9. Karate Training Equipment

If you want to master Karate, you must develop the latent strength in your fingers, knuckles, hands, hand edges, feet, elbow, toes, etc. These parts of your body are your weapons. Unlike the weapons of the soldier or policeman, the Karate weapons cannot be purchased at a gunsmith. They are not ready-made. You yourself must forge them on the anvil of practice, training and self-discipline. To at­tain the highest degree of proficiency in the art of Karate, you must practice diligently day by day. Remember the words of a famous inventor. When asked the secret of his success, he replied, "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration". So too with Karate. Practice practice, PRACTICE! And practice will make perfect!

To help you speed your way to perfection faster and easier, it is suggested that you use the follow­ing pieces of equipment.

Karate Sand and Gravel Box

You can construct a Karate Sand and Gravel Box or use any old wooden box in the cellar. At the beginning, you should fill the box with rice. To help strengthen your fingertips, thrust your hand into the box about 20 times daily. Use both hands. After a while, remove the rice and fill it with dirt. Then as your hand becomes callused, remove the dirt and fill it with gravel. After constant training the striking points will become less and less sensitive. (See Fig. 159)

Karate Cement Blocks

If there is any construction job in the works in your neighborhood, walk over to the superintendent and ask him politely for one or two chipped cement blocks. Explain that you'd like to practice Karate with the help of the blocks, and that you'd gladly report any hoodlums loitering around his job as a reciprocity for his kindness.

Set up the cement blocks in your backyard or basement. At first they should be covered with a thick blanket. Pound away with the side of your hand, with your elbow and with your fist. Do this about 15 times a day. After a short period, remove a layer of the blanket; then remove the entire blanket (See Fig. 160)

Karate Striking Pole

You can build your own Karate Striking Pole. It should stand about 6 feet high with Karate straw pads, padded towels, or old pillows placed at three heights—shin height, stomach height, face height. The striking pole is an ideal -way to get the "feel" of Karate techniques. Also it will help you toughen and harden the skin of your knuckles, elbows and feet. You can practice all the striking methods previous described. (See Fig. 161-A and 161-B)

Karate Moving Ball Target

The purpose of this target is to sharpen the ac­curacy of your kicking. You attach a small ball at the end of a rope & hang it from the ceiling. Practice various Karate kicks and hand blows on the small ball. Try to raise or lower the ball. The theory behind this is simple. If you can strike a small mov­ing object, then you will find it easier to strike a larger object. (See Fig. 162,163)

Karate Heavy Bag

You probably have an old laundry bag at home. Fill it with old rags, straw, excelsior and pack it tight. Suspend it from a rope. You now have a good punching bag to practice various Karate movements. (See Fig. 164)

Karate Fortifier

One of the best ways to strengthen the muscles of your hands, wrists and forearms is by using your Karate Fortifier daily. You will develop a strong, vise-like grip in a matter of weeks—if you practice on the Fortifier 10 minutes a day. The Fortifier may

be purchased at any sporting goods store for about $1.98. (See Fig. 164-A)

Karate Practice Dummy

This is a life-size lithographed dummy with the major pressure targets and focal nerve centers printed right on it. Mount it on the wall or back of a door. Practice striking the pressure points on your 6-ft. "opponent". The life-size manikin may be pur­chased for $1.00 to $1.49 at many medical supply houses. If none is available, send $1 plus 25¢ to cover mailing costs to Kimberly-Jones Corporation, 80 Montgomery Street, New York, N. Y. (See Fig. 164-B)

Don't throw away those old clothes! You can put them to good use when practicing Karate. Use them as your own "official" Karate Practice Uniform. Old, lightweight shirt and loose trousers are ideal. A sash belt completes the uniform. It is suggested you wear a jock-strap for added protection when practicing with a friend.  (See Fig. 182, 183, 184)

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