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.

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.

Profound - In Depth - Taijiquan Theory In the last seven centuries, many songs and poems have been composed about Taijiquan. These have played a major role in preserving the knowledge and wisdom of the masters, although in many cases, the identity of the authors and the dates of origin have been lost. As lifelong pursuit, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming has translated many of these documents and according to him, believes many are incomplete for reasons relating to: forgotten oral secrets, the original authors personal understanding being too narrowly focused, and many documents that have gone missing could help unify Taijiquan theory. In response, his book Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is an attempt to join the various theories on Taijiquan in one complete text. This book is structured with treaties, songs, and poems, followed by the original Chinese text and interpretations of the passages. Contents include Regulating the body, breath, mind, Qi & spirit Analysis of Jin, pushing hands and sparring Taijiquan's long range and short range fighting strategies The relationship of Jin and Qi The unification of the internal Qi and external physical manifestations of Qi "Based upon my personal background and understanding, I have tried my best to compile the Taijiquan Theory and practice concepts in this book. I have attempted to make this effort as complete as possible". -Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming This second edition includes Updated pinyin that includes diacritical tonal marks (for proper pronunciation of Chinese words). Updated Chinese text character font (providing better readability).

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.

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.

__________ Out now: the knockout number one bestseller by Eddie Hearn. Find out about success and mindset, by one of boxing's most respected and influential promoters. WINNER AT THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2021 HEALTH AND FITNESS *The Sunday Times Number One Business Bestseller* 'Relentless fizzes with Hearn's work ethic' - Financial Times __________ What does it take to succeed? What is the mindset required to be the best? How do you stay at the top of your field? How do you come back from failure? Eddie Hearn knows what it takes. In his remarkable career, Hearn has worked alongside some of the biggest names in sports entertainment and has seen first-hand the grit and relentless determination that it takes to succeed. Structured around the key skills that Eddie Hearn values the most, this book looks at his business, life, and the drive to succeed. Covering subjects such as discipline, passion, preparation, motivation and failure, this book shows you what it takes to get the most in your life and career. In this insightful and revealing book, Eddie talks about the highs and lows of his career - from negotiating a billion dollar boxing deal to selling out Wembley for the Joshua Klitschko fight - and draws the valuable lessons that we can learn from boxing's toughest performers. __________ 'Arguably the world's most powerful boxing promoter' - Financial Times 'The most powerful man in British boxing' Business Insider 'Eddie Hearn has been at the forefront of boxing's resurgence' GQ 'The biggest promoter in boxing' Square Mile __________ The perfect book for when life deals a knockout blow, an invaluable guide about making the most from life, drawn from the hard-won lessons of one of the most successful boxing promoters in the world.

In the tradition of the bestselling Workouts from Boxing's Greatest Champs, this sequel volume will KO all boxing/combat sport enthusiasts. Featuring a classic coterie of international boxing legends, this superb anthology is illustrated throughout by some of the best photos of them at work in the ring or training in the gym. Our celebrated present-day fighters and former champions range from the instantly recognisable Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jnr, Mike Tyson, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran to such respected international figures as Danny Williams and Vitali Klitschko. Incorporating career biographies for every fighter, the reader is introduced to the fitness and training regimes of some of the world's most physically powerful men. Culled from the author's original research and interviews, the greatest ever champion pugilists grant us a fly-on-the-wall look at their 'Typical Day' and their personal workout regimes.

"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

"This book will save lives." --Dick Conger. An all-encompassing manual that addresses safety, equipment, tactics, and the best practices for all shooters, here is an all-encompassing book of use to every gun owner. A result of twelve years of research, The Modern Day Gunslinger was written to meet the needs of the gun owner, the experienced shooter, those who own a weapon strictly for home and self-defense, and for the military member who wants to become a better shooter in defense of our country. It's also for the law enforcement officer who risks his or her life going against the thugs of our society and for anyone interested in learning the defensive and tactical training techniques from some of the best and most experienced shooters in the world. This comprehensive training manual includes chapters on: Weapons and Range Safety Dry Fire Use of Force Living in a Battlefield Combat Mindset Shooting Competence Handguns Defensive Handgun Ammunition Marksmanship Stance Basic Kneeling Positions Ready Positions The Draw Strokes Grip and Trigger Control Visual Techniques and Sight Alignment Multiple Shots Follow-Through and Scan Loading, Reloading, and Unloading Malfunctions Low- and No-Light Shooting Concealed Carry and Holsters Learning Styles Training Fundamentals Shooting Drills The shooting skills taught in this book carry broad application in civilian, law enforcement, and military contexts. Common criminals, terrorists, assailants--the enemy and threat--all will find themselves outgunned in the face of a properly armed and trained gunslinger. Members of the armed services, government and law enforcement agencies, as well as civilians, will find that the close-range shooting methods addressed in this book can provide a decisive advantage.

This book is designed to guide beginning students through the fundamentals of tai chi in ten weeks. Dr. Aihan Kuhn teaches readers the twenty-four-step Yang-style form. She shares insight on warming up, healing, and avoiding injury. But tai chi is more than just a physical exercise. It is a way of life. Dr. Kuhn shows readers how this art helps us cultivate health, balance, and qi (energy). Each day millions of people around the world practice tai chi for wellness, focus, and self-defense. This is a lifelong path. For the novice, that idea can be exciting but also daunting. With all the books, videos, and websites on tai chi, where do you begin? Tai Chi in 10 Weeks is the answer. Dr. Aihan Kuhn is a master instructor of tai chi and qigong. In this book she shares the lessons she's learned in a lifetime of studying and teaching. She is warm and encouraging, making readers of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome. This book features *A ten-week calendar to guide you through your introduction to tai chi*Over 200 beautiful full-color photos*Warm, welcoming instruction from a master of tai chi and qigong With this book you will *Learn the twenty-four-step Yang-style form*Understand the fundamentals of tai chi*Discover not just the physical postures of tai chi, but also its psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits Tai chi is a life journey," Dr. Kuhn writes. "Part of my success is from my patients and students that understand that prevention requires participation. They practice tai chi and qigong on a regular basis, which is key to their healing. That brings me to the title of this book. Can you really learn tai chi in 10 weeks? You cannot become a master, of course, but you can learn the fundamentals of this art. You can build the foundation for this life-changing journey. Tai Chi in 10 Weeks is your roadmap."

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.

This complete and comprehensive introduction to kung fu -- and other aspects of ancient Shaolin wisdom -- will prove invaluable to everyone interested in the martial arts, chi kung, or meditation. It shows how kung fu, as well as other Shaolin practices, can bring you health, vitality, mental focus, and spiritual joy. It includes a history of the various forms of kung fu, an in-depth study of kung fu patterns and sets, and an introduction to kung fu weaponry, along with many stories of Shaolin wisdom and healing.

The survivor of a difficult childhood and youth, Rubin Carter rose to become a top contender for the middleweight boxing crown. But his career crashed to a halt on May 26, 1967, when he and another man were found guilty of the murder of three white people in a New Jersey bar. While in prison, Carter chronicled the events that led him from the ring to three consecutive life sentences and 10 years in solitary confinement. His story was a cry for help to the public, an attempt to set the record straight and force a new trial. Bob Dylan wrote a classic anthem for Carter's struggle; and Joan Baez, Muhammad Ali, Roberta Flack, and thousands more took up the cause as well. Originally published in 1974, this account is an eye-opening examination of growing up black in America, problems in the United States prison system, and Carter's own battles.

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.

‘Fighting like a girl says I can be powerful in ways that are natural to me; I have access to power too – it may not look the same as your power, but it’s there and I can claim it.’ It should never be a woman’s job to have to protect herself – but choosing to learn about self-defence can be incredibly liberating. Fight Like a Girl is a practical beginner’s guide, in which women’s martial arts expert and survivor Della O’Sullivan draws on her years of experience to give us the tools to protect our bodies and minds. A truly empowering illustrated handbook, it includes: easy-to-follow self-defence manoeuvres how to spot red flags and protect yourself against alarming behaviour how to adopt the mindset of a survivor It is the book you’ll want to press into every woman’s hands.

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

The Legend is the remarkable autobiography of Steve Ward, the world's oldest ever professional boxer. It details the astonishing obstacles Steve has overcome to become a three-times Guinness World Record holder after taking up the sport he loves again at the age of 54. Steve's unstinting ambition is driven by a promise made by his late father Bernard, who introduced him to boxing and told allcomers his son would be a world champion. His story is an inspiration to anyone who has hit hard times and proof of the old adage that all things are possible. A very serious foot injury sustained in a freak accident at work eventually led to Steve planning to kill himself before he bounced back to confound the medical profession and achieve his dream of winning a world title in his very last fight, at 64 years of age.

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.

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.

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.

Joachim Meyer (ca. 1537 - 1571) was one of the most influential fencing masters of the Renaissance--a prolific writer of fencing manuals. In this training guide, Robert Rutherfoord unpacks the complex and elegant art of Meyer's rapier in word and image, including over 200 easy to follow illustrations to bring the art to life. Meyer's monumental "A Thorough Description of the Free, Chivalric, and Noble Art of Fencing, Showing Various Customary Defenses, Affected and Put Forth with Many Handsome and Useful Drawings" was reprinted, adapted and outright plagiarized for over a century after his death. As a martial artist, he was both the last great master of the medieval Liechtenauer fencing tradition and a young innovator, who combined his native, German traditions with those of the Italian and Spanish fencing masters to create a wholly unique systems of fighting with a vast number of weapons. The centrepiece of his work, however, was the cut-and-thrust "sidesword" or "early rapier" which was rapidly eclipsing the knightly two-handed longsword in popularity. Meyer's synthesis not only adapted his native art to this Mediterranean weapon, but in some cases, his innovations prefigured the developments of rapier fencing that Italian masters would promote in the next quarter century after his untimely death.

WINNER SPORTS USA Best Books Award 2015 Fight Like a Physicist provides an in-depth, sometimes whimsical look into the physics behind martial arts for sport and self-defense. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a curious enthusiast, this book can give you an "unfair advantage" by unraveling the complex science of effective fighting techniques and examining the core principles that make them work. In addition to breaking down the principles behind the punches, Dr. Thalken, a computational physicist with a long history of martial arts across various styles, applies the mind-set of a physicist to a number of controversial topics in the martial arts: *Making physics your "unfair advantage," in the ring and on the street*Examining center of mass, pi, levers, wedges, angular momentum, and linear momentum for martial artists*Protecting the brains of fighters and football players from concussions*Reducing traumatic brain injury in contact sports*Exposing the illusion of safety provided by gloves and helmets*Overturning conventional wisdom on compliance during an assault*Busting Hollywood action myths*Giving the mystical side of martial arts a much-needed reality check Dr. Thalken invites readers to take a scientific approach to training and fighting, and provides all the tools necessary to get the most out of their experiences and make their training count.

You will fight how you train. That's why Fighter's Fact Book 2 presents a critical look at training and real-world applications. When you've mastered the skills taught in this book, you will truly be ready to defend yourself in some of the most desperate situations imaginable. You will learn how to defend yourself against multiple assailants, violent dogs, and knife attacks. You'll learn how to contend with close-quarters attacks and adversaries who are impervious to pain. You'll also get no-nonsense instruction on fighting wounded and the justified use of extreme tactics. Loren W. Christensen shares lessons from his decades of martial arts training and law enforcement experience. He has also enlisted a host of expert contributors: *Lt. Col. Dave Grossman*Iain Abernethy*Rory Miller*Kris Wilder*Lawrence Kane*Alain Burrese*Wim Demeere*Richard Dimitri*Mark Mireles*Tim Delgman*Dan Anderson These men are proven survivors, and their multidisciplinary analyses will change the way you see training and fighting. The authors will show you how to make your street techniques fast and explosive, and how to prepare yourself mentally to use extreme force. These skills are not for the faint of heart. They are hardcore techniques intended to save your life or the life of a loved one.