Welcome To Karate: Unlocking the Wisdom of the Beginner's Mind

by Bruce Costa, Teruyuki Okazaki (Foreword by)

Overview

Welcome To Karate offers what you need to begin successful martial arts training

Welcome To Karate is a curricular guide and sourcebook for new karate students.

We will introduce you to dojo principles, traditions, etiquette, and involvement along with technical support for the variety of materials that you will encounter during your first months in a traditional karate dojo.

• Stances
• Kicks
• Blocks
• Body Shifting
• Strikes
• Sparring

All of the techniques relevant to your rank are clearly explained and accompanied by anecdotes, history, humor, and encouragement.

Inside this book discover:

• How to prepare before your first visit to a dojo
• Technical descriptions and drills for self-training
• Reinforcement of experiences
• Contemplative reasoning, funny stories, and empathy for your challenges
• A fundamental karate glossary and pronunciation guide
• And much more

Sensei Costa will arm you with necessary insights before a class—and reinforce your training experiences after class—to drive your enthusiastic return to the dojo time and time again.

Welcome To Karate keeps you focused on your goals each step of the way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594398414
Publisher:	YMAA Publication Center
Publication date:	09/01/2021
Series:	Welcome to Karate , #1
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	1,027,803
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Bruce Costa is a fifth degree black belt in Shotokan Karate under Grand Master Teruyuki Okazaki. Costa is the founder and chief instructor of Granite Forest Dojo, specializing in traditional karate instruction, mindfulness meditation, philanthropic fundraising, and community-building. He was an internationally recognized trade author and speaker for Marvel Comics before becoming a full-time freelance columnist, feature writer, and storyteller. Bruce Costa resides in Perkasie, PA.

Grand Master Teruyuki Okazaki is founder of the International Shotokan Karate Federation.

Table of Contents

Foreword Teruyuki Okazaki vii

Gratitude xi

How to Use This Book xiii

A Style Guide xv

Banzai! xvi

Chapter 1 What Is Karate? 1

Chapter 2 Empty Your Mind 5

Dojo Etiquette 6

Comportment 7

Bowing 9

The Dojo Floor 12

Class Structure 14

"Mokuso!" 16

"Dojo Kun!" 20

Arriving Late 22

The Zen of Giving Service 24

Dojo Etiquette Guide 27

Chapter 3 Basic Techniques 29

Seven Aspects of Kihon 30

Chapter 4 Stances 33

Shizen Tai 34

Heiko Dachi 37

Musubi Dachi 38

Zenkutsu Dachi 39

Kokutsu Dachi 41

Chapter 5 Blocking 43

Age Uke 44

Chudan Soto Ude Uke 45

Barai Uke 46

Shuto Uke 47

Chapter 6 Striking 49

Making a Fist 50

Choku Tzuki 52

Gyaku Tzuki 54

Kezami Tzuki 55

Kentsui 57

Shuto Uchi 58

Chapter 7 Kicking 59

Mae Geri Keage 60

Chapter 8 Body Shifting 65

Hip Rotation 66

C-Step 67

Uke and Tzuki with C-Step 69

Mawate 71

Chapter 9 Sparring 73

The Value of Structure in Sparring 75

Aiming 77

Regions of the Body 77

Sambon Kumite 79

Chapter 10 Kata: Heian Shodan 85

Focus Points for Heian Shodan 88

Chapter 11 Encouragements 95

Awaken to your Imaginary Opponent 96

Develop the Nobility of Zanshin 98

Smile 98

Appendix 1 Written Exam 101

Appendix 2 Practical Exam 105

Appendix 3 Ranking 109

Appendix 4 Your Uniform 113

Homage: The Mountain 119

Postscript 127

Glossary 131

Pronunciation Guide 135

Student Journal 139

About the Author 149