Teruyuki Okazaki (1931–2020)

Karate has been undergoing a slow transformation since 1922, when Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced this once secret system of Okinawan fighting techniques to Japan as a whole. Certain predictions made by Funakoshi have subsequently been scientifically verified, as this book shows, while others require further study.

Karate today, instead of being viewed solely as a method of self-defense, has come to be appreciated for its health benefits and has become established as a competitive sport practiced throughout the world. This is the first book to explore these changes.

For some the objective of practice has been to master the kata. For others the aim has been shortsighted; they learn only techniques that can be used in sparring. The objective of training advocated in this book is the proper one of all-around development. The systematic, fully illustrated presentation of stances, body control and techniques is, therefore, both deeper and far more incusive than that found in other books. Included are not only skills applicable in kata or kumite but many that have specific conditioning value, for it is only through serious, step-by-step study of all techniques and their meanings that the karate athlete can reach the highest level of performance.

To develop a scientifically sound training method, the authors have carried out investigations over a period of years, taking into account such central factors of sports physiology as the types of muscle fiber and the source of energy-aerobic or anaerobic-used in karate training. Rather than the inflexible approach traditional in karate, they have thought in terms of musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory work to devise comprehensive non-endurance programs adaptable to individuals according to their age and general physical condition.

Intermediate and advanced students will find much of value here, as will instructors for all levels of training and coaches for all stages of competition.

Teruyuki Okazaki was born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, in 1931 and began karate at the age of 16, studying under the noted teachers G. Funakoshi and M. Nakayama. After receiving his B.A. from Takushoku University in Tokyo in 1953, he taught karate at his alma mater, at Tokyo Toritsu University and at Japan's self-defense academy. In 1957 he began training instructors of the Japan Karate Association. In the United States, he established ithe Philadelphia Karate Club in 1961 and taught at Temple University. He is now adjunct professor of health science at Long Island University and chairman and chief instructor of the International Shotokan Karate federation. A holder of the 8th degree black belt, he travels extensively and teaches karate throughout North and South America.

Milorad V. Stricevic was born in Yugoslavia and received his medical degree from Belgrad University in 1967. He began karate in the United states in 1968. Since 1974 he has worked closely with Teruyuki Okazaki, conducting scientific studies to understand and improve the art of karate and traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad, organizing symposiums, seminars and lectures to foster fuller understanding of karate among students as well as instructors. He has been chairman of the medical and science committee of the International Shotokan Karate Federation since its foundation in 1977. Dr. Stricevic is director of the Center for Sports Medicine Specialities at Long Island University, Brooklyn Center, where he is professor of health science and director of the Division of Health-Related Professions.

The ideal way to train in karate is scientifically.

What is the proper time for the performance of a single kata?
What are the roles of warm-up and warm-down periods in karate training?
What are the important factors in designing a comprehensive training program?
How should the competitor schedule his training?
Here for the first time are answers and guidlelinges based on extensive investigations of the phsiological aspects of this ancient art of self-defense.

Contents

Foreword
Introduction
I Training
1 Principles and programs
Source and transmission of power, physiological aspects, training
2 Warm-up, post warmup and warm-down
II Body positions
3 Stances
Purpose, principles and classification, natural stances, fundamental stances, sparring stances
4 Body shifting
Purpose, principles and classification, body shifting in basic techniques, kata and sparring
III Arm techniques
5 Punching technqiues
Definition, target area, principles of force, focusing, fist rotation, classification, stages of practice, hand, forearm and elbow, one-handed punches, two-handed punches
6 Striking technqiues
Definition, target area, classification, fist strikes, open hand strikes, elbow strikes
7 Arm blocking techniques
Definition, flow of action, power and speed, principles of motion, principles of resisting impact, stages of practice, classification, upper level blocks, middle level blocks, lower level blocks
IV Leg techniques
8 Kicking techniques
Definition, target area, clasification, foot and knee, front kicks, side kicks, back kicks
9 Leg sweeping techniques
Definition, purpose, classification, techniques
10 Leg blocking teachniques
Definition, target area, classification, lower leg blocks, heel blocks, foot blocks
V Kata
11 The role of kata in training
Definition, practice and evaluation, classification, representative kata
Appendix A: Research notes
Appendix B: Medical guidance
Bibliography
Glossary
Index… (més)