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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Combat sports & self-defence > General
The Book of Ninja, the ultimate ninjutsu manual, was penned in 1676
by a ninja known as Fujibayashi. Born in the post-civil war era of
Japan, Fujibayashi collected and combined information from the
ninja clans of Iga - regarded to be the homeland of the ninja - and
compiled it into an authoritative book. Known as The Bansenhukai,
this book has now been translated into English by the Historical
Ninjutsu Research Team. It is widely considered to be the 'bible'
of 'ninjutsu', the arts of the ninja. The Book of Ninja begins with
an in-depth introduction to the history of Fujibayashi's scripture.
Then the teachings themselves, appealingly rendered in this
translation, take us into the secrets of guerilla warfare and
espionage. We learn how to become the ultimate spy, whether through
a network of spies or by hiding in plain sight. Through the stealth
and concealment tactics of night-time infiltration and through
weapon and tool building skills, as well as mission planning, we
can learn much both about warfare and about adopting the right
mindset for tackling our own inner and outer enemies. Adding to the
mix for the spycraft lover, there are sections on capturing
criminals, performing night raids, making secret codes and signs,
and even techniques for predicting the weather and using an
esoteric Buddhist system of divination. An exciting and engaging
tome of lost knowledge, The Book of the Ninja is the final say in
the world of the ninja and the ultimate classic for samurai and
ninja enthusiasts alike.
Martial Arts expert Antony Cummins reveals the hitherto hidden
world of Viking hand-to-hand combat, employing the sword, the
spear, the axe and the shield. Based upon a careful analysis of the
Norse Sagas, the techniques described are recreated precisely, from
knocking down a spear in mid-flight to the shield cleave.
Illustrated with over 250 images, The Illustrated Guide to Viking
Martial Arts in effect represents the earliest combat manual in the
world. This insight into the warriors who were the scourge of Dark
Age Europe is a feat of textual interpretation - and imagination.
One of the few real self-protection guides on the market today,
this book will teach you first and foremost how to avoid violent
situations. But should you find yourself in one, it will also show
you how to control yourself and your emotions so you can function
on a physical level to defend yourself.
A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's
legendary warrior class from beginning to end--an epic tale of
intrigue, bloodshed and bravery that is central to an understanding
of the Japanese character and of Japanese history. It describes in
detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido--"the way of the
warrior"--a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and
loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life today.
Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these
enigmatic warriors including: The lives of famous Samurai--Miyamoto
Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tomoe Gozen, the woman who
became a Samurai; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun; and many more
The tragic tale of the 47 Ronin who chose honor over their own
lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their
fallen master The philosophy of Bushido, "the Way of the Warrior,"
the code of conduct that embraced the ideals of honor and loyalty
and governed the Samurai way of living The decline of the Samurai
and their transformation from rough, battle-hardened warriors to
highly educated philosopher-poets Illustrated with 125 archival
prints and photos, the nobility and grandeur of the Samurai is
brilliantly showcased in this book. Readers will enjoy immersing
themselves in the Samurai's world, as historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera
traces the fascinating story of the rise and fall of these
enigmatic warriors throughout Japanese history.
A powerful story of sadness, hope, pride, honour and triumph from
the real-life Rocky! Raw, confronting and honest, UFC champion Mark
Hunt's inspiring autobiography shows it is possible to defy the
odds and carve a better life. Born into a Mormon Samoan family,
Hunt details his harrowing early life, his troubled teen years, and
his angry youth with no apparent future. After being plucked from
an Auckland street fight and dropped into his first kickboxing
bout, Mark went on to achieve unprecedented success in Australian
and New Zealand combat sports. In an ongoing career that has
spanned the globe, Mark Hunt has been in some of the UFC, Pride and
K-1's most memorable battles. But in some ways those fights pale in
comparison to that which he has overcome out of the ring and cage.
As fearless with his opinions as he is in the Octagon, Mark pulls
no punches in revealing the highs and lows of his extraordinary
life.
This book is the most comprehensive and authoritative reference
ever published on the wide range of martial arts disciplines
practiced in cultures around the world. ABC-CLIO's Martial Arts of
the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation is the most
authoritative reference ever published on combat disciplines from
around the world and across history. Coverage includes Shaolin
monks, jousting knights, Roman gladiators, Westerner gunfighters,
samurai warriors, and heavyweight boxers. These iconic figures and
many more are featured in this title, as well as representatives of
less well known but no less fascinating systems, all vividly
characterized by expert contributors from around the world who are
themselves martial arts practitioners. Martial Arts of the World
comprises 120 entries in two volumes. The first volume is organized
geographically to explore the historic development of martial arts
styles in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The second volume
looks at martial arts thematically, with coverage of belief
systems, modern martial arts competitions, and a wide range of such
topics as folklore, women in martial arts, martial arts and the
military, and martial arts and the media.
Written by a former Survival Instructor of the SAS (Special Air
Service - England''s equivalent of the United States Special
Forces), The SAS Self-Defense Handbook provides easy-to-follow
illustrated instructions - for both men and women - on coping with
all kinds of threatening situations, from muggings to knife
attacks. The author teaches you strategies for both avoiding
conflict and getting out of a dangerous situation quickly and
safely. Learn how mental attitude, body language, assertiveness,
and the ability to overcome fear can prevent you from becoming a
prime target for criminals. Learn which body parts are the most
effective weapons in fending off an attacker, and which are the
most likely targets for attack. Defend yourself from sudden grabs,
strangles, weapons, and road rage. And find out how to deliver the
SAS five-second knockout, a defense previously available only to
British SAS Special Forces soldiers. (71/2 X 91/2, 160 pages,
b&w photos, illustrations)
"Capoeira 100" is an illustrated guide to 100 essential techniques
used in the art of capoeira. Each movement is accompanied by a
series of color photographs that show how it is done, as well as
helpful pointers and tips on how to apply the technique in the game
of capoeira. The book is divided into sections for beginner,
intermediate and advanced movements. Ground-work, kicks, escapes,
"floreios," flying kicks, and acrobatic movements are all covered.
"Capoeira 100" is unique among English-language capoeira books in
that it is illustrated by full-color photographs, and it focuses
100% on technique. Sequences of movements, drills, games, and
conditioning exercises give the reader a chance to practice
capoeira workouts at least a hundred times without ever repeating
the same routine twice.
These exercises can be done alone, and many can be done with a
partner to create the real conditions of the game. Rather than
being theoretical, all the information and instruction in this book
are geared toward functional use, so that students can train at
their optimal pace. Specificity of movements and exercises are
structured to help readers achieve steady improvement of capoeira
skills. Additionally, the author provides encouragement and
no-nonsense advice, based on his 10+ years experience as a capoeira
instructor and nearly 20 years as a player.
Readers not affiliated with a capoeira club will find information
about the capoeira game, and advice on etiquette and strategies of
play. The glossary of 100 terms helps new players understand
Portuguese descriptions used in Brazil. A question-and-answer
section at the end of the book addresses some of the most
frequently asked enquiriesabout this fascinating sport.
This is an indispensable manual for those who have been searching
for a concise "how-to" guide to capoeira techniques, and who are
already connected with a capoeira group or teacher. It will be of
interest as well to freestyle martial artists, dancers, actors, and
others who increasingly look to capoeira for its inspiring and
exciting techniques.
BECAUSE NOT ALL KRAV MAGA IS THE SAME (R) Hardcover format includes
all photos in FULL COLOR! This book introduces and codifies
big-picture thinking to take you to the next level of self-defense
expertise. The material is designed to conform to your strengths;
you need not conform to the system. In this latest volume from
David Kahn, you will find practical, battle-tested stratagems and
insights that are equally applicable across the spectrum of martial
arts and fighting systems. The text is supported by 180 dynamic
separate photo series representing a rich krav maga gamut of
self-defense strategies and tactics. Topics include: The Best Use
of a Training Partner The Difference Between Anger and Rage
Recognizing Your Own Triggers to Avoid Violence Contending with
Road Rage Conflict Avoidance and Escape Physiological Reactions to
Threats and Violence Legal Use of Force Requirements Defensive
(Dis)Engagement Mindset Anatomical Targeting and Self-Protection
Preemptive Linear Strikes Absorbing and Moving with an Attack
Fighting Ranges Combatives Power and Balance Self-Defense Fight
Timing Tactical Retreating When and How to Counterattack Defending
against a Skilled Fighter Deceptive Fighting Ground Survival
Defending an Ambush Multiple Opponents Breaking Up a Fight As good
tactical minds generally think alike, whatever your martial arts or
defensive tactics background, this book is designed to synergize
any previous professional self-defense knowledge to enhance your
personal survival blueprint. Krav Maga Fundamental Strategies draws
on ideas and techniques from nearly every level of the Israeli Krav
Maga curriculum, including violence avoidance and prevention. The
result is an adaptable strategy supported by tried and true
defensive tactics, coupled with sound defensive principles, all of
which will serve to deliver you from harm's way.
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