Aryana Libris

Author : Morris Iain
Title : Basic Karate
Year : 1969

Link download : Morris_Iain_-_Basic_Karate.zip

Introduction. The word karate itself literally means "empty hand" (kara empty, te-hand). Althougn many of the earlier origins of the art are traced to China, it owes its development to the inhabitants of Okinawa in the Ryukya islands, some 200 miles to the southwest of Japan. At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the islands were conquered by the Japanese under the Daimyo of Satsuma. Like their Chinese predecessors, the Japanese would not allow the natives to carry weapons of any kind. But for their self-protection against their conquerers, the natives devised and elaborated the system of bare-hand fighting now known as karate. Then, as explained in the new edition of "The Fighting Spirit of Japan", it was the famous Okinawan karate master Funakoshi who later introduced it into Japan itself under the name of karate-do, or the "way" of karate. In this altered name we can see the analogy with judo, in which the word "do", meaning "way, was substituted by the late Dr. Jogoro Kano, the founder of judo, in order to emphasise the ethical basis of his new system of self-defence and physical culture. Judo is called the "way of gentleness", whereas karate is often dubbed "the power way". But is the latter definition justified? Certainly in karate. the full power of the body is employed when a blow IS dealt, but this fact represents only one fa.cet of the truth. It would be incomplete without taking account of the many occasions when small but well-trained karateka have defeated opponents vastly their superior in physical strength, and when karate veterans have easily disposed of powerful but inexperienced youngsters. To close this introduction, I shall summarise the advantages officially claimed for karate : Old people and children, men and women can practise it. It can be practised amost anywhere without special equipment. Given ordinary care, no danger is involved. It can be practised singly or in company with others. Young and old men, both sexes without distinction, even those physically weak, may safely practise it without overtaxing themselves. The katas, or forms, constitute the nucleus of karate practice; but they differ from the katas of judo or sumo in that the performer can regulate the degree of strength needed for their execution. The physically powerful performer can give an exhibition filled with force, while the weak performer can adapt his display to his individual capacity and execute the kata lightly. In this way the limitations of sex are taken into consideration and even when he or she suffers from certain physical disabilities, it is still possible to participate fully in karate practice. Then agam, seemg that there are as many as thirty different katas in modem karate, the performer can choose those to his liking and freely execute a given number. No special premises are required for the practice of karate. If a mat-covered floor is not available an ordinary boarded floor will do as well. An open space, say In a garden or a courtyard, will suffice for the execution of the karate katas. On the other hand, regular dojos (exercise halls) are available in this country for the ever growing number of karate enthusiasts. ...