Martial Arts Book Review: Mas Oyama's Karate by Bobby Lowe

[Arthur Stone]

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I
am always looking for books of historical quality to add to my
library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning.
One such book is Bobby Lowe's, "Mas Oyama's Karate."
Included in this book are some really wonderful historical photographs
of both Masutatsu "Mas" Oyama and Bobby Lowe. These photographs are in
addition to the numerous photographs of Mr. Lowe's students
demonstrating the techniques described throughout this book.
Introduction:
In this section, Mr. Lowe provides a brief history of the evolution of
karate from its beginnings which started in China and traveled to
Okinawa, before arriving in Japan. Mr. Lowe also gives a brief history
of Kyokushin-kai Karate and its founder, Masutatsu "Mas" Oyama.
Warm-Up Procedures:
Demonstrated in this section are sixteen (16) different warm-up and
stretching exercises that the author recommends that you should
perform before and after each practice session. These exercises
include; push-ups, sit-ups, leg stretches, jump rope, etc.
Stances:
Demonstrated in this section are thirteen (13) different stances that
are used in Kyokushin-kai Karate. They include such stances as; riding
or horse stance, forward stance, sanchin stance, cat stance, back
stance, etc.
Nerve Centers:
I was disappointed that this section offered absolutely no description
or text at all. However, it does show the principle striking areas on
the human body. This is done through the use of a front and back view
diagram of the human body.
Punching, Striking, Blocking, and Kicking:
These three sections show twenty-two (22) various punches and strikes.
Although there is no text supplied to teach you how to correctly
execute them. In the blocking section, eight (8) blocks are shown,
while one, the circular block is actually demonstrated with text to
teach you how to execute it. In the section on kicking, sixteen (16)
kicks are shown. Although none are actually demonstrated with text
supplied in order to teach you how to correctly execute them.
Breathing Techniques:
After a brief introduction to breathing and the importance thereof to
the martial artist, there are demonstrated four (4) different basic
breathing exercises to develop your breathing capacity and ki
development.
Kata:
After a brief explanation on the purpose of kata in karate, Heian or
Pinan Shodan is demonstrated with photographs and text.
Prearranged Sparring:
In this section, eighteen (18) prearranged sparring forms are
demonstrated where the defender utilizes specific defenses and
counters against predetermined strikes by the attacker. This is a very
good way of introducing the beginning students to the basics of
defending oneself against an attack.
Defense against Grabbing Attacks:
Photographs and text are used to demonstrate fourteen (14) various
defenses against a variety of grabs such as; single wrist grabs,
double wrist grabs, chokes, bear hugs, lapel grabs, etc.
Defense against a Knife and Club:
After a brief introduction explaining the dangers present when
confronted by an attacker with a weapon, the author demonstrates eight
(8) different defenses for defending yourself against an attacker
armed with a knife and/or club.
Free Style Sparring:
This section is extremely brief and shows a few examples of various
techniques being demonstrated on an opponent.
Breaking:
After an all too brief, but sound introduction, the author shows a few
examples of different types of breaks.
Defense against Multiple Attackers:
After a brief page of the principles behind being attacked by more
than one opponent, the author demonstrates five (5) different examples
of what you could do if attacked by multiple opponents at one time.
Makiwara Training:
A brief introduction to the uses of the Makiwara is explained.
Overall this is a very enlightening book on the basics of Kyokushin-
kai Karate.