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J. D. Swanson
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Karate Science: Dynamic Movement (Martial Science) Hardcover – June 6, 2023

by J. D. Swanson Ph.D. (Author), Sam Nigro (Illustrator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 142 ratings
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Dynamics, motion, sensation...they are karate's connective tissue―and they are the heart of this book.

Karate Science: Dynamic Movement will help you understand the mechanics of the human body. Swanson describes these principles in incredible detail, drawing on examples from several styles of karate, as well as aikido, taekwondo, and judo. Whatever your martial background, applying this knowledge will make your techniques better, stronger, and faster.

  • Understand the major types of techniques, including their outward appearances and internal feelings.
  • Master the core principles behind these feelings.
  • Learn the biomechanics and dynamics of core movement.

Karate Science: Dynamic Movement is filled with examples, anecdotes, and beautiful illustrations. Although Shotokan karate is the author's frame of reference, the principles of human mechanics translate to all martial styles.

This book features

  • Clear and insightful explanations of dynamic movement.
  • Over 100 illustrations.
  • Profound but accessible analysis of the kihon, or fundamentals of Shotokan karate.

As a lifelong student of martial arts, J. D. Swanson, Ph.D., had searched through piles of books on form and function. "Stand here, step there" they said. But where movement was concerned, none went deep enough. No one was discussing the dynamics―the actual feeling of the moves. Both in print and in live teaching, karate instruction tends to focus on stances and finishing positions. But dynamics, motion, sensation...they are karate's connective tissue―and they are the heart of this book.

“Karate Science: Dynamic Movement is rooted in the teachings of the masters,” Swanson says. “This book nucleates that knowledge, clarifying and distilling the key principles behind movement dynamics. This is the next evolution of karate books.”

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  1. Part of series
    Martial Science
  2. Print length
    240 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    YMAA Publication Center
  5. Publication date
    June 6, 2023
  6. Dimensions
    6 x 1 x 9 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1594399360
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1594399367
Next slide of product details
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Swanson’s debut is a scientific guide to the stances, movements, and techniques of karate.”

“Swanson, a professor of biology and biomechanics at Salve Regina University, uses his scientific training to help teachers and students better understand the tenets of karate. The many illustrations (ably provided by Nigro) show everything from proper alignment of a striking surface (say, a fist or a foot) to how one’s body should move from the beginning to the end of a thrust.

The first part of the book focuses on technique, with sections on stances, thrusting, kicking, striking, and blocking. The guide does more than demonstrate how positions should look; Swanson takes the time to explain how each should feel and which muscle groups should be engaged throughout the process. The second part explains the science behind how our joints and muscles work, as well as how the body keeps its balance. This section also includes a brief primer on ‘the application of kinesiological principles to karate,’ which outlines ways to get more force into moves by increasing mass, and, crucially, speed. The last section deals with the notion of ‘internal movement,’ essentially a system of muscle retraction and countermoves that aid in perfecting efficient and powerful techniques. While many students mistakenly think of this process as simply hip wiggling, Swanson shows that the process is more focused on intra-abdominal pressure, and he explains how the proper tensioning and contracting of certain muscles are key to quick and powerful movements. Swanson’s writing is clear and informative, and his pure love of the art shines through. This book is not for karate neophytes, and the terms used will be confusing to unfamiliar readers. But for teachers and students who want to not only perfect techniques, but also understand the biology behind them, the book will be an invaluable aid.”

“An informative guide for those looking to enhance their karate training.” 

—Kirkus Reviews

 

About the Author

J. D. Swanson holds a Ph.D. in integrative biosciences and a fifth-degree black belt from the International Shotokan Karate Federation. He is an official ISKF instructor, examiner, and judge, having studied under both Okazaki and Yaguchi sensei. Swanson began his martial studies in 1980 in his native New Zealand. He moved to the United States in 1998. He is a professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Salve Regina University and the head instructor of the Shotokan karate clubs at Brown and Salve Regina Universities. J. D. Swanson resides in Springfield, Virginia.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ YMAA Publication Center
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 6, 2023
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1594399360
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1594399367
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Martial Science
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 142 ratings

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J. D. Swanson

J. D. Swanson

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J. D. Swanson holds a PhD in integrative biosciences from the Pennsylvania State University and a fifth-degree black belt from the International Shotokan Karate Federation. He is an official ISKF instructor, examiner, and judge, having studied under both Okazaki and Yaguchi sensei. Swanson began his martial studies in 1980 in his native New Zealand. He moved to the United States in 1998. He is a professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Salve Regina University and the head instructor of the Shotokan karate clubs at Brown and Salve Regina Universities. J. D. Swanson resides in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
142 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this martial arts book to be a great resource, with clear explanations of techniques and excellent illustrations. They appreciate its content, with one customer noting how it explains the principles of Shotokan karate.

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Book valueInformation qualityKarate contentIllustrations
17 customers mention "Book value"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great resource that serves as an excellent tool for both teachers and learners.

"...For instructors, this book is an invaluable for lesson planning while still remaining accessible for all levels of training...." Read more

"I have found this book to be a great addition to my karate library which would have been a great resource for me when writing my instructor training..." Read more

"This book provides well structured and clear information of the biomechanics of a percussive martial art...." Read more

"Very interesting and well thought out book. This book will help you enhance your mental attributes of any martial art that you have been studying...." Read more

16 customers mention "Information quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides detailed explanations of techniques and serves as a great descriptive reference, with one customer noting it's a valuable resource to reference again and again.

"...It is very transportive writing. This book succeeds at creating a body awareness of how to do karate...." Read more

"...is a great resource in that it provides a concise and clear explanation of the techniques and principles of Shotokan karate with descriptions of the..." Read more

"This book provides well structured and clear information of the biomechanics of a percussive martial art...." Read more

"Very interesting and well thought out book. This book will help you enhance your mental attributes of any martial art that you have been studying...." Read more

7 customers mention "Karate content"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the karate content of the book, with one review highlighting its comprehensive coverage of Shotokan principles, while another notes how it explains body mechanics in martial arts.

"...It explains how to use the body in karate and the feelings as you execute each move...." Read more

"...a concise and clear explanation of the techniques and principles of Shotokan karate with descriptions of the body parts..." Read more

"...The author cites information from some karate greats such as Steve Ubl...." Read more

"...Great Shotokan Karate teachers and writers have always put forward the scientific principles or physical and psychological principles of Karate..." Read more

5 customers mention "Illustrations"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the excellent illustrations in the book, with one noting its detail-oriented approach.

"...Masatoshi Nakayama’s Dynamic Karate, in that it is very dense and detail oriented...." Read more

"...covers Shiko dachi, virtually unused in Shotokan, and the excellent illustrations that clearly depict what is in the textual descriptions...." Read more

"...and bio-mechanics are presented with detailed descriptions, beautiful illustrations, and splashes of humor..." Read more

"...It is an excellent resource with outstanding illustrations. Every Karate-ka should have this in their library." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Rachel Hodges
    5.0 out of 5 stars great tool for teachers and learners alike
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I found this book to be a resource not unlike Masatoshi Nakayama’s Dynamic Karate, in that it is very dense and detail oriented. It explains how to use the body in karate and the feelings as you execute each move. I read this book on the commuter train and found myself putting it down every few minutes to examine how my elbow is connected to my arms or how clinching a fist effects different muscle groups and so forth. It is very transportive writing. This book succeeds at creating a body awareness of how to do karate. As a practitioner karate for almost 20 years and a relatively new teacher, this is a valuable resource to reference again and again. For instructors, this book is an invaluable for lesson planning while still remaining accessible for all levels of training. If you are a practitioner of traditional karate, I highly recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Paul Willoughby
    5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than just a catalog of techniques with vanity photos.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I have found this book to be a great addition to my karate library which would have been a great resource for me when writing my instructor training reports. This book is a great resource in that it provides a concise and clear explanation of the techniques and principles of Shotokan karate with descriptions of the body parts (including muscles and joints) needed to properly execute them. Additionally, the technical principles that are of utmost importance in executing the techniques are explained in a clear and understandable way. A couple of things I personally find notable are that the author covers Shiko dachi, virtually unused in Shotokan, and the excellent illustrations that clearly depict what is in the textual descriptions. I recommend this book for both students and instructors alike.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle-klant
    4.0 out of 5 stars Valuable information, good presentation.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book provides well structured and clear information of the biomechanics of a percussive martial art. Written with a karate background but also applicable to comparable arts such as taekwondo.
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  • Patrick C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buy it, read it, read it again... and keep training.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is a book that any serious martial artist needs to read and read again. Instead of the usual outward positions and movements described in many karate books, the internal feel and bio-mechanics are presented with detailed descriptions, beautiful illustrations, and splashes of humor (who knew how often I said "diarrhea" in Japanese without realizing it?). Although Dr. Swanson is an advanced instructor in Shotokan, his Dan-level background in other martial arts shows through as he is able to connect the fundamental principles of physics and anatomy in a way that gets to the heart of all martial arts. No matter which art you are studying, the physics and the body work the same way and this book shows you how to take full advantage of that fact.

    The author is no keyboard budo-ka: I have trained with Dr. Swanson and the themes he addresses in "Karate Science" are always present in his seminars. Not only in his explanations, but also in his demonstrations... my ribs can attest that he is the real deal. By using the principles of momentum, energy transfer, efficient movement, and timing of muscle tension the author is able both to explain in his book how to improve your martial arts and show in real life how different ways of contacting a person has different effect.

    As a karate-ka with nearly 30 years of training, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about his or her martial arts. There are so many take aways that one can continue refining the concepts contained in "Karate Science" for a lifetime.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Andres
    5.0 out of 5 stars Non denominational karate
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting and well thought out book. This book will help you enhance your mental attributes of any martial art that you have been studying. For me, it helped answer many questions I may have had and also ask more questions. It allows me to join science with my style of karate. Thanks Dr. Swanson
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Too often we have martial art books that merely touch on the surface of what good technique is
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is an incredible book! Too often we have martial art books that merely touch on the surface of what good technique is. This book goes into great detail about how techniques, stances, postures shoud *feel*, not just the way they should look. The author cites information from some karate greats such as Steve Ubl. A lot of the later chapteres may be dificult for a beginner to wrap their brain around but for an advanced practioner this is fantastic information.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bruce Costa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Dr. Swanson makes a unique and important contribution with his treatise on the processes involved with karate practice. He unpacks what we feel as we harness our bodies' mechanics during the honing of our craft.

    Karate Science: Dynamic Movement shouldn't be on the bookshelf of every serious karate practitioner. It should be on a ledge next to the training floor, spine-cracked, dog-eared, sweat-stained.

    Bruce Costa, Godan
    Chief Instructor
    Granite Forest Dojo
    Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA
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  • Mike in Miami, FL
    2.0 out of 5 stars Illustrations are colorless drawings. Not as effective as photos would’ve been.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I did not look cover to cover, but since I prefer photos I flipped past a few pages. All had black and white drawings for illustration. Not sure why any modern books have anything but excellent color photos, but many do which is why I check (since they usually are not as helpful as a good color photo/photo sequence would be). The sample read well, so for less visual people this might be a good book.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Felix
    2.0 out of 5 stars No aporta nada
    Reviewed in Spain on April 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Esperaba un pequeño tratado sobre anatomía o kinesiología aplicadas al karate y lo que me encuentro es un libro que describe superficialmente las técnicas, ni más ni menos. Nada recomendable ni para quien se inicie ni para el experto
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  • Knight
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelent and valuable book for any Karate Geek!
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book regarding how does Karate techniques should feel, any other books focus on how techniques should looks like, this one teaches you from within
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  • PETER
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on April 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I've read a number of scientific articles on karate before and was apprehensive about getting this book. I found those articles largely incomprehensible (unless you are a biologist, chiropractor, physiotherapist or something like that). This book is nothing like that! The only exception is one small chapter that lists the different muscles involved in certain movements (and no drawings).
    I can only recommend this book no matter how experienced a karateka you are.
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  • Karate nerd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Snabbt och enkelt
    Reviewed in Sweden on July 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Snabbt och enkelt att få hem produkten.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read to help me understand karate movement and form
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have a selection of karate books and this one is worth having in your collection,it gives you an easy to understand to all the basics to make you better at your art
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