Invincible Warrior tells the fascinating story of the life of Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), whose quest for the true meaning of warriorship lead to the creation of the martial art called Aikido, "The Art of Peace." Ueshiba -- whose name means "abundant peace" -- is considered by many to be one of the greatest martial artists who ever lived. His documented ability to disarm any attacker, throw a dozen men simultaneously, and down and pin opponents without touching them has accorded his life legendary status.

Invincible Warrior presents the real story behind Morihei's achievement, illuminating the man and his message. Stevens describes the people, events, and ideas that influenced Ueshiba's lifelong spiritual quest, which culminated in the development of the unique teachings of Aikido. Illustrated with hundreds of photographs of Morihei in action and filled with revealing anecdotes about his life and times, Invincible Warrior also offers valuable discussion of the Founder's conception of Aikido as a path of harmony and love, unifying body and mind, self and others, humans and the universe.

Donn Draeger was one of the most famous and well-respected martial artists of the twentieth century, and he was a pioneer in bringing Asian martial arts study to the West. Here, he illuminates the compelling historical, political, and philosophical events that gave rise to the development of the budo arts. The classical "budo," or "martial ways" are not combat systems like their forerunner, "bujutsu," or "martial arts"; nor are they sports like modern "judo, kendo, "or "karate." They are first and foremost spiritual disciplines, whose ultimate goal, achieved through the most rigorous mental and physical training, is self-realization in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. The author details the history, philosophy, and methods of a variety of these "martial ways," some using weapons and some weaponless, and reveals how they evolved from their combative roots. The book includes fascinating artwork from classical sources, and archival photographs of modern budo masters in action.

A groundbreaking self-defense and fitness book for women by a ballerina-turned-self-defense expert. Learn how to become your own weapon of self-defense and fitness so that you can create and target your best life.

After ballerina Avital Zeisler was savagely attacked as a young woman, she lived in fear—until she took action to train with experts in self-defense from around the world. Seeking a method specific to women and using Krav Maga as a base, she created her own self-defense program: the Soteria Method. It was an immediate sensation, and is now in demand by everyone from corporate executives to Hollywood stars—such as Amanda Seyfried, Megan Boone, and Keri Russell, to name a few—who seek her classes both for the self-defense and for the intense, body-sculpting workout.

Unique and empowering, Weapons of Fitness will help get you into incredible shape—and just might save your life.

Traces the roots and history of the martial art which was developed by Brazilian slaves and combines dance, play, ritual, and self-defense.

Introduces the history, basic moves, and terminology of this martial art.