Bernard Mathieu

It was before the war, when he started practising at the Shotokan Dojo, that Master Mitsusuke Harada met Yoshitaka Gichin, a true karate genius, after which he became a private pupiil of 'The Old Master', Funakoshi Gichin, when the dojo was destroyed in a bombing raid. Later, the seniors and partners who infuenced him most were Shigeru Egami and Tadao Okuyama. Harada Sensei truly belongs to a proud lineage.

Forty years of teaching in Europe, forty years of research strengthened by an show more outstanding dedication and gernerosity, made it possible for him to offer his pupils an exceptionally deep analysis of an art to which he has dedicated his whole life.

But it is thanks to an indomitable determination, avoiding all current dogmatic attitudes, that he has managed to raise karate to the true level of a martial art.'

Bernard Mathieu, his pupil and interpreter for more than thirty-seven years, invites you to join him on the path of a fascinating discovery.

Contents

Preface by Master Jotaro Takagi
Preface by Mr. Alan Francis
Preface by Master Mitsusuke Harada
Foreword
Supplement to the English edition
Acknowledgments
1 Shotokai and shotokan: An historical analysis by Master M. Harada
2 Genealogy of karate
3 Introduction Education and communication
4 Practice-A state of mind
Why?-Motivations
How?
Mental attitude: Flexibility/Concentration/Timing
5 Practice-A historical approach
What?
Kata-Forms/Structues/Speed
Kihon-Postures
Kumite
Ten no kata
6 Practice-A structural approach
Historical review
Mobility-Stepping exercises and their variations: Centre of gravity/Mobility/Low postures; Fluidity
Distance
Synchronisation: The swing or pendulum/the shoulder connection; Synchronisation with a partner; Kihon facing a partner
Stability: Muscle chains and impact; Building up a strong base-Legs and hips action; Hands and arms; Stability when standing up
7 The form of no form and the search for Hakkei
8 Conclusion show less

> Une découverte et vraiment un bon moment de lecture avec des gens tout simples qui ont la chance et le bonheur de vivre quelques jours en pleine harmonie avec eux-mêmes.
—Eireann Yvon

> Babelio : https://www.babelio.com/livres/Mathieu-Un-cachalot-sur-les-bras/344065

> Roman mélancolique, tranche de vie, brève mais agitée, ce court roman a été écrit par un auteur dont il faudra un jour reparler. Bernard MATHIEU a beaucoup voyagé : en cargo vers Valparaiso, ce qui donna le roman Cargo paru chez Denoël, au Sahara, au Brésil, aux Açores, sur les chemins de halage entre Paris et Nevers.
—Danieljean (Babelio)

> Babelio : https://www.babelio.com/livres/Mathieu-Cargo/246943

> Un beau récit, âpre, comme les récits de mer, violent, comme le sont les hommes entre eux
—Danieljean (Babelio)