In "Mikkyo"--Japanese esoteric Buddhism--the dragon Kurikara symbolizes the internal energy developed through sword practice. Kurikara is a manifestation of the fierce bodhisattva Fudo Myo O, the patron of ascetics and warriors in Japan, who uses his sword to destroy delusions and sever attachments. Fudo's sword represents the gaining of discriminative power and decisiveness--the ability to cut through illusion and attachment. This leads to the development of an inner energy that allows one to "burn up" all obstacles to spiritual freedom.
"Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent" sets out the eight basic principles of swordsmanship common to all Japanese sword schools, emphasizing the cultivation of power and mental focus. Accomplished martial artist John Evans provides practical examples from his experience with the sword arts as well as "Mikkyo" and "shugendo" (mountain asceticism). The first foreign student to train with Nakamura Taisaburo sensei--widely acknowledged as the master of the sword art "battodo"--Evans clearly explains how skill such as Nakamurua sensei's can be systematically developed through "tanren," exercises that meld "inner" and "outer" power. Filled with fascinating anecdotes from Evans's training in Japan, "Kurikara" is a useful, inspiring guide to Japanese sword practice and its spiritual underpinnings.

"In this collection of artful writing by a man dedicated to honest self-expression, we glimpse the private side of Bruce's eloquence as he bares his soul through the art of letter writing." --from the Preface, by Linda Lee Cadwell Bruce Lee Letters of the Dragon is a fascinating glimpse of the private Bruce Lee behind the public image--a man with the patience and concern to dedicate as much effort to crafting a thoughtful personal answer to the letter of a young fan as to those from his old friends and associates; an extremely active man never too busy to make time for an old family friend in need of simple companionship; a man who never wrote without careful thought, and never thought from the head alone, but always from the head and heart together. The letters in this inspiring book trace Bruce Lee's career and development from his decision--made while he was still in secondary school--to move to the U.S. to further his education. Readers will journey with him through the many setbacks, rededicated efforts and triumphs of life that shaped his martial art and humanity, all the way to the last letter he ever composed, just hours before his sudden death. After absorbing the letters in this volume, readers will inevitably find that the private Bruce Lee was every bit as great as the public Bruce Lee. This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features: Bruce Lee: Striking Thoughts Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon Bruce Lee: The Tao of Gung Fu Bruce Lee: Artist of Life Bruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human Body Bruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

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.

For over one thousand years, Bodhidharma's (Da Mo) timeless classics have been considered the key to enlightenment and long-lasting youth. Now, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, one of the world's leading authorities on Qigong, has translated and written commentaries to make these ancient and profound teachings accessible to everyone. Using ancient Buddhist and Taoist documents as its foundation, this book analyzes and discusses theory and training methods in a modern, scientific manner, and presents safe ways for you to begin your own practice. Improve your health and strength through the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic). Work towards longevity & enlightenment with the Xi Sui Jing (Marrow/Brain Washing Classic). Qigong, the Secret of Youth is an invaluable guide for Qigong practitioners and Martial Artists who want to explore deeper levels of internal energy training. * Learn the keys to rejuvenating & reconditioning your body.* Discover methods for nourishing the brain and bone marrow.* Includes Qigong exercises & massage techniques.

The number of athletes training for and competing in mixed martial arts has skyrocketed to over 3.6 million, making it one of the world's fastest-growing sports. To succeed, fighters need to not only master various martial arts disciplines but also develop the physical stamina and mental endurance to dominate their opponents. Based on the latest science and research, Training and Conditioning for MMA details physical training, nutrition, and injury prevention for all martial arts disciplines. It uses actual training programs and showcases real examples recurring in the day-to-day preparation of countless elite MMA fighters from the American Top Team, UFC, Bellator, Sambo, and Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. Collectively, the 21 contributors to this book have trained over 200 amateur, professional, national, and Olympic MMA champions, including Amanda Nunes, Junior Dos Santos, Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, Mark Hunt, Yoel Romero, Hector Lombard, and Glover Teixeira. The quality and extent of the knowledge they share in these pages is simply unmatched in the world of MMA training resources. Developed for combat athletes and the trainers and coaches who work with them, Training and Conditioning for MMA is a complete manual for all training-related aspects of MMA, featuring the following: Methodology of sports training, including the periodization model used at American Top Team Principles for designing a fighter's training program Physical assessment of a fighter, from body composition to flexibility Importance of nutrition in high-level training More than 45 proven training programs for a wide range of martial arts disciplines, athlete types, and levels, accompanied by photos of professional MMA fighters demonstrating exercises and techniques Prevention strategies for MMA-related injuries Comprehensive yet practical, Training and Conditioning for MMA is the definitive resource for success for developing future champions. CE exam available! For certified professionals, a companion continuing education exam can be completed after reading this book. Training and Conditioning for MMA Online CE Exam may be purchased separately or as part of the Training and Conditioning for MMA With CE Exam package that includes both the book and the exam.

David Kahn, author of Krav Maga and Advanced Krav Maga, is back again with KRAV MAGA Defence: The Twelve Most Common Unarmed Street Attacks. Created by the Israeli army for self-defence, Krav Maga is gaining popularity around the world, especially here in the US. Kahn is a self-defence expert, teacher, and board member of the Israeli Krav Maga Association. Through photos, Kahn will teach you how to gain the upper hand in the twelve most common unarmed street attacks the average person is likely to encounter. He'll show you how to out-maneuver take downs, rear chokes, ambush attacks, sucker punches while texting, and knees to the groin, among other things. Kahn has instructed everyone from members at the local Y to executives, celebrities, and all major federal US. law enforcement agencies, as well as all four branches of the US military. His simple, no-nonsense approach to self- defence is perfect for men and women of all fitness levels. Don't become tomorrow's headline; Krav Maga Defence will teach you to protect yourself today.

Developed by Wang Lang over 300 years ago, Praying Mantis Kung Fu is the only martial art based on the fighting skills of an insect. This fascinating system utilizes swift, methodical movements for defence and attack, and is well respected as an art that helps practitioners develop great strength and perseverance. "The Complete Guide to Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu" provides an in-depth look at the history and practice of this remarkable martial art. Author Stuart Alve Olson, a student of T. T. Liang, draws on the lineages of Masters Feng Huan-I and Wang Han-Fon, but includes detailed description of all major schools, styles, and lineages. What sets this book apart from other works on Praying Mantis is its philosophical depth; author Olson gives a clear account of the development of the art and the Taoist principles from which it arose. This book provides the basis for not only mastering the martial art of Praying Mantis Kung Fu but also mastering oneself - the true goal of all martial arts.

"The Complete Book of Five Rings" is an authoritative version of Musashi's classic "The Book of Five Rings, " translated and annotated by a modern martial arts master, Kenji Tokitsu. Tokitsu has spent most of his life researching the legendary samurai swordsman and his works, and in this book he illuminates this seminal text, along with several other works by Musashi. These include "The Mirror of the Way of Strategy," which Musashi wrote when he was in his twenties; "Thirty-five Instructions on Strategy," and "Forty-two Instructions on Strategy," which were precursors to "The Book of Five Rings;" and "The Way to Be Followed Alone," which Musashi wrote just days before his death. Read together, these five texts give readers an unusually detailed, nuanced view of Musashi's ideas on swordsmanship, strategy, and self-cultivation.
Tokitsu puts all these writings into historical and philosophical context and makes them accessible and relevant to today's readers and martial arts students. Tokitsu understands Musashi's writings--and Musashi as a martial artist--unusually well and is able to provide a rare insight into the man and his historical contribution.

In the months leading up to his death, Bruce Lee was working on this definitive study of the Chinese martial arts--collectively known as Kung Fu or Gung Fu. This book has now been edited and is published here for the first time in its entirety. Bruce Lee revolutionized the practice of martial arts and brought them into the modern world--by promoting the idea that students have the right to pick and choose those techniques and training regimens which suit their personal needs and fighting styles. He developed a new method of his own called Jeet Kune Do--combining many elements from different masters and different traditions. This was considered heretical at the time within martial arts circles, where one was expected to study with only a single master--and Lee was the first martial artist to attempt this. Today he is revered as the "father" of many martial arts practices around the world--including Mixed Martial Arts. In addition to presenting the fundamental techniques, mindset and training methods of traditional Chinese martial arts, this martial art treatise explores such esoteric topics as Taoism and Zen as applied to Gung Fu, Eastern and Western fitness regimens and self-defense techniques. Also included is a Gung Fu "scrapbook" of Bruce Lee's anecdotes regarding the history and traditions of the martial arts of China. After Lee's death, his manuscript was completed and edited by martial arts expert John Little in cooperation with the Bruce Lee Estate. This book features an introduction by his wife, Linda Lee Cadwell and a foreword from his close friend and student, Taky Kimura. This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features: Bruce Lee: Striking Thoughts Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon Bruce Lee: Artist of Life Bruce Lee: Letters of the Dragon Bruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human Body Bruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

Master the wooden weapons used in Aikido with this comprehensive martial arts training manual. Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced aikido technical tactics as well as conceptual strategies and skills. Building on the authors' belief that no empty-hand system is complete without weapons training, Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido demonstrates weapon use both as a training tool to better illustrate aikido principles, and as a self-defense against weapon attacks. It focuses on the three primary weapons used in aikido: Ken--the wooden sword Jo--the wooden staff Tanto--the wooden knife A complete discussion of each armament is included, with descriptions of the stances, grips, techniques, forms, defenses, and training appropriate for each. With over 200 step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions, this aikido book provides an in-depth exploration of weapons use in aikido--from its spiritual implications to technical theory and practical application.

A new book.

Standing qigong is a simple, effective form of exercise suitable for all ages that can increase health, balance and vitality. This complete and accessible guide introduces standing qigong for health and martial arts. Beginning with an introduction describing his own discovery of the practice and an exploration of the health benefits, the author provides detailed instruction on the basic health postures and the process for diaphragmatic breathing. The second part of the book focuses on the martial postures and provides guidance on the subtle variations of the movements that help to cultivate and strengthen healing and internal power. Practice sequences are also included to help readers get started immediately, including, in the third part of the book, the Xing Yi Five Element linking form. Easy-to-follow, and covering all the basics, this guide to standing qigong is perfect for anyone who is looking for ways to improve their health, or with an interest in the internal or martial arts, especially practitioners of Taiji, Qigong, XinYi, Bagua,YiQuan and yoga.

"Knife Throwing is the most authoritative guide on every aspect of the sport. From knives and knife throwing techniques to competition and advice, as well as profiles of pioneers and legends in the field, this book covers it all." --Bobby Branton, President of American Knife Thrower's Alliance (AKTA) Not only is knife throwing fun, it is also a great sport, entertainment, recreation and exercise. It can be a wonderful hobby, pastime, or even a profession, and the fundamentals are easy to learn. Anyone who can throw a stick, stone, or baseball can also learn how to throw a knife with skill and accuracy. All you need is a good knife-designed for the purpose, whether made to throw by the handle or blade, a target, and a small portion of the back yard for the throwing range. Few sports can provide so much recreation at so little cost. Knife throwing is a sport in which individual skills can be developed to a very high degree. Expert knife throwing, like great proficiency in any other sport, is developed by natural aptitude and instinct combined with that one magic ingredient: practice! In Knife Throwing by American Knife Thrower's Alliance founder, Harry McEvoy, demonstrates how to throw a knife successfully in chapters such as: It's Fun to Throw a KnifeChoice of WeaponsHow to Throw a KnifeHow to Develop "Pin-Point" AccuracyHow to Select a Throwing KnifeTargets: How and WhereTomahawks and BowiesSafety Measures, Rules, and Care of KnivesThe ProfessionalsHunting: A New Twist to an Old SportTales, Legends and People

Eskrima, which is also known as Arnis [De Mano] or Kali, is the indigenous martial art of the Philippine Islands. Dynamic and flexible, with a wide range of training methods it can be practised by students of all ages and levels of fitness. Well known and respected as a highly practical weapons-based system, Eskrima is practised worldwide by civilians, law enforcement personnel and special units within the military. Eskrima usies training weapons [rattan sticks and daggers] from the earliest stages, alongside purely unarmed techniques. These training methods have been found particularly effective at increasing co-ordination and reflexes, providing a fast tract to developing the qualities needed for practical self-defence. The instructional section illustrates how the Eskrima martial artist is able to succeed in a wide range of combat situations involving fighting with both weapons and open-hands. Techniques, two-person flow drills, self-defence applciations, training with specialized equipment, the philosophy of the art and 'self-defence and the law' are all covered in depth.

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.

With extensive, step-by-step photographs and instructions, this jiu-jitsu guide is an efficient tool for mastering this ancient martial art. The original Japanese martial art developed by the elite samurai class during Japan's feudal era, Jiu-jitsu is the forerunner of Judo and the precursor of today's ultimate fighting styles, such as mixed martial arts (MMA). For centuries, this method of unarmed self-defense proved so successful in combat that it was kept secret and taught only to a select few. Based on the author's study with instructors at the Tokyo police academy, this martial arts book presents all the traditional techniques of Jujitsu, also known as Jiu-jitsu. These methods teach you valuable restraining methods that force your opponent to submit without abuse by using pressure points. It shows you tips for search and seizure, and the almost extinct art of Hojojutsu--how to tie people up without using any knots. Japanese Jiu-jitsu: Secret Techniques of Self-Defense addresses and demonstrates the full range of Kaisho Goshin Budo Taiho Jitsu Ryu (Tokyo police self-defense). Learn specific techniques such as:The use of hands Throwing an opponent Attacking vital points with strikes and kicks The use of weapons (like the staff). This fascinating Jiujitsu book was designed as a training manual and serves as a remarkable illustrated guide to the secret art of Japanese samurai self-defense.

The Essential Karate Book is an informative, illustrated guide to the techniques, philosophy and practice of karate. With 20 chapters covering practically every aspect of karate, this in-depth reference will assist students and instructors as they plot their course through karate instruction, benefiting those at all levels. The Essential Karate Book contains 200 diagrams mapping out moves with 300 step-by-step photographs and companion videos, making it a comprehensive general karate reference for Western audiences. Readers of this karate guide will learn about: Stances, blocks, strikes and kicks Preparing your body through warm-ups, stretching, and conditioning through karate-specific exercises Kata grading and fighting (kumite) techniques and competition rules Martial arts weapons (kobudo), and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) applications The origins and history of karate Required behavior, clothing and etiquette, as well as the fundamentals of karate and the different styles that share them The Essential Karate Book is a must-have for any martial arts enthusiast, from beginners to black belts!

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.

This form of Qi Gong was developed by Shaolin priests and brought to the West from Beijing in the mid-1980s. It is an ancient Chinese discipline with links to Martial Arts and Chinese medicine. The book includes 16 basic exercises, and they can be practised anywhere, at any time, to prolong life, to heal, and to cultivate personal power by transmitting and absorbing Qi simultaneously. The theory of meridians and how energy courses throughout the body is covered here, and this work examines how they relate to Chinese medicine; in particular acupuncture. Also included are instructions for healing specific ailments, for preventing disease, and for increasing energy.