Western scholars are generally far less familiar with the samurai in his original role as warrior and master of arms than in his other functions as landowner, feudal lord, litterateur, or philosopher. Karl Friday examines samurai martial culture from a historical and worldview in this study.

Beyond Black Belt reveals why not all black belts are created equal. Using fascinating behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes, Gary Purdue exposes the secrets of advanced karate ranks in this must read for anyone interested in the martial arts.

Qigong (CHEE-GUNG) has swept America as the newest approach to healing and was on the rise in China until the recent Falun gong crackdowns. This 2,500-year-old form of traditional Chinese medicine claims that the human body has channels (meridians) through which flows a substance known as Qi. While internal Qigong is essentially a relaxation and meditation technique, external Qigong is an alleged form of energy radiation emitted from the fingertips of 'masters.' Practitioners of this form of Qigong claim that they can heal serious diseases such as hypertension, glaucoma, asthma, ulcers, and even cancer.This remarkable book, written by a group of Chinese scientists, discusses the nature and practice of Qigong and its various manifestations. They give special attention to the many pseudoscientific claims made for external Qigong and uncover a good deal of deception practised by charlatans in the name of medicine. Exposed are such alleged Qigong practices as: clairvoyance, telepathy, weightlessness, energy discharge, energy-impregnated language (Qigong prescriptions), and much more.

Become a Better Martial Artist by Applying Lessons from the World's Greatest Military Strategists from Sun Tzu to Von Clausewitz Lessons in the Art of War investigates the theories and philosophies of the most prominent military thinkers in Asia and Europe and examines the combat roots of a variety of fighting styles from traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean martial arts to the fighting arts of the ancient Greeks and modern Israelis. It also demonstrates how the martial arts, whether Asian or Western in origin, were historically about brutal fighting, often to the death, and how ancient attitudes and beliefs can be adapted for success in today's MMA steel cage, judo or karate tournament as they were in ancient armies. Including an introduction to Asian and Western military thought, chapters include: The Nature and Conduct of Combat What is Combat? Preparing for Battle Elements of Tactics and Strategy Imposing Your Will Destroying the Enemy Force Strength of the Defensive Position Failure Moral Quality of Courage Securing Victory

Reach for the highest Level of Tai Chi Practice You can achieve the highest level of tai chi practice by including Tai Chi Sword in your training regimen. Here's your chance to take the next step in your Tai Chi journey. Once you have attained proficiency in the bare hand form and have gained listening ad sensing skills from pushing hands, you are ready for Tai Chi Sword. The elegant and effective techniques of traditional Tai Chi Sword Tai Chi sword will help you control your Qi, refine your Tai Chi skills, and master yourself. You will strengthen and relax your body, calm and focus your mind, improve your balance, and develop proper Tai Chi breathing. This book provides a solid and practical approach to learning Tai Chi Sword accurately and quickly. Includes over 500 photographs with motion arrows! Historical overview of Tai Chi Sword Fundamentals including hand forms and footwork Generating power with the sword 12 Tai Chi Sword breathing exercises 30 key Tai Chi Sword techniques with applications 12 fundamental Tai Chi sword solo drills Complete 54-movement Yang Tai Chi Sword sequence 48 martial applications from the Tai Chi Sword sequence 10 Tai Chi Sword 2-person matching drills No matter your age, Tai Chi Sword is a wonderful and fun way to improve your health and well-being.

Did you know that the internal health of the human body can be influenced and balanced by massaging acupoints, meridians, and trigger zones of the head, neck, and face? In fact, this not only helps to balance the entire body, it also has a significant cosmetic and anti-aging effect! In this definitive book, Dr. Bin Jiang Wu presents an easy-to-follow head massage program that was developed as a response to computer syndrome and other stress related illnesses that are rapidly increasing in our modern society. In less than thirty minutes, you can relieve stress and tension from your spouse, friend or patient, while promoting smooth skin, healthy organs, and overall peace and tranquility. This sixty-step sequence is based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and its theory is rooted in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huang Di Nei Jing). Wu's Head Massage can be performed in its entirety, or you can choose your favorite techniques for quick relief. * Great for reducing headaches* Works for shoulder and neck tension* Reduces facial wrinkles* Stimulates the 'energy channels' in the entire body* Improves facial skin complexion* Provides an instant mental boost, naturally* And more!

Following the success of his first book, The Shotokan Karate Handbook -- Beginner to Black Belt, the author felt there was a need for a manual to assist the more experienced student. Therefore, he has concentrated on more advanced techniques such as Kihon lppon Kumite, Jiyu lppon Kumite sets 6 and 7, and all the remaining Katas in Shotokan Karate. It is important that Karate Ka are aware that time, effort and practice are still the main factors in working towards perfecting not only one's skills but also one's inner mind and attitudes towards the art. This book is meant as a guide to Karate Ka -- it cannot take the place of your Sensei (teacher).

A rare in-depth look at the history, teachings, and wider implications of Wing Chun Wing Chun In-Depth offers an historical overview of the art's development, it examines how to properly approach training for fighting skills that give you an edge in street defence and it presents Wing Chun's underlying principles and strategies as a way of life for health and happiness. This work traces the lives and legends of the great masters of Wing Chun, it reveals their training techniques and philosophies, and shows the reader how they can be applied in all aspects of life. Written in an enjoyable and readable way, Wing Chun In-Depth shares profound insights, training drills and martial techniques that will improve your fighting foundation; it connects you to the great masters of Wing Chun-their lives, their martial teachings, and their philosophies. In the end, it is intended to inspire and enrich readers with history, practical skills, and a winning mindset for all of life's challenges. Contents include Part 1 The origins of Wing Chun from its legendary past. Its historical development and its present evolution from Ip Man and Wong, Shun-Leung. Insight into Bruce Lee's relationship with Wing Chun, Ip Man and Wong, Shun-Leung. Part 2 Forms, training drills, and techniques that can be used to develop oneself into a skilled fighter. Part 3 Explores the strategic and martial fruits of Wing Chun as a practice which provides both skills for combat and strategies for life. Startling truths that enrich life inside and outside the training hall (kwoon). Ip Man's senior student, Wong Shun-Leung was the man who made Wing Chun famous in Hong Kong's challenge matches. He was also a close friend and mentor to Bruce Lee. This book's author, Sifu Loukas Kastrounis, one of the few active teachers of this lineage, is a highly respected Wing Chun teacher who has spent his life honing and developing Wing Chun. "Written at the request, and in collaboration with Sifu Loukas Kastrounis-a third generation master of the Wong Shun-Leung lineage, it is the fruit of over 5 years of my careful observations and research into Loukas's teachings as both his student and as a professional historian."-Munawar Ali Karim

This book introduces Trainers and Fighters to the philosophy and application of Western Tai Chi Ch'uan for Amateur Fighting Competitors. Western Tai Chi Ch'uan is the merging of its 13 Strategies into the basic tactics of Western Boxing, Kickboxing and Grappling. The result is an Amateur Fighter with a savage and intimidating defense and a calculated and deliberate offense. You will learn the essential principles, objectives and obstacles of an Amateur Fighting Competitor, including breathing techniques, proper understanding of form and function, intense multi-discipline sparring techniques, and the practical use of meditation processes. Also included is a section for Trainers, with an example of a complete course outline as well as a section that presents classical Tai Chi treatise and definitive striking points on the human anatomy. Producing over 20 (Amateur) champions from 2007 to 2009 at the State and Regional levels, Western Tai Chi Ch'uan is emerging as a dynamic and effective fighting system used for Martial Art competition in the Southeast Region of the United States. Gurjot K. Singh, M Ed. (Retired, U.S. Army Ranger, S.E.R.E. & Drill Instructor) holds graduate degrees in Educational Technology & International Relations from Troy University and has several academic and professional publications. He received his rank of Master from renowned Grandmaster & Dr. Ibraham Ahmed. Master Singh is a certified American Tai Chi & Qigong Association professional (Level II of III.) He is the Owner of Angel's Gym in Fayetteville, North Carolina which is a training facility for the MMA Promotion group, Elite Fighting Challenge. Learn more at www.angelsgym.com or www.youtube.com/ANGELSGYMSINGH. Publisher's website: http: //www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheArtOf WesternTaiChiChuan.html

Thanks to a combination of physical prowess, indomitable will, and sharp and unconventional powers of observation, Urijah The California Kid Faber has risen to the top of the mixed martial arts food chain. In "The Laws of the Ring", he draws from these strengths, providing a unique and deeply personal look at life in and outside the cage - lessons fans can use to shape their own worlds. Part self-help book, personal journey, and meditation on a well-lived life, "The Laws of the Ring" is filled with funny, provocative, and inspirational stories that provide a colorful glimpse into the rise of a young superstar and the philosophy behind his success. For Faber, fighting is a quest for self-awareness and an act of self-expression. The "Laws of the Ring" offers his reflections on success and failure through his 10 Laws of Power and his Five Laws of Weakness. He speaks frankly about personal role models like Randy Couture, as well as human barnacles such as Internet Steve, one of the many hangers - on who have given Faber a unique look at the dark side of fame. And he includes wisdom drawn from disparate realms including history, art, and sports that will guide readers on the path to getting, and living, the life they want. My way isn't for everyone, Faber says, but everyone can take something away from my experience.