Qigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain health and well-being. Wu Qin Xi: Five-Animal Qigong Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to a particular qigong exercise that imitates the movements of animals and birds. The book explores the development of the five-animal exercises from the work of Hua Tua, a leading physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty whose inspiration came from the observation of tigers, deer, bears, monkeys and birds. He came to the conclusion that wild creatures regularly performed certain exercises which can be replicated in order to build up the constitution and improve life skills. Each routine is described step-by-step, and is illustrated with photographs and key points. The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how to correct these. Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points and accompanied by online content, this book will be of interest to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.

Following on from KIHON and KATA, this fourth book in the series covers the third pillar of Shotokan Karate -KUMITE -meaning sparring. In it the various forms of combat sparring in Shotokan Karate are explained and covered in a wide span from the simple ones to the more complex ones. In this way a broad palette is covered from the first exercises with a partner in the grading programme up to the more flexible forms of free combat sparring. Using numerous photos, the Kareteka is lead, step by step, through the techniques. The reader also goes through which techniques and actions promise more success in competition. Likewise, further themes cover tactics in competition as well as preparatory training for the competition. Tips on self-defence apart from the competitive variants round off the subject.

Finalist - 2013 USA Best Books Award Grandmaster Kim Bok Man is one of the most recognized authorities of taekwondo in the world. He worked tirelessly with General Choi Hong Hi as a founder of taekwondo curricula used today by the many international taekwondo organizations. Originally published in 1979, this book provides defense techniques taught to military, law enforcement officials, and black belts.Beginners will have a chance to see the application of their training in actual weapon defenses. Advanced students will learn techniques and fundamental training that has been 'field' tested since the inception of the art in the 1950s. Chapters include: * History and the theory of power* Defense against weapons: knife, baton, pole, sword, bayonet, and pistol* Sparring: releases, grabs, throwing, falling, free-sparring* Patterns: Silla pattern 1, Silla pattern 2, Silla knife pattern, and Silla pole pattern* Training: stretching, calisthenics, action principles, hand & foot techniques, using a heavy bag* Body parts for attack & defense, stances, vital points for striking

Is this the right book for me? This is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to learn the essential principles behind Tai Chi without overcomplicated instructions or confusing detail. You will learn the basic ideas and get into the Tai Chi way of thinking before picking up the 'form' and exercises through a series of simple illustrations designed for all abilities, leaving you with the perfect antidote to the stresses of 21st-century life. Find Peace with Tai Chi includes: Chapter 1: Background What does 'tai chi' mean? The tai chi form Origins of tai chi How long does it take to learn? What are the benefits? The nature of ch'i Atmospheric ch'i Chapter 2: Gently does it How fast? How slow? Breathing made visible Practice Getting started Chapter 3: Tips and suggestions Dos and don'ts Posture Basic stances Getting about Chapter 4: The form - part one Step-by-step instructions Chapter 5: The form - part two Step-by-step instructions Chapter 6: In depth Additional notes on the movement Test your knowledge Chapter 7: Tai chi and health Circulation Breathing Lymph Nerves, sensations and thoughts Food and how to deal with it Bones Muscles Glands Urinary and reproductive systems Sex Staying healthy Chapter 8: Tai chi - the learning experience Questions in class Letters and correspondence Chapter 9: Body, mind and spirit Finding a teacher Between heaven and earth Ch'i kung The five elements: pathways between body and mind Taoism Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

In "Warrior Cardio", world-renowned fitness expert Martin Rooney delivers the solution for what most people at the gym are seeking: an easy-to-follow workout and diet plan that burns fat and builds muscle in less time. This is a comprehensive look at cardiovascular training using scientifically proven techniques, paired with a diet plan that delivers. The book features: a complete twelve-week fitness and diet program; hundreds of metabolic exercises, with full color photos for each exercise; dozens of exciting workout routines including hurricanes, complexes, bodyweight and strength circuits; advanced warm-up and pre-hab techniques to prevent injury; and, a Warrior Diet plan from nutrition expert John Berardi, Ph.D. based around the Warrior 20: a group of the 20 essential foods that will help readers lose weight and gain muscle. Surprising research on the science behind cardiovascular fitness and training techniques, ultimately, "Warrior Cardio" offers a cutting-edge fitness program and diet program made simple that will allow anyone to bring out the Warrior within. If you want to be a better athlete, or just train and look like one, "Warrior Cardio" has what you need.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, and technical evolution of taekwondo. Many of the supposedly 'traditional' and 'ancient' Korean cultural elements attached to taekwondo are, in fact, remnants of East Asia's modernization drive, and largely inherited from the Japanese martial arts. The current historical portrayal has created an obstacle to a clear understanding of the history of taekwondo, and presents problems and contradictions in philosophy and training methodology. Using rich empirical data, including interviews with leading figures in the field, this book brings together martial arts philosophy with an analysis of the technical aspects and the development of taekwondo, and provides a detailed comparison of karate and taekwondo techniques. It debunks nationalistic mythology surrounding taekwondo to provide a reinterpretation of taekwondo's evolution.

'If I had to pick a single general martial arts history book in English, I would recommend A Brief History of the Martial Arts by Dr Jonathan Clements' RICHARD BEITLICH, Martial History Team blog From Shaolin warrior monks to the movies of Bruce Lee, a new history of the evolution of East Asian styles of unarmed combat, from Kung Fu to Ninjutsu Folk tales of the Shaolin Temple depict warrior monks with superhuman abilities. Today, dozens of East Asian fighting styles trace their roots back to the Buddhist brawlers of Shaolin, although any quest for the true story soon wanders into a labyrinth of forgeries, secret texts and modern retellings. This new study approaches the martial arts from their origins in military exercises and callisthenics. It examines a rich folklore from old wuxia tales of crime-fighting heroes to modern kung fu movies. Centre stage is given to the stories that martial artists tell themselves about themselves, with accounts (both factual and fictional) of famous practitioners including China's Yim Wing-chun, Wong Fei-hong, and Ip Man, as well as Japanese counterparts such as Kano Jigoro, Itosu Anko and So Doshin. The history of martial arts encompasses secret societies and religious rebels, with intimate glimpses of the histories of China, Korea and Japan, their conflicts and transformations. The book also charts the migration of martial arts to the United States and beyond. Special attention is paid to the turmoil of the twentieth century, the cross-cultural influence of Japanese colonies in Asia, and the post-war rise of martial arts in sport and entertainment - including the legacy of Bruce Lee, the dilemma of the ninja and the global audience for martial arts in fiction.

This title presents a superbly illustrated and easy-to-follow overview of the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of Aikido. Aikido is the Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century as a synthesis of other martial arts and a philosophy of peace, the goal of which was to create an art that could be used by practitioners to defend themselves while also protecting the aggressor from serious injury. Filled with full-colour illustrations and written by an enormously experienced and successful Aikido instructor, this volume presents readers with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of this specialized martial art - from proper foot and hand movements to the 'roles' of both the defender and attacker.

Qigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain health and well-being. Ba Duan Jin: Eight-Section Qigong Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to this particular qigong exercise, which has been shown to improve the respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems. The Ba Duan Jin exercise dates back to the Song Dynasty, and is broken down into eight sections, each of which focuses on a different physical area. The routine enhances limb strength and flexibility of the joints, and also fortifies the nerves. It can help in the treatment of illnesses such as osteoporosis and is also beneficial for mental health. Each routine is described step-by-step, and is illustrated with photographs and key points. The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how to correct these. Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points and accompanied by access to online video material, this book will be of interest to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.

Recent studies have shown that regular walking may be the ultimate cardiovascular exercise. However, the circle walking exercise of Ba Gua Zhang is not simply walking. It combines the benefits of walking with Qi Gong and meditation. It also develops a refined strength that can be employed in martial arts and other physical activities. Walking in a circle with intention, correct alignment and deep breathing is the characteristic internal exercise (Nei Gong) associated with the martial art Ba Gua Zhang. Circle Walking Nei Gong is not only the foundation of Ba Gua's sophisticated fighting method, but also an incredible system of health preservation that nourishes life and staves off illness. Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong is rooted in ancient Daoist longevity exercises and internal alchemy practices, which aim at re-connecting us to our intrinsic nature and inner wisdom. While smoothly walking and circling, the practitioner holds different postures or "body patterns" known as Ding Shi. Each of these postures opens, unblocks and energizes a specific acupuncture meridian or group of meridians, thereby modulating and activating the body's energetic matrix. Regular practice of Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong re-programs the body to walk and move correctly with balance, power and agility, while powerfully energizing the body and calming the nervous system. In Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong: The Meridian Opening Palms of Ba Gua Zhang, author Tom Bisio, a renowned martial artist and acupuncturist, details the practice method and theory of this powerful system of internal exercise. The postures, alignments and practice methods are clearly explained and correlated with practical discussions of meridian pathways and pathologies from the perspective of internal Nei Gong practice. These discussions are accompanied by extensive illustrations, including drawings rendered from photographs of famous Ba Gua masters holding the Nei Gong postures. Also included are medical app

Master the Japanese art of shuriken throwing with this illustrated martial arts guide. Japanese Throwing Weapons: Mastering Shuriken Throwing Techniques is a detailed instruction manual for learning authentic shuriken throwing techniques as practiced in Japan, known as shuriken-jutsu. Daniel Fletcher studied under Japan's most notable shuriken sensei, Yasuyuki Otsuka, of the Meifu Shinkage Ryu and in this knife throwing book he reveals the secrets learned in his years of study and training. Fletcher explains the origins and purpose of the shuriken as a weapon and provides information on the various types of shuriken used by the historical samurai and ninjas. Fletcher's expert instructions, along with over 200 photographs and the enclosed DVD can help anyone become proficient with Japanese throwing techniques. Weapons instruction includes: Shaken Shuriken--The most familiar of the shuriken family, this sharp-edged, star-shaped weapon is the one typically seen in martial arts film. Bo Shuriken--Shaped like a spike, easy to manufacture, economical, and convenient to carry, this simple weapon is a staple in the arsenal of the Japanese warrior. Teppan Shuriken--A multi-purpose weapon made from iron plates, it can take a variety of shapes and is used both for throwing or hand-to-hand combat. All disc content is alternatively accessible on tuttlepublishing.com/downloadable-content.

A brilliant and captivating insight into the bizarre nature of contemporary Japan. Adrift in Tokyo, teaching giggling Japanese highschool girls how to pronounce Tennyson correctly, Robert Twigger came to a revelation about himself: he'd never been fit. In a bid to escape the cockroach infestation and sweaty squalor of a cramped apartment in Fuji Heights, Twigger sets out to cleanse his body and his mind. Not knowing his fist from his elbow the author is sucked into the world of Japanese martial arts, and the brutally demanding course of budo training taken by the Tokyo Riot Police, where any ascetic motivation soon comes up against blood-stained dogis and fractured collarbones. In Angry White Pyjamas Robert Twigger skilfully blends the ancient with the modern - the ultra-traditionalism, ritual and violence of the dojo (training academy) with the shopping malls, nightclubs and scenes of everyday Tokyo life in the twenty-first century - to provide an entertaining and captivating glimpse of contemporary Japan.

Qigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain health and well-being. Yi Jin Jing/ Tendon-Muscle Strengthening Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to a particular qigong exercise that focuses on turning and flexing the spine. Based on the twelve traditional routines of Yi Jin Jing, the exercises covered in the book feature soft, extended, even movements that invigorate the limbs and internal organs. In particular, practice of the Yi Jin Jing exercises improves flexibility, balance and muscular strength, and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Each routine is described step-by-step and is illustrated with photographs and key points. The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how to correct these. Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points and accompanied by online material, this book will be of interest to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.

The only American heir to W. C. Chen, Phillip Starr continues the master's teachings in this useful guide that also profiles the exciting early years when martial arts were still new in America. Through this entertaining collection of personal anecdotes involving Master Chen, the author, and his classmates, readers learn a particular aspect of the traditional martial arts. Included are explanations of the importance and meaning of courtesy and the custom of bowing, the significance of training with weapons and how it impacts bare-handed skills, and the value of traditional forms and how they relate to actual combat.

To work with Al Huang is to learn to move with wind and water... in the course of everyday life... a truly superior and gifted teacher who works upon others as the sun and rain upon plants.' - From the foreword by Alan Watts, one of the great writers of Comparative Philosophy and Religion and Taoist and Zen literature. First published in 1973, this all time classic of Tai Ji literature remains as fresh and illuminating today as when it was first published. Written with true passion and eloquence, the book richly conveys the subtle yet profound principles underlying Tai Ji. Movement, stillness, joyfulness, and the ability to live in the moment are the threads running through the text, as well as the humor and compassion to acknowledge the impossibility of human perfection. Containing the original foreword by Alan Watts, the book is illustrated with beautiful calligraphy by the author, and photographs by Si Chi Ko, one of China's "National Treasures". This timeless masterpiece is essential reading for anybody interested in Taoism, Tai Ji, or the Tao philosophy of "Living Our Own Tao", and the author is a wonderful, dramatic, and inspiring presence throughout the book.

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.

These essays were originally published between 1970 and 1988, and they show how the legend of Bruce Lee took shape in the West. They are linked by the commentaries and reminiscences of Paul Crompton, former editor of Karate & Oriental Arts Magazine.

Push Hands is the "other" part of tai chi that makes your practice a true living art Tai chi push hands practice is a necessary next step for tai chi practitioners who wish to make their art come alive. Push hands practice requires two people to engage in a variety of "light touch" moving and walking routines. By practicing these movements, practitioners begin to develop tai chi's sensing, listening, and yielding skills. Combined, these skills are the first step for developing your tai chi as a martial art. The Dao De Jing classic reminds us that knowing others (an opponent) is important for knowing ourselves. By develop tai chi push hand skills, one begins to obtain a profound sense of feeling of your own body and mind. This ability aids greatly in regulating and controlling body, balance, health, perseverance, compassion, and overall spirit. It is no mistake that tai chi offers a lifetime of continued learning and progress; the goal is a deep understanding of yourself and your role in nature. In this book, you will learn The theory of tai chi pushing hands Tai chi qigong foundation practice Tai chi jing (power) practice Two-person stationary push hands practice Two-person moving push hands practice Tai chi rollback and press push hands practice International standard push hands routine Two-person free style push hands Martial art applications in tai chi push hands practice Dr. Yang reminds us "tai chi chuan was created based on the martial applications which were used for self-defense. Every movement of tai chi chuan has its unique martial purpose. Without this martial root, tai chi chuan practice will limited to a dance, lacking a deeper meaning or a deeper feeling." This book is complemented by two companion videos sold separately. Tai Chi Pushing Hands 1 - Yang Style Single and Double Pushing Hands Tai Chi Pushing Hands 2 - Yang Style Single and Double Pushing Hands Available wherever DVD and Streaming videos are sold.

Filipino Stick Fighting Techniques is the authoritative guide to Cabales Serrada Escrima a stick fighting art with its roots in Escrima, the national martial art of the Philippines. The popularity of these techniques has dramatically increased since they were used extensively by Matt Damon in action-packed fight scenes in the Jason Bourne films. Developed by Grandmaster Angel Cabales when he came to the U.S., Cabales Serrada Escrima is a distinct system emphasizing close-quarter combat using highly effective stick-fighting moves in unarmed as well as knife fighting situations. This book offers a clear presentation of the basic strikes, blocks, counters, and disarms unique to this style of martial art as well as explaining how and why the techniques work and when to use them. Angel Cabales was a pioneer in the Filipino Martial Arts and the first teacher of Escrima in the U.S. He trained and certified Mark V. Wiley, the author of this book. Darren G. Tibon, an Escrima Grandmaster, was also trained by Cabales and has contributed a new foreword to the book. This book contains: Personal accounts of Grandmaster Angel Cabales and how he developed his system The dynamics of body positioning, distance control, and both single-stick and empty-hand defensive methods A comprehensive set of training drills for practitioners at different levels. Extensively illustrated with over 300 photos and detailed step-by-step instructions, this book lays the foundation for not just learning the system of Cabales Serrada Escrima, but understanding the traditions and philosophy of the art.

With extensive, step-by-step photographs and instructions, this jiu-jitsu guide is an efficient tool for mastering this ancient martial art. The original Japanese martial art developed by the elite samurai class during Japan's feudal era, Jiu-jitsu is the forerunner of Judo and the precursor of today's ultimate fighting styles, such as mixed martial arts (MMA). For centuries, this method of unarmed self-defense proved so successful in combat that it was kept secret and taught only to a select few. Based on the author's study with instructors at the Tokyo police academy, this martial arts book presents all the traditional techniques of Jujitsu, also known as Jiu-jitsu. These methods teach you valuable restraining methods that force your opponent to submit without abuse by using pressure points. It shows you tips for search and seizure, and the almost extinct art of Hojojutsu--how to tie people up without using any knots. Japanese Jiu-jitsu: Secret Techniques of Self-Defense addresses and demonstrates the full range of Kaisho Goshin Budo Taiho Jitsu Ryu (Tokyo police self-defense). Learn specific techniques such as:The use of hands Throwing an opponent Attacking vital points with strikes and kicks The use of weapons (like the staff). This fascinating Jiujitsu book was designed as a training manual and serves as a remarkable illustrated guide to the secret art of Japanese samurai self-defense.

Most of us, if we were honest with ourselves, would admit we have little understanding of how to look after our physical body well. Breathing, bending, stretching, sitting, standing, walking and running seem to just happen naturally. Too often, however, we forget how to perform these functions properly and drift away from nature's guidance, which, in turn, damages our health. All our physical actions involve the subtle interaction of posture and body mechanics, and at the very heart of it all there lays the breath. Good breathing practice offers many benefits to our mind, body and spirit. Using simple Tai Chi exercises this book shows how to assimilate the powerful healing postures, smooth flow of movement and effective breathing methods of the ancient Chinese, to enable our body to operate again in perfect harmony with nature. Whether you are interested in improving your general wellbeing or are struggling with a long-term health condition, you will find guidance and easy exercises in this book. Additionally, because the author dissects the ancient Tai Chi and Qigong instruction manuals on posture and the mechanics of body-motion, he offers a new dimension for physiotherapists and other practitioners who have an interest in physical therapy. From the moment you pick up this book your journey to a healthier and more contented life begins.

Developed by Wang Lang over 300 years ago, Praying Mantis Kung Fu is the only martial art based on the fighting skills of an insect. This fascinating system utilizes swift, methodical movements for defence and attack, and is well respected as an art that helps practitioners develop great strength and perseverance. "The Complete Guide to Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu" provides an in-depth look at the history and practice of this remarkable martial art. Author Stuart Alve Olson, a student of T. T. Liang, draws on the lineages of Masters Feng Huan-I and Wang Han-Fon, but includes detailed description of all major schools, styles, and lineages. What sets this book apart from other works on Praying Mantis is its philosophical depth; author Olson gives a clear account of the development of the art and the Taoist principles from which it arose. This book provides the basis for not only mastering the martial art of Praying Mantis Kung Fu but also mastering oneself - the true goal of all martial arts.

The comprehensive and accurate edition of the Hagakure is a must-have for serious martial artists or fans of samurai and the bushido code. The Hagakure is one of the most influential of all Japanese texts--written nearly 300 years ago by Yamamoto Tsunetomo to summarize the very essence of the Japanese Samurai bushido ("warrior") spirit. Its influence has been felt throughout the world, and yet its existence is scarcely known to many Westerners. This is the first translation to include the complete first two books of the Hagakure and the most reliable and authentic passages contained within the third book; all other English translations published previously have been fragmentary and incomplete. Alex Bennett's wholly new and highly readable translation of this essential work includes extensive footnotes that serve to fill in many cultural and historical gaps in the previous translations. This unique combination of readability and scholarship gives Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai a distinct advantage over all previous English editions.

Master the wooden weapons used in Aikido with this comprehensive martial arts training manual. Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced aikido technical tactics as well as conceptual strategies and skills. Building on the authors' belief that no empty-hand system is complete without weapons training, Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido demonstrates weapon use both as a training tool to better illustrate aikido principles, and as a self-defense against weapon attacks. It focuses on the three primary weapons used in aikido: Ken--the wooden sword Jo--the wooden staff Tanto--the wooden knife A complete discussion of each armament is included, with descriptions of the stances, grips, techniques, forms, defenses, and training appropriate for each. With over 200 step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions, this aikido book provides an in-depth exploration of weapons use in aikido--from its spiritual implications to technical theory and practical application.