awesome collection of historical information and good guide to many exercises

the partner exercises were especially interesting, though a few of the weights had surprising uses as well ( )

'Michael Clarke has captured the secret of traditional karate power.'-Kinjo Tsuneo, Kyoshi 8th dan

Adding power to the fighting techniques of karate

Hojo undo means 'supplementary training,' and using these tools is the key for developing the devastating power of karate techniques. Without hojo undo training, a practitioner cannot reach the profound strength levels required for a lifetime of karate training.

This book details how to construct and use many training tools, provides accurate mechanical drawings, comprehensive training methods, and discusses the historical context to understand why hojo undo was created in 'old' Okinawa.

Warm up exercises.
Detailed construction drawings.
Build your own hojo undo tools!
Learn how to use the tools to develop devastating power.
Link your increased power to fighting techniques.
Hear what Okinawan Masters say about hojo undo training.

'Clarke is an honorable man of karate...I highly recommend this book.'-Hokama Tetsuhiro, Kaicho 10th dan

'I recommend this book...It is a valuable asset for learning how the tools are used as an extension of training.'-Akamine Horishi, Kaicho 8th dan

'I can't think of a single person anywhere in the world better suited to introduce this subject, and I higly recomend The Art of Hojo Undo: Power Training for Traditional Karate to teachers and students alike.'-Paterick McCarthy, Hanshi 8th dan

'A serious writer...of great value to anyone who wishes to understand traditional karate-do.'-John Cheetham, Editor, Shotokan Karate Magazine

Michael Clarke, Kyoushi 7th dan, Okinawan Gojuu-ryu, has trained in karate since 1973. He has written over two hunded articles for internaitnal martial arts magazines and authored three books. A young 'street fighter' in England who became a disciplined student of budo in Okinawa, Clarke enthusiastically teaches traditional goju-ryu karate in his dojo near Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.

Contents

Foreword by Tsuneo Kinjo, Hyoshi 8th dan
Foreword by Tetsuhiro Hokama, Kaichi 10th dan
Foreword by Hiroshi Akamine, Kaicho 8th dan
Foreword by Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi 8th dan
Preface
Acknowledgments
Photographic credits
1 Introduction
Karate beyond Okinawa
2 Preparation exercises
About Junbi Undo
Junbi Undo preparation exercises
3 Lifting tools
Makiagi-wrist roller
Chiishi-strengthen stones
Single-handle chiishi
Double-handle chiishi
Nigiri gami-gripping jars
Tan-barbell
Ishisashi-stone lock
Kongoken-large iron ring
Tetsu geta-iron sandal
4 Impact tool
Makiwara-striking post
Tou-bamboo bundle
Jari Bako-sand box
Ude kitae-pounding post
Kakite bikei-blocking post
5 Body conditioning exercises
Ude Tanren-two-person conditioning exercises
Ippon Uke Barai-One-step blocking practice
Sandan Uke Barai-Three-step blocking practice
Wrist rotation
6 Auxiliary exercises
Push-ups
Cat stretch
Sit-up and punch
Resistance punching
Leg resistance
Body catch and push
Heavy squats
Leg lift and push
Stand-ups
Fireman's lift and squat
Back lift and stretch
7 Other tools and methods
8 Comments on hojo undo from Okinawan karate masters
A last word
Endnotes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
About the author