Genuine karate is an Okinawan martial art for self-defense; its ongoing globalization has jeopardized its inherent effectiveness. “The changes made to karate in mainland Japan and in America have altered karate so intrinsically that it can no longer claim to be genuine karate.” Dr. Hermann Bayer, Ph.D., examines how Japan re-interpreted Okinawan karate to create its own unique style of karate-do, and how Japanese and American changes resulted in a modern karate-sport business. Practitioners of karate are often confused, misguided, and even led to believe that karate is just karate—this is far from the truth. Practitioners need a clear understanding of what their training can offer them. This can only be achieved by understanding karate's true purpose and by discerning misconceptions from facts. Contents include Okinawan karate’s “principle of never changing kata”. Karate as an Okinawan cultural heritage. Socio-cultural arguments to preserve Okinawa karate—as is. Japan—the karate reproducing country. Karate or Karate-do? The business of karate, karate-do, and karate-sport. Scientific proof of a peaceful karate mind. The laws of physics reveal weaknesses when kata are changed. This substantially researched work makes a compelling case for the socio-cultural and historic arguments to conserve genuine Okinawan karate. Supported by historical facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Dr. Bayer reveals, for all to see, the complex evolution of karate and the unsettled claims made upon it by the various stake-holders.

The book examines the deep interplay of martial arts, combative, and self-defense practices with nationalism and ethno-religious politics. It focuses on the complex formative process of ethno-religious communities, their growth and resilience, in the context of the establishment of the State of Israel and the contemporary Jewish Diaspora. By presenting the unique case of Krav Maga, literally meaning "hand to hand combat", which is a selfdefense system initially developed between the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries which is now considered a staple of Israeli culture, the book ultimately provides strong evidence in support of the idea that the understanding of physical violence proper to the martial arts is not only accepted and tolerated within modern egalitarian democracy but it is indeed needed as a profoundly unifying collective experience.

Bruce Lee's daughter illuminates her father's most powerful life philosophies, and how we can apply his teachings to our daily lives 'Empty your mind; be formless, shapeless like water' Bruce Lee is a cultural icon, world renowned for his martial arts and film legacy. But Lee was also a deeply philosophical thinker, believing that martial arts are more than just an exercise in physical discipline - they are a perfect metaphor for personal growth. In Be Water, My Friend, Shannon Lee shares previously untold stories from her father's life along with the concepts at the core of his teachings. Each chapter reveals a lesson from Bruce Lee, expanding on the foundation of his iconic 'be water' philosophy to reveal a path to an enlightened way of being. This is an inspirational call to action to consider our lives with new eyes and a testament to Lee's unique power to ignite our imaginations and transform our lives.

Risk, Failure, Play illuminates the many ways in which competitive martial arts differentiate themselves from violence. Presented from the perspective of a dancer and writer, this book takes readers through the politics of everyday life as experienced through training in a range of martial arts practices such as jeet kune do, Brazilian jiu jitsu, kickboxing, Filipino martial arts, and empowerment self-defense. Author Janet OaShea shows how play gives us the ability to manage difficult realities with intelligence and demonstrates that physical play, with its immediacy and heightened risk, is particularly effective at accomplishing this task. Risk, Failure, Play also demonstrates the many ways in which physical recreation allows us to manage the complexities of our current social reality. Risk, Failure, Play intertwines personal experience with phenomenology, social psychology, dance studies, performance studies, as well as theories of play and competition in order to produce insights on pleasure, mastery, vulnerability, pain, agency, individual identity, and society. Ultimately, this book suggests that play allows us to rehearse other ways to live than the ones we see before us and challenges us to reimagine our social reality.

Based on over 15 years of research, this text proposes a new definition of the martial arts to examine how such fighting systems are being re-imagined and reconstructed beyond the arenas of combat and sport in the 21st century Western context. Taking the viewpoint of the martial arts as art forms open to reinterpretation, this unique book considers the ways in which martial arts can be used for different purposes, such as within movement systems and for self-help and therapy. However, the martial arts industry is a highly unregulated space. The book, therefore, considers the ways in which the martial arts are being regulated by Western influencers on social media as well as more formal international organisations connected to UNESCO. The project then examines the lives of long-term martial arts instructors and practitioners of historical European martial arts (HEMA), Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Wing Chun Kung Fu and other internal martial arts such as Cheng Hsin. This book draws on a wide range of data sources including autoethnography, ethnography, life history interviews and social media and textual analysis to paint a vivid picture of the reinvention process in contemporary society. It shows how elements of the martial arts (often from East Asian societies) are being adapted, critiqued, managed and merged to suit the social needs of today's martial artists and the public. This monograph will appeal to all scholars and students interested in combat sports, martial arts and physical culture from a social scientific and qualitative perspective. "The author presents the situation of selected martial arts traditions of China and Europe in today's social contexts. At the same time, he shows both social sensitivity and broad erudition. His research on Mexican traditions brings a fresh perspective to the analysis of cultural influences and theoretical reflection on the heritage of martial arts. Also, the qualitative methodology used here is most appropriate for an in-depth description of the attitudes of martial artists. It includes, but is not limited to, autoethnography. I highly recommend this book to researchers and enthusiasts of martial arts / fighting arts." -Professor Dr Wojciech J. Cynarski, 10th dan of Idokan "Dr. Jennings' Reinventing Martial Arts in the 21st Century is a fresh, extremely current piece. Written in a clear, precise and simple language, it addresses many of the topics inspiring contemporary social research on martial arts-their hybridization with other movements systems, their consideration as self-help or therapy practices, or their protection, revival or reinvention as intangible cultural heritage, to name a few. It is solidly structured and developed, presenting findings on all these fields, based on the author's original research and knowledge as veteran martial artist. No doubt this book is a brilliant contribution to the field of study of martial arts and combat sports." -Carlos Gutierrez Garcia, Associate Professor, Department of Physical and Sport Education, Universidad de Leon, Spain; Editor-in-Chief of Revista de Artes Marciales Asiaticas "Most martial arts celebrate their long historical traditions, ancient roots and aim to inculcate their learners with respect for expert practitioners and their values. Those that originated in East and South East Asia spread across the rest of the world in the twentieth century, and now flourish in societies very different from those where they originated. Alongside the globalised martial arts an academic field of research-martial arts studies-has grown up. Its focus is not only on those Eastern and South-east Asian martial arts and combat sports, but also on those from Africa and the Americas (such as Capoeira and Xilam), and those claiming European origins such as Savate, HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) or Breton wrestling. Some of these are self-conscious recreations; others are evolved varieties of earlier activities. One important theme in martial arts studies is studying how different forms of combat change and develop; a second research area is focused on how practitioners can benefit physically and mentally from participation. George Jennings has, in this book, drawn together several of the key themes in martial arts studies which became highly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on ethnographic work done before, during, and since the height of the pandemic in Europe, key themes in martial arts studies are explored. Jennings has worked intensively on three martial arts (Taijiquan, HEMA and Wing Chun), and also draws on the research about other activities such as Venezuelan Stick fighting, Savate and Xilam. The text addresses core themes in martial arts studies while blending the standpoints of the practitioner, the teacher, and the researcher." -Sara Delamont, Reader Emeritus, Cardiff University, United Kingdom "George Jennings tackles the western reinvention of traditional martial arts in terms of McDonaldization, heritage studies, and sport science to discuss emerging forms of virtual community, therapy and self-help. Through evocative auto-ethnography Jennings demonstrates the advantage of training in swords while taking notes. The result is a highly readable academic account of colorful vignettes and vivid insights shared from a lifetime in martial arts and scholarship." -DS Farrer, University of Exeter, United Kingdom "This book offers a fascinating exploration of multiple overlooked aspects of the living and breathing richness and diversity of martial arts as lived practices, often intertwined with different livelihoods, issues and aspects of health and wellbeing, and ways of growing. Jennings speaks fluently in a range of voices, allowing different levels and kinds of focus and attention, from large perspectives to attention to less obvious areas of life and practice. This work will be of particular value to ethnography, anthropology and social science students and researchers of martial arts, culture and society." -Professor Paul Bowman, Cardiff University, United Kingdom; Author of The Invention of Martial Arts (2021)

This book focuses on the philosophy of Chinese martial arts film, arguing that philosophy provides a key to understanding the whole genre. It draws on Chinese philosophical ideas derived from, or based on, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and other schools of thought such as Mohism and Legalism, examines a cluster of recent Chinese martial arts films centering on the figure of the xia-the heroic protagonist, the Chinese equivalent of medieval Europe's knight-errant-and outlines the philosophical principles and themes undergirding the actions of xia and their narratives. Overall, the author argues that the genre, apart from being an action-oriented entertainment medium, is inherently moral and ethical.

Honorable Mention - 2014 Eric Hoffer Award This book offers beginner a smart way to learn qigong (chi kung), the ancient Chinese system of gentle breathing, stretching, and strengthening movements. You will use the Eight Pieces of Brocade, one of the most popular qigong healing exercise sets, to improve your overall health and well-being. Commonly known in China as the Ba Duan Jin, these exercises have been practiced for over 1,000 years. Choose the sitting set, the standing set, or both. Learn how to activate the qi energy and blood circulation in your body, helping to stimulate your immune system, strengthen your internal organs, and give you abundant energy. *Clear photographs show you correct postures*Concise instructions tell you what to do*Details inform you how the movements help*Qigong theory explains why the exercises work*Translations of ancient Chinese poetry provide key concepts to help you improve your practice No matter your age or your physical condition, the Eight Pieces of Brocade is a wonderful way to improve your health and well-being.

What do martial arts signify today? What do they mean for East-West cross cultural exchanges? How does the representation of martial arts in popular culture impact on the wide world? What is authentic practice? What does it all mean? From Kung Fu to Jiujitsu and from Bruce Lee to The Karate Kid, Mythologies of Martial Arts explores the key myths and ideologies in martial arts in contemporary popular culture. The book combines the author's practical, professional and academic experience of martial arts to offer new insights into this complex, contradictory world. Inspired by the work of Roland Barthes in Mythologies, the book focusses on the signs, signifiers and practices of martial arts globally. Bringing together cultural studies, film studies, media studies, postcolonial studies with the emerging field of martial arts studies the book explores the broader significance of martial arts in global culture. Using an accessible yet theoretically sophisticated style the book is ideal for students, scholars and anyone interested in any type of martial art.

The ultimate guide to the Japanese martial arts by the world's foremost expert! Author Alexander Bennett is the ultimate insider, having lived in Japan for decades. He holds multiple black belts in Kendo and Naginata, as well as PhDs in Japanese literature and history. An Insider's Guide to the Japanese Martial Arts is Bennett's personal guide for fellow martial artists and seekers who wish to undertake their own personal quest to study or practice a martial art in Japan. In this book, Bennett outlines the history of the Japanese warrior from early times until the present. Then, as only someone steeped in this world can, he surveys the contemporary martial arts scene and provides essential tips on how to find a teacher and a dojo and how to navigate and survive the difficult martial arts world in Japan today. The chapters in this book cover many different topics, including: The Real Samurai How the Japanese Martial Arts developed Martial Arts Masters You Should Know About Budo in Japan Today Key Martial Arts Concepts Life in a Japanese Dojo A Japan Survival Guide Written in an informal, easy-to-read style, this book will captivate anyone with an interest in Japan and Japanese culture, especially martial artists around the world.

The origins of Liuhebafa (also called Water Boxing) can be traced back to the Daoist sage Chen Tuan (c. 871-989 A.D.). Chen is a mystical figure whose advice and perspective was sought by ancient Chinese Emperors. Liuhebafa was the last of the internal methods to be taught outside China. Even inside China, Liuhebafa had an almost mythic quality. Among the groups of inner circle students, Liuhebafa was graduate study in the internal arts. Liuhebafa's Five Character Secrets (of Li Dong Feng) are the original precepts of this rare internal martial art known as Huayue Xinyi Liuhebafaquan. Li Dong Feng discovered aged manuscripts of Chen Tuan, during an expedition to Chen's ancient mountain home. Realizing the importance of what he had found, Li remained on Mount Hua until he mastered the material in the manuscripts. Li returned to his home and then recorded all he had learned on Mount Hua in one hundred and thirty-four verses now known as The Five Character Secrets of Li Dong Feng. This is the only existing treatise on the original principles of Liuhebafa. This book contains the original Chinese treatise of Li Dong Feng, Pinyin Romanization of the Chinese characters, word for word translation, literal translation, interpretive translation and the author's commentary on the meaning of each verse. There is more here than meets the eye. It is wise to approach the Secrets with a beginner's mind. Imagine being beckoned to sit by the fire. Lean a little closer to better hear the master as he recites the lines that will open the doors of your mind and heart.

While most martial arts gyms teach excellent fighting techniques, few have a full understanding of the principles behind strength and conditioning, leaving many fighters over trained and injured. Strength and Conditioning for Mixed Martial Arts: A Practical Guide for the Busy Athlete provides elite-level instruction beyond fighting technique, focusing instead on improving overall athletic performance that works side-by-side with a fighter's martial arts training. Written for the non-professional athlete, from beginning to advanced fighters, it is also readily implemented around a full-time job. Topics covered in this book include: Selecting and maintaining equipment Developing a training plan Strength and conditioning Developing a sound and safe nutrition plan Common injuries and injury prevention Preparing for competitions Most mixed martial arts athletes must be able to effectively balance strength and conditioning workouts, martial arts training, family, work, and recovery. This book is designed for just that purpose, helping fighters develop programs for their specific needs, whether training for self-defense, health and wellness, or competing in the cage.

Master Richard Chun takes us on a first hand account of his life story and his dedication to the art of Taekwondo. We begin in Korea just before the Korean war and learn why Taekwondo is a noble and positive recreation for children, offering them challenges and lessons that they will reflect upon for their entire lives. We follow as he takes Taekwondo to America not knowing how he and his art will be received. We see how Taekwondo plays a major role in this Grand Master's pursuit of a life in America and we cheer him on as he overcomes the difficulties a non-english speaking immigrant discovers in the USA. From celebrity students and their families (Donald Trump, Mayor Guliani, Gregory Hines) to everyday citizens, Master Richard Chun offers us the key to living a life of contribution to humanity through Taekwondo.* Deepen Your Understand of Taekwondo Traditions.* Inspiration and Advice for a Lifetime of Practice.* For All Styles and All Levels of Eperience.

Women and sport (exclusion, engagement, equity, etc) is an absolutely central topic in sport studies, and a massively important issue in wider sport and society. Judo is an Olympic sport but there are currently no academic books in English about women in judo. Drawing on the expertise of a range of well-respected authors this will be the first academic treatise on the topic in the English language.

Tai-chi Ch'uan is an ancient Chinese art based on the principles of physiology, psychology, and dynamics for the purpose of increasing and sustaining health. By practicing Tai-chi Chu'an, you can strengthen muscles, promote and regulate good blood circulation, refresh your whole body-and stimulate your spirit as well. Proper practice of the simple exercises clearly shown in this book can improve your digestion, adjust your weight up or down, clear your mind, allow you to think more clearly, and help you in dozens of ways you will find almost miraculous.

Nei Gong is the practice leading to attainment of real internal skill and transformation, and the philosophical art of change that runs through all Daoist practice. This book provides a unprecedented insight into the entire Nei Gong process, expanding upon the foundations laid in the author's previous widely read book, Daoist Nei Gong, to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the practice. Going into unparalleled detail whilst remaining accessible, it explains the philosophy at the heart of Nei Gong , and the steps whereby transformation is achieved. A foundational knowledge of Chinese medicine will help the reader appreciate the explanation more deeply, but is not required for understanding. Essential reading for anyone seriously interested Qi Gong, Chinese martial arts, and the Daoist tradition, the book will also be an invaluable resource for practitioners of Chinese medicine, or advanced meditation.

Quite a few books have been published on the subject of Chin Na (Qin Na), the proven seizing techniques of Chinese martial arts. However, most books focus on the introduction of techniques themselves, and contain very little or no discussion on application in actual combat situations. This seizing art has thus been confined to stage performances instead of real combat use. Although Dr. Yang has published other Chin Na books, both fundamental and advanced texts, he believes this work is necessary in order to make this art more complete and alive. Therefore, in addition to introducing many new techniques, this book is also laid out according to actual combat scenarios - for example, application of Chin Na when your opponent punches, grabs, kicks or attacks with a knife. This book presents an encyclopedia of over 375 chin na techniques. Techniques are presented in actual fighting scenarios. The material is organized by 'type of striking' and is very helpful in determining what techniques to se against various attacks. Effective application of chin na requires speedy execution of a block or yield, a set up, and then a properly selected technique. The book includes:* Against bare hand attacks* Against blocks* Against kicks* Against knife attacks* Against grabbing

The reawakening of Asian martial arts is a distinct example of cultural hybridity in a global setting. This book deals with history of Asian martial arts in the contexts of tradition, religion, philosophy, politics and culture. It attempts to deepen the study of martial arts studies in their transformation from traditional to modern sports. It is also important that this book explores how Asian martial arts, including Shaolin martial arts and Taekwondo, have worked as tools for national advocate of identities among Asians in order to overcome various national hardships and to promote nationalism in the modern eras. The Asian martial arts certainly have been transformed in both nature and content into unique modern sports and they have contributed to establishing cultural homogeneity in Asia. This phenomenon can be applied to the global community. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue in the International Journal of the History of Sport.

Unleashing Manhood in the Cage: Masculinity and Mixed Martial Arts addresses the question "Why do mixed martial arts participants endure grueling workouts and suffer through injury, with little or no pay, just to compete?" The answer is because the participants enjoy a form of idolization from their supporters, each other, and culture more generally, which is linked to masculinity. In fact, MMA organizers, from the very beginning, purposefully created elements of the sport that are linked to dominant narratives about manhood. In this context, men don thin open-fingered gloves, lock themselves in a caged enclosure, and slug it out in a fight with few rules to see who comes out on top. This all occurs while "ring girls" in high-heels and skin-tight shirts and shorts stride around outside the cage holding signs and peddling t-shirts. The sum of these elements is the creation of a type of a publicly accessible and consumable form of masculinity. The sport of mixed martial arts is a rich and intriguing space where the construction of gender can be explored through a sociological and ethnographic lens.

You have trained in aikido for at least several months and wonder what's beyond the mechanics of basic technique. You ponder why we do what we do, and what principles underlie the techniques. You are looking for an edge to accelerate your learning and deepen your understanding. This book's 'Especially for Students' section is for you.The 'Especially for Teachers' section offers tips for aikido instructors. It helps you articulate to your students some of aikido's more difficult ideas.The third section's longer chapters treat philosophical and strategic questions that are central to aikido practice.Learning and Teaching Aikido shows beginning-to-intermediate aikido students how to approach their practice, explaining why we do what we do in aikido. This literate presentation for the thoughtful practitioner also advises aikido teachers on how to present difficult concepts to their classes. Drawings and photos make the explanations clear. Learning and Teaching Aikido is a needed supplement to the many books that explain aikido history and how to execute aikido techniques.

Fighting sports and church may seem an unusual combination yet modern ministries have embraced them as means for evangelism and social outreach. While news media often sensationalize fighting sports ministries, churches see them as a way to appeal to male congregants, presenting a peace-loving yet tough model of discipleship--an image reflected in popular culture. From martial arts programs at suburban churches to urban boxing ministries geared towards at-risk youth, this aook examines the substantial history of church sponsored combat sports, and presents arguments by Christian ethicists about whether and how they are compatible with church teachings and settings. Interviews with boxing and martial arts ministry leaders describe their programs and the relationship between fight sports and faith.

The Science of Judo is the first book to set out and discuss the science, coaching and history behind judo performance. Evidence-based and informed by the latest research, the book offers practical guidance on preparing athletes for high performance and understanding the core tenets of sport science underpinning it. Featuring contributions from world-leading experts, the book consists of chapters on all aspects of judo performance, including: The historical development of judo and its physical, intellectual and moral role Physical preparation for competition, coaching and training strategies Skill acquisition, talent identification and development Nutrition and lifestyle of judoka Performance analysis and biomechanics Injury epidemiology and prevention Special considerations for female and young judoka Clearly written and accessible, The Science of Judo provides upper-level students and researchers, and coaches and sport science staff working with judoka, with the most thorough and authoritative reference on sport science applied to judo currently available.

Chinese martial arts have a long, meaningful history and deep cultural roots. They blend the physical components of combat with strategy, philosophy and tradition, distinguishing them from Western sports. A History of Chinese Martial Arts is the most authoritative study ever written on this topic, featuring contributions from leading Chinese scholars and practitioners. The book provides a comprehensive overview of all types of Chinese martial arts, from the Pre-Qin Period (before 222 BC) right up to the present day in the People's Republic of China, with each chapter covering a different period in Chinese history. Including numerous illustrations of artefacts, weaponry and historical drawings and documents, this book offers unparalleled insight into the origins, development and contemporary significance of martial arts in China. This is a fascinating read for researchers and students working in sports history, Chinese sport and Chinese Studies.

Shaolin Monastery at Mount Song is considered the epicentre of the Chan school of Buddhism. It is also well known for its martial arts tradition and has long been regarded as a special cultural heritage site and an important symbol of the Chinese nation. This book is the first scholarly work in English to comprehensively examine the full history of Shaolin Monastery from 496 to 2016. More importantly, it offers a clear grasp of the origins and development of Chan Buddhism through an examination of Shaolin, and highlights the role of Shaolin and Shaolin kung fu in the construction of a national identity among the Chinese people in the past two centuries.

FINALIST - Autobiography / Memoirs, 2016 Best Books Award "A British karateka" offers a bone-crushing, lip-splitting, and often elegant memoir of a tough guy searching for higher meaning through the study of martial arts." Kirkus Reviews "In this memoir describing how karate turned his life around, Clarke displays passion and grit in spades." Foreword Reviews Michael Clarke was an angry, vicious kid, a street fighter. He grew up in the late sixties and early seventies in Manchester, England, in a tough neighborhood where, he writes, Prostitutes worked the pavement opposite my home, illegal bookmakers took bets in back alley cellars, and street brawls were commonplace." He left school at fifteenand began his education as a pugilist on the streets. He fought in bars andclubs, at football matches, in parks, and in bus stationsand he was good. He reveledin the victories and the admiration they brought. It was a life of knucklesand teeth, of broken bones and torn fleshand the arrests that followed. Clarkewas seventeen when a judge sentenced him to two years in Strangeways Prison, aninfamous place also known as psychopath central." In prison he resolved tochange his life and stay out of trouble, but trouble was everywhere. Hediscovered a world of violent gangs, abusive guards, and inmates engaged in anendless struggle for dominance. Strangeways was a place where a person couldget stabbed to death for taking the bigger piece of toast. In time Clarke was released,but the transition was difficult and he almost fought his way back to prison. Thenone night he entered a karate dojo and his life changed forever. He began alifetime pursuit of budo, the martial way. He sought knowledge, studied withmasters, and traveled to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. Redemption: A Street Fighter's Path toPeace is a true account of youthwasted and life reclaimed. Michael Clarke reminds us that martial arts are notsimply about punching and kicking. They forge the spirit, temper the will, and revealour true nature.