Fighting sports and church may seem an unusual combination yet modern ministries have embraced them as means for evangelism and social outreach. While news media often sensationalize fighting sports ministries, churches see them as a way to appeal to male congregants, presenting a peace-loving yet tough model of discipleship--an image reflected in popular culture. From martial arts programs at suburban churches to urban boxing ministries geared towards at-risk youth, this aook examines the substantial history of church sponsored combat sports, and presents arguments by Christian ethicists about whether and how they are compatible with church teachings and settings. Interviews with boxing and martial arts ministry leaders describe their programs and the relationship between fight sports and faith.

Quite a few books have been published on the subject of Chin Na (Qin Na), the proven seizing techniques of Chinese martial arts. However, most books focus on the introduction of techniques themselves, and contain very little or no discussion on application in actual combat situations. This seizing art has thus been confined to stage performances instead of real combat use. Although Dr. Yang has published other Chin Na books, both fundamental and advanced texts, he believes this work is necessary in order to make this art more complete and alive. Therefore, in addition to introducing many new techniques, this book is also laid out according to actual combat scenarios - for example, application of Chin Na when your opponent punches, grabs, kicks or attacks with a knife. This book presents an encyclopedia of over 375 chin na techniques. Techniques are presented in actual fighting scenarios. The material is organized by 'type of striking' and is very helpful in determining what techniques to se against various attacks. Effective application of chin na requires speedy execution of a block or yield, a set up, and then a properly selected technique. The book includes:* Against bare hand attacks* Against blocks* Against kicks* Against knife attacks* Against grabbing

Genuine karate is an Okinawan martial art for self-defense; its ongoing globalization has jeopardized its inherent effectiveness. “The changes made to karate in mainland Japan and in America have altered karate so intrinsically that it can no longer claim to be genuine karate.” Dr. Hermann Bayer, Ph.D., examines how Japan re-interpreted Okinawan karate to create its own unique style of karate-do, and how Japanese and American changes resulted in a modern karate-sport business. Practitioners of karate are often confused, misguided, and even led to believe that karate is just karate—this is far from the truth. Practitioners need a clear understanding of what their training can offer them. This can only be achieved by understanding karate's true purpose and by discerning misconceptions from facts. Contents include Okinawan karate’s “principle of never changing kata”. Karate as an Okinawan cultural heritage. Socio-cultural arguments to preserve Okinawa karate—as is. Japan—the karate reproducing country. Karate or Karate-do? The business of karate, karate-do, and karate-sport. Scientific proof of a peaceful karate mind. The laws of physics reveal weaknesses when kata are changed. This substantially researched work makes a compelling case for the socio-cultural and historic arguments to conserve genuine Okinawan karate. Supported by historical facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Dr. Bayer reveals, for all to see, the complex evolution of karate and the unsettled claims made upon it by the various stake-holders.

For much of the twentieth century, boxing was one of America's most popular sports, and the heavyweight champions were figures known to all. Their exploits were reported regularly in the newspapers-often outside the sports pages-and their fame and wealth dwarfed those of other athletes. Long after their heyday, these icons continue to be synonymous with the "sweet science." In The Boxing Kings: When American Heavyweights Ruled the Ring, Paul Beston profiles these larger-than-life men who held a central place in American culture. Among the figures covered are John L. Sullivan, who made the heavyweight championship a commercial property; Jack Johnson, who became the first black man to claim the title; Jack Dempsey, a sporting symbol of the Roaring Twenties; Joe Louis, whose contributions to racial tolerance and social progress transcended even his greatness in the ring; Rocky Marciano, who became an embodiment of the American Dream; Muhammad Ali, who took on the U.S. government and revolutionized professional sports with his showmanship; and Mike Tyson, a hard-punching dynamo who typified the modern celebrity. This gallery of flawed but sympathetic men also includes comics, dandies, bookworms, divas, ex-cons, workingmen, and even a tough-guy-turned-preacher. As the heavyweight title passed from one claimant to another, their stories opened a window into the larger history of the United States. Boxing fans, sports historians, and those interested in U.S. race relations as it intersects with sports will find this book a fascinating exploration into how engrained boxing once was in America's social and cultural fabric.

Shaolin Monastery at Mount Song is considered the epicentre of the Chan school of Buddhism. It is also well known for its martial arts tradition and has long been regarded as a special cultural heritage site and an important symbol of the Chinese nation. This book is the first scholarly work in English to comprehensively examine the full history of Shaolin Monastery from 496 to 2016. More importantly, it offers a clear grasp of the origins and development of Chan Buddhism through an examination of Shaolin, and highlights the role of Shaolin and Shaolin kung fu in the construction of a national identity among the Chinese people in the past two centuries.

Physiology and Nutrition for Amateur Wrestling is essential reading for amateur wrestlers and their coaches with a desire to learn about physiological training and nutrition for their sport. Written by Charles Paul Lambert, PhD, a competitive wrestler and academic expert in high-intensity exercise, this book describes the primary physiological systems involved in amateur wrestling. Readers will learn how to substantially optimize performance and discover ways to improve body composition specific to the sport of amateur wrestling. The book addresses important issues, including relative energy deficiency in sport, debates around weight loss, the specificities of training and nutrition for female wrestlers, as well as strategies on keeping fit in the years after a competitive career. Features: Discusses strategies for monitoring overall training load to prevent overtraining and optimize training Includes optimal nutritional fueling plans for wrestlers written by a Certified Coach with USA Wrestling and compares different dietary approaches to losing weight and fat Provides optimal rehydration and refueling plans based on situational needs in the post-weigh-in period Both scientific and practical, Physiology and Nutrition for Amateur Wrestling will appeal to wrestlers, high-school and college coaches, and those working in applied physiology research and exercise science.

The Science of Judo is the first book to set out and discuss the science, coaching and history behind judo performance. Evidence-based and informed by the latest research, the book offers practical guidance on preparing athletes for high performance and understanding the core tenets of sport science underpinning it. Featuring contributions from world-leading experts, the book consists of chapters on all aspects of judo performance, including: The historical development of judo and its physical, intellectual and moral role Physical preparation for competition, coaching and training strategies Skill acquisition, talent identification and development Nutrition and lifestyle of judoka Performance analysis and biomechanics Injury epidemiology and prevention Special considerations for female and young judoka Clearly written and accessible, The Science of Judo provides upper-level students and researchers, and coaches and sport science staff working with judoka, with the most thorough and authoritative reference on sport science applied to judo currently available.

Physiology and Nutrition for Amateur Wrestling is essential reading for amateur wrestlers and their coaches with a desire to learn about physiological training and nutrition for their sport. Written by Charles Paul Lambert, PhD, a competitive wrestler and academic expert in high-intensity exercise, this book describes the primary physiological systems involved in amateur wrestling. Readers will learn how to substantially optimize performance and discover ways to improve body composition specific to the sport of amateur wrestling. The book addresses important issues, including relative energy deficiency in sport, debates around weight loss, the specificities of training and nutrition for female wrestlers, as well as strategies on keeping fit in the years after a competitive career. Features: Discusses strategies for monitoring overall training load to prevent overtraining and optimize training Includes optimal nutritional fueling plans for wrestlers written by a Certified Coach with USA Wrestling and compares different dietary approaches to losing weight and fat Provides optimal rehydration and refueling plans based on situational needs in the post-weigh-in period Both scientific and practical, Physiology and Nutrition for Amateur Wrestling will appeal to wrestlers, high-school and college coaches, and those working in applied physiology research and exercise science.

Welcome To Karate offers what you need to begin successful martial arts training Welcome To Karate is a curricular guide and sourcebook for new karate students. We will introduce you to dojo principles, traditions, etiquette, and involvement along with technical support for the variety of materials that you will encounter during your first months in a traditional karate dojo. Stances Kicks Blocks Body Shifting Strikes Sparring All of the techniques relevant to your rank are clearly explained and accompanied by anecdotes, history, humor, and encouragement. Inside this book discover: How to prepare before your first visit to a dojo Technical descriptions and drills for self-training Reinforcement of experiences Contemplative reasoning, funny stories, and empathy for your challenges A fundamental karate glossary and pronunciation guide And much more Sensei Costa will arm you with necessary insights before a class-and reinforce your training experiences after class-to drive your enthusiastic return to the dojo time and time again. Welcome To Karate keeps you focused on your goals each step of the way.

"A teacher is never a giver of truth--he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself. A good teacher is merely a catalyst."--Bruce Lee Within the pages of Striking Thoughts, you will find the secrets of Bruce Lee's incredible success-- as an actor, martial artist, and inspiration to the world. Consisting of eight sections, Striking Thoughts covers 72 topics and 825 aphorisms--from spirituality to personal liberation and from family life to filmmaking--all of which Bruce lived by. His ideas helped energize his life and career and made it possible for him to live a happy and assured life, overcoming challenging obstacles with seeming ease. They also inspired his family, friends, students, and colleagues to achieve success in their own lives and this personal collection will help you in your journey too. Sections include: On First Principles--including life, existence, time, and death On Being Human--including the mind, happiness, fear, and dreams On Matters of Existence--health, love, marriage, raising children, ethics, racism, and adversity On Achievement--work, goals, faith, success, money, and fame On Art and Artists--art, filmmaking, and acting On Personal Liberation--conditioning, Zen Buddhism, meditation, and freedom On the Process of Becoming--self-actualization, self-help, self-expression, and growth On Ultimate (Final) Principles--Yin-yang, totality, Tao, and the truth This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features: Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon Bruce Lee: The Tao of Gung Fu Bruce Lee: Artist of Life Bruce Lee: Letters of the Dragon Bruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human Body Bruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

"Granville Ampong has opened a new frontier in "sportswriting." His unique style, backed up by his passion to be good and yet different, separates him from the pack." Ed de la Vega, DDS --Graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry; Restorative, Cosmetic and Sports Dentist. Part-time boxing writer & photo-journalist; Multi-state licensed boxing & MMA cut-man and maker of custom-designed World Mouthguards "Granville Ampong is like a baseball umpire who calls them as he uniquely sees them. If the pitch is down the middle, this writer calls it a strike. If it is high and wide, off the mark, he says so in plain language. Ampong admires the Great Man Pacquiao, yes, but he is no idol worshipper. If you want fluff and rump-kissing, look elsewhere. Ampong serves up his views and observations straight, no chaser. He is always a good, informative read." --- Michael Marley, Esq. from the Law Offices of Michael Marley in New York "Granville Ampong brings an honesty in his writings on Manny Pacquiao, conqueror of the American heartlands. The author has always seen the Filipino hero with a clarity which says as much about the writer, as it does the fighter. It is a chapter in history which in later years will be remembered as ground-breaking. These essays will form a part of that history." --- Gareth A Davies, The Telegraph, London "Granville Ampong's passion and dedication to the sport of boxing are easily recognized in the tone of his work. While the true journalism and pure objectivism that he demonstrates invite both acclaim and criticism, he continues to report the truth, and only the truth, exactly as he sees it." ---Lorne Scoggins, Fort Smith Boxing Examiner and Associate Pastor of Christian Lighthouse Church in Springdale, Arkansas C.S. Granville, also known as Countryman Simeon Granville, was born Simeon Granville Tolo Hayag Vergara Ampong. He is also the book author of "May Your Name Be Sealed" and "Yahweh, the Faithful One," both will be in the circulation soon. A credentialed journalist and a syndicated political columnist in the U. S., he is noted among boxing aficionados, fans and political thinkers for his challenging insights. He writes for The Western Center for Journalism in the U.S. He has also been an active contributor of Examiner.com and other media outlets. Dozens of his best articles are jam-packed with meat and best regarded as reliable sources for broadcast information and for several broadsheets and internet publications. He won first place in the International Speech Contest in 2000 which was held at the Ron Hubbard Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

This title offers a thorough guide to the weapon forms in Wing Chun kung fu. It gives a clear, concise explanation of the shape, structure and movements of each form, as well as their appropiate applications.

Chinese martial arts have a long, meaningful history and deep cultural roots. They blend the physical components of combat with strategy, philosophy and tradition, distinguishing them from Western sports. A History of Chinese Martial Arts is the most authoritative study ever written on this topic, featuring contributions from leading Chinese scholars and practitioners. The book provides a comprehensive overview of all types of Chinese martial arts, from the Pre-Qin Period (before 222 BC) right up to the present day in the People's Republic of China, with each chapter covering a different period in Chinese history. Including numerous illustrations of artefacts, weaponry and historical drawings and documents, this book offers unparalleled insight into the origins, development and contemporary significance of martial arts in China. This is a fascinating read for researchers and students working in sports history, Chinese sport and Chinese Studies.

Whether you are a law enforcement officer seeking to improve your edge or a martial artist wanting to expand your knowledge of street-proven techniques, you will find Defensive Tactics: Street-Proven Arrest and Control Techniques is filled with invaluable information to prepare you for even the most difficult scenarios. Highlights include * Joint manipulation that works* Leverage control vs. pain control*Striking with the hands, feet, forearms, and elbows* Safely and quickly crossing the gap*Blocking an assailant's strikes*Using vulnerable points to gain compliance*Head disorientation* Safe application of carotid constriction or "sleeper" holds*Controlling a suspect on the ground*Arresting big guys*Fighting concepts to take on patrol*Weapon retention in close quarters and on the ground Loren W. Christensen is a retired cop and high-ranking martial artist who survived everything the mean streets threw at him, working patrol, gang enforcement, and dignitary protection. Defensive Tactics goes beyond what is taught in the academy, during an officer's in-service training, and what is allowed by the administration. This book also includes a chapter on proven ways to control a suspect on the ground, written by LAPD officer Mark Mireles, an MMA coach, police academy trainer, and champion wrestler.

What if there were a secret ingredient that could make every one of your martial arts techniques better? Not only faster and more powerful, but more likely to slam home to exactly the right target every time? Maybe there is. Timing is the art and science of ending a confrontation as quickly and efficiently as possible. In Timing for the Fighting Arts, authors Loren W. Christensen and Wim Demeere team up to teach you exactly how to get every last ounce of speed and power out of your techniques. Whether you want to feel safer on the street or emerge from the ring victorious, this book is packed with inside information essential to defeating your opponent. *Why many experts say timing is more important than speed*How to put the OODA loop and Hick's law to work for you*Why timing is both an offensive and a defensive asset*Which types of verbal distraction can give you an edge*Why controlling your opponent's spine gives you an advantage*Which tournament techniques really work on the street*How to set up multiple opponents to create timing opportunities*Which tricks law enforcement officers rely on to buy time*How you can improve your odds against a gun or knife You will find drills and practice scenarios to help you develop every one of these concepts. Go beyond theory and put your new knowledge to work in the ring or on the street, where you need it most.

Somewhere in America right now are four or five women who will be killed tomorrow. They are going about their day, and I know if they were prepared to counter attack in the ways Loren Christensen and Lisa Place teach, they'd have a far better chance of prevailing tomorrow." -Gavin de Becker (from his Foreword), best-selling author of The Gift of Fear. Some "experts" say you should be submissive when attacked at home or by a stranger. You won't find that advice here, although you might use it as a ruse before you claw your assailant's eyes and smash his groin. Your ultimate goal is to get away, but you don't achieve that by being meek and docile. You get away by drawing on that hardwired survival instinct to attack him like an enraged lioness protecting her babies. In Self-Defense for Women:Fight Back, martial arts experts Loren W. Christensen and Lisa Place teach you to use your hands, forearms, elbows, teeth, knees, and feet to survive the attacks unsuspecting women become the victims of every day. And you will learn that you're surrounded by a limitless cache of weapons you can use to your advantage against a larger assailant. *How to recognize and assess a threat*How to de-escalate a bad situation*7 basic defensive techniques any woman can use effectively*Advanced skills for when you want to know more*How to identify and use everyday objects as defensive weapons*What to practice to prepare for a potential confrontation*How to practice at home, alone, and with a partner*Why you need to be physically fit and how to make a fitness plan*How to use fear as a weapon*The power of your mind and how to harness it for self-defense If you're ready to learn to fight back, Loren and Lisa know exactly what you need to survive an attack in your home or on the street.

There is a truth in the world of hand-to-hand combat that too many martial artists aren't aware of or refuse to believe. Every time you discover a sure technique, one that makes all your training partners groan and writhe in agony, there exists out there in the mean streets a host of people who won't feel it. People like these: *Attackers with large muscle bulk or large fat bulk*Attackers intoxicated on alcohol*Attackers under the influence of drugs*Attackers out of control with rage*Attackers who are mentally deranged*Attackers who feel pain but like it Loren W. Christensen draws on decades of martial arts training and law enforcement experience, giving you techniques to survive the worst-case scenario. This book isn't about working out with a training partner. It's about surviving a desperate street attack against a nightmare adversary who doesn't acknowledge what you thought was your best shot.

Loren W. Christensen shows you over 300 ways you can add variety to your daily martial arts training routine. Whether you're a student looking for fun new solo drills to spice up your home training or an instructor in search of new ways to pump up your classes, this book has what you need. It is an incredible collection of drills, techniques, and exercises that will take your workouts to the next level. *Organize your solo workouts to get maximum results from even the shortest training sessions.*Improve your speed and power with dozens of inside tips and tricks.*Beat boredom and get excited about your solo training sessions.*Become a well-rounded fighter by adding essential skills your instructor may not be teaching you.*Safely experiment with new techniques to find your ideal personal style of training.*Get an edge on your opponents with training methods that will elevate your skills in the ring and on the street. Not only will you learn enough new training strategies and methods to keep you busy for years, but Loren W. Christensen's no-nonsense writing style will get you up and moving, even on the days you'd rather skip your solo workout. This book is packed with insight, technique, and motivation. It will become your favorite training partner.

Fighting techniques and strategies from World Champion and Hall of Fame Boxer, Jack Dempsey. Jack Dempsey, one of the greatest and most popular boxers of all time, reveals the techniques behind his unparalleled success in the ring. Straightforward and

Knife / Counter-Knife Combatives by W. Hock Hochheim describes offensive and defensive knife fighting tactics in all ranges of combat including standing, sitting and on the ground. This is a complete survival tactical manual for all aspects of knife combat. W. Hock Hochheim is known worldwide as an authority on knife fighting tactics and strategies. He's the author of more than a dozen books and more than 200 dvds on a broad range of self-defense subjects. He teaches military, police and citizens in 9 countries annually.

The games comprised gladiatorial fights, staged animal hunts (venationes) and the executions of convicted criminals and prisoners of war. Besides entertaining the crowd, the games delivered a powerful message of Roman power: as a reminder of the wars in which Rome had acquired its empire, the distant regions of its far-flung empire (from where they had obtained wild beasts for the venatio), and the inevitability of Roman justice for criminals and those foreigners who had dared to challenge the empire's authority. Though we might see these games as bloodthirsty, cruel and reprehensible condemning any alien culture out of hand for a sport that offends our sensibilities smacks of cultural chauvinism. Instead one should judge an ancient sport by the standards of its contemporary cultural context. This book offers a fascinating, and fair historical appraisal of gladiatorial combat, which will bring the games alive to the reader and help them see them through the eyes of the ancient Romans. It will answer questions about gladiatorial combat such as: What were its origins? Why did it disappear? Who were gladiators? How did they become gladiators? What was there training like? How did the Romans view gladiators? How were gladiator shows produced and advertised? What were the different styles of gladiatorial fighting? Did gladiator matches have referees? Did every match end in the death of at least one gladiator? Were gladiator games mere entertainment or did they play a larger role in Roman society? What was their political significance?

Chinese martial arts is considered by many to symbolise the strength of the Chinese and their pride in their history, and has long been regarded as an important element of Chinese culture and national identity. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts comprehensively examines the development of Chinese martial arts in the context of history and politics, and highlights its role in nation building and identity construction over the past two centuries. This book explores how the development of Chinese martial arts was influenced by the ruling regimes' political and military policies, as well as the social and economic environment. It also discusses the transformation of Chinese martial arts into its modern form as a competitive sport, a sport for all and a performing art, considering the effect of the rapid transformation of Chinese society in the 20th century and the influence of Western sports. The text concludes by examining the current prominence of Chinese martial arts on a global scale and the bright future of the sport as a unique cultural icon and national symbol of China in an era of globalisation. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts is important reading for researchers, students and scholars working in the areas of Chinese studies, Chinese history, political science and sports studies. It is also a valuable read for anyone with a special interest in Chinese martial arts.

In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts.