Karate Science Dynamic Movement

by Swanson, J. D.; Nigro, Sam

• ISBN13: 9781594394591
• ISBN10: 1594394598
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781594394607
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2017-03-04
• Publisher: Ymaa Publication Center
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

Dynamics, motion, and sensation are karate's connective tissue—and they are the heart of this book.

As a lifelong student of martial arts, J. D. Swanson, PhD, had searched through piles of books on form and function. Stand here, they said. Step there. But where movement was concerned, not one of them went deep enough. No one discussed dynamics—the actual feeling of the moves.
Martial instruction, both in print and in person, tends to focus on stances and finishing positions. But dynamics, motion, sensation . . . they are karate's connective tissue—and they are the heart of this book.

Karate Science: Dynamic Movement will help you understand the mechanics of the human body. Swanson describes these principles in incredible detail, drawing on examples from several styles of karate, as well as aikido, taekwondo, and judo. Whatever your martial background, applying this knowledge will make your techniques better, stronger, and faster.

• Understand the major types of techniques, including their outward appearances and internal feelings.
• Master the core principles behind these feelings.
• Learn the biomechanics and dynamics of core movement.

Karate Science: Dynamic Movementis filled with examples, anecdotes, and beautiful illustrations. Although Shotokan karate is the author's frame of reference, the principles of human mechanics translate to all martial styles.
This book features

• Clear and insightful explanations of dynamic movement.
• Over 100 illustrations.
• Profound but accessible analysis of the kihon, or fundamentals of Shotokan karate.

“Karate Science: Dynamic Movement is rooted in the teachings of the masters,” Swanson says. “This book nucleates that knowledge, clarifying and distilling the key principles behind movement dynamics. This is the next evolution of karate books.”

Author Biography

J. D. Swanson holds a PhD in integrative biosciences and a fifth-degree black belt from the International Shotokan Karate Federation. He is an official ISKF instructor, examiner, and judge, having studied under both Okazaki and Yaguchi sensei. Swanson began his martial studies in 1980 in his native New Zealand. He moved to the United States in 1998. He is a professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Salve Regina University and the head instructor of the Shotokan karate clubs at Brown and Salve Regina Universities. J. D. Swanson resides in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgments


Part I: The Techniques and How to Do Them 6
Chapter 1: An Introduction and How to Use this Book
Chapter 2: The Four Fundamental Requirements of Martial Arts
Chapter 3: With What and How Do I Make a Hitting Surface?
Chapter 4: Stances, the Body Postures of Karate
Chapter 5: The Dynamics of Stances
Chapter 6: Zuki: Thrusting Techniques
Chapter 7: Keri: Kicking Techniques
Chapter 8: Uchi: Striking Techniques
Chapter 9: Uke: Blocking Techniques
Chapter 10: Kuzushi: Techniques of Breaking Balance


Part II: Principals of Karate Techniques
Chapter 11: How the Body Works: Joints and Muscles
Chapter 12 How the Body Works: Balance
Chapter 13: Biomechanics: How do I Hit Something Hard?


Part III: Internal Movement of Karate
Chapter 14: If I Juggle my Hips do I Hit Someone Harder? Hip Vibration
Chapter 15: Hit Them Like a Steam Train: Using Body Shifting to Generate Translational Power
Chapter 16: Rockin' and Rollin': Rotation of the Body to Create Power, Coordination of Movement, and Superior Body Position
Chapter 17: Breathing: The Key to Co-ordination
Chapter 18: How Do I Hit Things and Not Fall Over? Keage, Kekomi, and Ate
Chapter 19: Is there equipment that can help me?
Chapter 20: Conclusions


About the Author
About the Illustrator