The first long-term historical-sociological analysis of the development of Japanese martial arts. Uses the theoretical framework of figurational sociology and draws on rich empirical data. A new contribution to our understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of state formation. Considers the neglected role of women in martial arts.

"In yet another skillful excavation of a dazzling Latino champion, Christian Giudice...follows Hector 'Macho' Camacho from his embattled childhood in Spanish Harlem, to the heights of his electrifying yet too-brief stardom and onto his abject end by hail of gunfire in a carful of cocaine. It is a compelling journey."-Mark Kram Jr., author of Smokin' Joe: The Life of Joe Frazier Hector Camacho lived fast, and his fists flew even faster in the ring. Handsome, flamboyant, and outspoken, Camacho electrified the boxing scene of the 1980s and, shouting his mantra "Macho Time", he beat some of the greatest fighters of his generation. But his high-speed life caught up with him eventually and tragically when he was shot dead outside a nightclub in Puerto Rico at the age of fifty. Macho Time is written by Christian Giudice, author of Hands of Stone, the definitive biography of Roberto Duran, which was made into the motion picture of the same name starring Robert De Niro. Macho Time is the first biography of Hector Camacho Sr. Camacho's son, Hector Camacho Jr., also a professional boxer, worked closely with author Christian Giudice to give him unprecedented access and insight into this complex man. I thought I was cocky. Camacho surpasses me by three or four levels. But when Camacho brags, he's not trying to convince you of anything; he's just telling you what's going to happen."-Sugar Ray Leonard, from the pages of Macho Time "He would give me a hug and a kiss, then he would sit on the couch and make everyone laugh so hard. He had such good energy and spirit. He brought such joy to people whenever he entered a room. It was a gift."-Hector Camacho Jr., from Afterword of Macho Time

A tribute to the life and words of 3 times World Heavyweight Champion boxer, Muhammad Ali. I Am The GreatestA" is a 48 page book of quotations attributed to one of the greatest sportsmen and biggest personalities of modern times, Muhammad Ali. From the moment he won the Gold medal at the 1960 Olympics, to beating Sonny Liston and becoming World Heavyweight Champion, through the epic fights with Joe Frazier, George Foreman and many more besides, Ali was never short of something to say. Often witty, sometimes profound, his hugely outspoken words carried as much punch as his actions in the ring.

Douglas Wiles translates and analyzes four collections of recently released nineteenth-century manuscripts on T'ai-chi ch'uan. These writings of Wu's older brothers Ch'eng-ch'ing and Ju-ch'ing, and his nephew Li I-yu, together with the transmissions of Yang Pan-hou, represent a significant addition to the seminal literature. The rich new texts allow us to make a fresh survey of longstanding issues in T'ai-chi history: the origins of the art; the authorship of the 'classics'; the differences between We, Yang, and Li; and the roles of Chang San-feng. Wang Tsung-yueh, Chiang Fa, and the formerly missing link, Ch'ang Nai-chou. The original Chinese texts of the four new sets of classics have been appended for the convenience of Chinese readers and scholars.

Robert Childs' book seeks to bestow not just mechanical advice, but also to provide a philosophy of fencing that shows the swordsman not only the how, but why. There are a number of "how-to" rapier manuals now available; both those written centuries ago and now presented in modern English translation, or those composed by modern maestri of the sword in emulation of those by-gone works. But there has always been the parallel tradition of the martial treatise. It is this category of work that 30+ year fencer and currently top-ranked rapier fencer, Rob Childs, emulates. After explaining the basics of his own, eclectic system of rapier combat, he walks students through a wide variety of topics: how to choose the proper sword for you; how to fence students of different sizes; physical qualities and emotional temperaments; how to adapt your approach to different contexts (casual matches, competitions and medals matches) while maintaining martial reality; the use of sound, body displacement to deceive the opponent, and the most common tells fencers give and how to train them out of yourself-while using them against your opponent. Interwoven with personal anecdotes, you will gain both a look into the mindset and training paradigm of a world-class competitor, the sort of advice athletes for generations have sought from highly-skilled coaches, and be entertained at Childs' own adventures through the evolving world of historical swordsmanship. Although centred on the rapier, this work is really about fencing writ large and will be of value to anyone who has held a blade and heard the words 'en garde'! Illustrated with colour photographs throughout.

A breakout success and a "New York Times" bestseller in hardcover, "Got Fight?" is the uproarious and out of control book from Forrest Griffin, one of the most outrageous personalities in the Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC). The former light heavyweight champ of the UFC, Forrest is one of the UFC's biggest stars in mixed martials arts, the fastest-growing sport in the world. Now in "Got Fight?", the man who's been called 'the most popular fighter in the UFC' offers personal stories from inside and outside the Octagon to give readers a glimpse into the mind of a mixed martial artist and illustrate his 50 principles of being a fighter, with topics ranging from mentally preparing before a professional fight to kicking it into high gear when your ring is the street. Mixing his fighting tips with his own booming personality and his trademark sense of humour, Forrest creates his own unique, self-depricating version of self-help. In these pages, you will learn about true mental toughness - whether it's scraping it out in the Octagon or picking up chicks.

Increase your strength, improve your health, and develop explosive martial power with Qigong - the cultivation of your body's internal energy. Renown Qigong and martial arts master Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming explains how and why Qigong can improve your martial training, and presents ten complete sets of proven Qigong exercises for martial artists and health seekers. You'll gain muscular strength and vitality, increase your fighting power, and learn meditation training for improved concentration and longevity. This book also includes healing Qigong exercises and soothing massage techniques to help you recover more quickly from injury. In addition, Dr. Yang discusses Qigong and health, and charts the major cavities used in the martial arts. * Develop explosive martial power. * Recover quickly from injury. * Choose from ten Qigong training sets. * Easily integrated with any martial style. * Over 200 photographs and illustrations.

"Knife & Tomahawk Throwing helps keep alive these traditional arts of the old West. In these pages, you will learn about the fundamentals of the sport and gain insight into some of the greatest professional knife throwers-the men who paved the way for the modern day thrower." -- Bobby Branton, President of the American Knife Thrower's Alliance (AKTA) Harry McEvoy, the foremost expert in the field of tomahawk and knife throwing and best-selling author of Knife Throwing: A Practical Guide, provides us with an exciting, in-depth look at the popular sport of weapon throwing. Meet the men who throw flaming knives at lovely ladies on a spinning target--and not scorch a hair; learn about the legendary "Skeeter" Vaughan, whose record-breaking throw saved the lives of hundreds of U.S. servicemen during World War II; and witness the courage of Tony Cascarella, who brought down a 275-pound wild boar with only three Bowie-Axe throwing knives. In addition, this book will clearly show you the skills involved in knife and tomahawk throwing--skills all the professionals first mastered before attempting the daring feats required when performing the "impalement arts." Also presented is an interesting history of throwing-knives, from the earliest times, through the development of the European daggers, and up to the knives used during the Vietnam War. Furthermore, you'll learn about many of the other throwing weapons of the world, including the martial arts weapons used by the Japanese ninja, and the deadly boomerangs of the Australian aborigines. Concisely written and illustrated with more than 50 photographs--including many of the "greats" in action--Knife and Tomahawk Throwing is a must for anyone interested in these fascinating sports. Chapters include: The Fine Points of Knife Throwing How to Build Targets Evolution of the Throwing Knife The Art of the Professionals The Saga of Skeeter Vaughn Tomahawk Throwing The Hunt of the "Hog Heaven" Boar The Other Throwing Instruments

Many practitioners believe that Sanchin Kata holds the key to mastering traditional martial arts. It is one of the simplest forms to learn, yet one of the most difficult to perfect. Those who truly understand its teachings find that it facilitates enormous quickness and power in any martial application. The challenge lies in gaining that understanding, which is something we had to uncover ourselves by trial and error...until now. When Karate or Ti" was first developed in Okinawa, it was about using technique and extraordinary power to end a fight instantly. These old ways of generating remarkable power are still accessible, but they are purposefully hidden in Sanchin Kata for the truly dedicated to find. This book takes you to new depths of practice by breaking down the form piece by piece, body part by body part, so that the very foundation of the kata is revealed. Test it. Every chapter, concept, and application is accompanied by a test it section, designed for you to explore and verify the kata for yourself. Sanchin Kata really comes alive when you can feel the thrill of having those hidden teachings speak to you through your body across the ages. No other document or video available today provides such depth and exploration of Sanchin Kata. Simply put: once you read this book and test what you have learned, your Karate will never be the same. Contents Include:* Movement Not Seen* The Crescent Step* The Spine* Bones, Sinew, and Muscle* The Energetic Structure* The Mechanical Structure* Iron Shirt* Rooting* The Mind* Ten-minute Sanchin* The 5:7 Ratio* The Entire Traditional Kata in step-by-step Movement* And Much More!

This book neither argues for or against the continuation of boxing, but lays out the literature and the body of scientific knowledge that are necessary to provide a meaningful background for the ensuing debate. It provides a comprehensive resource for those who are involved in regulating boxing and those who participate directly, as well as for the medical and scientific communities. Includes carefully quoted case histories and research as well as an extensive body of medical literature on boxing injuries to demonstrate that brain damage is a natural consequence of boxing.
* Presents in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of "punch drunkness"
* Includes detailed case histories of the clinical and pathomorphological findings uncovered by current medical research
* Extensively reviews medical literature

The phrase "martial arts studies" is increasingly circulating as a term to describe a new field of interest. But many academic fields including history, philosophy, anthropology, and Area studies already engage with martial arts in their own particular way. Therefore, is there really such a thing as a unique field of martial arts studies? Martial Arts Studies is the first book to engage directly with these questions. It assesses the multiplicity and heterogeneity of possible approaches to martial arts studies, exploring orientations and limitations of existing approaches. It makes a case for constructing the field of martial arts studies in terms of key coordinates from post-structuralism, cultural studies, media studies, and post-colonialism. By using these anti-disciplinary approaches to disrupt the approaches of other disciplines, Martial Arts Studies proposes a field that both emerges out of and differs from its many disciplinary locations.

Accidental Olympian is the uplifting story of a judo athlete who wasn't afraid to dream big. Colin Oates trained in the wilds of Norfolk, at a village hall club run by his father. Entering the Olympics seemed an impossible dream, but Oates defied the odds to qualify for and compete at two Olympic Games. The boy born in Harold Wood, Essex, battled not only local prejudices within the judo fraternity but took on and beat many of the world's top players. Under the coaching and guidance of his father, Oates travelled the globe to fight in places he'd never heard of. Discover how Oates, supported by a judo-crazy family, smashed his way to being the British number-one under-66kg player for nearly a decade before qualifying for the Olympics. At London 2012, Oates defeated an ex-world champion and was only stopped by the eventual gold medallist. At Rio 2016, he faced the heartbreak of an early exit but was soon appointed a Great Britain elite coach. This is a genuine David and Goliath story where the underdog comes out on top.

"There have been many books on judo--some highly competent, others well-written or well-illustrated, some fit for beginners, others for the advanced student. To have all these in a single volume is unusual."--San Francisco Chronicle The Art and Science of Judo is a revealing Japanese martial arts manual that focuses primarily on the scientific principles at work in Judo. In this book, highly-respected Judo instructors Jiichi Watanabe and Lindy Avakian delve deeply into the mechanics of Judo, offering clear-cut scientific explanations for the numerous techniques involved in throwing and grappling. By understanding the science behind the art, you will become prepared to perform the right moves at the right time and successfully meet the challenge of responding to your opponent. The book has over 200 illustrations and 40 photos which show the forces that are employed when performing common Judo throwing and grappling moves such as hip throws, foot sweeps, collar holds, and many more. In addition to the precise explanations of judo's physical aspects, you'll also find detailed insights into the psychological factors related to judo's underlying philosophy. Topics include: How dynamics are applied to Judo The three principles for practicing Judo The three laws of motion and how they apply to Judo Different kinds of force found in Judo techniques How to effectively practice throwing and grappling A new foreword by Judo instructor Neil Ohlenkamp offers insight on the book's importance as a resource for every Judo practitioner and instructor. The Art and Science of Judo is a fascinating and valuable work, which will help you achieve success by not only understanding what techniques to master but also why they work and when to use them.

While the old adage, "those who can't do, teach," is not entirely true, all too often "those who can do" cannot teach effectively. This book is unique in that it offers a holistic approach to teaching martial arts; incorporating elements of educational theory and communication techniques typically overlooked in budo. Teachers will improve their abilities to motivate, educate, and retain students, while students interested in the martial arts will develop a better understanding of what instructional method best suits their needs. *A tactical toolset useful to anyone's teaching style*Improve your ability to motivate, educate, and retain students*Explains how to optimize time and attention*Designed to individual preferences and learning styles*Effective for both children and adultsThe author's approach balances the reality that martial arts instructs are responsible for ensuring the safety of practitioners who learn potentially deadly techniques with the truism that if their classes are not enjoyable and productive no one will participate in them.

The phrase "martial arts studies" is increasingly circulating as a term to describe a new field of interest. But many academic fields including history, philosophy, anthropology, and Area studies already engage with martial arts in their own particular way. Therefore, is there really such a thing as a unique field of martial arts studies? Martial Arts Studies is the first book to engage directly with these questions. It assesses the multiplicity and heterogeneity of possible approaches to martial arts studies, exploring orientations and limitations of existing approaches. It makes a case for constructing the field of martial arts studies in terms of key coordinates from post-structuralism, cultural studies, media studies, and post-colonialism. By using these anti-disciplinary approaches to disrupt the approaches of other disciplines, Martial Arts Studies proposes a field that both emerges out of and differs from its many disciplinary locations.

HANDBOOK OF TAI CHI CH'UAN incorporates all three forms of T'ai Chi Ch'uan exercises, derived from the Yang style - Short Form, Long Form, and Push Hands. Along with more than 600 illustrations, Zhang provides easy-to-understand descriptions of the postures and movements used in each form. Two charts are included to show the foot position and body orientation for both the Short and Long Forms.

People of any age can reap the benefits of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Use this practical, thorough, and accessible guidebook to learn the fitness art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and make it part of your daily life.

Blood, Brawn, Brains and Broken Noses explores the evolution of pugilism, better known as boxing, from its origins in Ancient Greece and Rome to the present day. In England, pugilism became a popular form of entertainment, leading to a golden age, which the book covers in detail along with the careers of five champion pugilists. But the sport hit a major hitch when bare-knuckle pugilism clashed with Victorian morals, and it was superseded by gloved boxing. Afterwards, bare-knuckle boxing went underground and was practised clandestinely and seen only by a select few. The book examines the thoughts of ancient philosophers to explain why pugilism became part of British culture. Nineteenth-century philosophies such as Social Darwinism, Muscular Christianity and Rational Recreation are also explored along with how Rational Recreation influences boxing today. What are the sociological factors that motivate people to take up boxing? And how can the sport prevent societal ills? Blood, Brawn, Brains and Broken Noses holds the answers.

Learn the ancient knowledge of how the body's vital points, the centers of the body's natural energy, can be exploited to gain an advantage over your opponent in martial combat or self-defense. In this detailed guide to pressure point fighting, martial arts expert Rick Clark describes how to target expertly placed blows which can defeat your opponent quickly and effectively. He offers a systematic introduction to this knowledge and to the tools needed to recognize vital points in the kata, hyung, or forms already in place. The lessons explain: Where the body's vital points are located and how to strike them for maximum effect How vital points can be targeted most efficiently to successfully defend oneself How targeting vital points can be used in conjunction with traditional martial arts to help meet a variety of threats With 230 photos and 25 detailed charts, Pressure Point Fighting teaches that success in this discipline is not dependent upon acceptance of the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, or modern Western medicine, for that matter--solely on open-minded observation and willingness to try different approaches to martial arts training. Forewords written by pressure point combat expert Vince Morris and Tai Chi master Jane Hallander explain how this book's lessons are indispensable to anyone seeking to learn the elements of pressure point fighting.

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.

On June 28, 1868, a group of men gathered alongside a road 35 miles north of Albuquerque to witness a 165-round, 6-hour bare-knuckle brawl between well-known Colorado pugilist Barney Duffy and ""Jack,"" an unidentified fighter who later died of his injuries. Thought to be the first ""official"" prizefight in New Mexico, this tragic spectacle marked the beginning of the rich and varied history of boxing in the state. Oftentimes an underdog in its battles with the law and public opinion, boxing in New Mexico has paralleled the state's struggles and glories, through the Wild West, statehood, the Depression, war, and economic growth. It is a story set in boomtowns, ghost towns and mining camps, along railroads and in casinos, and populated by cowboys, soldiers, laborers, poor city kids and more. This work chronicles more than 70 years of New Mexico's colorful boxing past, representing the most in-depth exploration of prizefighting in one region yet undertaken.

Walking should be one of the most natural things we do. Most of us have been walking almost all of our lives. However, many have learned walking in a haphazard way. Wearing improper shoes, modeling ourselves after others whose walking is inefficient, and wrong ideas about how our body works are all factors that take their toll on us over time. Because walking is natural, it is not hard to improve it to the point where it becomes meditation and improves our health at the same time. For Tai Chi practitioners, walking provides an excellent opportunity to augment, refine, and reinforce Tai Chi principles and bridge the gap between formal practice and everyday life. For non-practitioners, Tai Chi Walking trains us in walking concepts for improving health, balance, peace-of-mind and safety. *If you hurt after a long day on your feet, this book is for you.*Learn how to walk properly and naturally.*Discover why poor walking posture can damage your health.*Understand how proper walking can increase longevity and vitality.

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.

This book explores Shaolin Chin Na by presenting 150 techniques with detailed instructions for teaching yourself. Chin Na (Qin Na) is one of the four major fighting categories in all Chinese martial styles. The four categories are: kicking (Ti), Striking (Da), Wrestling (Shuai), and Seize-Controlling (Na). Joint lock Chin Na techniques can be effectively used against an opponents grabbing attacks as well as against wrestling. Pressing and striking Chin Na can be used to seal the opponents breathing, vein/artery, or Qi circulation, which can cause severe pain, numbness, unconsciousness, or even death. Most of Chin Na can be learned easily and be adopted into any martial style. Chin Na has been known as the root of the Japanese arts of Jujitsu and Aikido, and practitioners can use the study of Chin Na to increase their understanding of the theory and principles of their own arts. In this new edition. -Old Chinese spelling system has been replaced by the new academic Pinyin system. -Chinese characters are included in the text. -New information has been added whenever it will help the reader. -Old techniques have been modified according to the author's current understanding. -New photographs to improve the angle of the techniques and overall layout. -The ability to control an opponent through Chin Na is one of the highest measures of martial skill. -Teach yourself with this book, even if you have never studied martial arts before. -50 Chin Na techniques photographed and explained! -Improve your skills with the many training methods, attacks, and counterattack techniques detailed in this book. -Increase your fighting options! -Chin Na is easily integrated with any martial style. -Healtraining injuries with section on Chin Na first aid, including herbal remedies. -Go beyond joint locks with vein and artery sealing, dividing the muscles/tendons, and misplacing the bone.