade, chain, meat cleaver, and razor attacks, and finishing with tactics for dealing with handgun attacks, the authors cover a wide range of effective responses in situations calling for advanced tactics.This martial arts manual helps to replace false confidence with an ability to make a quick, realistic appraisal of a dangerous situation and take the correct countermeasures for personal safety.

"Simple, clear, easy to learn…Dispenses with hours of needed to practice for the professional…Outstanding primer on self–defense." — Marine Corps GazettePractical Karate: Fundamentals of Self–Defense is the first volume in the classic six–volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger. Written for those too busy to devote hours a day to Karate training, it is a serious introduction to the basic elements of self defense.Excerpts from Practical Karate:"The secrets of self–defense can be summed up in the proverbs: ''a wise man avoids danger’ and ''to run away is the best way to win.'' Yet, sometimes you are not able to choose these courses. I select here several techniques which you will be able to master with comparative ease, thus protecting yourself more effectively against any unarmed assailant." – M.Nakayama"Properly learned karate response will teach you to face emergency attack situations or to run—both with confidence. The few minutes a day you spend in practice will never be wasted." – Don Draeger

"The illustrations represent situations where attacks actually occur, rather than a gymnasium scene, which considerably enhances their realism…An excellent point is the emphasis on footwork, with diagrams similar to those used by dance teachers." —Black Belt magazinePractical Karate: Defense Against an Unarmed Assailant is the second volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Written for those with an understanding of karate techniques, all methods described in this martial arts book are workable, easy-to-learn karate defense responses to an unarmed assailant. Divided into chapters dealing with attacks from the front and from the rear, this book provides an uncomplicated approach to using fundamental karate skills for defense.Mastery of the responses in this text will not make the reader invincible in personal encounters, but will certainly better prepare the reader should defense of his life or those of others become necessary.

"For the person who has already mastered the fundamentals, the present volume, profuse with diagrams and photographs, will serve as a handy guide to expanding [the options]." — Yomiuri ShimbunPractical Karate: Defense Against Multiple Assailants is the third volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Written for those with an understanding of karate techniques, all methods described are workable, easy-to-learn karate defense responses to unarmed assailants. Divided into chapters dealing with attacks from standing, sitting, and ground-fighting positions, including grappling attacks, this karate book provides a simple approach to using fundamental karate skills for defense.Mastery of the responses in this martial arts guide will not make the reader invincible in personal encounters, but will provide a ready repertoire of techniques to deal with a wide variety of attacks by multiple assailants.

“The illustrations are clear and the instructions are simple, and a reasonably agile [practitioner] will not find it difficult to master these practical techniques… It really is a serious book.” — Mainichi Shimbun newspaperPractical Karate: Defense Against Armed Assailants is the fourth volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Written for those with an understanding of karate fundamentals, all methods described in this karate book are workable, easy-to-learn karate defense responses to an armed assailant. Comprising chapters on dealing with club and stick attacks, blade and sharp edged weapon attacks and multiple armed assailants, this volume presents a realistic approach to dealing with armed attackers for those with a full understanding of karate fundamentals and acquaintance with the basics of weapon usage.Mastery of the responses in this martial arts manual will not make the reader invincible in personal encounters, but will provide a ready repertoire of techniques and understanding of principles needed in dealing with a wide variety of attacks by armed assailants.

“The authors do not purport to turn out a legion of female karate experts. They have selected responses for the average woman and…are generous with advice and warning. They have worked out terse descriptions of the action in each instance so that it can be rapidly grasped.” — Mainichi Shimbun newspaperPractical Karate: Self-Defense for Women is the fifth volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn DraegerWritten primarily for women, the karate techniques in this volume are equally useful for men and children — anyone in a situation where the assailant possess a physical advantage. Included in this volume are chapters dealing with simple hand and wrist seizures, partial body seizures, and full embrace seizures.Although the methods set out in this martial arts manual do not require an extensive background in karate training, the authors recommend that the reader consult other volumes of the Practical Karate series, as well.

Most books on karate usually do not provide complete, detailed instructions and illustrations-the fundamentals plus the fine points-that readers hope for. This book fills the gaps left by others. The late Master Masatoshi Nakayama, chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association, left this book as a testament. It reveals 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

This book complements volume 3 of this series and, like the earlier volume, includes writings of masters of the martial arts to guide the student toward spiritual awareness and mental maturity. It places kumite in perspective, relating it to training as a whole. This book complements volume 3 of this series and, like the earlier volume, includes writings of masters of the martial arts to guide the student toward spiritual awareness and mental maturity. It places kumite in perspective, relating it to training as a whole.

Two kata from the recommended list: Gankaku-crane standing on a rock-a name descriptive of this kata, which has techniques for striking upward or downward with either hand while standing on one foot. Here are dazzling techniques for counterattacking with the back-fist or side kick. In the Jion kata there are many crisp, flowing movements, but within these calm, harmonious movements are strong, spirited techniques appropriate for mastering shifting positions, changing directions and sliding the feet.