David L. Mitchell (1) (1944–)

This unique book is the first known to exist on the new fighting art and combat sport of freestyle karate: the refinement and development of a classical martial art to the pont that it now enjoys worldwide participation.

With origins in the karate practitioners of America, freestyle broke new ground by taking aspects of the old techniques and refining them according to their own rules, importantly involving new methods of restraint and adapting judo and aikido moves to elaborate and expand freestyle to an all-embracing system. The book is both a history of he movement and a practical handbook showing and explaining what to do, with comprehensive detail on all major aspects of the activity: stance, punching and kicking, blocking and sparring techniques are all described in clear text and illustrated with crisp photography, as well as guidance to the philosophical demands of freestyle karate.

The first evaluation of the new variant of karate techniques will be welcomed by freestylers as the definitve reference to their art, whilst traditional classicists will recognise their own form as the roots of the new karate movement.

Trained in martial arts form an early age, the author's name is well known in the karate world through posts on the Martial Arts Commission and English Karate Counciil, and is now an honorary member of the World Union of Karate Organisations. Active in getting karate recognised as an Olympic sport he has written extensively for international martial art publications and now lives in Lancashire.

Freestyle karate is a term from America where karate practitioners took aspects of the sport and refined them according to their own rules. The freestyle form is based on the central principles of karate but the actual moves have been continually adapted to be more elaborate and advanced. This book provides a critical evaluation of this sub-variant of karate techniques. It provides details of technique alongside photography showing and explaining what to do.

Contents

Foreword
Chapter 1 A short history of karate and its development
Chapter 2 A philosophy of karate practice
Cahpter 3 Getting the best from karate training
Chapter 4 Working with stances
Chapter 5 Developing high-energy punches
Chaptre 6 Developing effective striking techinques
Chapter 7 Freestyle kicking techniques
Cahpter 8 Foot sweeps and hooks
Chapter 9 Freestyle blocking techniques
Chapter 10 Combination techniques
Cahpter 11 Throws, hold-downs and locks in freestyle karate
Chapter 12 Effective sparring
A freestyle grading syllabus… (más)

Kicking techniques are used extensively in many martial arts and, whereas skill in hand techniques is quickly acquired, kicks need a great deal more practice. Many martial artists become aware that they are not getting it right, but can't identify the problem.

Combat Kick Techniques looks at the verious types ofkicks used in the major martial arts andshows how they can be perfected. Each kick is minutely examined and its application explained in detail. Ways of making each kick more effective are suggested nd special training drills are put forward to improve both skill andpower.

Combat Kick Techniques is the first book to take the best frm each of the martial arts and put it together in a way that is valuable to all martial artists, regardless of the discipline they practise.

David Michell is the ex-general secretary of the Martial Arts Commission, the chairman of the English Karate Council, the secretary of the British Karate Federation and a member of the directing committees of the world and European karate governing bodies. He is a 4th dan in karate, with considerable experiece in all four major karate styles, and is the author of several practical handbooks and training manuals on karate, WTF taekwondo and kung fu.

Backed by the Martial Arts Commission.

Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 Preparing to practice
2 Training aids
3 Developing power
4 Fitness training
5 Front kick
6 Front stamping and barring kicks
7 Groin kick
8 Roundhouse kick
9 The side kick
10 Back kick
11 Reverse roundhouse kick
12 Axe kick
13 The circling kicks
14 Footsweeps and hoooks
15 The jumping kicks
16 Blocking techniques using the feet
17 Safe training hints
Other books of interest… (más)

Covering karate, kendo, kung fu, judo and aikido-as well as the less known martial disciplines of budo, hapkido, the Thai martial arts, and many more-this book is an ideal introduction for the novice and a comprehensive survey for the more experienced. Illustrated with 150 superb line drawings, including the history, basic moves, principles, equipment and terminology of each, The Overlook Martial Arts Handbook is a thorough overview to the study of these anceint discipines. And for those interested in pursuing a martial arts discipline, a full list of addresses for clubs and organizations is provided. The Overlook Martial Arts Handbook provides an opportunity to develop mind and body to a perfect pitch of mental fitness and is, quite simply, the most authoritative, accurate and reliable guide to the sport ever produced.

David Mitchell was chairman of the British Karate Control Commission, a member of the Directing Committee of the European and World Karate Organizations, and is the author of many books on martial arts. He holds a black belt.

Contents

Introduction
Japan
1 The weapon arts-Kobudo; Kendo; Iaido; Kyudo; Ninjitsu
2 Jiu jitsu
3 Aikido
4 Karate
5 Kempo-Shorinji kempo; Nippon kempo
China
Kung fu
Korea
1 The classic arts-Hwarang-do; Hapkido; Tang soo do
2 Taekwondo--The modern Korean art
Other martial arts
1 Full contact
2 Others-Thai boxing; Viet vo dao; Mersilat; Escrima
Glossary… (más)

Increasing numbers of children ages twelve and under are now joining martial arts classes, and their parents are realizing the benefits of these ancient arts in improving not only fitness but also children's safety and self-reliance in an unpredictable world.

This fully-illustrated, how-to manual outlines the taching of safe and fun martial arts techniques to children. It addresses such questions as:

How to decide if a child is old enough to take up martial arts.
What to look for in classes and instructors.
What martial arts styles are most protective of young bodies.
How to keep children's motivation levels high and keep the young marital artist practicing.

This comprehensive manual also includes instructions for games and exercises, guaranteed to keep the young martial artist interested and motivated thoughout his or her martial arts career.

'This is a book every parent whose children want to follow the way of the warrior should read before they sign on the dotted line for thousands of dollars worth of instruction. This well-illustrated volume is must reading before you shop for a martial art for your child.'-The Indianapolis News

'This fully illustrated source book provides the answers to such questions as what to look for in a safe training facility and how to decide which of the many disciplines is right for each child.'-Fighting Woman News

'Mitchell, a British martial arts expert, gives helpful information in this well-illustrated book.'-Library Journal

David Mitchell has served as the chairman of the Martial Arts Commission in England, and is a member of the Directing Committee of the European an World Karate Organizations. Mitchell, who holds a black belt, is the author of numerous books based on martial arts, including The Overlook Martial Arts Handbook.

Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Fitness & the young martial artist
Fitness games I
Fitness games II
Basic skills I
Basic skills II
Basic skills III
Getting started
The syllabus
Glossary
Index… (más)