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Karate
by Randall G. Hassell and Edmond Otis
201 West 103rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46290
A Pearson Education Company
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To the memory of A.R. “Dick” Allen, my friend, mentor, and true believer.
—Randall G. Hassell
To my instructor, Ray Dalke, who, after 30 years, continues to teach me
karate. —Edmond Otis
Copyright © 2000 by Randall G. Hassell and Edmond Otis
All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys-
tem, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is as-
sumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and authors
assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, ad-
dress Alpha Books, 201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of
Pearson Education.
International Standard Book Number: 0-7865-4238-1
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: Available upon request.
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Note:This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its authors. It is intended to
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Contents at a Glance
Part 1: Let’s Try Karate 1
1 Why Try Karate? 3
Not only is the art of karate an incredibly effective means
of self-defense, but it is also an intense, full-body exercise;
a philosophy of life; and for millions of people around the
world, an exciting competitive sport.
2 The Roots and Branches of Karate-Do 13
The word karate means “empty hand.” It is an art with a
long and noble history. The many different ways that it is
practiced today are the result of hundreds of years of de-
velopment and study.
3 Karate Fitness Power: The Art of Contrast 25
Karate practice can produce a superb level of total physical
fitness. Not only that, but karate teaches mental disci-
pline, emotional self-control, and, most important, how
to harness ki, life’s vital force.
4 Kick the Cobwebs Out of Your Head 41
Karate’s code of conduct provides a framework to face
life’s many challenges. Additionally, its structure is great
for kids, giving them healthy goals, an outlet for excess
energy, and tools for developing self-discipline.
Part 2: Let’s Get Started 53
5 Find the Right School 55
Be a smart consumer. In this chapter, you’ll find practical
guidelines for recognizing a good school and a good deal.
You’ll also get tips on distinguishing a good teacher from
a bad one.
6 Welcome to the Dojo 67
In karate, tradition is important, and manners are crucial.
We’ll give you an overview of how to act, what to do, and
what to expect when you first walk through the doors of a
dojo.
7 Dressed to Kill: The Uniform 81
The karate uniform allows you freedom of movement and
helps you become part of the group. How you wear it says
a lot about you and your school.
Part 3: Let’s Get Moving 95
8 How to Practice Karate 97
Get an overview of the goals, practices, and principles of
karate training. We give you the bottom line on what
you’ll be doing and why you’ll be doing it.
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9 Stand Up for Yourself: Stances 113
Stances make or break karate’s techniques. They are the
basis for your strength, speed, movement, stability, agility,
timing, and distance. (Yep, that’s just about everything.)
10 The Building Blocks of Self-Defense 125
The blocks—hard, soft, sweeping, or circular—keep you
safe if you’re attacked. They also give you the critical time
you need to either escape or counterattack.
11 Punching In 137
Punching is karate’s first line of defense and its most
frequently used and versatile technique.
12 Striking Out 147
Striking is a valuable weapon that provides 360-degrees of
effectiveness. These techniques either whip, snap, or lock.
13 Kicking Back 157
Whether used high or low, kicks are fast, powerful, and
versatile. They increase your effective range tremendously.
What’s more, like striking, you can kick to the front, side,
and back.
Part 4: Let’s Pull It All Together 169
14 Karate’s Dynamic Deadly Dances of Death: Kata 171
Kata are ancient sets of movements that are loaded with
hidden self-defense techniques. Additionally, they give you
challenging and beautiful ways to practice karate’s most
important concepts.
15 Sparring: It’s Different When You’re Face to Face 181
Ultimately, your goal is to be able to use karate sponta-
neously and without hesitation. Karate’s many sparring
methods take you there, step by step.
16 The Ancient Weapons of Karate: Kobudo 199
In ancient times, Okinawan and Japanese farm tools be-
came weapons. Today, mastery of these weapons provides
a whole avenue of martial arts study.
17 Samurai Strategy: Defending Yourself 213
Of course, at its essence, karate is about self-defense. In
today’s complex society, you need to be careful, alert, and
proactive. On the other hand, you just can’t go around
smacking everyone who deserves it.
Part 5: Let’s Test Ourselves: Belts, Rank, and Competition 227
18 All the Colors of the Rainbow 229
You’ll get an overview of what the different colored belts
mean and learn inside information on how the different
testing and ranking systems work.
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19 The Point of the Pyramid: First-Degree Black Belt 243
Everyone wants to be a black belt, but it may not mean
what you think. This is where the real study begins.
20 Duel in the Sun 259
Tournaments are a whole different animal, and they’re
much different now than they used to be. We’ll give you
an overview of karate competition, with an honest evalua-
tion of the pros and cons.
21 Know the Score: There Are Many Ways to Compete 273
Learn how to win (or lose) a competition. Get the com-
plete criteria for scoring the perfect point and performing
the perfect kata from the judge’s point of view.
22 Okay, Just Point Me in the Right Direction 287
Tournaments are the most fun when they are dojo events.
Don’t forget, it isn’t just for the competitors. There’s
something for everyone to do.
Appendixes
A Associations and Federations 295
B Publications and Resources 297
C Glossary 299
D Elements of Technique Evaluation 305
E Novice and Middle-Level Rank Examinations 309
F Self-Defense Safety Tips 313
Index 319
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Contents
Part 1: Let’s Try Karate 1
1 Why Try Karate? 3
Do: Connecting Mind and Body ....................................................3
Jutsu—Learn That There Is a Time and a Place for Everything ......5
The Sporting Life ..........................................................................6
A Thousand Good Reasons, but These Are the Main Ones ........8
Karate Is for Just About Everyone ..................................................8
Kick Fast or Kick Slow ................................................................10
Kick Those Pounds Away! ............................................................10
Kick Those Blues Away! ..............................................................11
2 The Roots and Branches of Karate-Do 13
The Roots and Branches ..............................................................13
From Chinese Court to Rice Paddy ..............................................14
History in a Name ......................................................................15
Kick Hard or Kick Soft ................................................................15
Throw Away Your Weapons and Fight! ........................................16
Going to Japan ............................................................................17
Coming to America ....................................................................19
Spread Throughout the World ....................................................21
Styles, Styles, Styles! ....................................................................21
3 Karate Fitness Power: The Art of Contrast 25
Get Ready: Is Your Body Off-Balance? ........................................26
Be Soft and Be Hard ....................................................................26
Be Slow and Be Fast ....................................................................27
Be Strong and Be Weak ................................................................28
Be Calm and Be Intense ..............................................................28
Be Ready: Is Your Mind Off-Balance? ........................................29
Control Your Anger ......................................................................29
Control Your Fear ........................................................................31
Fear and Anxiety: Control Yourself ..............................................32
The Ki to Success: The Force Is with You ....................................33
Strength from the Gut ..................................................................33
Breathing Is Life, Not Breathing Is … ..........................................34
Focus on This: The “Secret” of Karate ..........................................35
In This Corner, Karate: How It Stacks Up ..................................35
Anaerobic Aerobics ......................................................................36
Throwin’, Kickin’, and Jumpin’ ....................................................37
Stretch, Stretch, Stretch! ..............................................................38
Lift, Push, and Hold ....................................................................38
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The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Karate
4 Kick the Cobwebs Out of Your Head 41
Karate’s Code: The Citizen Warrior ............................................42
Character ....................................................................................42
Sincerity ......................................................................................43
Effort ..........................................................................................43
Etiquette ......................................................................................44
Self-Control ................................................................................46
What’s All the Shouting About? ................................................47
Karate to the Rescue: Kids at Risk ..............................................48
No Teams, No Cuts, No Limits ..................................................49
Up the Academic Ladder ............................................................50
Part 2: Let’s Get Started 53
5 Find the Right School 55
More Than Just Kicks and Punches ............................................55
Is Karate an Art or a Sport? ........................................................56
How Do I Know Which School Is Right for Me? ......................56
It’s All in the Name ....................................................................57
Size Really Doesn’t Matter ..........................................................57
Ask Questions First, Act Later ......................................................58
Getting to the Heart of the School ................................................58
Money Matters ............................................................................59
Watch and Decide ......................................................................60
Is She a Good Instructor? ............................................................61
How Long Are the Classes? ........................................................62
How Much Should It Cost? ........................................................63
Should I Sign a Contract? ............................................................64
Will I Get Hurt? ..........................................................................65
Who Certifies Whom? ................................................................65
6 Welcome to the Dojo 67
The Stuff on the Walls ................................................................67
The Written Rules ........................................................................70
The Unwritten Rules ..................................................................71
Say What, Sensei? ......................................................................72
When to Talk, When to Listen ....................................................72
Try Your Best ................................................................................73
From the Dojo to the Street—Follow the Rules ..........................73
Be Aware ....................................................................................73
Giving It Your All ........................................................................74
Karate Do’s ..................................................................................74
Karate Don’ts ..............................................................................74
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Contents
Scared Stiff: Your First Class ........................................................75
What Happens in Class? ............................................................76
Don’t Be Late! ............................................................................76
When to Bow ..............................................................................77
Hold That Pose! ..........................................................................77
Huh? ..........................................................................................78
Mental Notes and Written Quotes ..............................................78
The End ......................................................................................78
7 Dressed to Kill: The Uniform 81
Looking the Part ..........................................................................82
Color Matters ..............................................................................84
Wrapped and Tied ......................................................................84
Tie It Square ................................................................................87
Going to and From ......................................................................89
What About Size and Style? ........................................................90
What, No Colors? ........................................................................92
Pins and Patches ..........................................................................92
Cleanliness Is Next to Enlightenment ........................................93
Part 3: Let’s Get Moving 95
8 How to Practice Karate 97
Open Eyes and Open Mind ........................................................97
Bowing 101 ..................................................................................98
Standing Bow ..............................................................................99
Sitting Bow ................................................................................100
Up, Down, and Straight Across ..................................................101
My Body Won’t Do That! ........................................................102
If Your Body Is a Temple Build a Good One! ............................102
Getting Looser: You Need to Stretch! ......................................103
Some Basic Rules About Stretching ............................................103
Getting Stronger ........................................................................105
Getting Faster ............................................................................105
Lasting Longer ..........................................................................106
It Takes a Spark ..........................................................................106
Breathe Out Fear, Breathe In Strength ........................................106
The Eyes Have It ......................................................................107
Okay, It’s Time to Throw Your Weight Around ......................107
Twist It! ....................................................................................108
Snap It! ....................................................................................108
Move It! ....................................................................................108
Lift It! ......................................................................................109
Drop It! ....................................................................................109
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