This complete and comprehensive introduction to kung fu -- and other aspects of ancient Shaolin wisdom -- will prove invaluable to everyone interested in the martial arts, chi kung, or meditation. It shows how kung fu, as well as other Shaolin practices, can bring you health, vitality, mental focus, and spiritual joy. It includes a history of the various forms of kung fu, an in-depth study of kung fu patterns and sets, and an introduction to kung fu weaponry, along with many stories of Shaolin wisdom and healing.

Tae Kwon Do is a sport, a martial art, a fun way to keep fit and means of self-defence that is suited to the modern age. The author's career has spanned what is arguably the most crucial period in the martial art's development. Since the 1970s it has changed from a tool of war to a safe, competetive sport. Topics include: an introduction to Tae Kwon Do and its grading system; stances, weapons and vulnerable points of the body are covered; training principles for strength, flexibility and speed are outlined and the spectacular kicks that distinguish this martial art are also described.

Way ahead of his time in terms of his physical training, Bruce Lee went against the grain of traditional martial arts to develop his own unique martial art, Jeet Kune Do. However, his art was much more than a physical fighting art, it was a philosophical way of life. Aside from being a world class martial artist, Bruce Lee was also a gifted filmmaker and accomplished actor, appearing in over a dozen Hong Kong dramas before the age of 13. This guide gives an account of each phase of his career. In 1966 at the age of 25 he appeared in the American-produced "Green Hornet" television series, which was to be the start of a newly revived acting career; one that would escalate him to international stardom. When his final film "Enter The Dragon" was completed, Bruce Lee was one of the highest paid actors in the world. Sadly, he died in 1973 before he could reach the pinnacle of his career. This guide thoroughly explores Bruce Lee's films and explores some of the myths that surround them.

The true story of an incredible journey and the master-apprentice relationship. Moving and inspiring. This is the extraordinary account of a "magical" but also very real encounter between a young boy and a martial arts teacher. Their meeting becomes the starting point of a life studded with dramatic fights, spiritual enlightenment, friendship and betrayal, victories and defeats. At the end of the sixties in old Genoa an Italian child meets an old Chinese man working as a carpenter. Behind his craft, the man hides a life of conflict, escapes and mystery. Sensing little Paolo's determination and talent, he subjects him to arduous training to temper his character and teach him the path to inner balance. Still a young man, Paolo travels to China, a country then still very much closed off to Westerners. There he will overcome demanding trials, face battles in which he will risk his life, and overcome tough physical and spiritual tests. Young Paolo will also gain amazing experiences, forge invaluable friendships, and eventually become one of the best-known martial arts teachers today.

Did you know that the internal health of the human body can be influenced and balanced by massaging acupoints, meridians, and trigger zones of the head, neck, and face? In fact, this not only helps to balance the entire body, it also has a significant cosmetic and anti-aging effect! In this definitive book, Dr. Bin Jiang Wu presents an easy-to-follow head massage program that was developed as a response to computer syndrome and other stress related illnesses that are rapidly increasing in our modern society. In less than thirty minutes, you can relieve stress and tension from your spouse, friend or patient, while promoting smooth skin, healthy organs, and overall peace and tranquility. This sixty-step sequence is based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and its theory is rooted in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huang Di Nei Jing). Wu's Head Massage can be performed in its entirety, or you can choose your favorite techniques for quick relief. * Great for reducing headaches* Works for shoulder and neck tension* Reduces facial wrinkles* Stimulates the 'energy channels' in the entire body* Improves facial skin complexion* Provides an instant mental boost, naturally* And more!

Calling all bada**es! The only official guide to the kickin' world of the Emmy-nominated and globally beloved show Cobra Kai is here. The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is a celebration of the superfans — an essential companion to the show acting as a master sensei ready to guide readers through the karate-crazed San Fernando Valley. The legacy of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai continues with never-before-seen photographs and illustrations as well as interviews with Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso). The show’s creators will give an unprecedented look inside the making of Cobra Kai and the writing, directing, and production of this beloved franchise that has grown from scrappy underdog to a global phenomenon. Hear directly from the show’s crew and get an exclusive behind -he-scenes look into fight choreography from the stunt team; journey with the set designers through the Valley, from the magical retreat of the Miyagi-do dojo to the humble strip mall that houses the Cobra Kai dojo; and learn from the composers how the bada** soundtrack for the show was conceived. And MUCH MORE! Remember: Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.

This book aims to assist in understanding the Kata better, to get to know the situations when they can be applied, and how to improve them in the daily training routine as well as in grading tests and competitions. Kata are the backbone of Karate. Continually practising them allows the whole spectrum of possibilities contained in Karate to be revealed. The Kata consist of a fascinating multitude of techniques, which permit defence in close contact as well as at medium and long distance with your partner. Situations where the Kata can be applied are comprehensively explained in this book. The special features of any Karate style are expressed through the Kata. All Kata contained in this book have their roots in the Shotokan Karate style.

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.

A new book.

Learn the secrets to obtaining Bruce Lee's astounding physique with this insightful martial arts training book. The Art of Expressing the Human Body, a title coined by Bruce Lee himself to describe his approach to martial arts, documents the techniques he used so effectively to perfect his body for superior health and muscularity. Beyond his martial arts and acting abilities, Lee's physical appearance and strength were truly astounding. He achieved this through an intensive and ever-evolving conditioning regime that is being revealed for the first time in this book. Drawing on Lee's notes, letters, diaries and training logs, Bruce Lee historian John Little presents the full extent of Lee's unique training methods including nutrition, aerobics, isometrics, stretching and weight training. In addition to serving as a record of Bruce Lee's training, The Art of Expressing the Human Body, with its easy-to-understand and simple-to-follow training routines, is a valuable source book for those who seek dramatic improvement in their health, conditioning, physical fitness, and appearance. 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: Letters of the Dragon Bruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

Millions of people worldwide practice t'ai chi, the most popular form of which was codified beginning in the 1960s by Cheng Man Ch'ing. In this scholarly yet practical book, Professor Cheng shows precisely how the postures and moves of t'ai chi work, with examples from anatomy and physics, both internally as energetic principles and externally on opponents. He clarifies the spheres, triangles, and centripetal and centrifugal forces within physical exchanges such as push-hands. Contrasting Western and Chinese techniques of healing, he also explores the relationships of organs to one another in pathology and the necessary dynamics of treatment. Professor Cheng explains how the practitioner may serve as his or her own doctor and, likewise, as the physician or trainer of an attacker. The martial arts, he says, are not a special case of unusual power, simply an aspect of adapting natural and cosmic law to circumstance. This edition of the classic text contains 13 major essays; oral secrets from Cheng's teacher Yang Cheng'fu; a Q&A with commentary on martial arts classics; the author's application and functions of each of the 37 postures of the short form, with the original photographs of him as a young man; two prefaces; and much more.

This title presents the teachings of Motomichi Anno sensei, one of the few remaining direct students of Morihei Ueshiba, the legendary founder of Aikido. After a lifetime of practice and teaching in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Anno sensei's teachings convey Aikido's essential spirit of love, harmony, gratitude, and purification with simple authenticity and eloquence. Author and translator Linda Holiday brings to life the intimacy of this communication through translated discourses on the deep practice of Aikido and candid dialogues between Anno sensei and Western students.

Compiled from Bruce Lee's notes and essays and originally published in 1975, this iconic volume is one of the seminal martial arts guides of its time. The science and philosophy behind the fighting system Lee pioneered himself--jeet kune do--is explained in detail, depicted through hundreds of Lee's own illustrations. With the collaboration of Lee's daughter, Shannon, and Bruce Lee Enterprises, this new edition is expanded, updated, and remastered, covering topics such as Zen and enlightenment, kicking, striking, grappling, and footwork. Featuring an introduction by Linda Lee, this is essential reading for any practitioner, offering a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the world's greatest martial artists.

This samurai strategy books is the first widely available English translation of Yamamoto Kansuke's classic treatise on strategy and tactics. Secrets of the Japanese Art of Warfare is Thomas Cleary's translation of the seminal writings attributed to Yamamoto Kansuke on Japanese martial arts and military service. A mysterious man of humble origins, Yamamoto distinguished himself in the service of the redoubtable Takeda Shingen. Yamamoto was a career soldier and founder of the so-called "school of certain victory," from which the famous Miyamoto Musashi (The Book of Five Rings) emerged. His school developed the art of discerning situational combat advantage so that a warrior was able to commit to action only when success was virtually assured. Translated and accompanied with helpful insights by Thomas Cleary, one of the foremost translators of the martial wisdom of Asia, this book is for all persons engaged in military, law enforcement, or emergency response, as well as for martial artists, athletes, business executives, diplomats and politicians.