Ken Singleton

An Introduction to Karate provides the basic information essental to a beginner in this Japanese martial art.

Second dan black belt Ken Singleton dispels the common misconception that karate is purely a system of self defence, and explains how it promotes good health and helps us to understand and come to terms with ourselves and the world around us.

This comprehensive introduction also covers:

How karate is taught and learned.
History and philosophy.
Basic principles and techniques.
Karate as an Eastern art and karate in the West.

Contents

Preface
1 Introduction and history
China
Okinawa
Japan-Funakoshi Gichin; he 1930s a decade of change; The 1940s to the present
2 Karate: Sport or art?
Karate and Western sport
Karate as a sport
Karate as an art
3 Practical aspects
The student
The dojo
Purity
Etiquette
Equipment-Gi; Belt; Makiwara
The teacher
'Teaching'
Exercises
Women
A 'sport' for all
Grades and gradings
4 Basic principles
Control-Control of the person; Control of techniques
Hara
Kiai and breathing
Mushin
Kata
Basics (kihon)
Kumite
Conclusion
5 Reference sectin
Glossary of terms
Further reading (bibliography)
Useful addresses
Index… (altro)