Chivalry is a flower no less indigenous to the soil of Japan than its emblem, the cherry blossom; nor is it a dried-up specimen of an antique virtue preserved in the herbarium of our history. It is still a living object of power and beauty among us; and if it assumes no tangible shape or form, it not the less scents the moral atmosphere, and makes us aware that we are still under its potent spell. The conditions of society which brought it forth and nourished it have long disappeared; but as those far-off stars which once were and are not, still continue to shed their rays upon us, so the light of chivalry, which was a child of feudalism, still illuminates our moral path, surviving its mother institution. It is a pleasure to me to reflect upon this subject in the language of Burke, who uttered the well-known touching eulogy over the neglected bier of its European prototype.

Qi is the Chinese word for life energy, also spelled chi or ki. It is the essence used in acupuncture, qigong and taiji, as well as many other traditional arts in China and Japan. Its western counterpart is the spirit, or inspiration. This book explains how qi works, and presents several very easy exercises by which you can cultivate and increase it within yourself. It is not difficult at all, and the result will invigorate you beyond your expectations. So, give it a try. Stefan Stenudd is a high grade instructor of the peaceful and spiritual martial art aikido, since more than 35 years. Aikido, too, evolves around the life energy. But the exercises in this book can be done by anyone, with or without experience of Eastern traditions.

There are various Ways. There is the Way of salvation by the law of Buddha, the Way of Confucius governing the Way of learning, the Way of healing as a doctor, as a poet teaching the Way of Waka, tea, archery, and many arts and skills. Each man practises as he feels inclined. It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways. Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrior by sticking assiduously to both divisions of the Way. Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death.

Aikido is the peaceful martial art. There are no attacks in aikido, only defense, and this defense should be so gentle that even the attacker is delighted by it. It is an art that takes a lifetime to learn, and it gets increasingly fascinating by each year. This book presents the principles and fundamental concepts of aikido - deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and the refined ideals of the samurai.

The first part of the book examines the aikido principles of how to find the peaceful solution, and how to enjoy aikido practice to the fullest. The second part explains the Japanese concepts used in aikido, such as ki, life energy, tanden, the center, and many more. There is also a chapter about kototama, the spiritual cosmology that was central to the founder of aikido. The third part includes an aikido glossary.

Stefan Stenudd is a Swedish aikido instructor, 6 dan Aikikai, and member of the Swedish Grading Committee, the Swedish Budo Federation Board, and the Directing Committee of the International Aikido Federation. He has practiced aikido since 1972. He is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction.

TARGET YOUR OPPONENT'S VITAL POINTS TO DISABLE ANYONE USING MINIMAL FORCE
-Over 300 step-by-step photos show each point and strike
-Written by a 9th - Dan Master and renowned expert on pressure point fighting
Martial arts lore tells of masters who possessed a mysterious ability to defeat an opponent with a single perfectly placed blow. "The Secret Art of Pressure Point Fighting" transforms the ancient legend into a modern reality--an anatomically based fighting and self-defense system that allows a smaller defender to defeat a larger attacker by striking at the key points on his body.

Straightforward and easy to understand, "The Secret Art of Pressure Point Fighting" provides a complete overview of the body's vulnerable points and teaches how to stop an attacker as quickly as possible using a minimal amount of physical strength.

In this book, the keys to the Ip Man Wing Chun Kung Fu system are explained. The three hand sets are shown in detail, along with the application of the key movements. One of the keys to Wing Chun is laying a proper foundation. The first form Siu Lim Tao (Little Idea) is the development of that foundation. Here, you will be introduced to the proper reference points for the structure of the defensive tools and offensive weapons of Wing Chun. The second form, Chum Kiu (Seeking the Bridge), introduces the keys to fighting application of Wing Chun. While the first form teaches the correct structure of the attacks and defensive movements, it is in Chum Kiu that the student learns to "seek the bridge" and use both hands simultaneously, such as one hand defending while the other attacks. Chum Kiu teaches stepping and footwork, and also Wing Chun's specialized kicking method and the generation of power thru the correct method of using the entire body in stance turning (Yiu Ma). The third form,

Aikibatto is a system of sword and staff exercises for aikido students, as well as for anyone interested in the Japanese martial arts. This book presents the basics and principles of the sophisticated sword arts developed by the Japanese warrior aristocracy, the samurai. Although the aikibatto exercises are primarily developed for aikido students, they contain much of the normal curriculum of traditional iaido and kenjutsu. Anyone interested in the arts of the katana, the formidable Japanese sword, will find much of value in this book. Stefan Stenudd is a 6 dan Aikikai Swedish aikido instructor, member of the Swedish Aikikai Grading Committee, President of the Swedish Budo & Martial Arts Federation, and Vice Chairman of the International Aikido Federation. He has studied aikido and iaido since the early 1970's. He is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction.

This is an essential guide for any person studying any martial art. With over 130 photographs to help guide you through your study of this amazing art! It is an excellent reference guide for those in particular who are studying or wish to study the White Crane Art. A form originally taught at the Shaolin Temple in the Fukien district of South China. The main intention of this book is to preserve two of the ancient forms passed down over the centuries by the Shaolin Masters. It contains a "reference guide" to the "Shuang Yang Hang Pei Ho" a form from the Shaolin soft art. Plus learn the techniques of the famous Shaolin Form the "Sum Chien". A series of techniques to help develop the legendary "iron-shirt" The ability to with stand heavy blows and strikes to both the body and even the vital organs. Bending spears on the throat and washing in broken glass are just some of the amazing feats achieved by those who study and develop this art. * Kung Fu * Tai Chi * Soft & Hard Qi-Gong * Breathing * Relaxation

More than 1,000 years ago, the people of Iga, the mountainous region of Japan, were forced to rise up against their merciless Samurai oppressors. Out of this struggle, nine traditions of the ninja arts grew. The ninjas' strength enabled the mind to believe it was the master of its fate. This power is known as ninjitsu.

In his groundbreaking books "Knights of Darkness "and "Mind Manipulation, " Dr. Haha Lung has shown the ultimate power of controlling the mind of your enemy. In "The Nine Halls of Death "he reveals the mystical power of overcoming your opponent's body through the Japanese art of ninjitsu. Dr. Lung reveals the secret to mastering all nine "halls" (training areas) of the ninja;from unarmed combat and combat with various weapons to the mental crafts of stealth and spying.

Dr. Lung guides you through such invaluable ninjitsu techniques as:

• The art of disguise;physical and mental discipline
• The Seventh Hall;the art of Espionage
• Mastering self and others through hand yoga (kuji-kiri) and upsetting balance (in-yo-jutsu)
• The art of mysticism (which include memory enhancement, visualization, and even self-hypnosis).

By unlocking the ancient secrets of the masters, the modern fighter will learn to unleash the warrior within and discover the magical point where physical mastery melds with mental clarity.

For academic study only

Dr. Haha Lung is the author of more than a dozen books on martial arts, including "Assassin , Mind Manipulation, Ninja Shadowhand, Knights of Darkness, Mind Control: The Ancient Art of Psychological Warfare, " and "The Lost Fighting Arts of Vietnam."

A journey starts with the first step and your martial arts career starts when you first step into a Dojo (martial arts training hall). My book will help people of all ages who have never done any karate before to understand the basic techniques with step by step guidance and take you on an exiting journey from novice to intermediate level. More importantly you will learn a comprehensive range of practical self defence routines that are simple to follow. Even if you have practiced another style of karate or other martial art you will, with the easy to follow photographic illustrations be able to gain new and sometimes quite unique skills quite quickly and that will be of great benefit to your own martial

Kurosaki Killed the Cat
John Jarvis began training in Kyokushin Karate in London during 1965 under Steve Arniel. He then trained for a year in 1967 in Tokyo under Masutatsu Oyama and qualified Third Dan. He became the branch chair for Australasia and the Pacific Islands. At this time he was promoted to Fifth Dan. John also trained at the Tokyo Riot Police School under Kuroda Sensi and achieved Second Dan in Iaido. He then trained at Rembukan Jodo Dojo under Shimizu Sensei and graduated Second Dan in Jodo and Tanjo. John changed Karate systems in 1974 to Okinawa Gojo Ryu and was graded Fifth Dan by Sensi Higaonna Morio. The author retired in 1987 as the most qualified martial arts teacher in Australia. He is presently a senior teacher and Dean at St. Patrick's College, Silverstream where he specializes in Religious Studies.

This book combines academic expertise and philosophical inquiry with the practical expression of T'ai Chi. The authors combine eastern philosophy and the wisdom of T'ai Chi as expressed through a Master. The result is a harmonious blend of Taoist philosophy and the everyday use of its principles through the Chinese art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. The exploration of Taoism and T'ai Chi begins by examining their origins and affiliations under the title of Beginnings. Subsequent chapters take up the themes of Harmony (expressing the duality and interrelation of yin and yang); The Way (which looks at the philosophy of the Tao and the path that leads to its practical expression through T'ai Chi); Change (which examines the influence of the I Ching and the Eight Energies); Direction (an analysis of the Five Elements); and Energy (which explores alchemy and the vital energy of ch'i). The primary focus is on Movement and Stillness, which harmonizes the softness of movement with the stillness of the inner self -- leading to the theme of Unity, the ultimate goal of philosophical Taoism and the practical dimensions of that philosophy in T'ai Chi.

If you try to remember which books affected your life like no other, you will come up counting two or three fingers on your hand. This can be one of them

The term ""martial art,"" like the title, The Art of War, has a dissonant ring. To associate art, that sublime expression of the human spirit, with the enterprise of maiming and killing seems almost profane. Similarly, the martial arts have long been associated with traditional medicine. But, how can the art of healing ally itself with the art of killing? Watching Your Back applies Daoist notions of wellness and survival to reconcile these apparent paradoxes and unveil the origins and rationale of the unexplored symbiosis of Chinese medicine and the martial arts. It discusses the applications of Daoist philosophy and its practitioners, explains how creative arts are simultaneously conserved and advanced within a traditional Chinese lineage, and clarifies the differences between the separate, but parallel, martial and military disciplines. Drawing from history, philosophy, medicine, linguistics, and the realities of combat, Dr. Schmieg convincingly describes how early proponents of Daoism responded to sociopolitical events in China to shape a unique martial arts tradition and how this ancient system evolved into modern combat forms. Throughout he makes ample use of entertaining anecdotes taken from his years of study under a Daoist physician-scholar and ""old school"" boxer. Written with both the layperson and scholar in mind, Watching Your Back examines the full spectrum of the martial arts while demystifying its philosophy and debunking its myths, and thus brilliantly reveals the true majesty of the ancient Chinese art of selfdefense.

The Real Ultimate Power website is a phenomenon, attracting more than 9.2 million visitors. Picking up where the Web leaves off, this new book mines the rich psychological ore of being ten years old and on Ritalin as Hamburger misinforms the reader about ninja history, ninja weapons, and ninja philosophy.

The relationship between meditation and the martial arts is a multifaceted one: meditation is one of the practices in which martial artists engage in order to prepare for combat, while the physical exercises constituting much of the discipline of the martial arts might well be considered meditative practices. Michael Raposa, himself a martial arts practitioner, suggests there is a sense in which meditation may in turn be considered a form of combat, citing a variety of spiritual disciplines that are not strictly classified as "martial arts" yet that employ the heavy use of martial images and categories as part of their self-description.

Raposa, in this extraordinary alloy of meditation manual, historical synthesis, and spiritual guide, provides a fascinating approach to understanding the connection between martial arts and spirituality in such diverse disciplines as Japanese aikido, Chinese tai chi chuan, Hindu yoga, Christian asceticism, Zen Buddhism, and Islamic jihad.

What happens when spiritual discipline is appropriated for exercises meant for health or recreation? How might prayer, meditation, and ritual be understood as martial activities? What is the nature of conflict, and who is the enemy? These are some of the questions Raposa raises and responds to in Meditation and the Martial Arts, his rumination on the martial arts as meditative practice and meditation as a martial discipline.

Michael L. Raposa, Professor of Religion Studies at Lehigh University, is the author of Peirce's Philosophy of Religion and Boredom and the Religious Imagination (Virginia).

Studies in Religion and Culture

Popular in China for thousands of years, Qigong is the art of cultivating your vital energy through gentle movements and techniques that incorporate breath, sound, visualization and self-massage. Often thought of as "Feng Shui for the body" or "Chinese yoga", Qigong is not simply about physical fitness, but also internal healing. The practice is commonly used in China, and increasingly in the US, to maintain fitness, heal ailments, promote longevity and reverse the aging process. This book provides a 20-minute programme of revitalizing movements and healing postures. The step-by-step Qigong workout aims to help women of all ages improve their overall health and fitness while maintaining youthful skin, eyes, hair and energy. It explains how each series of movements benefits the mind and body. Readers can then customize their routine and move beyond the 20-minute workout as they learn to apply the healing powers of Qigong - along with herbal recommendations, dietary remedies and self-accupressure - to specific age-related concerns such as arthritis, hearing loss, weight gain and sexual vitality. Special attention is paid to eomen's health issues such as menstruation, hot flashes, osteoporosis and breast health.

A Goju Ryu Guidebook: The Kogen Kan Manual for Karate gives the reader a tool to navigate the history, exercises, equipment, techniques, kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karatedo.