1. The Story of Karate

Karate is the art of self-defense and counter attack without weapons. It is a Japanese word and in its native language means literally "empty hands". Karate as a method of self-defense originated hun­dreds of years ago in Japan. Originally, Karate (or earlier ju-jitsu) was practiced only by the nobility in Japan and especially by the Sumurai. The techni­ques were kept secret. The hoi polloi were denied the knowledge. It was a form of superiority that the upper class could demonstrate to the commoners to prove that they were superior physically—even -without weapons!

This art of self-defense may be defined as "an application of anatomical knowledge to the purpose of offense and defense. It differs from wrestling in that it does not depend upon muscular strength. It differs from the other forms of attack in that it uses no weapon. Its feat consists in clutching or striking that part of an enemy's body as will make him numb, and incapable of resistance. Its object is not to kill, but to incapacitate one for action for the time being." (Inazo Nitobe, Bushido'. the Soul of Japan)

The size and weight of your opponent may be used against him. Even a big 250-lb. brute can be toppled by a smaller, lighter man who employs the principles of Karate. The Karate man knows the pressure points and focal nerve centers of his bigger, heavier adversary—and strikes at these pressure point.

To quote from the Encyclopedia Brittanica "Sev­eral of these sensitive places, for instance the par­tially exposed nerve in the elbow popularly known as the "funny-bone" and the complex of nerves over the stomach called the solar plexus, are familiar to the European, but the ju-jitsu expert is acquainted with many others which, when compressed struck or pinched, cause temporary paralysis of a more or less complete nature. Such places as the arm pit, the ankle and wrist bones, the tendon running downward from the ear, the "Adam's apple," and the nerves of the upper arm. In serious fighting al­most any hold or attack is resorted to, and a broken or badly sprained limb is the least that can befall the victim ..."

Karate was taught to the special imperial guards who protected the Emperor of Japan. During World War II, special Japanese shock troops were taught the secrets of Karate. Toward the end of the global conflict, thousands upon thousands of Japa­nese line troops were given accelerated courses in Karate, to help them overcome their physical and weight handicaps in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Many an ex-GI who served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations can tell you how even a puny Japanese soldier could perform super-human feats. Karate is faster than judo, quicker than ju-jitsu and more deadly than both! That is why Karate, when mastered, should be used with reser­vation and restraint. Karate never should be em­ployed as an aggressive action, but only to defend yourself against an assailant.

Karate is highly dynamic and makes use of hun­dreds of body muscles. It helps develop body bal­ance, posture, agility, coordination and grace. In fact, Karate is so popular in Japan today that thou­sands upon thousands of women and teen-agers are studying it. In addition to its defensive qualities, it's ideal exercise for their figures; keeps them trim and lean. Many schools and colleges in America today are considering adding Karate to the curricu­lum.

The course in Karate, in the pages that follow, if taken at a college or special gym, might conceiv­ably cost you up to $250.00. The price of this hand­book is $4.95. If you follow the instructions diligently and carefully, it can safely be said that you will have received the same "$250.00 course in print" for $4.95. And when you come right down to it, how can you measure, in dollars and cents, the value of Karate. If you apply just one striking point learned from this book, just once, and it saves your life, HOW MUCH IS THAT WORTH TO YOU? How much is it worth to your wife, your children, or your mother, father, sisters and brothers?

Will you "suppose" with me? Suppose as you are walking home from work one night, a figure leaps from a dark alley and twins your arm be­ hind your back. He threatens you. What do you do?

Suppose you're walking with a female companion and she is insulted by a tough-looking hood. The roughneck is about 6 feet 4 inches tall, has big, sinewy arms and uses profanity that would make even a tough Marine sergeant blush! What do you do?

Your answer might be "that's never happened to me. Anyway, that's what we have police for". But remember, dear reader, an assailant or a thief never attacks when the law is around. Only when he thinks you are alone, unarmed, will he strike. And the tough hombre only gets wise when he thinks he's bigger and taller than you. Naturally, you cannot walk the streets armed, as the cowboys did in the Old West. But with a knowledge of Karate you turn your hands, feet and elbows into powerful weapons instantly!

The knowledge of Karate instills the exhilarant feeling of SUPER CONFIDENCE even into a "Casper Milquetoast". Yes, with the knowledge of Karate, YOU ARE SUPREME! YOU ARE KING! YOU FEAR NO MAN OR GIANT!.

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