Ever since the end of World War II, it has been considered quite stylish for Americans to adopt some of the traditions of Oriental culture - such as Judo, Zen Bhuddism, Sukiaki, and Horn-rimmed Glasses. The latest Japanese import is a rugged form of physical combat in which the participants employ ancient and respected Oriental techniques, like slapping, kicking, biting, eye-gouging, and rabbit-punching. In other words - fighting dirty! This sport is known as...

The prime ingredient of this sport is a highly developed degree of "kime" or "focus," in which all the body's strength is momentarily channeled into one isolated area - such as the finger tip.

Despite its violent appearance, the true goal of Karate lies in achieving a state of absolute calm and serenity. In the cloistered tranquility of Tokyo "Dojos," Karate disciples spend long hours in philosophical discussions. Students claim this ancient art is an opportunity to contemplate nature at close range - like for instance, stars!

Actually, serious students of Karate will rarely engage in physical combat with one another, preferring to test their highly-developed skill on inanimate objects instead, such as boards, rocks, and nails. This is partially because they do not wish to inflict injury on another living being, but mainly because boards, rocks, and nails can't fight back!

"I know I can do it... therefore I can do it!" By implanting positive, convincing thoughts such as this one firmly in his mind, the Karate student is capable of performing incredible feats of strength and physical prowess. Before attempting to split the anvil with his bare hand, the Karate student prepares himself for the feat psychologically. Sufficiently confident of capability, the Karate student brings edge of his hand down sharply, splitting anvil in two. Closer examination of shattered pieces reveals WHY karate student knew that he could split anvil in two all along (Made in U.S.A. :).

As with many other Oriental rites, the prelude to a Karate exhibition involves traditional rituals, including chants and incantations, burning of incense, scattering of salt to the four winds, and taking side bets. Allow me to describe to you a typical ceremony we would see performed by a student prior to driving a nail through a 4-inch plank with his bare foot. The Karate student would first scatter rice on ground. This ritual signifies manhood. Student then covers the rice with salt, signifying strength and determination. Student then eats the rice with salt, signifying Karate don't pay very much. Student next performs series of low bows to each point of compass. Not only does this ritual symbolize humility, but also helps him find any grains of rice he may have missed. Close study of hands reveals ancient Oriental expression of student's inner confidence. Closer study of hands reveals ancient Occidental expression (crossed fingers) thrown in for good measure. At the start of the actual feat, the student must remember to "kime" all of his strength into the point of his toe. When the force of the blow drives the nail through the mahogany board, the student must remember to ignore pain. When nail turns out to be wrong one, student must remember to take pedicure before he tries next Karate exhibition.

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