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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Combat sports & self-defence > Oriental martial arts > General
Soul of the Samurai contains modern translations of three classic
works of Zen & Bushido. In Soul of the Samurai, bestselling
author and respected translator Thomas Cleary reveals the true
essence of the Bushido code or Zen warrior teachings according to
17th-century Japanese samurai master Yagyu Munenori and his Zen
teacher Takuan Soho. The three works of Zen & Bushido
translated in Soul of the Samurai are: The Book of the Sword by
Yagyu Munenori The Inscrutable Subtlety of Immovable Wisdom by
Takuan Soho The Peerless Sword by Takuan Soho Yagyu was a renowned
swordsman and chief of the Shogun's secret police, while Takuan was
the Zen spiritual mentor to the Emperor. This samurai philosophy
book contains the first English translations of their seminal
writings on Bushido. Cleary not only provides clear and readable
translations but comprehensive notes introducing the social,
political, and organizational principles that defined samurai
culture--their loyalty to family, their sense of service and duty,
and their political strategies for dealing with allies and enemies.
These writings introduce the reader to the authentic world of Zen
culture and the secrets behind the samurai's success--being "in the
moment" and freeing the mind from all distractions, allowing you to
react instantaneously and instinctively without thinking. In these
classic works, we learn that Zen mental control and meditational
training were as crucial to the Samurai as swordsmanship and
fighting skills.
This unique book by Master Shi Ming and Siao Weijia explores the
Chinese science of mind/body and the refinement of consciousness in
the higher martial arts.
Christian Tobler makes a deep dive into the fighting traditions of
the late 14th and early 15th centuries, particularly as recorded by
Johannes Liechtenauer (1300-1389). It was a time of plague, of the
Hundred Years War, of the Peasants' Revolt, but also a time when
the origins of the European Renaissance were formed. In the later
years of this turbulent time a shadowy figure named Johannes
Liechtenauer systematized lessons for swordsmanship, wrestling,
armoured and mounted combat. Recorded in cryptic, rhyming verses,
it fell to masters of the 15th and 16th century to record, clarify
and expand the grandmaster's instructions in an extensive body of
fencing manuals. As the world of the knight receded into history,
these texts - many extensively and beautifully illustrated - were
forgotten by all but German-language antiquarians and fencing
historians until the last decade of the 20th century, when they
were rediscovered by a new audience of martial artists and
historians. No author has done more to reveal this lost world of
German knightly martial arts to a modern audience than Christian
Tobler. Lance, Spear, Sword and Messer is a rich collection of
Tobler's work, containing extensive material on topics as diverse
as the two-handed sword, spear, poleaxe, wrestling, and the use of
long shields, combined with thought-provoking analysis and
historical commentary that will occupy the mind-and challenge the
preconceptions-of students and historians of medieval German
martial arts. In addition, the martial career-in arms and in the
literature of arms-of Emperor Maximilian I, often called "the Last
Knight," who was himself a devoted student of the tradition, serves
as a capstone of this collection. Maximilian's literary output,
including a planned but unwritten fight book, was a similar
capstone in his own lifetime at the waning of the Middle Ages and
start of the Northern Renaissance.
The Sword Form is an important aspect of the popular Chinese
martial art, T???? ij????????quan. The 32-Posture Sword Form, from
the point of view of the physical movements only, is not complex,
but there is a significant amount of other information, relating to
the applications, that is open to interpretation. Written by an
experienced teacher of T???? ij????????quan, this book provides a
detailed description of the Jian (the sword), its parts and how it
should be held. Using photographs and illustrations, the author
gives step-by-step instructions for the main 13 applications
including sword strokes, stances and footwork techniques. This book
contains a wealth of information on Sword Form technique and is an
ideal resource for students of martial arts, experienced
practitioners or anyone interested in learning about T????
ij????????quan.
Tae Kwon Do is a sport, a martial art, a fun way to keep fit and
means of self-defence that is suited to the modern age. The
author's career has spanned what is arguably the most crucial
period in the martial art's development. Since the 1970s it has
changed from a tool of war to a safe, competetive sport. Topics
include: an introduction to Tae Kwon Do and its grading system;
stances, weapons and vulnerable points of the body are covered;
training principles for strength, flexibility and speed are
outlined and the spectacular kicks that distinguish this martial
art are also described.
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Judo
(Paperback)
R. Bowen, H.M. Hodkinson
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R419
R340
Discovery Miles 3 400
Save R79 (19%)
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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For so many around the world, it was in the cinema that they saw
their first glimpse of martial arts. Through the films of Lau Kar
Leung, among others, they came to appreciate the power and skill of
many kung fu techniques. However devotees and practitioners of kung
fu and Hung Kuen were aware of the much longer tradition of these
arts and in particular, the contribution of both the Lam family and
the Lau family. In 2009 the Hong Kong Government endeavoured to
identify and recognize forms of intangible cultural heritage. It
was this awareness of a vibrant part of Hong Kong history and
culture which led to the creation of the Hong Kong Martial Arts
Living Archive, and from this the exhibition, Lingnan Hung Kuen
Across the Century: Kung Fu Narratives in Hong Kong Cinema and
Community. In the exhibition and this companion book, the histories
of the Lam and Lau families are traced, and their role in
preserving and creating new stances and forms and bringing Hung
Kuen to a wider audience through the medium of film. Using the
latest technologies including 3D imagery, the work of past masters
has been here brought back to life.
"Bagua Swimming Body Palms "is the second book written by Wang
Shujin, one of the world's foremost exponents of Chinese internal
martial arts and a renowned expert of Bagua Zhang. This volume
continues the process of bringing Master Wang's important art to
Western readers. More intricate than the Linked Palms form,
Swimming Body Palms helps practitioners achieve fluent body
mechanics and the ability to connect and flow from one movement to
the next with power. Master Wang, who taught Swimming Palms to only
a few advanced students, described it as "swim-walking," or
swimming around the body.
"
Bagua Swimming Body Palms "offers a thorough grounding in the
basics of Bagua principles and practice, and illuminates the
connection between the cultural meanings of the "I Ching" and the
physical movements of Bagua Zhang. The photographs from the Chinese
book are reprinted, along with hundreds of new photographs of
translator Kent Howard demonstrating the exercises in greater
detail. Sifu Howard provides extensive commentary on Master Wang's
writings, and Daoist master Huang Jinsheng contributes a thoughtful
essay on Master Wang's spiritual practice with the esoteric Daoist
sect Yi Guan Dao. The book's engaging style, fidelity to the
Chinese text, and comprehensiveness make it a welcome addition to
any martial arts library.
Master the Japanese art of shuriken throwing with this illustrated
martial arts guide. Japanese Throwing Weapons: Mastering Shuriken
Throwing Techniques is a detailed instruction manual for learning
authentic shuriken throwing techniques as practiced in Japan, known
as shuriken-jutsu. Daniel Fletcher studied under Japan's most
notable shuriken sensei, Yasuyuki Otsuka, of the Meifu Shinkage Ryu
and in this knife throwing book he reveals the secrets learned in
his years of study and training. Fletcher explains the origins and
purpose of the shuriken as a weapon and provides information on the
various types of shuriken used by the historical samurai and
ninjas. Fletcher's expert instructions, along with over 200
photographs and the enclosed DVD can help anyone become proficient
with Japanese throwing techniques. Weapons instruction includes:
Shaken Shuriken--The most familiar of the shuriken family, this
sharp-edged, star-shaped weapon is the one typically seen in
martial arts film. Bo Shuriken--Shaped like a spike, easy to
manufacture, economical, and convenient to carry, this simple
weapon is a staple in the arsenal of the Japanese warrior. Teppan
Shuriken--A multi-purpose weapon made from iron plates, it can take
a variety of shapes and is used both for throwing or hand-to-hand
combat. All disc content is alternatively accessible on
tuttlepublishing.com/downloadable-content.
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Arwrology
(Paperback)
Gordon E Perrigard
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R759
R622
Discovery Miles 6 220
Save R137 (18%)
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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In this Tang Classic text from the 9th Century, Daoist practitioner
Shi Jianwu describes how through adapting our own breathing to the
breath of the universe and daily meditation, one can develop an
astral body and 'transcend earthly matters to walk in the divine'.
Richard Bertschinger offers the first annotated English language
translation of this text with practical guidance for Qigong,
meditative practice and personal development. With elements of
Daoist tradition and drawing on Mayahana Buddhist influences, this
ancient guide aims to bring to the fore perceptions and focus on a
natural form of breathing for pure meditation. Much of this Chinese
practice has been misunderstood and lost over the years, until now.
Richard's thoughtful translation and additional comments serve to
distribute Shi Jianwu's original message with open interpretations
for the individual reader.
_"Dierk Hagedorn continues to solidify his reputation as one of
today's most talented authorities on German Fechtbucher with
another superlative volume Highly recommended for students of
history, historical reenactors, and today's fighting
practitioners."_ - Christian Henry Tobler Longsword instructor
Dierk Hagedorn brings the work of one of the most prolific authors
of 16th century fight books to a modern audience for the first
time. Jorg Wilhalm's teachings feature fighting techniques with the
long sword, in armour and on horseback and combines the teachings
of the famous fighting master Johannes Liechtenauer with those of
his successors. Vividly illustrated throughout, each technique is
rendered in detail that even modern practitioners will be able to
easily follow. This book will appeal to enthusiasts of historical
European martial arts, re-enactors, jousters, as well as art
historians - particularly those with an interest in the armour and
clothing of the 16th century. Comprehensive in its scope, it is a
striking and fascinating insight into the ancient art of swordplay.
This title presents the teachings of Motomichi Anno sensei, one of
the few remaining direct students of Morihei Ueshiba, the legendary
founder of Aikido. After a lifetime of practice and teaching in
Japan, the United States, and Europe, Anno sensei's teachings
convey Aikido's essential spirit of love, harmony, gratitude, and
purification with simple authenticity and eloquence. Author and
translator Linda Holiday brings to life the intimacy of this
communication through translated discourses on the deep practice of
Aikido and candid dialogues between Anno sensei and Western
students.
The boxing art of Xingyi is famed in China and the West for the
health and longevity of its practitioners. This authentic manual
introduces the Five Elements of Xingyi (Splitting Fist, Drilling
Fist, Smashing Fist, Pounding Fist, and Crossing Fist) through
photos, illustrations, and descriptive text, including the "songs"
of the postures that succinctly capture and amplify the internal
principles. The newly revised and expanded edition includes nearly
one hundred and thirty black and white photos and line drawings,
extensive sections on the history and theory of xingyi boxing, and
the first full English translation of Yue Fei's "Nine Essential
Teachings." The book is designed as a primer or introductory reader
for those practicing or interested in learning about the art.
Containing approximately 70% new material, this revised edition
will enhance the book's appeal to practitioners of xingyiquan and
other internal martial arts systems.
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