Robert V. Masters (1910–1964)

In this one-volume basic instruction course abounding with 700 step-by-step action photographs you lean how to perform all the techniques of karate and how to defend youself not only with the punches, strikes and blocks of karate, but also with kempo, ketsugo, judo and ju-jitsu throws and breakfalls, intended for young people of both sexes, the book is equally suitable for mature men and women who need to know self-defense.

You first build up your strength with hand, leg and body exercises, with weight-liffting, tumbling and interesting calisthenics. Once you begin karate itself you work on body tension, correct breathing, and balancing-and expecially the significance of the 'hara'-before going through the stances, movements and other techniques one by one until you are prepared for contesting. The spiritual side of karate, so important to a full understanding of the sport, is not neglected either.

After mastering kempo, you perfect your judo throws and falls. At the conclusion you realize why etiquette accompanies expertness in the martial arts-you can afford to be polite to anyone because you know you can conquer him in case it comes to physical combat. You can walk the most dangerous streets without dread because you can defend yourself against any type of attack.

Contents
I Bodybuilding and self-defense
A sound body
Muscles can be fun
Tumbling
Setting-up exercises
Should you lift weights?
Weight-lifting
Interesting exercises
Self-defense
How to fall
Ketsugo, judo and jiu-jitsu
Serous business
II Karate-The technique of karate
Stances and movements
Punching techniques
Striking techniques
Kicking techniques
Defense techniques
Contest exercises
The contest
The kata
The spiritual basis of karate
Positions and movements to learn
III Kempo
Basics
Defenses-27 in all
Bojitsu
IV Judo
The sport
Breakfalls
The art of throwing
Additional throwing techniques
Mat techniques
Offensive and defensive mat techniques
Seiri-undo
Acknowledgments
Index… (mere)