Secret Karate

When creating karate kata, the Okiniwan masters included deadly techniques targeting vital points. But they kept these techniques secret from outsiders and, when karate was exported to Japan, it appears they chose not to pass on their full knowledge of vital-point striking. Here Ashley Croft demystifies this hidden corner of the art and explores its practical application. Historical perspectives: the evolution of karate, the possible intentions of the ancient masters and the development of vital-point striking. · Anatomy and Eastern medical concepts; the meridians, acupoints, and vital energy flow [Qi]. · Location and description of the pressure points, and the practical application of pressure-point strikes. · Analysing the kata, identifying the purpose of the moves, and developing workable combinations using the various vital points. AUTHOR: Ashley Croft is a fourth dan in Shotokan Karate and in Ao Denkou Jitsu, having trained with some of the top instructors in the world. He has taught karate for over twelve years and has successfully trained many students from beginner through to black belt. 275 b/w photos