Karate Science: Dynamic Movement

by J. D. Swanson Ph.D., Sam Nigro (Illustrator)

Overview

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 Movement is 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.

As a lifelong student of martial arts, J. D. Swanson, Ph.D., had searched through piles of books on form and function. "Stand here, step there" they said. But where movement was concerned, none went deep enough. No one was discussing the dynamics―the actual feeling of the moves. Both in print and in live teaching, karate instruction 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 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.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594394591
Publisher:	YMAA Publication Center
Publication date:	03/01/2017
Series:	Martial Science
Pages:	248
Sales rank:	665,464
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

J. D. Swanson holds a Ph.D. 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 Universityand the head instructor of the Shotokan karate clubs at Brown and Salve Regina Universityies. J. D. Swanson resides in Springfield, Virginia.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Robin Rielly

Foreword by James Field

Acknowledgments

PART 1: The Techniques and How to Do Them

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: Tsuki: 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 2: Principles 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 3: Internal Movement of Karate

CHAPTER 14: If I Jiggle 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 Coordination

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: Conclusion

Index

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Editorial Reviews

“Swanson’s debut is a scientific guide to the stances, movements, and techniques of karate.”

“Swanson, a professor of biology and biomechanics at Salve Regina University, uses his scientific training to help teachers and students better understand the tenets of karate. The many illustrations (ably provided by Nigro) show everything from proper alignment of a striking surface (say, a fist or a foot) to how one’s body should move from the beginning to the end of a thrust.

The first part of the book focuses on technique, with sections on stances, thrusting, kicking, striking, and blocking. The guide does more than demonstrate how positions should look; Swanson takes the time to explain how each should feel and which muscle groups should be engaged throughout the process. The second part explains the science behind how our joints and muscles work, as well as how the body keeps its balance. This section also includes a brief primer on ‘the application of kinesiological principles to karate,’ which outlines ways to get more force into moves by increasing mass, and, crucially, speed. The last section deals with the notion of ‘internal movement,’ essentially a system of muscle retraction and countermoves that aid in perfecting efficient and powerful techniques. While many students mistakenly think of this process as simply hip wiggling, Swanson shows that the process is more focused on intra-abdominal pressure, and he explains how the proper tensioning and contracting of certain muscles are key to quick and powerful movements. Swanson’s writing is clear and informative, and his pure love of the art shines through. This book is not for karate neophytes, and the terms used will be confusing to unfamiliar readers. But for teachers and students who want to not only perfect techniques, but also understand the biology behind them, the book will be an invaluable aid.”

“An informative guide for those looking to enhance their karate training.” 

—Kirkus Reviews

 

From the Publisher

2016-12-13
Swanson's debut is a scientific guide to the stances, movements, and techniques of karate. Swanson, a professor of biology and biomechanics at Salve Regina University, uses his scientific training to help teachers and students better understand the tenets of karate. The many illustrations (ably provided by Nigro) show everything from proper alignment of a striking surface (say, a fist or a foot) to how one's body should move from the beginning to the end of a thrust. The first part of the book focuses on technique, with sections on stances, thrusting, kicking, striking, and blocking. The guide does more than demonstrate how positions should look; Swanson takes the time to explain how each should feel and which muscle groups should be engaged throughout the process. The second part explains the science behind how our joints and muscles work as well as how the body keeps its balance. This section also includes a brief primer on "the application of kinesiological principles to karate," which outlines ways to get more force into moves by increasing mass and, crucially, speed. The last section deals with the notion of "internal movement," essentially a system of muscle retraction and countermoves that aid in perfecting efficient and powerful techniques. While many students mistakenly think of this process as simply hip wiggling, Swanson shows that the process is more focused on intra-abdominal pressure, and he explains how the proper tensioning and contracting of certain muscles are key to quick and powerful movements. Swanson's writing is clear and informative, and his pure love of the art shines through. This book is not for karate neophytes, and the terms used will be confusing to unfamiliar readers. But for teachers and students who want to not only perfect techniques, but also understand the biology behind them, the book will be an invaluable aid. An informative guide for those looking to enhance their karate training.

Kirkus Reviews