The Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate

Learn all about the art of karate with The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Karate, including: • Simple tips for mastering the ancient Japanese martial art of karate • Behind-the-scenes looks at tournaments and competitions • Down-to-earth advice on how to strike, whether it be with fists or feet “The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Karate is a witty, inspiring, and user-friendly book... this book is not only for beginners; it is equally useful for advanced karate students.”—Stan Schmidt, Karate Master of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), Member of the JKA Shihankai (World Council of Masters) Interested in the Japanese martial art of karate, but just haven't gotten around to taking a class? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate follows up our other proven guides to martial arts. This is one of the most popular sports for young adults and grown-ups alike. This CIG has: -- Lots of instructional photos to take the reader step by step through the process of learning karate. -- Information on using karate for self-defense, fitness, and just plain kicking the blues away. -- Practical advice on how to use karate to control anger and fear. -- Blow-by-blow descriptions of the various black belt ranks and how to achieve them. -- Information on karate schools -- where you can go to get the most "punch" for your dollar. -- Answers on what to do if you feel you've mastered the sport and want to take it to the next level -- competing! -- Background information on the history of karate in Japan, and how it became the popular sport it is today. You're no idiot, of course. You know how important it is to find an activity that exercises both your body and your mind. But you've given up on yoga, dropped out of cardio-kickboxing, and decided that aerobics just doesn't cut it. You'd love to try karate, but just thinking about all those fancy kicks and chops makes your head spin. Don't kick back just yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate includes tons of easy-to-understand information on this exciting martial art. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get: --Invaluable insights into the student-teacher relationship. A look at the history of karate in Japan and the United States. Expert advice on choosing a karate school. Idiot-proof strategies for mastering different stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. Simple ways to ward off injury in class and in competition