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.

There’s plenty of good reasons that millions of people around the world study martial arts.  Besides the fact  you can get a great workout when you stuffy a martial art, you may also experience a rewarding balance between your mind, body, and spirit that you just won’t  find anywhere else.  Plus, it can be a lot of fun!

No matter what shape you’re in, martial arts is a great way to drop extra pounds, learn to defend yourself, and develop personal and physical discipline. Whether you’re already studying a style of fighting or you’re just considering it, you’ll find everything you need to know in this helpful, friendly guide (including which movies to check out!).

The book breaks down the differences and presents the basics of each style of fighting, so you can make an informed choice about which style you want to study. You’ll also find out what makes for a good instructor, so you can be sure that you’re learning from the best. And there’s much more.  You’ll find out:

• What martial arts is and is not
• Five resolutions you must accept
• Understanding the role of the instructor
• How to set goals for yourself
• All about the proper clothes, shoes, and equipment
• How to preventi injuries
• The philosophy of self defense
• All about competing in tournaments
• About Meditation and breathing techniques
• The lowdown on weapons

There’s also a helpful glossary of foreign-language terminology that you’ll frequently encounter in the dojo –  that’s the training hall – so you’ll always be prepared. Whether you’re looking for a new way to get in shape, or a new way to sharpen your mind, Martial Arts For Dummies is all you need to get started in Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, or any other style!

The ancient warrior culture of Japan produced a sophisticated martial philosophy that we know today as Bushido--the Way of the Warrior. In "Samurai Wisdom," author Thomas Clearly provides five important new translations of major Japanese works on Bushido.
The writings of the scholar Yamaga Soko and his disciples are among the clearest expositions we have of the core ideals and philosophy underlying the Samurai's disciplined way of life and outlook. Together they provide an in-depth, practical guide to character building and conduct according to the precepts of Bushido--a code for professional warriors that retains as much relevance in today's world as it had when these works were written 400 years ago.
Yamaga's writings inspired the transformation of the Samurai from a feudal class of warriors under the command of the Shogun to a group of powerful individuals with great intellectual, political and moral leadership and influence. The works translated in "Samurai Wisdom" for the very first time are as timeless and important today as the works of Sun Tzu, Musashi and Clausewitz.
The five Japanese works on Bushido translated in "Samurai Wisdom" are: "The Way of the Knight" by Yamaga Soko "The Warrior's Rule" by Tsugaru Kodo-shi "Essentials of Military Matters" compiled by Yamaga Takatsune "The Education of Warriors" by Yamaga Soko "Primer of Martial Education" by Yamaga Soko

This thoroughly revised edition of "Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Boxing Techniques "teaches intermediate Muay Thai fighters how to counter a wide range of opponents' attacks. Author Christoph Delp explains the rules and ceremonial procedures unique to Muay Thai competition, demonstrates historical and modern techniques, provides training tips, and details the benefits of training in Thailand--experiencing the art in its country of origin.
The primary focus of "Muay Thai""Counter Techniques" is on counter-tactics, or techniques used to counter an attack from one's opponent. Muay Thai is a martial art with a variety of impressive techniques; every attack technique can be countered with a large number of variants. No two fighters will react to an attack in the same way, because while most Muay Thai fighters learn the same basic techniques (as presented in Delp's earlier book "Muay Thai Basics"), each fighter will go on to learn a wide variety of secondary techniques and will adapt them to his or her individual fighting style. This edition includes new full-color photographs throughout in which many well-known Thai boxers--including champions like Saiyok Pumphanmuang, Kem Sitsongpeenong, and many others--demonstrate the most important techniques for competitive success. Suitable for Thai boxers as well as mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, "Muay Thai Counter Techniques" is a useful addition to the library of anyone seeking to add more techniques into their repertoire and take their training to the next level.

An intimate and unflinching memoir exploring Mia Kang’s journey from self-loathing to self-love   Mia Kang is many things: a sought-after model, an immigrant, an eating disorder survivor, and a Muay Thai �ghter. Her �rst book, Knockout, is the story of how she eschewed normative body standards and learned to use martial arts to rede�ne her sense of self-worth. In a charming, �erce, and intimate voice, Kang invites readers into her world. She once lived and died by her weight, but she is now de�ned by her con�dence in being a woman who lives outside the mold of what we’re taught is “feminine.� After dealing with bullying, addiction, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, Mia acknowledges that she is lucky to still be alive to tell readers what she’s learned: to not let anyone else dictate who you are supposed to be.

Master the art of filipino kalis with this illustrated martial arts guide. The Filipino martial art of ilustrisimo hails from Cebu, Philippines, where martial arts are still considered a matter of life-and-death survival--rather than sport or exercise. Named after Antonio "Tatang" Ilustrisimo, the master who taught the style to both of the authors of this book, the art of kalis ilustrisimo has been in the Ilustrisimo family for more than five generations. Based on traditional Philippine stick and sword fighting methods--and refined by Antonio Ilustrisimo's vast personal experience in challenge matches--it offers a powerful, flexible, dynamic, and effective fighting style. The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo is the first book to deal with the techniques and theories of this very effective system of personal combat including the history of kalis ilustrisimo and structure of the system, the fundamentals of practice, the defensive movements and applications, and the training techniques used to prepare for actual personal combat. It also includes hundreds of photographs showing the essential movements and techniques of this martial arts style. Sections include: KALIS ILUSTRISIMO IN PERSPECTIVE--History and Development; Structure of the Ilustrisimo System FUNDAMENTALS OF PRACTICE<--Preliminaries (Weapon Length; Weapon Grip; Combat Ranges); Stances and Footwork; Methods of Striking DEFENSIVE MOVEMENTS AND APPLICATIONS--Fundamental Fighting Techniques; Methods of Disarming THE COMBATIVE ENCOUNTER--Combative Sign Language; Spiritual Fortitude; Fighting Principles and Strategies AND MORE!

Secrets of the Samurai is the definitive study of the martial arts of feudal Japan, explaining in detail the weapons, techniques, strategies, and principles of combat that made the Japanese warrior a formidable foe. The book begins with a panoramic survey of the tumultuous early struggles of warlords contending for political ascendancy then outlines the relentless progression of the military class toward absolute power. In addition to illustrating actual methods of combat, the authors discuss in detail the crucial training necessary to develop a warrior's inner power and to concentrate all his energies into a single force. Secrets of the Samurai is an essential text for anyone with interest in Japanese combat techniques, weaponry, or military history. This edition contains a foreword by Adele Westbrook and numerous illustrations by Oscar Ratti. Chapters include: The Bushi The Heimin The Centers of Martial Instruction Armed Bujutsu Unarmed Bujutsu Control and Power Strategic Principles Morality of Bujutsu

This is a comprehensive guide to 'could hands', a foundational exercise found in all styles of the popular martial art t'ai chi ch'uan. The book exphasizes the healing aspects of t'ai chi, making it equally useful for practitioners of qi gong and other healing modalities.

The shinobi, or ninja, is one of the most widely recognized figures in the world of espionage--and also one of the most misrepresented. What do we really know about the historical shinobi, his tactics, and his role in medieval Japanese society? In "Secret Traditions of the Shinobi, " these questions--and many more--are answered. Translated into English for the very first time, this widely sought-after collection of historical documents brings to light the secret practices, techniques, philosophies, and lifestyles of the shinobi.
Included are:
- the "Shinobi Hiden, "or "Secret Ninja Tradition," a documentation of techniques commonly attributed to one of the best-known ninja masters, Hattori Hanzo;
- the "Koka Ryu Ninjutsu Densho, "a small but important work from the Edo period that reveals the realm of ninja magic and spells;
- the three shinobi scrolls of the "Gunpo Jiyoshu, " a manual enthusiastically promoted by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun of Japan;
- one hundred poems written between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries--making them the oldest collection of written ninjutsu information in the world; and
- seventy historical black-and-white illustrations depicting ninja tools and weapons.
"Secret Traditions of the Shinobi" will enthrall martial artists eager to learn the real skills of the shinobi, as well as anyone interested in this exciting period of Japanese history and espionage.

This classic text offers useful context and elaborates on Feldenkrais' comprehensive approach to the martial art and to the body. He presents judo as the art of using all parts of the body to promote general health, and as part of the 'basic culture of the body'.

In "Mikkyo"--Japanese esoteric Buddhism--the dragon Kurikara symbolizes the internal energy developed through sword practice. Kurikara is a manifestation of the fierce bodhisattva Fudo Myo O, the patron of ascetics and warriors in Japan, who uses his sword to destroy delusions and sever attachments. Fudo's sword represents the gaining of discriminative power and decisiveness--the ability to cut through illusion and attachment. This leads to the development of an inner energy that allows one to "burn up" all obstacles to spiritual freedom.
"Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent" sets out the eight basic principles of swordsmanship common to all Japanese sword schools, emphasizing the cultivation of power and mental focus. Accomplished martial artist John Evans provides practical examples from his experience with the sword arts as well as "Mikkyo" and "shugendo" (mountain asceticism). The first foreign student to train with Nakamura Taisaburo sensei--widely acknowledged as the master of the sword art "battodo"--Evans clearly explains how skill such as Nakamurua sensei's can be systematically developed through "tanren," exercises that meld "inner" and "outer" power. Filled with fascinating anecdotes from Evans's training in Japan, "Kurikara" is a useful, inspiring guide to Japanese sword practice and its spiritual underpinnings.

Christian Tobler makes a deep dive into the fighting traditions of the late 14th and early 15th centuries, particularly as recorded by Johannes Liechtenauer (1300-1389). It was a time of plague, of the Hundred Years War, of the Peasants' Revolt, but also a time when the origins of the European Renaissance were formed. In the later years of this turbulent time a shadowy figure named Johannes Liechtenauer systematized lessons for swordsmanship, wrestling, armoured and mounted combat. Recorded in cryptic, rhyming verses, it fell to masters of the 15th and 16th century to record, clarify and expand the grandmaster's instructions in an extensive body of fencing manuals. As the world of the knight receded into history, these texts - many extensively and beautifully illustrated - were forgotten by all but German-language antiquarians and fencing historians until the last decade of the 20th century, when they were rediscovered by a new audience of martial artists and historians. No author has done more to reveal this lost world of German knightly martial arts to a modern audience than Christian Tobler. Lance, Spear, Sword and Messer is a rich collection of Tobler's work, containing extensive material on topics as diverse as the two-handed sword, spear, poleaxe, wrestling, and the use of long shields, combined with thought-provoking analysis and historical commentary that will occupy the mind-and challenge the preconceptions-of students and historians of medieval German martial arts. In addition, the martial career-in arms and in the literature of arms-of Emperor Maximilian I, often called "the Last Knight," who was himself a devoted student of the tradition, serves as a capstone of this collection. Maximilian's literary output, including a planned but unwritten fight book, was a similar capstone in his own lifetime at the waning of the Middle Ages and start of the Northern Renaissance.

Martial arts have appeared in American movies since the days of Mr. Moto and Charlie Chan, but English-language martial arts films as a genre did not develop until the 1970s, with the breakthrough success of Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon. They've since proliferated enormously, encompassing every level of filmmaking quality, employing every martial arts system known, and spawning a cadre of action superstars known for their ability to kick butt more than for their talent as actors. Low budgets, straight-to-video releases, and a lack of critical respect have not lessened their influence, and they remain hugely popular and continue to inform the work of the leading lights of American cinema, from Coppola to Stone to Tarantino. This history of American martial arts films, from major features to direct-to-video releases, examines English-language martial arts films in terms of both their historical development and their critical relevance. The first section describes the most common martial arts techniques, the history of martial arts in America, and gives a global overview of the history of martial arts films. Heavily illustrated chapters discuss early trend-setting movies, the first appearances of martial arts in American movies; the influence of Chinese kung fu film imports; martial arts on television and the films' proliferation; the explosive growth of the genre in the 80s; and recent releases, trends, and the direction of English-language martial arts movies. There is a selected filmography of 300 movies.

David Kahn, author of Krav Maga and Advanced Krav Maga, is back again with KRAV MAGA Defence: The Twelve Most Common Unarmed Street Attacks. Created by the Israeli army for self-defence, Krav Maga is gaining popularity around the world, especially here in the US. Kahn is a self-defence expert, teacher, and board member of the Israeli Krav Maga Association. Through photos, Kahn will teach you how to gain the upper hand in the twelve most common unarmed street attacks the average person is likely to encounter. He'll show you how to out-maneuver take downs, rear chokes, ambush attacks, sucker punches while texting, and knees to the groin, among other things. Kahn has instructed everyone from members at the local Y to executives, celebrities, and all major federal US. law enforcement agencies, as well as all four branches of the US military. His simple, no-nonsense approach to self- defence is perfect for men and women of all fitness levels. Don't become tomorrow's headline; Krav Maga Defence will teach you to protect yourself today.

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.

When it comes to sports and entertainment, the glitz and the glamour of celebrity life, most of us only aspire to gain something small such as an autograph. Few of us ever have the chance to sit down with stars and discuss their lives, or rub shoulders with those closest to them. Being up close and personal with UFC, boxing and entertainment stars is just part of journalist Fiaz Rafiq's daily routine. He's worked closely with some of the most revered champions and pioneers of UFC. In this gripping memoir he shares riveting behind-the-scenes stories of the top MMA and boxing champions and legends, their gritty beginnings and their most triumphant moments. The result is the culmination of over two decades of work , gaining the trust and confidence of the greatest fighters and personalities in MMA and combat sports. To the Top is a fascinating odyssey, a compelling tale of triumph despite insurmountable odds. It uncovers the hidden history of the most brutal combat sport on the planet.

Long one of the world's most popular sports, judo is also one of the most physically demanding. Success requires hard work, dedication, support, and a no-nonsense, comprehensive training program-one specific to the sport as well as the individual attributes of the athletes who compete in it. Enter Training and Conditioning for Judo. A blend of science and tradition, Training and Conditioning for Judo delivers comprehensive, yet practical, programming for serious judokas and their senseis, instructors, and trainers. This integrated approach merges strength, speed, agility, and endurance training with judo-specific drills and activities, ensuring total preparation for combat, competition, and all-around excellence. With diverse programming options that will help you avoid performance plateaus, you'll discover training methodologies to incorporate into daily workouts: Muscle strengthening exercises for balance control, increased power, and improved kumikata, as well as to create a stronger, protective "armor" for the body Endurance training through running, cardio equipment, step, power and lactic circuits, and uchi-komi to improve aerobic and anaerobic conditioning Planning strategies to combine technical, tactical, and physical training while considering recovery cycles and tapering to time peak performance with competitions Recovery and prevention protocols such as warm-ups and stretching to keep the body resilient and to avoid injury You'll use body weight, machines, medicine balls, stability balls, ropes, bands, and straps to keep training options fresh. Whether you're a young or senior judoka, male or female, lightweight or heavyweight, you will develop the physical abilities needed to take down your opponent with force and confidence. With a black belt in both judo and Brazilian jujitsu and experience that includes training the British and Russian Olympic judo teams, Aurelien Broussal-Derval is uniquely qualified to help judokas-from beginners to competitive black belts-develop the balance, coordination, and power needed for success on the mat.

This book presents the best Taekwondo techniques and training forms in order to effectively learn self-defense independent from competition. This allows not only for a successful promotion test in the domain of self-defense but also for a greater chance of successfully responding to dangerous situations in everyday life. The series of techniques introduced are designed to let the reader develop his or her own self-defense strategies by using the exercises presented.

Master Cherng's translation of Discourse on Sitting and Forgetting, an 8th century classic text on meditation by Si Ma Cheng Zhen, is accompanied by his extensive explanatory commentary, unique in its ability to make this complex text accessible to the Western reader. In the introduction to the text, Master Cherng explains how to practice the Purification of the Heart method of meditation and photographs clearly illustrate the correct postures. He deciphers the Chinese metaphors and abstract language of Si Ma Cheng Zhen to give a clear explanation of the processes involved and the resulting changes to mind, spirit and body. His translation and explanatory commentary present the classic text in a way that can be easily understood and applied, allowing Western students of Daoism, and anyone with an interest in meditation, direct access to the meaning of this text in practice.