The martial arts have long been one of the most popular ways to get and keep fit. "New Holland's Martial Arts" series uses specially commissioned colour photography and expert text to introduce the newcomer to the techniques of these great sports.Karate is one of the best-known and widely practised martial arts in the world. This guide introduces the philosophy and approach of the sport and its main schools worldwide, then focuses on the technical elements, from the warm-up to the delivery of the perfect punch, block and kick. It also includes competition rules and basic self-defence.With its emphasis on full-colour instructional photographs and precise text, this is an invaluable and inspiring book for any newcomer to the world of karate.

Author Biography

South African Sanette Smit is a 6th dan black belt and one of the highest graded women in the world. She has been involved in karate and self defence for more than 25 years and was the first ever South African female manager to take a women's karate team to compete overseas in a world championship event. Sanette has been Senior All-Styles Head Coach in her part of the country since 1996, and was South Africa's sportswoman of the year in 1998. Consultant Harry Cook has been training in the martial arts for 35 years, and his wide range of experience includes Japanese, Chinese and Thai martial arts. He is a 4th dan karate-ka, is Chief Instructor of the Seijinkai Karate-do Association, and holds an instructor's certificate in Muay Thai. He is widely published as an author of books and articles on martial arts.