David Mitchell (3) (1944–)

I found this book to be very informative about different martial arts. However with this book being about 15 years old it is a bit out dated. Some techniques have changed and new styles have been added, also at the end of the book there are addresses that can be written to that may no longer exist.

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 show more 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 show less

The ancient martial arts of Japan, China, and Korea are immensely popular in the West. Theri followers are passionate in their imvolvement. The Complete Book of Martial Arts informs and encourages anyone intersted in learning more about the martial arts as well as those already dedicated to a particular discipine.

There are many differeent schools of martial arts, stressing a wide variety of approaches. Do you know the difference between Thai Chi Chuan and Taekwondo? Can you tell which show more martial arts need suppleness and strength and which need the very minimum of bodily fitness? Which is the best self-defence system for you?

The author David Mitchell traces the history and developoment of the marital arts-so important in the culture of their country of origin. He describes the princiipal charactersitics, selecting key techniques and explaining how these are performed. All the major martial arts are coverd from aikido to kendo, kung fu to Thai boxing-including the best-known, now Olympic sports: judo and karate.

The book includes over 300 color and black and-white illsutrations, over 250 of which were specially commissioned, including many step-by-step sequences featureing leading exponents of each discipine. The Complete Book of Marital Arts is the most authoritative book available on the subject today, providing a fascinating source of knowledge and a multi-martial art training manual.

The author David Mitchell has been chairman of the Welsh Karate Board and the British Karate Control Commission and a member of the Directing Committee of the Eruopean and World Karate Organizations. He has written manybooks on the martial arts and is a regular contributor to martial arts magazines. He holds a black belt in karate.

Contents

Martial arts philosophy
Training
Developing force
Stances
Blocking
Aikido
budo and bujutsu
Full contact
Hapkido
Iai jutsu and iaido
Fighting arts of India and Pakistan
Judo and jiu jitsu
Karate
Kenjutsu and kendo
Kobujutsu and kobudo
Kung fu
Kkyudo
Ninjutsu
Shorinji kempo
Silat
Sumo
Taekwondo
Taiho jutsu
Tang soo do
Thai boxing
Glossary
Index show less

By working on speed, power, suppleness and stamina, every karate student can develop strong and effective techniques. David Mitchell describes how to achieve continuous improvement through balanced exercises and safe training routines, catering for different age groups and for both sexes. As well as explaining simply the principles of acceleration, kinetic energy, impact and recoil, he also describes why an understanding of muscle/joint behaviour is important. He gives advice on strikes, show more punches, blocks and parries, together with useful information on the effect of hip mobility on kicking techniques. Throughout the book great emphasis is placed on correct practice so that injuries may be avoided.

David Mitchell holds a black belt in karate , is a founder member of the Martial Arts Commission, and has collaborated on the World Union Karate's development programme. He s the author of a number of books, including The Martial Arts Coaching Manual.

Contents

Acknowledgements
About the author
Introduction
1 Training in karate
Finding a good club
The training uniform
Gradings
Training
Correct behaviour
Types of training
2 Preparing to train
Warming up
Body preparation
Elite exercises
Strengthening exercises
Weight training and training aids
3 Elite stances
Open-toe stance
Get ready stance
Normal stance
Open stance
Pigeon-toe stance
Hourlass stance
Forward stance
Fighting stance
One foot forward stance
Back stance
Cat stance
Hook stance
One-legged stance
Straddle stance
Movement between stances
4 Basic practice
Making a fist
Practising the basic punch
Thrust punch
Vertical punch
Roundhouse punch
Lunge punch
Reverse punch
Hip twist snap punch
One-knuckle punch
Hammer-fist
Backfist
Back-hand strike
Palm-heel
Half-open fist
Knife-hand
Spear-and
Elbow strikes
5 Elite kicks
The instep
Ball of foot
The heel
Outer foot edge
Inner foot edge
Front kick
One-step front kick
Roundhouse kick
Stamping kick
Side kick to mid-section
One-step side kick
Back kick to mid-section
Front stamping kick
Axe kick
Reverse roundhouse kick
Inside circling kick
Outside circling kick
6 Elite blocking techniques
Forearm blcks
Augmented forearm block
Lower parry
Reverse lower parry
Knife block
The scooping blocks
Double blocks
Blocking with the feet
Blocking theory
7 Combination techniques
8 Sparring
9 Additional training
Bag work
Target mitts
10 Getting back on form
Bruising
Injuries to joints
Lacerations
11 Elite coaching help
Index show less