Peter Urban (1) (1934–2004)

from dust jacket Karate is at once a means of self-defense, a sport, and a philosophy. This book examines each of these aspects and explains why educators and parents are becoming interested in karate. It shows how karate can change the life of the devotee, giving him health, self-confidence, and mental and physical discipline. And it demonstrates convincingly the role that karate could play in reducing crime and delinquency in our cities. The author discusses in detail the dojo, or school show more where karate is taught, and explains the belt system which marks stages of development. Particularly interesting, both to the practitioner and to the reader with no knowledge of the art, are the stories that the author has collected from the history of karate. The beginnings of karate in the distant past, tales of early practitioners, historical events in which karate played a leading role, and many other fascinating tales are included. These, more than any factual description of present day karate, will give the reader a real understanding of the karate tradtion and way of life. Peter Urban is the chief instructor of the Chnatown Dojo in New York City. He is president of that city's Metropolitan Karate Society and a member on the board of governors of the United Karate Federation. In addition, he is the U.S. Eastern Regional director for the All-Japan Gojuru Karate Association. While living for a period in Japan, he became a disciple of Professor Gogen Yamaguchi and achieved his master's degree from the Zen-Nippon Karate-do Gojukai Hombu in Tokyo. Urban is th original propagator of the Goju style of karate in the U.S., where he introduced it into the curricula of police academies and colleges in several states. He has also appeared in training films about karate, frequently officiates as a referee at national karate tournaments, and has appeared in connection with the art on radio and television with such luminaries as Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin. He has developed his own eclectic synthesis which he teaches in New York City and calls the Metropolitan Karate System. Contents The weaponless weaon The dojo The belt system One's own iron will Kata and jiu-kumite The Goju style Potential and goals Guideline for self-analysis Famous dojo stories The shalin Monastery The Okinawan champion The ninjitsu people The Aikido man The Japanese magician The three sons The black circle The red arrow The emperor's champion Fingers Charlie The Chinese baby The Chinese boxers The bartender's knife Tales of Professor Wong Author's critique of the contemporary Karate scene show less

KARATE