Although the energetic anatomy of men and women is different, the ancient teachings of Nu Dan, a separate branch of internal alchemy for women, have been lost in the literature over the centuries and only survive through practice in the lineages. This book takes a detailed look at female energetic anatomy, exploring how it is different from its male counterpart, and explains and describes the specific practices which support the unique strengths and challenges that the female energy system presents. Previously wrapped in secrecy, the teachings in this book include qigong exercises that activate the energy of the uterus and an explanation of how menstruation and a connection to the cycles of the moon can be converted into a tool for Nei Gong development.

In this book, the author takes us on a tour of the Samurai code of Bushido. He talks of his encounters with the descendants of famous samurai' of the past. We are taken to ancient Japan to meet the most influential samurai through the memories of their descendants as told to the author by members of those very samurai families We learn about the many rituals of the sword and discover how they were made, cared for and tested. The author instructs us on the use of the sword with over twenty traditional sword drawing techniques and sparring routines. Discover what made the Samurai such lethal swordsmen. Learn the "one cut" techniques of the Samurai. For all styles and all levels of experience.

Master Cherng's translation of Discourse on Sitting and Forgetting, an 8th century classic text on meditation by Si Ma Cheng Zhen, is accompanied by his extensive explanatory commentary, unique in its ability to make this complex text accessible to the Western reader. In the introduction to the text, Master Cherng explains how to practice the Purification of the Heart method of meditation and photographs clearly illustrate the correct postures. He deciphers the Chinese metaphors and abstract language of Si Ma Cheng Zhen to give a clear explanation of the processes involved and the resulting changes to mind, spirit and body. His translation and explanatory commentary present the classic text in a way that can be easily understood and applied, allowing Western students of Daoism, and anyone with an interest in meditation, direct access to the meaning of this text in practice.

WARRIOR ORIGINS is an account of the history and legends of the world's prominent martial arts and how they share a common heritage. It chronicles the origins of the Shaolin warrior monks, Shaolin Kung-Fu and their celebrated founder, Bodhidharma, who is also considered the first patriarch of Zen (Chan) Buddhism. The book considers Bodhidharma's origins in the context of ancient Persia and its royal houses and continues with the rise of Karate from ancient Okinawan roots to Japan and then into a global sport. It connects the record of Ninja and Ninjutsu and the influence of some of its latter luminaries, including Seiko Fujita, whilst also revealing new evidence on renowned martial artists such as Bruce Lee. This work takes a dramatically original approach to the heart of the martial arts and their founders. Author Dr Hutan Ashrafian, who holds black belt grades in several martial art styles, including a 5th Dan in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate and championship medals in Karate and Judo at World and European Masters level, delineates the inheritance of these arts using innovative evolutionary approaches to find previously unidentified links between them. Warrior Origins traces the pattern from Bodhidharma to the remarkable diversity of modern martial arts.

Bruce Lee was instrumental in the global popularity of martial arts, and he is still the most famous martial artist in the world, some 40 years after his death in 1973. He appears in video games, he has ranges of branded clothing and other goods, and his movies are constantly being re-issued to audiences hungry for more. But Bruce was a man of action in all aspects of his life. Before he made a name for himself in Seattle, USA he had appeared in nearly 20 Hong Kong movies. He wrote poetry and philosophy as well as film ideas and scripts.

Qigong Massage, one of the oldest methods of healing, is built upon five thousand years of progress and a highly refined, solid theoretical foundation. Used to improve health, slow down aging, and treat many types of illnesses, Qigong massage is a wide and deep healing science, and the root of many other popular forms of massage therapy. This comprehensive text by world renowned Qigong scholar, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, presents the fundamental techniques and theory of Qigong massage that therapists can use to enhance their skills, and deepen their knowledge and application of Qi (energetic) healing. Not only for therapists! Novices will find the instruction and techniques in this book practical and useful for recovering from fatigue, aches & pains, tension and more. A special section on Self-Massage is presented to help those in need of massage treatment benefits, but who lack a partner or therapist. With over five hundred photographs and illustrations in this book, Dr. Yang will be your guide into the art and science of Chinese Qigong Massage.

This book has three goals *To motivate you choose tai chi as a way of improving your health and increasing your happiness for an entire lifetime. *To enliven your practice with or without a formal teacher. *To provide guidance to advance your tai chi practice from a mere act of 'doing' tai chi to a method of "tai chi as a way of following your heart." Why tai chi? After more than thirty years of practicing tai chi chuan, author Henry Zhuang shares what has kept him with tai chi for so long, and how tai chi evolved to a rewarding path toward improving life and happiness. Step-by-step, the author presents a clear exploration of the benefits of tai chi. Some benefits are physical (strength, balance, vitality), while others are internal (virtue, courage, harmony). This careful examination will help you answer the first big question, "why should I get involved with tai chi practice." What if I already practice tai chi? If you already practice tai chi, you may need a boost to help you stay on track, or help you over a block in your progress. Simply doing the act (aerobics) is not enough. You must find ways to constantly advance your mindset and your physical body. Knowing what this means and how to do it are important tools for keeping tai chi the most rewarding and enjoyable experience in your life, day after day, year after year. The author will explain for you: *The four spirits of tai chi *How tai chi cultivates the mind and improves character *Eight important tips for proper tai chi bodywork *Eight keys to pay attention to when practicing tai chi chuan *The four principles of tai chi chuan *Five mindsets for practicing tai chi chuan *Six points for your tai chi practice so your heart is always in it *Eight imagery/energy drills to help you get your mind / intent in the proper place All of these will accelerate your skills, and help incorporate tai chi as part of who you are, so you can use "tai chi as a way of following your heart."

The popularity of Taekwondo is ever increasing. This is apparent in the tens of millions of practitioners worldwide, and by the inclusion of Taekwondo in the summer Olympic Games. With all its popularity, it is paramount that the art be handed down in a clear, knowledgeable, and sustainable way - this book does just that. Originally published in 1983, this authoritative work has been the guide for thousands of Taekwondo Black Belts as they advanced in their training. Whether your training is for self-defense, forms competition, or for preparation for Olympic Games, this newly revised edition provides beginner/intermediate to advance level training to assist you on your journey in Taekwondo. The most popular part of this book is the Nine black belt forms which are required by the World Taekwondo Federation for promotion in ranking. Additional sections include the history, philosophy, and science of Taekwondo, along with an updated schedule of the official competition rules. Contents include: -History, Philosophy, and Meditation -Hand and Foot Techniques -Sparring Techniques -Self-defense Techniques -Breaking Techniques -Nine Black Belt Forms - required for promotion by the World Taekwondo Federation, and used in sanctioned international Taekwondo competitions. -Eight Taegeuk Forms - required for promotion of all color belts and 1st dan black belt, and used in sanctioned international Taekwondo competitions. -Rules and regulations of the World Taekwondo Federation including sparring and poomsae competitions.

Grappling (wrestling) is probably the oldest genre of combat known to man. Throughout the world, wrestling and grappling have been part of every culture, probably due to the fact that pulling, holding, lifting and carrying are far more natural to us as living and working human beings than punching and striking. This manual takes the reader step by step through the moves and techniques required to become competent in the grappling arts. These moves can be used to compliment other forms of martial arts, or used alone in close-range self defence. Topics covered include beating kickers and punchers, history of grappling, training equipment, safety in practice, vertical grappling, groundwork, joint locks, throws, stance and grips.

Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This book provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process, and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests. The methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice which has until now been reserved for 'inner-door' students is described, and the book contains an entire set of Qigong exercises accompanied by instructional photographs and drawings. This book will be of interest to all practitioners of Qi Gong, martial arts and meditation, and will be a rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern philosophy.

Fire Dragon Meridian Qigong is a traditional Chinese internal alchemy method that embodies the spirit of the rising dragon, an auspicious symbol of transformation in Chinese culture. The form works directly on the acupuncture meridians, releasing areas of stagnation and bringing the physical and emotional body into a balanced state of well-being. This Qigong form implements special visualization and breathing techniques in addition to movements that imitate sparks arising from a bonfire and swirling upward like a spiraling dragon. Stoking our 'inner fire' melts away the 'ice', or the areas of blockage and disease, opens our energetic pathways and allows the smooth flow of Qi in our meridians. The Fire Dragon practice follows the traditional internal alchemy process, where Jing (essence) transforms to Qi (vital energy), Qi transforms to Shen (spirit), and Shen returns to Emptiness. Fire Dragon Meridian Qigong is a key Qigong form for those seeking healing from cancer and other significant health challenges, and is the practice the authors turned to in order to transform the grief over their son's death. The book provides background information and a detailed description of the form itself, illustrated with calligraphy, meridian drawings, and photographs throughout.

The shinobi, or ninja, is one of the most widely recognized figures in the world of espionage--and also one of the most misrepresented. What do we really know about the historical shinobi, his tactics, and his role in medieval Japanese society? In "Secret Traditions of the Shinobi, " these questions--and many more--are answered. Translated into English for the very first time, this widely sought-after collection of historical documents brings to light the secret practices, techniques, philosophies, and lifestyles of the shinobi.
Included are:
- the "Shinobi Hiden, "or "Secret Ninja Tradition," a documentation of techniques commonly attributed to one of the best-known ninja masters, Hattori Hanzo;
- the "Koka Ryu Ninjutsu Densho, "a small but important work from the Edo period that reveals the realm of ninja magic and spells;
- the three shinobi scrolls of the "Gunpo Jiyoshu, " a manual enthusiastically promoted by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun of Japan;
- one hundred poems written between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries--making them the oldest collection of written ninjutsu information in the world; and
- seventy historical black-and-white illustrations depicting ninja tools and weapons.
"Secret Traditions of the Shinobi" will enthrall martial artists eager to learn the real skills of the shinobi, as well as anyone interested in this exciting period of Japanese history and espionage.

The martial art of Taekwon-Do was initially developed by the Korean military in the 1950s and spread internationally with the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation [ITF] in 1966. Taekwon-Do has continued to develop and it is now one of the most popular martial arts, with around eight million students worldwide and perhaps best known for its spectacular kicking and power demonstrations. In this highly practical and informative book, Master Hogan draws on his vast experience to give unique insights into the performance and application of the first nine patterns (tul) that Taekwon-Do students must master to obtain the rank of 1st degree black belt.

In volume 2 of "Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang," Professor Zhang Jie documents the style of Bagua Zhang developed by Liu Bin, one of Cheng Ting Hua's top students. Professor Zhang became a disciple in this tradition in 1979, apprenticing under the well-known expert Liu Xing Han in Beijing. He was carefully trained for many years, practicing Bagua's circle-walking techniques under the trees of Temple of Heaven park--the same place where Dong Hai Quan, Cheng Ting Hua, and many other masters used to train.
A two-volume series, "Liu Bin's Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang" gives equal attention to Bagua Zhang's history, its practice, and the culture from which it arose; Professor Zhang presents Bagua Zhang as a guide for everyday living, stressing the Chinese concept of balance in all things. While volume one instructed students in the fundamentals of Bagua practice (stances and footwork, the circle walk, and the single palm change), volume two teaches variations on the single palm change; the eight mother palms; the twenty-four movements of five elements, three levels form; and the twenty-four movements of eight palms, eight fists, and eight elbows form. Professor Zhang also introduces readers to weapons training with the continous sword form and the coiling dragon long staff form. Step-by-step photos and descriptions document the forms, while never-before-published historical photographs and first-hand accounts of the development of the art provide a rich background for the practical instruction. Volume two also goes further into the history of Liu Bin's lineage, including profiles of many notable Bagua masters. The author's personal contact with many of these masters, including ones that risked their lives to carry on the tradition through the Cultural Revolution, allows him to record their stories in vivid detail.

San Shou Kuai Jiao (Fast Wrestling for Fighting) is the Chinese martial art of throws and takedowns. A San Shou Kuai Jiao throw can cause tremendous damage to your opponent while keeping you safely on your feet. For centuries, fighters in China have valued this art for its speed and power. Today, China's police and military forces are trained in its techniques. Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting presents seventy-five throws and takedowns against punches, kicks, and grabs, and demonstrates basic training methods such as stances, footwork, and strength training. Written by a gold medal winner in Chinese wrestling (Liang), this book is a complete training guide to this powerful martial art. * Throw your opponent to the ground - fast!* Effective for competition and self-defense.*460 action photos detail every technique.* Includes a chapter on ground fighting.

Nei Gong is the practice leading to attainment of real internal skill and transformation, and the philosophical art of change that runs through all Daoist practice. This book provides a unprecedented insight into the entire Nei Gong process, expanding upon the foundations laid in the author's previous widely read book, Daoist Nei Gong, to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the practice. Going into unparalleled detail whilst remaining accessible, it explains the philosophy at the heart of Nei Gong , and the steps whereby transformation is achieved. A foundational knowledge of Chinese medicine will help the reader appreciate the explanation more deeply, but is not required for understanding. Essential reading for anyone seriously interested Qi Gong, Chinese martial arts, and the Daoist tradition, the book will also be an invaluable resource for practitioners of Chinese medicine, or advanced meditation.

For the first time in print, the mysterious transformation process of Standing Meditation is revealed. Filled with tips and tricks to help get more out of training than most practitioners ever thought possible, this book contains a number of concepts and techniques presented for the first time in English. Drawing upon his 7th generation lineage in Chinese Medicine and using straightforward and simple language, Mr. Cohen fills in the missing pieces of the puzzle formerly absent in Zhan Zhuang literature. These include such elements as special masterpoints to relax and release large sections of the body, methods which rapidly create whole-body linkage for any posture; techniques for working with light in the higher energy centers, mechanisms to correct many crucial health problems and special training to develop truly effective martial power. A fast track for beginners. Highly recommended for seasoned practitioners. Take your Zhan Zhuang and Tai Chi to the next level.

Exploring the authentic art of chuan fa, this three-part DVD series includes Shaolin animal techniques. It includes exercises practiced by the original Shaolin monks, as described in 1,500-year-old manuscripts. It also contains interviews with Steve DeMasco, recounting his life, training, and experiences.

Chi Nei Tsang is a Taoist visceral manipulation body-work and massage which emphasizes moving chi energy to the abdominal organs. Developed by Taoist Master Mantak Chia as part of his Healing Tao System, it works on internal dysfunctions and energy blocks using the breathing exercises of chi-kung, therapeutic manipulations, and meditation. Students learn how to recycle negative energy, recognize personal patterns of tension, and use simple manipulations to restore vitality to parts of the body.

How can a Martial Art enhance the quality of life? The Heart of Taekwondo (Korean martial art of self-defense) incorporates the themes, Patterns, Power and Promotion. Patterns (sets of physical exercises) must be performed with power in order to achieve promotion. For generations this criterion has remained at the 'Heart of Taekwondo' practice. The arrangement of 'Taegeuk' and 'Black Belt' patterns are illustrated with over 450 photographs. Taekwondo offers practitioners the opportunity to enjoy an excellent quality of life and, to live longer. The benefits of physical exercise, appropriate dietary intake and rest are discussed with the aid of charts and diagrams. The Author, Grandmaster Mark Biddlecombe, one of the highest ranked Taekwondo Instructors in the United Kingdom, shares his experiences, thoughts and ideas. Subjective and objective data are used to explain how Taekwondo has transformed from part of Korea's culture to one of the most popular martial arts in the world, and an Olympic Sport. The Heart of Taekwondo provides information for the novice and advanced practitioner. Within the book, subjects that have never before been written about have been discussed. Information regarding Taekwondo philosophy and specific techniques that have historically been shrouded in mystery is revealed. The secrets are out 'Eat well, Move more, Rest well, Live longer'.

Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) kung fu is one of the most admired and practical martial systems in the world; Alan Gibson is one of the foremost authors in the method and presents us here, with an investigation through the form and function of this very popular Chinese art. This is a comprehensive and functional reference that gets right to the heart of Wing Chun. The Works is an updated collection of Alan's pragmatic, Why Wing Chun Works series of books, packed with exiting new writing, philosophy, diagrams and photography, all laid out in a straightforward manner. Written in his familiar, easy reading style, Alan's friendly coaching voice is constantly backed up with concise and dependable information from respected experts. We are taken on an elegant journey through all six Wing Chun forms and each one is discussed in detail through concepts, application and training effect. In 1998 Alan published 250 copies of his first book, Why Wing Chun Works, he has been consistently updating and improving his learning resources ever since. His books are now published internationally and two have been translated into German and Russian. This book is a celebration of twenty years of Alan's organisation The Wing Chun Federation; as well as being an updating and consolidation of some of his most popular written work. This volume is one that any fan of the martial arts will surely benefit from reading and one that they really cannot do without.

Bruce Lee's original Jeet Kune Do martial arts system back in the 1970's was a combination of training methods that allows you to be a complete fighter, using unlimited fighting concepts to constantly train your core techniques, mastering all ranges, seeking out the unknown. Urban Combat is based on the concepts of Jeet Kune Do and also combines other various styles of martial arts resulting in a highly usable realistic modern day self defence system that can be adapted to its user. This book details step-by-step self-defence techniques and reality based principles. In addition, it explores the mental and spiritual aspects of the 'Urban Combat' martial arts system, drawing upon the core concepts of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. Emil Martirossian currently trains and teaches classes/privately and is the Kung Fu Technical Editor for 'Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine' (UK). For further information visit: www.emilmartialarts.co.uk

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, and technical evolution of taekwondo. Many of the supposedly 'traditional' and 'ancient' Korean cultural elements attached to taekwondo are, in fact, remnants of East Asia's modernization drive, and largely inherited from the Japanese martial arts. The current historical portrayal has created an obstacle to a clear understanding of the history of taekwondo, and presents problems and contradictions in philosophy and training methodology. Using rich empirical data, including interviews with leading figures in the field, this book brings together martial arts philosophy with an analysis of the technical aspects and the development of taekwondo, and provides a detailed comparison of karate and taekwondo techniques. It debunks nationalistic mythology surrounding taekwondo to provide a reinterpretation of taekwondo's evolution.