Book: The Art of Hojo Undo: Power Training for Traditional Karate by Michael Clarke

Hojo Undo means ‘supplementary training’, and using these tools is the key for developing the devastating power of karate techniques. Without Hojo Undo, a practitioner cannot reach the profound strength levels required for a lifetime of karate training.

This book details how to construct and use many training tools; provides accurate mechanical drawings, comprehensive training methods, and an historical context to understand why Hojo Undo was created in ‘old’ Okinawa.

• Warm up exercises
• Detailed construction drawings
• Build your own Hojo Undo tools!
• Learn how to use the tools to develop devastating power
• Link your increased power to fighting techniques
• Hear what Okinawan Masters say about Hojo Undo training

AUTHOR(S)

Michael Clarke, Kyoshi 7th dan, Okinawan Goju-ryu has trained in karate since 1974. He has written over two hundred articles for international martial arts magazines, and authored three books. Starting as a young ‘street-fighter’ in England, to a disciplined student of budo in Okinawa, Clarke enthusiastically teaches traditional Goju-ryu Karate in his dojo near Launceston Tasmania, Australia.

REVIEWS

Kinjo Tsuneo, Kyoshi 8th dan

“Michael Clarke has captured the secret of traditional karate power”.

Hokama Tetsuhiro, Kaicho 10th dan

“Clarke is an honorable man of karate… I highly recommend this book…”

Akamine Hiroshi, Kaicho 8th dan

“I recommend this book…It is a valuable asset for learning how the tools are used as an extension of training…”

Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi 8th dan

“I can't think of a single person anywhere in the world better suited to introduce this subject, and I highly recommend The Art of Hojo Undo: Power Training in Traditional Karate to teachers and students alike.”

John Cheetham, Editor, Shotokan Karate Magazine

“…a serious writer…of great value to anyone who wishes to understand traditional karate-do”.

Norman Leff, Menkyo Kaiden Shihan, Over 50 years of experience

“Karate Master Michael Clarke has written a very interesting book for those who are followers of Karate. This book explains in details how Okinawa Karate masters attained their awesome Karate power and how they were able to develop such fantastic powerful techniques. Everything that you wanted to know about Hojo Undo training is explained in this book. There are chapters on preparation exercises as well as explanations on the different training methods of Japanese and Okinawa Karate. Learn the secrets of traditional Karate power as well as the differences between sport and traditional Karate. Traditional Karate focuses on building a complete Karate warrior. It combines mind, body, and spirit. For those of you who are dedicated to the Art of Karate, this is a must book for your library. I highly recommend this manual.”