The first world title fight in Wales featured Swansea lightweight boxer, Ronnie James, and the city produced another three challengers at the highest level before Enzo Maccarinelli finally reached the pinnacle. Colin Jones, Brian Curvis and Floyd Havard were far from the only top-class exponents of the boxer's craft to emerge from Wales's second city. And the rival conurbation across the Loughor Bridge has contributed its share of stars to the fistic firmament. As well as two-weight British champion Robert Dickie and the legendary Gipsy Daniels, who once knocked out the great Max Schmeling inside a round, Llanelli gave birth to the man who codified the laws by which the sport is regulated, famous under the name of his patron, the Marquess of Queensberry. Some 50 boxers are profiled in these generously illustrated pages. Whether or not you hail from the area, if you are a fight fan, this book will make a worthy addition to your shelves.

This title provides additional theoretical background to jujitsu, as well as numerous additional techniques that are designed to serve as a foundation for bringing the serious student to shodan (first-degree black belt).

A member of the USA's stellar 1984 Olympic boxing team, Paul Banke then scaled the heights as a professional to become world champion in 1990. Unfortunately, throughout his career, he was at the mercy of his secret mistress - drugs. As part of the celebrity slipstream, Banke often had free access to heroin, crystal meth and cocaine. Best remembered for his epic trilogy with Daniel Zaragoza, drugs overtook him and Banke soon became a forgotten champion. Shortly after retiring in 1993, he was homeless and destitute. Having not eaten for three days, Banke found himself lying in a dumpster in Vegas, ecstatic at finding a partially consumed cheeseburger. Arrested for grand theft auto in 1995 he was urged in jail to take an HIV test, due to sharing needles. He had contracted full-blown AIDS. Miraculously, after three decades of drug abuse, Banke turned his life around in September 2014 and became clean and sober. Now once again warmly embraced by the boxing fraternity, he shares his story to inspire and deter those on a similar path.

Honorable Mention - 2014 Eric Hoffer Award This book offers beginner a smart way to learn qigong (chi kung), the ancient Chinese system of gentle breathing, stretching, and strengthening movements. You will use the Eight Pieces of Brocade, one of the most popular qigong healing exercise sets, to improve your overall health and well-being. Commonly known in China as the Ba Duan Jin, these exercises have been practiced for over 1,000 years. Choose the sitting set, the standing set, or both. Learn how to activate the qi energy and blood circulation in your body, helping to stimulate your immune system, strengthen your internal organs, and give you abundant energy. *Clear photographs show you correct postures*Concise instructions tell you what to do*Details inform you how the movements help*Qigong theory explains why the exercises work*Translations of ancient Chinese poetry provide key concepts to help you improve your practice No matter your age or your physical condition, the Eight Pieces of Brocade is a wonderful way to improve your health and well-being.

As heard on The Sean Hannity Radio Show! Former US Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent Jonathan T. Gilliam brings his unique professional perspective to teach you the art of awareness and attack avoidance by sharing unconventional warfare techniques and how to think like an attacker. Fight back, because we are sheep no more! This personal safety and security book comes armed to the teeth with empowering techniques so you can be your own expert at protecting your life. Weekly, there are major threats, mass killings, terrorist attacks and even weather-related disasters-the list goes on. And this increasingly dangerous world includes more violent and deadly threats that are specifically targeting everyday civilians. You. This is the definitive "safety bible" that links the leading expert on personal safety with civilians. For the first time, you can make educated predictions using the new key questions of "Who, Why, Where, When, and How" from the attacker's point of view. No one really expects violent situations to occur-but they do, and usually without advance warning or your control. End the guessing game of safety and security by following the techniques inside Sheep No More. Think like an attacker in order to build better defenses. Your life may depend on it.

To the Japanese, the sword is a spiritual weapon. It possesses a particular divinity, reflecting the soul of its maker, owner, and user. Around its mystical powers has grown the centuries-old ritual and practice of Samurai swordsmanship which is still avidly practiced today as is a fascinating and intricate martial art. This unique guide unlocks all the mysteries of the ancient tradition of Iaijutsu explaining the history and significance of the sword in Samurai culture and documenting the techniques of swordsmanship as found in no other martial arts book.Darrell Max Craig is one of the foremost teachers of Kendo in the West. He spent many years in Japan competing and training at the very highest level. His book, Drawing the Samurai Sword, provides a thorough examination of all aspects of Iaijutsu including information on sword care and selection, necessary gear, sword and dojo etiquette, and useful drills for practice and demonstration. This book also teaches readers about: How to evaluate your Samurai sword and handle it safely How to wear the traditional Hakama uniform How to perform the Kata forms to hone your technique The brutal history of sword testing, and today's more humane equivalent The classic and exciting story of The Forty-Seven Ronin And much more! Featuring a new preface by the author, original colour photos and added information about sword testing, this generously-illustrated book is a treasure trove of information for aspiring students and experienced practitioners alike.

Mick Foley is a nice man, a family man who loves amusement parks and eating ice cream in bed. So how to explain those Japanese death matches in rings with explosives, golden thumbtacks and barbed wire instead of rope? The second-degree burn tissue? And the missing ear that was ripped off during a bout-in which he kept fighting? Here is an intimate glimpse into Mick Foley's mind, his history, his work and what some might call his pathology. Now with a bonus chapter summarizing the past 15 months-from his experience as a bestselling author through his parting thoughts before his final match. A tale of blood, sweat, tears and more blood-all in his own words-straight from the twisted genius behind Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind.

Krav Maga: Real World Solutions to Real World Violence presents a no-nonsense approach to neutralizing attackers in close quarters. Author Gershon Ben Keren explains the philosophy behind the Krav Maga method, which is the basis of the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) devastating close combat system. This book lays out a systematic approach to self-defense and provides illustrated confrontation scenarios paired with tailored practical responses. Accompanied by explicit, easy-to-follow photographs, practical combat skills are described in step-by-step detail, along with the movement patterns needed to make them useful in real-life settings. All of the photos in the book were shot in real-time, demonstrating what realistic movements--both from the attacker's and defender's perspective--look like. Where applicable, techniques have been shot in the scenarios in which they occur such as bars, restrooms, ATMs, etc. The situational components of such violent incidents are explained, so the reader can learn to identify, predict, and avoid violence before it occurs. Contents of this Krav Maga book include: What is Krav Maga? Krav Maga Yashir Introduction to author Gershon Ben Keren Basic Skills (Stances, Movement, Blocking and Striking)--The Timeline of Violence; Controlling Range; Relative Body Positioning; Groin Kick; Driving Knee Self-Defense Scenarios--Knife Disarming; Gun to Front of Body; Abductions and Hostage Taking; Knife Shank; Improvised Weapons Unarmed Assaults and Dynamic Components of Violence--Preventing a Front Headlock; Applying an Effective Guillotine; Defending Knees in a Clinch and more!

A vivid and realistic picture of the most controversial sport on Earth, On Boxing is a riveting, electrifying journey through a world of glitter and gore--where heart-soaring triumph and heart-rending tragedy go hand in hand. A magnificent work by a consummate artist.

The ancient warrior culture of Japan produced a sophisticated martial philosophy that we know today as Bushido--the Way of the Warrior. In "Samurai Wisdom," author Thomas Clearly provides five important new translations of major Japanese works on Bushido.
The writings of the scholar Yamaga Soko and his disciples are among the clearest expositions we have of the core ideals and philosophy underlying the Samurai's disciplined way of life and outlook. Together they provide an in-depth, practical guide to character building and conduct according to the precepts of Bushido--a code for professional warriors that retains as much relevance in today's world as it had when these works were written 400 years ago.
Yamaga's writings inspired the transformation of the Samurai from a feudal class of warriors under the command of the Shogun to a group of powerful individuals with great intellectual, political and moral leadership and influence. The works translated in "Samurai Wisdom" for the very first time are as timeless and important today as the works of Sun Tzu, Musashi and Clausewitz.
The five Japanese works on Bushido translated in "Samurai Wisdom" are: "The Way of the Knight" by Yamaga Soko "The Warrior's Rule" by Tsugaru Kodo-shi "Essentials of Military Matters" compiled by Yamaga Takatsune "The Education of Warriors" by Yamaga Soko "Primer of Martial Education" by Yamaga Soko

A long-overdue tribute to legendary African American sportswriter and boxing cartoonist Ted Carroll. Ted Carroll was one of the greatest American artists and sportswriters of the twentieth century, most notably as a boxing cartoonist and journalist. As a Black man working in an era when boxing was one of the few outlets where Black athletes could achieve wealth, success, and recognition, Carroll's commentary on the sport provides a profound perspective on race and the history of boxing. In A Boxing Legacy: The Life and Works of Writer and Cartoonist Ted Carroll, Ian Phimister and David Patrick celebrate Carroll's extraordinary achievements as a sports cartoonist, illustrator, painter, and writer. Beginning with an introduction to Carroll's life and times, Phimister and Patrick then dive into Carroll's work, reproducing 44 of his best articles contributed to The Ring magazine--the bible of boxing. Arranged thematically, each section of articles includes an overview discussing the selections and providing valuable historical context. Included in the collection is the significant series "The American Black Man in Boxing," which explores race, sport, and society. Ted Carroll's insightful articles illuminate the place of boxing in twentieth-century sport and society with incredible skill and care. The first extended account of Ted Carroll's life and works, and profusely illustrated with his brilliant drawings, A Boxing Legacy finally provides the deserved recognition to a remarkable artist and author who has been overlooked for far too long.

Ellis Amdur's writing on martial arts has been groundbreaking. In Dueling with O-sensei, he challenged practitioners that the moral dimension of martial arts is expressed in acts of integrity, not spiritual platitudes and the deification of fantasized warrior-sages. In Old School, he applied both academic rigor and keen observation towards some of the classical martial arts of Japan, leavening his writing with vivid descriptions of many of the actual practitioners of these wonderful traditions. His first edition of Hidden in Plain Sight was a discussion of esoteric training methods once common, but now all but lost within Japanese martial arts. These methodologies encompassed mental imagery, breath-work, and a variety of physical techniques, offering the potential to develop skills and power sometimes viewed as nearly superhuman. Usually believed to be the provenance of Chinese martial arts, Amdur asserted that elements of such training still remain within a few martial traditions: literally, 'hidden in plain sight.' Two-thirds larger, this second edition is so much more. Amdur digs deep into the past, showing the complexity of human strength, its adaptation to varying lifestyles, and the nature of physical culture pursued for martial ends. Amdur goes into detail concerning varieties of esoteric power training within martial arts, culminating in a specific methodology known as 'six connections' or 'internal strength.' With this discussion as a baseline, he then discusses the transfer of esoteric power training from China to various Japanese jujutsu systems as well as Japanese swordsman-ship emanating from the Kurama traditions. Finally, he delves into the innovative martial tradition of Daito-ryu and its most important offshoot, aikido, showing how the mercurial, complicated figures of Takeda Sokaku and Morihei Ueshiba were less the embodiment of something new, than a re-imagining of their past. 202 b&w illus.

"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.

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).

Vividly illustrating the techniques of a legendary innovator, this definitive examination explains how to survive attacks on the street, increase training awareness, and develop body movements. Originally compiled as a four-volume series, this revised edition breathes new life into a classic work with digitally-enhanced photography of jeet kune do founder Bruce Lee in his prime, a new chapter by former Lee student Ted Wong, and an introduction by Shannon Lee. This renowned compendium once again reclaims its place as an integral part of the Lee canon and a necessary addition for collectors and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

March 2016: following a brutal title fight with Chris Eubank Jr, former British champion Nick Blackwell ended up fighting for his life in a coma. That night, victory was no longer important; boxing was no longer a sport. Elliot Worsell, journalist and lifelong boxing fan, had been ringside and in the dressing rooms at Wembley, and what he saw and heard would transform his view of the sport he loves and force him to question his own complicity. In Dog Rounds, Worsell goes in search of boxers who have killed in the ring. Spending time with these pariahs and returning to the venues in which tragedies occurred, Worsell reveals the extent of the devastation left behind. In doing so, he uncovers an incredible story of guilt, forgiveness, obsession and violence.

Disco Fury. Wrathchild. Bam-Bam Bambi. Ladies Choice. Gorgeous Michelle Starr. Welcome to the world of minor-league professional wrestling.

Over the years, professional wrestling has grown from a cult into one of the entertainment world's most lucrative industries, creating megastars out of the likes of Chynna and The Rock. And for every superstar, there are hundreds of hopefuls across North America waiting in the wings, paying their dues and counting the days until they get the call to the big leagues.

"One Ring Circus" pays homage to the wrestling life: the sound and the fury and the die-hard fans who are often as colorful and outrageous as the wrestlers for whom they clamor. Photographer and author Brian Howell spent three years following the wrestling circuit, and this book of brilliant photographs and crisp narratives perfectly captures the visceral energy of a remarkable underground scene.

Includes more than one hundred black and white -photographs.

Brian Howell's work has appeared in "The Globe and Mail," the "National Post," "Saturday Night," and "Geist" and has been exhibited in New York City.

PHOTOGRAPHY + TEXT = PARALLAX

Parallax, a new series of books from Arsenal Pulp Press, explore the far reaches of the modern world, proposing new perspectives on how we see ourselves through the eyes and the words of our most intriguing photographers and writers.

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.

California's "Glamour Boy" and world champion boxer was a movie attraction for women and a money-making draw for promoters during the Great Depression. The Prizefighter and the Lady, in 1933, gave movie-goers a boxer who could sing and dance. The film, climaxing with Baer's world title fight against Italian Primo Carnera, was reprised in 1956 in The Harder They Fall, with Humphrey Bogart. Many said the sport would have died in the 1930s were it not for the colorful Max Baer. He was a contender for every heavyweight championship from 1932 to 1941. In 1935, Baer brought back the "million-dollar gate" not seen since the 1920s. His battle with Joe Louis was the highest gate of the decade. The star's radio voice sold razor blades by the thousands and made Gillette into the formidable company forever identified with boxing. Contrary to the depiction of the champion dethroned by James Braddock in the 2005 movie The Cinderella Man, Max was not the villain, and the fight was much more controversial in 1935 than the movie portrayed. This is the first complete biography to cover Max Baer's boxing record (adding 70 new bouts); his early family life; his film, stage, television, and radio careers; and his WW II Army service.

Calling all bada**es! The only official guide to the kickin' world of the Emmy-nominated and globally beloved show Cobra Kai is here. The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is a celebration of the superfans — an essential companion to the show acting as a master sensei ready to guide readers through the karate-crazed San Fernando Valley. The legacy of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai continues with never-before-seen photographs and illustrations as well as interviews with Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso). The show’s creators will give an unprecedented look inside the making of Cobra Kai and the writing, directing, and production of this beloved franchise that has grown from scrappy underdog to a global phenomenon. Hear directly from the show’s crew and get an exclusive behind -he-scenes look into fight choreography from the stunt team; journey with the set designers through the Valley, from the magical retreat of the Miyagi-do dojo to the humble strip mall that houses the Cobra Kai dojo; and learn from the composers how the bada** soundtrack for the show was conceived. And MUCH MORE! Remember: Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.

Judo Formal Techniques is "The most detailed explanation of Judo that has ever been published" (The Japan Times). A comprehensive training manual to the basic "free practice" forms of Kodokan Judo (the Randori no Kata), the book provides essential instruction in the throwing and grappling kata (Nage no Kata and Katame no Kata) that every Judo practitioner needs to master. The authors are two of the world's top instructors--Donn F. Draeger and Tadao Otaki. Both were instructors at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo--the headquarters of international Judo, which was founded by the creator of the martial art, Jigoro Kano. Draeger, considered by many to be the first non-Japanese Budo master, was an authority on Asian martial culture who held high ranks and teaching licenses in several martial arts. He was a prolific writer and was the first non-Japanese Judo instructor at the Kodokan. Otaki was not only a successful Judo instructor but also a university professor who was widely praised for his research on the role of Judo in education. Draeger and Otaki based their text on Jigoro Kano's published and unpublished personal writings. Recapturing the original spirit and intent of the essential Judo kata, they are presented in the standard Kodokan versions as refined by generations of practitioners. Richly illustrated with over 1,000 photos and drawings, Judo Formal Techniques offers complete step-by-step instructions for the roles of both training partners. In addition to the core techniques of throwing and grappling, it explains the important transitional movements as well as grips, stances, and postures. First introduced as an Olympic sport at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Judo is returning to its home city on the world stage at the 2020 Olympics. Practiced by more than 20 million people worldwide, Judo is only expected to continue growing in popularity. A new foreword by Judo instructor Neil Ohlenkamp sheds light on the book's lasting importance as the classic "Kata bible" for Judo students and instructors alike and an indispensable resource for all martial arts practitioners.

_"Dierk Hagedorn continues to solidify his reputation as one of today's most talented authorities on German Fechtbucher with another superlative volume Highly recommended for students of history, historical reenactors, and today's fighting practitioners."_ - Christian Henry Tobler Longsword instructor Dierk Hagedorn brings the work of one of the most prolific authors of 16th century fight books to a modern audience for the first time. Jorg Wilhalm's teachings feature fighting techniques with the long sword, in armour and on horseback and combines the teachings of the famous fighting master Johannes Liechtenauer with those of his successors. Vividly illustrated throughout, each technique is rendered in detail that even modern practitioners will be able to easily follow. This book will appeal to enthusiasts of historical European martial arts, re-enactors, jousters, as well as art historians - particularly those with an interest in the armour and clothing of the 16th century. Comprehensive in its scope, it is a striking and fascinating insight into the ancient art of swordplay.