Best Karate, Vol.8 Gankaku, Jion

The three kata in this volume are on the Japan Karate Association recommended list and are notable for the sticklike use of the arms--Jitte, the circular movements of hands and feet coordinated with breathing--Hangetsu, and easy, agile movements, combined into continuous techniques--Empi.

MASATOSHI NAKAYAMA carries on the tradition of his teacher, Gichin Funakoshl, the Father of Modern Karate. Long professor and director of physical education at Takushoku University, his alma mater (1937), he was chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association from 1955 until his death in 1987. A ninth degree black belt and a familiar face at tournaments, he was among the first to send instructors overseas and to encourage the development of karate along scientific lines.