From the
KONJAKU SHIN 
NATIONAL SCHOOL OF KARATE

Price
£39.00
Free Postage
(UK Only)

With this Book Mr. Kendall guides the student from the first tentative steps as a Karate-ka through to the heights of Shodan while at all times emphasizing proper attitude and etiquette. It will be invaluable as a reference for all those who study the way of Karate. The beginner will find it absorbing and demanding, those nearing Black belt will find it useful to continue reminding themselves of the ground they have already covered. Those who have reached the level of becoming instructors themselves will have a ready tool with which to assist and guide them.

Contents:

Introduction:

The Shotokan Karate International Federation (S.K.I.F.) is represented by teachers and students (karate-ka) in branches in over 80 countries worldwide. I have written this book for Shotokan's current and future students who will proceed through various grading requirements as part of their karate training. I have attempted to convey as accurately as possible the methods, techniques, and ideas that will be directly examined in the study of Karate.

Whilst I have focused on providing guidance for those students below the level of black belt, it is my hope that senior students and instructors will find it a useful teaching aid, in conjunction with their own methods and ideas.

I have concentrated on the physical side of training in order to give practical aid to students. It is my sincere hope, however, that you will no confine your efforts to the improvement of physical technique with the sole aim of acquiring belts, but strive to embrace the true meaning of Karate-Do; that is, to improve your character - to become a better person. In this respect, you should always remember that every minute of every day offers an opportunity to improve - the whole world is your Dojo!

Finally, all students should remember that, whilst this book may be of some assistance, nothing is more important to your continued and steady improvement in Karate, than plain, old fashioned hard work.

The journey of a thousand miles starts from beneath your feet.
- Tao Te Ching

Kihon (basic techniques):

Sensei's Wong and Kwok leading the Kihon section at the HK Honbu Dojo

The basic techniques of Karate consist of punching, striking, kicking and blocking. These essential elements require countless repetitions in order to become effective and to create a firm foundation from which to proceed to higher levels.

If practised correctly, the basics (Kihon) will enhance not only the physical aspects of training but also the mental. This is achieved by trying to make every movement better than the preceeding one. The Karate-ka must concentrate on each technique whole-heartedly irrespective of fatigue. It is through this accumulated effort that one trains the spirit.

If one tries to avoid this repetitious training in favor of practising the more elaborate aspects first, then he/she will find that progress in all things will be slow and difficult. This can be seen during examinations for example, where many beginners ahow spirit on only the first and last technique. In a set of five movements however, one must pay equal attention to every technique.

Remember that one must never rush the movements but go only as fast as one is able to go with correct execution. Through practice, this will then lead to correct understanding of the technique itself.

We all seem to understand "Reaching our goals",
but few people understand "Never give up".
-Kensho Furuya

Kata (formal exercise):

Sensei Murakami demonstrating yoko kekomi from the advanced kata Nijushiho

At the heart of Karate-Do lies the formal exercise or Kata. These are sequences of individual movements linked together in order to practise defensive and offensive techniques, employing the fundamental blocks, strikes, punches, and kicks against one or more imaginary opponents. Great emphasis is placed on the perfection of every aspect of the exercise, including correct form, breathing, timing, focus, and balance.

When one learns a new kata it should be practiced wholeheartedly until the movements become second nature. One should then study the basic applications so that one has some idea of what he/she is doing, which will aid in achieving the natural rythmn of the kata. Each breath must coincide with each movement, but above all else one must never cease to thoroughly practice the basics, without which the performance of quality kata is unattainable.

 

The 10 Kata demonstrated in this book are as follows:
1) HEIAN SHODAN 2) HEIAN NIDAN 3) HEIAN SANDAN 4) HEIAN YONDAN 5) HEIAN GODAN	6) TEKKI SHODAN 7) BASSAI DAI 8) JION 9) ENPI 10) KANKU DAI

In addition, Sensei Manabu Murakami will demonstrate the advanced Kata
NIJUSHIHO

When there is no conflict in your mind,
then you are really living.
This is the true gift the Karate can give us.
-Teruyuki Okazawi

 
Kumite (sparring):

Sensei Andrew Large swiftly avoids a Jodan Mawashi Geri delivered from Sensei Freddie Chung

In Kata training you will learn a wide variety of offensive and defensive techniques employed against imaginary opponents.

Kumite goes a step further by putting these techniques into practice whilst being faced with a real attack, one student attacking whilst the other defends. This develops fighting spirit, timing, distancing, focus, proper breathing, and body evasion. Kumite is organized into different types, progressing in complexity according to the students grade.

 

 

1) GO HON KUMITE 2) SAN BON KUMITE 3) KIHON IPPON KUMITE 4) JIYU IPPON KUMITE 5) JIYU KUMITE

5 step sparring 3 step sparring 1 step sparring 1 step semi free sparring free sparring

 

"This is a fine book by Andy Kendall; a book which will be a valuable addition to any karateka's library - regardless of association; for not only does it feature the complete S.K.I.F. syllabus broken down into fine detail, it also lays great emphasis on the correct attitude and behavior expected of a karate-ka: dojo etiquette, correct way to kneel and bow, tie your belt; all this is covered and more."

Dave Kershaw 7th Dan