Books by Patrick McDermott

Do you know who you are? Do you know what you want from life? Can you control and channel your thoughts, actions and feelings? This book will help you answer these questions. -All you need to know-terminology, lore, philosophy and motivation-to succeed at Karate, and at Life. -Brings East and West together, taking the best from each. -Master a toolbox of techniques, such as meditation and visualization, that will help you along the way. -What to do before, during, and after class to maximize benefit-techniques that are applicable to any learning situation. -How to work on speed, balance, and power, but most of all control: control your punches, but also control your emotions to control your destiny. -Lessons you can really use-proven in the dojo and in the world! -You will learn about yourself from this book, and what you are made of. Achieve balance in the triangle of life-your Mind, Body & Spirit-in life as well in the martial arts. You will find ways to improve what you know about yourself, feel about yourself, and what you think about yourself.

Written by a White Belt and a Black Belt, this book contains the essence of Karate lore. Beginners will find all the basic concepts they'll need to get going. But it will also help higher ranks. As Master Funakoshi said, Taikyoku is a kata "of the most profound character and one to which, upon mastery of the art of karate, an expert will return to select it as the ultimate training kata." Taikyoku are used to introduce technique, but also the history and philosophy of Martial Arts.The authors share with you precepts of a master, insights of a beginner, and some Japanese and Okinawan lore and language picked up because of a life-long fascination with Things Japanese. You'll learn the meaning behind the Japanese words and kanji used in Karate, and improve your pronunciation along with your punches.You can use the book in conjunction with the Wado Ki Kai website at www.wadokikai.com. You'll actually be able to see the kata performed by Sensei Arce, step through it or stop motion to study any position.Whether a beginner just starting Martial Arts or a Black Belt reviewing the lore and language of Karate, this book has something for you.