Since prehistoric times, peoples the world over have believed in a creative force that inspires life. Throughout history it has been known by many names: mana, prana, ka, and chi, to name only a few. Much has been written about this energy and the ways in which it can be strengthened to enhance life and well-being as well as provide the basis for many of the Eastern martial arts, particularly tai chi chuan. But if chi is real, why is there so little scientific evidence for its existence or for the physiological structures that generate and channel it throughout the body? Moreover, what is the exact nature of chi, and how can it interact with physical reality in the sometimes esoteric ways that are reported? The Wellspring draws together, for the first time, two significant but disparate lines of scientific research that not only identify the physiological structures that produce and channel chi but that point to the true nature of this mysterious power.

Hojojutsu is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope. Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is quintessentially a Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and culture. It is the beautiful and peculiar art of restraining someone using (often brightly colored) cord. It is rarely practiced outside of Japan and is an ancient strand of martial art with a rich and complex history. As a martial arts practice, Hojojutsu is seldom if ever taught on its own but as part of a curriculum under the aegis of the body of study encompassed by a larger school of bugei or budo, often as an advanced study in jujutsu. Hojojutsu techniques and methods are seldom demonstrated outside of Japan. Shihan Allen Woodman has trained over 20 years in Japan and is the Chief Instructor at the Dento Teki Na Dojo, the Kokusai Karate Do Renmei Hombu Dojo in Bronx, New York. Sensei Allen Woodman offers this book on the traditional martial art of Hojojutsu. This is one of the only books ever published on this art form detailing the defensive practices and techniques of the art.

In the world of martial arts, many things that look amazing are less so in reality; they seem impressive but are impractical at best. In "Mastery Mind-Set," author Craig R. E. Krohn delivers a real martial arts methodology that focuses on internal techniques through which truly amazing things are possible.

Derived from masters of Okinawa and Japanese arts, Krohn's methods demonstrate how to approach your training in a manner that can help you achieve a higher level of mastery. After a primer on the fundamentals of the mastery mind-set, Krohn delves into the concept of internal power, which helps the practitioner find a sense of body connectedness that allows the absorption of full-power blows without injury. In addition, "Mastery Mind-Set" shows how internal power can be used to create devastating punches and kicks that can disrupt internal organs and shatter an opponent's defenses.

This guide discusses specific techniques and challenges the practitioner to let go of outdated training practices that might be hindering his or her development. It presents mental exercises that can transform an external martial art practice into an internal one. Krohn shows that, with practice and mental conditioning, powerful secrets can be applied to your martial arts and your life to allow you to perform the impossible.

This is the first book to describe martial arts and martial behaviors as serious topics deserving of serious study. Although there have been a number of readers dealing with warfare, this is the only one that, among other things, focuses on the warrior, both ancient and modern.

Presents a collection of readings which introduce the study of martial behaviors in a cross-cultural context. The subject matter ranges from a consideration of the warclub as weapon and status symbol among the chiefdoms of the American Southwest at the time of European contact to contemporary ritual warfare in the highlands of Bolivia.

All over the world, warriors have left their mark on culture. Their codes of behavior become the basis of diplomacy, models of service, and courage in the protection of social institutions. Chivalry in the West arose from the codes of the noble knights and DEGREESIBushido DEGREESR, (The Way of the Warrior), the Bible of the Samurai, still serves as the basis of etiquette in modern Japan. In practically every society myths and tales of culture heroes who are warriors are important in the enculturation and socialization of children. Martial arts, which are stylized behaviors displaying techniques related to those practiced on the battlefield, are considered here to be more about culture, art, and history than about fighting.

Jiu jitsu is said to be one of the best martial arts techniques that may either be used for self defense or for mixed martial arts competitions. This sport originated in Japan as a close combat method of defeating an opponent and over the years, different styles and techniques were developed from the sport. One of the most popular forms is Brazilian jiu jitsu which is itself a sport and a self defense style.