Martial instruction, both in print and in person, tends to focus on stances and finishing positions. But dynamics, motion, sensation . . . they are karate's connective tissue-and they are the heart of this book. Karate Science: Dynamic Movement will help you understand the mechanics of the human body.
Swanson describes these principles in incredible detail, drawing on examples from several styles of karate, as well as aikido, taekwondo, and judo. Whatever your martial background, applying this knowledge will make your techniques better, stronger, and faster.
Understand the major types of techniques, including their outward appearances and internal feelings
Master the core principles behind these feelings
Learn the biomechanics and dynamics of core movement
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Robin Rielly
Foreword by James Field
Acknowledgments
PART 1: The Techniques and How to Do Them
CHAPTER 1: An Introduction and How to Use This Book
CHAPTER 2: The Four Fundamental Requirements of Martial Arts
CHAPTER 3: With What and How Do I Make a Hitting Surface?
CHAPTER 4: Stances, the Body Postures of Karate
CHAPTER 5: The Dynamics of Stances
CHAPTER 6: Tsuki: Thrusting Techniques
CHAPTER 7: Keri: Kicking Techniques
CHAPTER 8: Uchi: Striking Techniques
CHAPTER 9: Uke: Blocking Techniques
CHAPTER 10: Kuzushi: Techniques of Breaking Balance
PART 2: Principles of Karate Techniques
CHAPTER 11: How the Body Works: Joints and Muscles
CHAPTER 12: How the Body Works: Balance
CHAPTER 13: Biomechanics: How Do I Hit Something Hard?
PART 3: Internal Movement of Karate
CHAPTER 14: If I Jiggle My Hips, Do I Hit Someone Harder? Hip Vibration
CHAPTER 15: Hit Them Like a Steam Train: Using Body Shifting to Generate Translational Power
CHAPTER 16: Rockin’ and Rollin’: Rotation of the Body to Create Power, Coordination of Movement, and Superior Body Position
CHAPTER 17: Breathing: The Key to Coordination
CHAPTER 18: How Do I Hit Things and Not Fall Over? Keage, Kekomi, and Ate
CHAPTER 19: Is There Equipment That Can Help Me?
CHAPTER 20: Conclusion
Index
About the Author
About the Illustrator
About the Author :
J.D. Swanson holds a PhD in Integrative Biosciences from The Pennsylvania State University and is a sixth-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. A graduate of the official ISKF Instructor Trainee Program, he is qualified as an instructor, examiner, and judge, and has trained under Okazaki, Yaguchi, Rielly, and Ubl Sensei. He currently serves as Technical Director for Hombu Dojo Karate International–USA (HDKI-USA) and is regularly invited to teach karate both in the Unted States and internationally.
Swanson began his martial arts training in 1980 in his native New Zealand and later moved to the United States. Alongside his martial career, he has built a distinguished professional life in higher education and public service. Professionally, Swanson is a Professorial Lecturer in the School of Public Affairs at American University, where he teaches executive leadership. Beyond the classroom, he is a scientist and organizational leader whose work focuses on building research and innovation capacity at the national level. He previously spent fifteen years as a tenured professor, teaching across the biological sciences and mentoring students in both academic and extracurricular settings. J.D. Swanson resides in Northern Virginia.
Review :
“Swanson’s debut is a scientific guide to the stances, movements, and techniques of karate.”
“Swanson, a professor of biology and biomechanics at Salve Regina University, uses his scientific training to help teachers and students better understand the tenets of karate. The many illustrations (ably provided by Nigro) show everything from proper alignment of a striking surface (say, a fist or a foot) to how one’s body should move from the beginning to the end of a thrust.
The first part of the book focuses on technique, with sections on stances, thrusting, kicking, striking, and blocking. The guide does more than demonstrate how positions should look; Swanson takes the time to explain how each should feel and which muscle groups should be engaged throughout the process. The second part explains the science behind how our joints and muscles work, as well as how the body keeps its balance. This section also includes a brief primer on ‘the application of kinesiological principles to karate,’ which outlines ways to get more force into moves by increasing mass, and, crucially, speed. The last section deals with the notion of ‘internal movement,’ essentially a system of muscle retraction and countermoves that aid in perfecting efficient and powerful techniques. While many students mistakenly think of this process as simply hip wiggling, Swanson shows that the process is more focused on intra-abdominal pressure, and he explains how the proper tensioning and contracting of certain muscles are key to quick and powerful movements. Swanson’s writing is clear and informative, and his pure love of the art shines through. This book is not for karate neophytes, and the terms used will be confusing to unfamiliar readers. But for teachers and students who want to not only perfect techniques, but also understand the biology behind them, the book will be an invaluable aid.”
“An informative guide for those looking to enhance their karate training.”
—Kirkus Reviews
