Karate is a growing phenomenon in the United States and internationally, and adults as well as children of all ages have discovered this Japanese martial art. In Karate for Kids, author Vincent A. Cruz presents a discussion of the essential physical and philosophical elements of traditional karate and provides clear and purposeful instruction for the young practitioner. Cruz, an experienced teacher of karate, offers an introduction to traditional karate and shows that is an exciting, healthful, physical art that develops the body and mind and is an effective form of self-defense. In this guide, he defines the concept of karate; discusses the history of the martial art; explains its physical, mental, and spiritual principles and philosophies; and describes and illustrates essential punching, blocking, and kicking techniques. Geared toward young adults as well as parents, Karate for Kids offers a complete guide to traditional karate using easy-to-follow instructions, caricatures, and diagrams. Cruz communicates how young people can develop a sense of worth through traditional karate and how karate can help youth to master life with an inner respectability.

Wild Geese - Cheerleaders Code is the story of a group of high school students - a cheerleading team - who live on a quiet simple island. Then, when they're faced with a supremely difficult challenge - taking on a violent gang - they must show what they're truly made of. Hope you enjoy it, and take inspiration from it.

Cold Steel (originally published by Leatherneck magazine), was the Marine bible of unarmed combat. Emphasizing the practice aspect of bayonet, knife and stick fighting, this rare volume also provides short courses in unarmed combat and knife throwing. For academic study only

The Power Trip: How to Survive and Thrive in the Dojo is an informative and critical series of books that gives you the power to thrive in an environment where other students and instructors are sitting on their "high horses," arguing over "best techniques," or making snide remarks about your performance. It also arms you for the day you will begin teaching the martial arts (or improves your technique if you are already teaching), and shows you how to build your integrity and repute as an instructor. If you are a new student in the martial arts, ready to sign up for your first lesson, you will gain insight into the difficulties you can expect to encounter throughout your training, and options for resolving potential conflicts. If you are a seasoned martial artist with years under your belt, you will no doubt recognize many of the scenarios presented, and look back at your journey and consider what you could have done differently. This special volume comprises the full series of the following six books (each book can also be purchased separately): 1. 10 Things the Martial Arts Student Must Understand 2. 8 Ways to Be Professional and Ethical in the Martial Arts 3. 8 Methods for Learning the Martial Arts, Setting Goals, and Getting Motivated 4. 6 Ways to Improve Performance and Correct Errors in the Martial Arts 5. 8 Ways to Benefit from Critique and Testing in the Martial Arts 6. 6 Tips for Communicating Effectively and Dealing with Behavioral Problems in the Martial Arts The material in this book is excerpted from the previously published book (now out of print), The Complete Martial Arts Student, also by Martina Sprague.

The surprising roots of the self-defense movement and the history of women's empowerment. At the turn of the twentieth century, women famously organized to demand greater social and political freedoms like gaining the right to vote. However, few realize that the Progressive Era also witnessed the birth of the women's self-defense movement. It is nearly impossible in today's day and age to imagine a world without the concept of women's self defense. Some women were inspired to take up boxing and jiu-jitsu for very personal reasons that ranged from protecting themselves from attacks by strangers on the street to rejecting gendered notions about feminine weakness and empowering themselves as their own protectors. Women's training in self defense was both a reflection of and a response to the broader cultural issues of the time, including the women's rights movement and the campaign for the vote. Perhaps more importantly, the discussion surrounding women's self-defense revealed powerful myths about the source of violence against women and opened up conversations about the less visible violence that many women faced in their own homes. Through self-defense training, women debunked patriarchal myths about inherent feminine weakness, creating a new image of women as powerful and self-reliant. Whether or not women consciously pursued self-defense for these reasons, their actions embodied feminist politics. Although their individual motivations may have varied, their collective action echoed through the twentieth century, demanding emancipation from the constrictions that prevented women from exercising their full rights as citizens and human beings. This book is a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to one of the most important women's issues of all time. This book will provoke good debate and offer distinct responses and solutions.