Most books on karate usually do not provide complete, detailed instructions and illustrations-the fundamentals plus the fine points-that readers hope for. This book fills the gaps left by others.
The late Master Masatoshi Nakayama, chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association, left this book[...]

This volume is one of a series presenting all karate and "kumite" practiced by the Japan Karate Association. Each chapter contains photographs of an instructor of the Association executing a certain technique.[...]

All the basic points of karate arranged systematically for effective learning, step by step--the parts of the body used as natural weapons, the stances, how to block, how to attack, introduction to the kata and to kumite.
The fundamentals as presented in this volume, briefly but accurately, are [...]

Two kata from the recommended list: Gankaku-crane standing on a rock-a name descriptive of this kata, which has techniques for striking upward or downward with either hand while standing on one foot. Here are dazzling techniques for counterattacking with the back-fist or side kick.
In the Jion ka[...]

These advanced kata may be selected for testing above shodan level. The techniques in Bassai Sho, using sword hand, ridge hand and tiger mouth, make good defenses against stick attacks. In Kanko Sho are many counter-attacks to the upper level. Chinte has unique techniques, the rarely seen tateken, a[...]

In kumite (sparring) basic techniques are sharpened and body movement and distancing acquired through practical application. This volume explains the types and meaning of kumite and the relation between jiyu kumite and basic training in fundamentals.
Demonstrated by instructors of the Japan Kara[...]

Kata, the formal exercises of karate training, were the essence of practice in Okinawa and China, and are the core training method even today.
Detailed here in 1500 sequential photos are the five Heian and three Tekki kata, mastery of which is necessary to attain first dan.
Demonstrated by t[...]