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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Combat sports & self-defence
A Social History of Sheffield Boxing combines urban ethnography and
anthropology, sociological theory and place and life histories to
explore the global phenomenon of boxing. Raising many issues
pertinent to the social sciences, such as contestations around
state regulation of violence, commerce and broadcasting, pedagogy
and elite sport and how sport is delivered and narrated to the
masses, the book studies the history of boxing in Sheffield and the
sport's impact on the cultural, political and economic development
of the city since the 18th century. Interweaving urban anthropology
with sports studies and historical research the text expertly
examines a variety of published sources, ranging from academic
papers to biographies and from newspaper reports to case studies
and contemporary interviews. In Volume I, Bell and Armstrong
construct a vivid history of boxing and probe its cultural
acceptance in the late 1800s, examining how its rise was
inextricably intertwined with the industrial and social development
of Sheffield. Although Sheffield was not a national player in
prize-fighting's early days, throughout the mid-1800s, many
parochial scores and wagers were settled by the use of fists. By
the end of the century, boxing with gloves had become the norm, and
Sheffield had a valid claim to be the chief provincial focus of
this new passion-largely due to the exploits of George Corfield,
Sheffield's first boxer of national repute. Corfield's deeds were
later surpassed by three British champions: Gus Platts, Johnny
Cuthbert and Henry Hall. Concluding with the dual themes of the
decline of boxing in Sheffield and the city's changing social
profile from the 1950s onwards, the volume ends with a meditation
on the arrival of new migrants to the city and the processes that
aided or frustrated their integration into UK life and sport.
With over 45 years of experience in the ring, on the mat, and in
the street, Loren W. Christensen understands the daily challenges
martial artists face. In this book he has put together a collection
of over 400 tips, drills, principles, concepts, and exercises to
give you the edge, no matter what style of martial art you
practice. Discover quick and innovative ways to improve your
punching, kicking, sparring, and self-defense skills-plus dozens of
tips to develop speed, power, and flexibility. If you are feeling
stuck or bored in your martial arts routine, Loren's no-nonsense
style will get you up and training with a fire you have not felt in
years. Highlights include: *10 ways to improve your speed*5 ways to
increase your power*10 ways to train for self-defense*10 ways to
improve health and fitness*Dozens of tips for improving kicks,
blocks, and hand strikes*Guidance on psychological preparation
Fighter's Fact Book includes hundreds of training methods drawn
from the author's vast experience, research, and interviews with
top instructors from around the country. This is an essential
reference for every martial arts student and instructor.
Boxing is a traditional sport in many ways, characterized by
continuities in the form of practices and regulations and heavy
with legends and heroes reflecting its traditional/historical
values. Associations with class, hegemonic masculinity and
racialized inclusions/exclusions, however, sit alongside
developments such as women's boxing and involvement in Mixed
Martial Arts. This book will be the first to use boxing as a
vehicle for exploring social, cultural and political change in a
global context. It will consider to what degree and in what ways
boxing reflects social transformations, and whether and how it
contributes to those transformations. In exploring the relationship
it will provide new ways of thinking critically about the everyday.
Martial arts legend Grandmaster Kazumi Tabata presents a brilliant
analysis for modern readers of the most famous work of martial
strategy, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Warrior Wisdom also includes
an analysis of the lesser-known The Tactics of Shokatsu Komei, as
well as additional warrior tactics that have enabled the author to
become a Grandmaster in Shotokan Karate and one of the most
influential martial artists in North America. Since he was sent to
the United States by his master Isao Obata in the 1960s to promote
Karate, Tabata has continually refined his teaching methods and
distillations of classic Eastern knowledge to enable Westerners to
understand and take to heart these valuable lessons truly. This
martial arts strategy book should be read by anyone interested in
learning the ancient wisdom of these timeless classics to overcome
challenges and excel in everything they do--whether in the martial
arts, in business, or in everyday life.
Winner - 2013 USA Best Books AwardFinalist - 2013 Book of the Year
Award by ForeWord Magazine In a free and peaceful society where so
many have been taught that all violence is wrong, citizens are
often confused and dismayed when officers use force, even when the
force is perfectly lawful and justified. This book allows you to
'take' a basic USE OF FORCE class just as if you were a rookie at
the police academy. Below are some highlights of what is included
in 'your' basic use of force class: SECTION 1. TRAINING. I explain
policy and laws that officers are taught. We examine use of force,
how to define a threat, and the difference between excessive force
and unnecessary force. SECTION 2. CHECKS AND BALANCES. This section
explains how an officer's decisions are examined if suspected of
being bad decisions. SECTION 3. EXPERIENCE. We explore how officers
see the world that they live in. Somewhere in the fog between
training and experience, the officer has to make a decision.
Sometimes decisions will be made in a fraction of a second and on
partial information. Sometimes a decision will change the lives of
everyone involvedforever. SECTION 4. ABOUT YOU. Review what you
should have learned. Why does community action fail? What is it
that can really be done? Know how to behave when faced by an
officer. Until this section, I have tried to put you in the
headspace of an officer, giving you an overview of his training and
a taste of his experiences. Now I will try to let you feel like a
suspect. That's a lot of mind bending for one book. Get plenty of
sleep and drink lots of water.
Glen Sharp's boxing career was a rise-and-fall story without so
much rise in it. A sparring partner for heavyweight Hall of Famer
Yaqui Lopez, he "retired" with a record of one victory and two
defeats. A decade later, having come to understand how and why he
failed as a younger fighter, he attempted a comeback. Told with
heart and wit, his memoir is a treatise on boxing as both
profession and purpose. Sharp uses economic theory to describe the
sweet science as a case study in resource management while
recounting his own struggle to win fistic glory and his father's
admiration.
This work brings a fresh perspective to the history of modern
prizefighting, a sport which has evolved over several centuries to
become one of mankind's most lasting and valued sporting
attractions. With his primary focus outside the ropes, the author
shows how organizers, publicity agents, and political allies
overcame both legal and moral roadblocks to make fisticuffing a
lively commercial enterprise. The book begins with the clandestine
bare-knuckle fights in eighteenth-century London, and ends with the
vibrant, large-scale productions of modern Las Vegas "fight
nights." Along the way, he explains many of the myths about
antiquarian prizefighters, describes the origins of slave fight
folklore, and examines the forces that transformed Las Vegas into
the world's leading venue for important fights.
Qigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves
coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain
health and well-being. Yi Jin Jing/ Tendon-Muscle Strengthening
Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to a particular
qigong exercise that focuses on turning and flexing the spine.
Based on the twelve traditional routines of Yi Jin Jing, the
exercises covered in the book feature soft, extended, even
movements that invigorate the limbs and internal organs. In
particular, practice of the Yi Jin Jing exercises improves
flexibility, balance and muscular strength, and has a beneficial
effect on the respiratory system. Each routine is described
step-by-step and is illustrated with photographs and key points.
The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how
to correct these. Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points
and accompanied by online material, this book will be of interest
to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of
martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.
Seize and Control Skills for Tai Chi Chuan Hundreds of chin na
grappling techniques are hidden within tai chi movements. You can
achieve these seize and control skills by including Tai Chi Chin Na
in your training regimen. Here's your chance to take the next step
in your tai chi journey Once you have attained proficiency in the
bare hand form and have begun pushing hands, you are ready for tai
chi chin na. The effective martial skills of traditional tai chi
chuanTai chi chin na will help you include martial art skills in
your tai chi training. Chin na, along with punching, kicking, and
wrestling, is one of the four categories that are required in a
traditional martial arts. This book provides a solid and practical
approach to learning tai chi chin na accurately and quickly. You
will learn specific techniques that flow from each movement, the
proper hand forms to use when striking or pressing cavities, and
the locations for targeting cavities on the body. Includes 858
photographs with motion arrows! *General concepts of chin na*Basic
chin na theory and training*51 chin na techniques for peng, lu, ji,
and an*41 chin na techniques for cai, lei, zhou, and kao*103 chin
na applications for the 37 primary tai chi postures*17 chin na
techniques for tai chi pushing hands No matter your age or martial
prowess, tai chi chin na is a necessary and enjoyable way to
explore the depths of tai chi-a formidable martial art.
Reach for the Highest Level of Tai Chi Practice You can achieve the
highest level of tai chi practice by including tai chi sword in
your training regimen. Here's your chance to take the next step in
your tai chi journey. Once you have attained proficiency in the
bare hand form and have gained listening and sensing skills from
pushing hands, you are ready for tai chi sword. The elegant and
effective techniques of traditional tai chi sword Tai chi sword
will help you control your qi, refine your tai chi skills, and
master yourself. You will strengthen and relax your body, calm and
focus your mind, improve your balance, and develop proper tai chi
breathing. This book provides a solid and practical approach to
learning tai chi sword accurately and quickly. Includes over 500
photographs with motion arrows! *Historical overview of tai chi
sword*Fundamentals, including hand forms and footwork*Generating
power with the sword*12 tai chi sword breathing exercises*30 key
tai chi sword techniques with applications*12 fundamental tai chi
sword solo drills*Complete 54-movement Yang Tai Chi Sword
sequence*48 martial applications from the tai chi sword sequence*10
tai chi sword 2-person matching drills No matter your age, tai chi
sword is a wonderful way to improve your health and well-being. Tai
Chi Chuan is one of the more popular health activities practiced
today. According to the NCCAM div. of U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, between 2.3-3 million people practice tai chi in
the United States. Recommended by healthcare professionals,
practiced for pleasure, fitness, or martial arts; by young and old
alike, tai chi creates a vast community of people practicing for
many different reasons. Many students expand their practice to
include the Tai Chi Sword. It's fun, builds strength, and develops
concentration and focus. Tai chi sword is integral to the long-term
study of tai chi and qigong. This revised edition of our classic
book on Tai Chi Sword includes a new modern, easy-to-follow layout;
each movement is presented in 4-6 large photographs with lucid
instructions on how to perform them; shows martial applications to
help get the angles correct. Other sections offer a brief history
of Tai Chi Sword, fundamental training routines, and qigong
exercises to connect your Tai Chi Sword practice to your internal
health.
This samurai strategy books is the first widely available English
translation of Yamamoto Kansuke's classic treatise on strategy and
tactics. Secrets of the Japanese Art of Warfare is Thomas Cleary's
translation of the seminal writings attributed to Yamamoto Kansuke
on Japanese martial arts and military service. A mysterious man of
humble origins, Yamamoto distinguished himself in the service of
the redoubtable Takeda Shingen. Yamamoto was a career soldier and
founder of the so-called "school of certain victory," from which
the famous Miyamoto Musashi (The Book of Five Rings) emerged. His
school developed the art of discerning situational combat advantage
so that a warrior was able to commit to action only when success
was virtually assured. Translated and accompanied with helpful
insights by Thomas Cleary, one of the foremost translators of the
martial wisdom of Asia, this book is for all persons engaged in
military, law enforcement, or emergency response, as well as for
martial artists, athletes, business executives, diplomats and
politicians.
"The Book of Five Rings " is one of the most insightful texts on
the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian
culture. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who
wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life,
the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict
that underlies every level of human interaction.
"The Book of Five Rings " was composed in 1643 by the famed duelist
and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Thomas Cleary's
translation is immediately accessible, with an introduction that
presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along
with Musashi's text, Cleary translates here another important
Japanese classic on leadership and strategy, "The Book of Family
Traditions on the Art of War " by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights
the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply
to the way of the warrior.
The Martial Arts Athlete answers questions that today's competitors
must know to succeed - should you do push-ups or lift weights? Are
energy bars and sports drinks any good? Are traditional forms a
waste of your time? How do you eat to win? Discover powerful
mind/body training for peak performance and incredible physical
conditioning. * Imagery for better strikes, kicks & takedowns.*
Meditations for a sharper mind.* The power of relaxation.* Mental
skills to manage pain, improve discipline, and feel great!
Incredible physical conditioning to get you in the best shape of
your life: * Step-by-step strength training for powerful arms &
shoulders.* Killer ab-work for a lean torso and washboard stomach.*
Plyometrics for strong legs and explosive kicks.* Three kinds of
stretching for dynamic flexibility.* Simple breathing techniques to
power you up. Discover the most effective workouts, nutrition
secrets, and mind/body training for peak martial arts performance
in competition and daily practice.
Although the energetic anatomy of men and women is different, the
ancient teachings of Nu Dan, a separate branch of internal alchemy
for women, have been lost in the literature over the centuries and
only survive through practice in the lineages. This book takes a
detailed look at female energetic anatomy, exploring how it is
different from its male counterpart, and explains and describes the
specific practices which support the unique strengths and
challenges that the female energy system presents. Previously
wrapped in secrecy, the teachings in this book include qigong
exercises that activate the energy of the uterus and an explanation
of how menstruation and a connection to the cycles of the moon can
be converted into a tool for Nei Gong development.
In this follow-up to his phenomenally popular Solo Training, Loren
W. Christensen digs down deep to come up with hundreds of more ways
for you to rev up your training at home or in the gym. Solo
Training 2 kicks off with a focus on building your body's core for
stronger, faster, and more effective grappling, kicking, and
punching. A strong core-chest, abs, hips, shoulders, and back-is
the source of your body's power, speed, and coordinated movement.
As a martial artist, having a strong core helps you to get more out
of your training and to respond instantly and effectively to the
fast-changing demands of competition or an explosive street
encounter. You'll also get over 100 ways to work your combinations,
cheat speed, improve accuracy, fight from unconventional stances,
practice grappling when you can't find a partner, and get the most
out of your mannequin bag. This book wraps up with eight workouts,
each with a specific goal, like the free-hand power builder and the
boxer workout. If you're looking to get more out of training, Solo
Training 2 represents your next evolution in fighting techniques
and concepts.
Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of
China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great
sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the
masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This book
provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process, and explains
in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice,
and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist
priests. The methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative
practice which has until now been reserved for 'inner-door'
students is described, and the book contains an entire set of
Qigong exercises accompanied by instructional photographs and
drawings. This book will be of interest to all practitioners of Qi
Gong, martial arts and meditation, and will be a rewarding read for
anyone interested in Eastern philosophy.
The old Kendo teachers loved to ask their new students "What is
Kendo?" Then they would sit back and listen to them philosophize
about the way of the sword. The question is like a Zen question. If
you find an answer, it will always be wrong for there is no answer.
Kendo is something different to each and every student who picks up
a Japanese sword. Old Kenjitsu had no rules. Modern Kendo sometimes
described as sport Kendo, does. This is the difference between the
two. To learn Kendo properly you must not think of it or practice
it as a sport. You must think of it as a way of life. When taking
up Kendo the student must keep in mind that the Japanese sword is
like no other sword in the world and the skills required to master
it are as ancient as time itself. This book addresses advance level
Kendo skills including equipment, exercises, wazas and the last
three katas of the All Japan Kendo Federation, which uses the short
sword (Wakizashi). *Equipment of Kendo and its care*Advanced
Waza*Fundamental Movements*All Japan Kendo Federation Short Sword
(Kodachi) Katas*About the Samurai and his swords*Sword
Collecting*Sword Nomenclature
Whether opening saloons, raising cattle, or promoting sporting
events, George Lewis ""Tex"" Rickard (1870-1929) possessed a drive
to be the best. After an early career as a cowboy and Texas
sheriff, Rickard pioneered the largest ranch in South America,
built a series of profitable saloons in the Klondike and Nevada
gold rushes, and turned boxing into a million-dollar sport. As
""the Father of Madison Square Garden,"" he promoted over 200
fights, including some of the most notable of the 20th century: the
""Longest Fight,"" the ""Great White Hope,"" fight, and the famous
""Long Count"" fight. Along the way, he rubbed shoulders with some
of history's most renowned figures, including Teddy Roosevelt,
Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, John Ringling, Jack Dempsey, and Gene
Tunney. This detailed biography chronicles Rickard's colorful life
and his critical role in the evolution of boxing from a minor sport
into a modern spectacle.
"The masterful art of chess, Kung-fu sword play, and the sweet
science of boxing are all hip-hop expressions that connect us
universally. Beatboxing tells the story. It's razor
sharp."—Masta Killa, Wu-Tang Clan “I love how Todd
Snyder's brain works. Like him, I love hip hop, and I love boxing.
But I've never seen someone tie them together so well, detailing
their shared history, the way each impacted the other and the
personalities involved. Beatboxing is written
with such tethering, with that kind of impact and insight. It might
be my favorite sports book—since the last one Snyder
wrote.” —Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated Step into
a world of rap moguls turned fight promoters, boxers turned
rappers, and rappers turned boxers. From Mike Tyson to Tupac, from
Roy Jones Jr. to J Prince, explore how a cultural collision forever
altered the relationship between music, race, sports, and politics.
Daryl McDonald of Run-DMC once said that the rhyme Float like
a butterfly, sting like a bee! The hands can’t hit what the eyes
can’t see! was hip-hop’s most famous lyric. Muhammad
Ali’s poetic brilliance and swagger—ignited by hype man Bundini
Brown—gave hip-hop artists the template from which they forged
their identities and performed their art. Hip-hop’s impact on
boxing, on the other hand, has not been explored. Until now.
In Beatboxing, Todd Snyder uncovers the unique connection
between hip-hop and the sweet science, tracing a grassroots
cultural movement from its origins in the South Bronx to its
explosion across the globe and ultimately into the charged
environment of the prize ring. Featuring interviews with champion
fighters and music legends, this is the definitive book about an
enduring phenomenon and is a must-read for boxing and hip-hop fans
alike.
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Wrestliana
(Paperback)
Toby Litt
1
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R312
R287
Discovery Miles 2 870
Save R25 (8%)
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Ships in 12 - 19 working days
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Master the Chinese martial art of T'ai Chi with this accessible,
illustrated guide. T'ai-chi (Tai Chi) is an effortless and
rhythmical art that stresses slow breathing, balanced and relaxed
postures, and absolute calmness of mind. It requires no special
equipment or place to practice and takes no more than ten minutes a
day. This book, from renowned Tai Chi master, Cheng Man-Ch'ing,
introduces T'ai-chi as a means to a healthier life, as a sport and
as a method of self-defense. It is a complete step-by-step manual
for the beginner. With conscientious practice, readers will master
the sequence of thirty-seven postures that will make up the
T'ai-chi solo exercise. Students will learn how to progress from
exercise to sport to self-defense with maximum efficiency. The
instructions are clear and easy to follow, and more than 275
photographs and 122 foot-weighting diagrams guarantee an
understanding of the correct form. A history of T'ai-chi, including
thumbnail sketches of famous masters, and the first English
translation of the basic T'ai-chi document, known as the T'ai-chi
Ch'uan Classics, are also included.
The inspiration for the Jedi knights of Star Wars and the films
of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured
modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound
by a code of honor called Bushido--the Way of the Warrior--the
reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction.
In Samurai, celebrated author John Man provides a unique and
captivating look at their true history, told through the life of
one man: Saigo Takamori, known to many as "the last samurai." In
1877 Takamori led a rebel army of samurai in a heroic "last stand"
against the Imperial Japanese Army, who sought to end the "way of
the sword" in favor of firearms and modern warfare. Man's thrilling
narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never
before.
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