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.

The first book to focus on the intersection of Western philosophy and the Asian martial arts, Striking Beauty comparatively studies the historical and philosophical traditions of martial arts practice and their ethical value in the modern world. Expanding Western philosophy's global outlook, the book forces a theoretical reckoning with the concerns of Chinese philosophy and the aesthetic and technical dimensions of martial arts practice. Striking Beauty explains the relationship between Asian martial arts and the Chinese philosophical traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, in addition to Sunzi's Art of War. It connects martial arts practice to the Western concepts of mind-body dualism and materialism, sports aesthetics, and the ethics of violence. The work ameliorates Western philosophy's hostility toward the body, emphasizing the pleasure of watching and engaging in martial arts, along with their beauty and the ethical problem of their violence.

This open access book is the first publication to provide a comparative framework for the study of martial culture and historical martial arts in Europe and Asia, in particular in Italy and China. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of martial studies, contributors to this volume include historians, archeologists, art historians, scholars of fencing literature, metallurgists, as well as contemporary master swordsmiths and masters-of-arms in historical martial arts. Assembling researchers from these diverse fields, this book offers a multi-perspectival and dynamic view of martial culture across time and space. The cross-cultural and interdisciplinary significance of this book cannot be overemphasized. Whereas a number of contributors are internationally recognized and, indeed, leading authorities in their respective fields; for example, Jeffrey Shaw has been a world-leading new media artist and scholar since the 1970s, while Ma Mingda is a well-known historian and the contemporary founder of Chinese martial studies; and while there are significant overlaps in their research interests, this book brings their research within a single volume for the first time. Equally significant, the book is structured in such a way to reflect the various core aspects of martial studies, particularly in relation to the study of historic sword culture, including history, culture, philosophy, literature and knowledge transmission, material culture, as well as the technical aspects of historical fencing. As one of the first titles on martial studies, this book becomes a reference not only for scholars taking an interest in this subject, but also for historians; scholars with interest in Chinese and/or Italian history (particularly of the Medieval or early modern periods), the history of international relations in Asia / Far East; anthropologists; scholars of martial (arts) studies and researchers in sword-making and/or historic metallurgy.

Words of the Dragon is an anthology of newspaper and magazine interviews from 1958 to 1973 revealing Bruce Lee's own fascinating words and explanations about Bruce himself, his art and philosophy. Interesting and insightful, Words of the Dragon provides the reader a means to understand the real Bruce Lee, offering us a unique keyhole through which to view the private life and personal struggles of the late martial arts superstar. These interviews provide us with Lee's own interpretations of life, the martial arts, international stardom, and his cross-cultural marriage during a time of racism. This Bruce Lee book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features: Bruce Lee's Striking Thoughts Bruce Lee's The Tao of Gung Fu 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

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.

Since ancient times Tai Chi Chuan has been practiced as a holistic mind/body fitness system, bringing immense benefits for practitioners in health, longevity, relaxation, and concentration. Tai Chi Chuan was also practiced as an effective and deadly martial art. Because of this, the ancient masters rarely disclosed their secrets, guarding them as closely as they would military secrets. They preserved their profound insights in obscure songs, poems, and classics, revealing only to those they considered trustworthy and ready for such knowledge. That is, until this century. Now, you can reap the benefits of centuries of wisdom and practical experience to deepen and refine your Tai Chi Chuan. Discover ways to reach the essence of your Form and take your Push Hands to higher levels. Dr. Yang has translated these classics from the original Chinese, and has written commentaries to make them more accessible to contemporary minds. Tai Chi Secrets of the Wu Style is an invaluable resource for students who seek true understanding of their art. *Useful for any style of Tai Chi Chuan.*Sound, practical advice for any martial art.*Key points for incorporating the teachings into your practice.

This collection of fascinating short reads on Daoist thought, including Chinese medicine brings together some of the most popular articles from the Scholar Sage online magazine, alongside new material from Damo Mitchell. It includes: * How the teaching of the 'three worms' (Sanchong) demonstrates the way Daoism pulls together models of the physical, energetic, spiritual and psychological * A translation of and commentary on the Classic of Breath and Qi Consolidation, an important Daoist classical poem that discusses the relationship of Jing and Qi in the body * The importance of the pineal gland in Daoist alchemical thought * The internal alchemy of Fire, Water, Dragon and Tiger * The meaning behind the pairs of Fu Dogs often seen guarding the entrances of Chinese temples, government buildings and restaurants * How Fa Jin works * How increasing your 'excitement threshold' can help you to find contentment in states of perpetual centeredness * Understanding and using food energetics * And much more. Helping you to think about your practice in new ways, the book features contributions from senior students at the Lotus Nei Gong School of Daoist Arts, including Roni Edlund, Lauren Faithfull, Tino Faithfull, Donna Pinker and Dr Seb Smith.

Over the course of several centuries the Ancient Masters practiced and pondered the mystery and purpose of Tai Chi Chuan, preserving their profound insights in songs and poems. Shrouded in secrecy, these songs and poems were closely guarded jewels and have only been revealed to the public this century. Now, you can reap the benefits of centuries of wisdom and practical experience to deepen and refine your Tai Chi Chuan. Discover ways to reach the essence of your Form and take your Push Hands (and sparring!) to higher levels, for not only has Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming translated these poems from the original Chinese, he has written additional commentaries to make them more accessible to contemporary minds. Insights from the Masters of Tai Chi Chuan is an invaluable resource for students who seek true understanding of their art. *Can be used with any style of Tai Chi Chuan.*Sound, practical advice for any Martial Art.*Includes commentaries, translation, and original Chinese.*Key points for incorporating the teachings into your practice.*Poems from Chang San-Feng and other great Masters!

The Martial Arts Athlete answers questions that today's competitors must know to succeed - should you do push-ups or lift weights? Are energy bars and sports drinks any good? Are traditional forms a waste of your time? How do you eat to win? Discover powerful mind/body training for peak performance and incredible physical conditioning. * Imagery for better strikes, kicks & takedowns.* Meditations for a sharper mind.* The power of relaxation.* Mental skills to manage pain, improve discipline, and feel great! Incredible physical conditioning to get you in the best shape of your life: * Step-by-step strength training for powerful arms & shoulders.* Killer ab-work for a lean torso and washboard stomach.* Plyometrics for strong legs and explosive kicks.* Three kinds of stretching for dynamic flexibility.* Simple breathing techniques to power you up. Discover the most effective workouts, nutrition secrets, and mind/body training for peak martial arts performance in competition and daily practice.

In his unprecedented account of the way of martial arts, Master Zhongxian Wu explores WuDao through systematic instruction of select practices from the legendary Dai Family Style XinYi Martial Arts School. Traditional Chinese martial arts embody the richness and depth of Daoist philosophy, and their disciplined practice is an effective way to experience healing, internal alchemy and spiritual transformation. XinYi martial arts, as with all traditional Chinese martial arts, build strength and stamina, and involve a process of inner cultivation that can bring practitioners closer to the Dao. The author examines and interprets the connections between Daoist numerology, the spirit of classical Chinese martial arts, and internal alchemy practices. With extensive reference to the classic texts, the book provides unique and considered guidance that will inspire and empower practitioners of all levels. An authentic insight into the spiritual world of classical Chinese martial arts, this book is essential reading for practitioners of martial arts, NeiDan (internal alchemy), XinYi, Xingyi Quan, Taiji Quan, Bagua Zhang, Qigong and Chinese medicine, as well as anyone interested in traditional Chinese culture.

Finalist - 2006 Book of the Year Award by ForeWord Magazine Taekwondo, literally translated, can be defined as "foot, hand way" or "the way of smashing with hands and feet." Such descriptive nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, however, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sport competition in the martial arts, many techniques of defensive value have been stripped away or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. While the thirst for Olympic gold has clearly played a significant role in propelling taekwondo into the forefront, it should be remembered that this native Korean martial art contains over 3200 distinct self defense techniques. This book describes in detail, the history and evolution of Taekwondo from its ancient roots to modern day applications. Also included are exercises in "Ki" or internal energy development, meditation practice, and practical self-defense strategies. This work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component.

**WINNER TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 2021** **SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE 2020** 'I was captivated by this book from start to finish, I couldn't put it down. A very real and relatable story that will have you weeping, smiling and cheering along' Christine Ohuruogo Ruqsana Begum's account of how she rose to become a Muay Thai world champion is only a small part of why her story is such an inspirational one for anyone who has ever followed their dream. Ever since she went to school in Bethnal Green, part of a large local Bangladeshi community, Ruqsana Begum stood apart from her friends because she was so keen on sport. At home, she wore the clothes her mother wanted her to wear and behaved like a dutiful Muslim daughter, but at heart she wanted something different. And when she went to college and saw an advert for a Muay Thai club, she knew what that would be. But she also knew that her parents would never allow her to fight - even if they could have afforded the costs. So she fought in secret, and soon discovered that she was a natural. But when her parents arranged her marriage, her new world collapsed and she found herself unable to cope, until she broke free again, and worked her way to the top. Ruqsana's story is a tale of empowerment that will inspire anyone who has ever had to battle against the odds and against all the opposition to achieve their goal.

Early-stage Qigong practitioners often find it difficult to establish a daily Qigong practice. This useful handbook teaches simple Qigong exercises that can be easily practised in the home every day. The book provides guidance for a series of warm-ups and exercises which are easy to learn, very effective and all based on ancient and traditional practice. These include refreshing Early Morning Meditations; the classic Eight-Sectioned Brocade; the dynamic Three Circles Posture; the Ten Aggrievement Exercises, which are great for combating bad moods; and the Three Lowerings, an exercise for sound sleep; as well as Rubbing Exercises, self-massage for combating stiffness, aches and pains. The author offers advice throughout on important points to remember when practising Qigong at home and how to deal with any problems that arise in a straightforward and relaxed manner. Suitable for young and old, this introduction to classic Qigong for daily practice translates the traditional Chinese teaching expressions into English that reflects the multi-layered meaning of the original; intuitively grasped, meaning deepens on reflection. The meditations and exercises will be particularly healing for those recovering from illness.