So many forms of Tai Chi and different ways of doing them. Ultimately all ways come from one way; which at it's time of creation, was destined to become many ways through the evolution of physical and spiritual growth. My interpretation of Tai Chi comes from my own experiences and perspectives through life. We are all individuals; we are all built differently and we all think and feel differently. Tai Chi is an expression of who and what we are. To learn Tai Chi well we must have a good teacher, but we must also not forget that our Tai Chi primarily comes from within us; thus we are our own master.

In our post-feminist society, nothing is hotter than women who not only do so called guy things, but take it one step further and do alpha male things, while at the same time still retain their classical femininity. Femininity is changing and women who participate in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) have become the new sex symbols. Through poetry, this work celebrates three well known female MMA stars.

At its heart, Daoist meditation is a simple and practical method of establishing unity between our internal environment and the external world so that we can engage with life in a clear and present way. Decoding the Dao: Nine Lessons in Daoist Meditation, by Tom Bisio, is a complete and comprehensive guide to Daoist meditation. In Decoding the Dao: Nine Lessons in Daoist Meditation, author Tom Bisio introduces the reader to the poetry and pragmatism of Daoist meditation and the practice of Internal Alchemy. The first half this unique book consists of nine progressive lessons that guide the reader step by step through the practice of Daoist meditation, ending with an introduction to Daoist Internal Alchemy. The nine lessons teach the reader how to observe and transform their own internal landscape, in order to rejuvenate and replenish the body's innate energies, thereby promoting health and nourishing life and spirit. The lessons can be practiced in sequence or individually, providing the reader with a veritable toolbox of meditative practices that can be used flexibly to address different situations and circumstances. Each lesson contains both practice exercises and discussions of relevant topics to flesh out the reasoning behind the various methods of meditation and help the reader more deeply understand the principles and theories that underlie the practice. Beyond the nine lessons, additional chapters introduce advanced practices like the Greater Heavenly Orbit Meditation and other traditional Daoist methods of promoting health and longevity. This is followed by a unique discussion of Daoist symbolism and imagery and its relationship to meditation and internal alchemy. Daoist symbols and images act as a kind of code that, when decoded and understood, aid the meditator, giving him or her an alternative and imagery-rich language which bypasses habitual mental constructs and perceptual habits, facilitating the perception of subtle movements and changes within the

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the first in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Yin Yang Patting Nei Gong is often the starting point for learning Ba Gua Zhang and for the practice of Nei Gong and other Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life) Exercises. The primary function of the Patting Nei Gong is to begin to open the meridians by patting and slapping along their trajectories. Unblocking, opening and coursing the meridians in this manner is an important precursor to advanced energetic practices. Dao Yin Nei Gong is often performed in conjunction with the Patting Nei Gong because the two practices have different, yet complimentary actions. While the Patting Nei Gong focuses on dispersing energy blockages and their accompanying muscular tension, Dao Yin Nei Gong emphasizes regulating the internal energetics of the body. The mechanism that promotes and harmonizes the functioning of the internal organs and their organic interconnections is known as the Qi Dynamic. The Dao Yin exercises work directly to regulate the Qi Dynamic, thereby stimulating one's natural healing powers and preventing disease from taking root. This in turn promotes health and proper functioning of the body. These two Nei Gong methods are relatively simple to perform, yet profound in their effect. Patting and Dao Yin work together in a harmonious yin yang balance. In order to properly train the Qi Dynamic, the pathways of the qi (the meridians) must be relatively open and unrestricted. As these energetic pathways are opened, the qi must be regulated so that its movements and actions are smooth and harmonious. These fundamental methods of simul

Unlock the powerful secrets of easy Self Protection in "How to Defend Yourself in 3 Seconds or Less: The Self Defence Secrets You NEED to Know." A simple and insightful guide for beginners and experts alike - How to Unlock Your Brain's Secret Power... - How Can You Win Every Single Fight... - The 3 Second Rule (That most people have no idea about)... - How can you train your brain to deal with panic... - Illustrated Techniques - Distraction and Evasion - How to Fight...even when you can't see - The Most Common 'Mistake' with a popular technique... and much more With most violent encounters the ability to defend yourself comes down to a matter of seconds where the right actions can be the difference between life and death. Developed with input from Top Martial Artists and Self Defence experts this illustrated guide reveals the secrets of real Self Defence and exposes the truth behind street violence. All designed to give you straight-forward, practical advice and keep you safe when it counts. Stay safe out there and get the edge today Grab Your Copy Now

Renowned budo (martial arts) and ninja grandmaster Hatsumi explains how Japanese sword fighting embodies the essence of budo and the spirit of the samurai. For centuries, sword masters like Miyamoto Musashi have been revered, and have fascinated and inspired people everywhere. Now, in his definitive work, Masaaki Hatsumi, the world's most famous living budo and ninja grandmaster, shares his vast knowledge of Japanese sword fighting as it's been practiced through the ages: its history, techniques, styles, and core philosophies, along with the deepest secrets of this venerable martial art.

Kodokan judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860-1938). Kano was a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, and he relentlessly searched for the best way to practice, teach, and perform techniques. This biography shows how Kano saw judo as a vehicle not just for self-defence, but for physical, spiritual, and moral development as well.

Chi Kung, Chinese for "energy mastery," is an ancient physical discipline that utilizes deliberate movement, slow breathing, mental concentration, and visualizations. The discipline is based on the same energy meridians used in Chinese acupuncture and is fully integrated into the traditional five-element wisdom of Chinese healing. Chi Kung exercises not only promote physical well-being, but transform consciousness by amplifying one's sensitivity to both the natural world and one's own personal potential. With regular practice of no more than 15 to 30 minutes a day, the author shows how we can develop a more sensitive perception of our environment, allowing us to feed our own life energy from the magnetic resonance of the world around us.
The author's simple series of exercises is well within the capability of anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.

Bruce Lee's original Jeet Kune Do martial arts system back in the 1970's was a combination of training methods that allows you to be a complete fighter, using unlimited fighting concepts to constantly train your core techniques, mastering all ranges, seeking out the unknown. Urban Combat is based on the concepts of Jeet Kune Do and also combines other various styles of martial arts resulting in a highly usable realistic modern day self defence system that can be adapted to its user. This book details step-by-step self-defence techniques and reality based principles. In addition, it explores the mental and spiritual aspects of the 'Urban Combat' martial arts system, drawing upon the core concepts of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. Emil Martirossian currently trains and teaches classes/privately and is the Kung Fu Technical Editor for 'Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine' (UK). For further information visit: www.emilmartialarts.co.uk

For the first time in print, the mysterious transformation process of Standing Meditation is revealed. Filled with tips and tricks to help get more out of training than most practitioners ever thought possible, this book contains a number of concepts and techniques presented for the first time in English. Drawing upon his 7th generation lineage in Chinese Medicine and using straightforward and simple language, Mr. Cohen fills in the missing pieces of the puzzle formerly absent in Zhan Zhuang literature. These include such elements as special masterpoints to relax and release large sections of the body, methods which rapidly create whole-body linkage for any posture; techniques for working with light in the higher energy centers, mechanisms to correct many crucial health problems and special training to develop truly effective martial power. A fast track for beginners. Highly recommended for seasoned practitioners. Take your Zhan Zhuang and Tai Chi to the next level.

A rare bilingual (English-Chinese) treatise of Lao Sui's Chu Gar Southern Mantis boxing inside China Meet Lao Sui's family and Chu Gar Mantis pupils in Lao Sui's hometown. Exclusive historical photographs. Origins, history and practices of Chu Gar Mantis as told by Lao Sui's family and others. Chu Gar, Chow Gar and Dongjiang East River Mantis clarification. Details released for the first time - never before published.

Lao Sui and Hakka Mantis on the Map; A Wondering Medicine Man; Lao Sui Finds Chu Gar Mantis Under a Bridge; Stories of Chu Gar History; History as told by Lao Sui's Family; Chu Gar Mantis School of Lao Sui;

Chu Gar Boxing Basic Skills Pictorial

Ma Jiu Hua Sifu; Chen Jian Ming Sifu; Xie Tian Sheng Sifu

Images from Lao Sui's Hometown; Lao Sui Lore

Form Training Pictorial: Som Bo Gin Shadowboxing Form; Som Gin Yu Kiu Shadowboxing Form

Interactive Book and Online Videos Links on page 164

Book Details: Hardcover, Premium Full Color, 168 pages, 136+ Photographs, Bilingual - English / Chinese, Library archive quality, and more

For those with the slightest interest in Southern Praying Mantis Kungfu, the name of Lao Sui holds the mystique of an old fashioned kungfu master who was revered by all to the extent he is often referred to as a "Canton Tiger." Lao Sui's legacy in China has always been called Chu Gar Mantis, just as it is today Discover the Southern Mantis legacy of Lao Sui in China today Get your copy now.

Offering information about everything there is to know on the subject, from adauchi (a vendetta) to zanshin (state of focused vigilance before, during, and after executing a technique or combative form), this volume is suitable for the beginning martial artist seeking an introduction to the basics. David A. Hall, one of today's foremost experts on Japanese combative culture, combines hands-on experience in a wide variety of martial traditions with an academic and religious background to produce this landmark work. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts' is an'

The life of Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), Japan's greatest samurai swordsman, is chronicled in this first authoritative, "lively and balanced" ("Library Journal"), English-language biography of the impressive warrior. Included is original artwork by Musashi plus Glossary, map, and Appendices.

An interactive instructional treatise teaching 60 postures of the Som Bo Gin (Three Steps Forward) Two Man boxing routine of Lam Sang's Kwongsai Jook Lum Temple Praying Mantis Kungfu.

Interactive -- use the internet links provided in the book to view online video while following the instruction taught in the book

Details include; Translation of Som Bo Gin (forward, arrow, scissors), Variance in Som Bo Gin training among Lam Sang's disciples, Speculation about Som Bo Gin, No Kwongsai Mantis Som Bo Gin in China, The meaning of Som Bo Gin, Som Bo Gin - nothing mysterious, The beginning and end of Southern Praying Mantis, Solo training, Paired training, Whole body power, Physical traits, Body weapons, Hakka Mantis posture, Footwork, Deep roots-iron steps, Forward momentum, Centerline theory, Bridge-range-distance, Frightening Spring Power, Contact-control-strike, Mantis summarized in three, Individual skills in Som Bo Gin two man; Call to mind drill;

Unique hand and foot skills in Som Bo Gin Two Man, Bong Pun Shu, Yin Yang Sao, Bot Hop Shu, Mantis traps, Target Practice, Side to side steps, Lateral spins, Monkey step and kick;

Step by step instructional photographs of Som Bo Gin Two Man form,

Step by step breakdown of Som Bo Gin Two Man form in three lines and sixty postures A and B sides, And online link showing video clips matching this book's instruction; Hakka Mantis history, a gallery of Louie Jack Man Sifu and RDH photographs, and more.

Hardcover, full color, 200+ photographs, 128 pages. Cover Image: RDH and Sifu Louie Jack Man.

What if you could speed up your martial arts and self-defense training? What if you could avoid spending precious time on the things that will not help you improve? In this book, bestselling author and expert martial artist Wim Demeere compiles some of the best posts from his blog. He covers martial arts and self-defense as primary topics but also connects them with many other aspects such as training, teaching, health, psychological factors and much more. This volume includes not only updated versions of those posts, it also offers you contributions by other world renowned experts such as: - Loren W. Christensen - Marc MacYoung - Rory Miller - Alain Burrese - Kris Wilder - Mark Mireles This book isn't about untested theories or hypothetical situations but instead focuses on practical advice you can use right away to gain new insights into violence, martial arts and self defense. Wim Demeere and these other authors team up to share the hard-earned knowledge they learned in decades of shedding blood and sweat in both the mean streets and the ring. Some of the articles you'll read in this book are: - MMA sucks, traditional martial arts suck more. - From the Octagon to the Street - How to learn techniques from video - How to piss off your training partner - MMA against multiple opponents - How to avoid shoulder injuries in the martial arts - The limits of martial arts knowledge and skill - Three keys to joint lock success Whatever your fighting art or goal, this thought-provoking book helps you improve your skills and knowledge for years to come.

A rare three volume book of China's Hakka Kwongsai Jook Lum Temple and Iron Ox Praying Mantis boxing.

China Southern Praying Mantis Kungfu Survey VOLUME TWO: CHINA MANTIS REUNION includes: Three Orders of Som Dot's Shaolin Mantis revisited, Hakka Mantis blossoms in Huizhou, Elder Lok Wei Ping a Chu Gar and Kwongsai Sifu, Chung Yel Chong teaches one form, Kwongsai and Chu Gar clash in the 40s, Sifu Wong Gok Hong takes the lion head away, Lau Say Kay Sifu plays non-standard Kwongsai Mantis, Sifu Lai Wei Keung first Instructor in 1948, One Kwongsai form originally taught, Two methods of beggar hands, Sifu Cho Gum, Sifu Wong Yu Hua, Fairy hands cause a slap on the rear, Lok Sifu plays 34 Plum Blossom Staff, All Mantis is one family, Lai Sifu plays 34 Plum Blossom staff.

VOLUME THREE - KWONGSAI MANTIS / IRON OX INTERVIEWS includes: Records of the elders and knowledge lost, Sifu Yao Kam Fat, Wong Yuk Kong opens Kwongsai Mantis in Hong Kong, Wong Yuk Kong visits Lao Sui's Chu Gar school, Wong Yuk Kong defeats 10 assailants, Yao Sifu plays three steps-three scissors old form, Similarities in Hakka Mantis, Yao Sifu plays 34 Plum Blossom staff, Spirit Shrine of Wong Yuk Kong, Elder Sifu Chung Wu Xing first disciple of Chung Yel Chong, Iron Uncle Chung friend of Lam Sang, Iron Uncle Chung smokes opium with Lam Sang and Master Chung in the 1930s, Sifu Yang Gun Ming student of Chung Yel Chong, Dit Da Doctors by lineage, Hakka Mantis prohibited in the Cultural Revolution, Sifu Xu Men Fei Iron Ox Hakka Mantis, Iron Ox taught only 2 months a year, Xu Sifu plays Iron Ox Second Door form-Red Flag Staff-and Third Door form, Iron Ox challenges Wong Yuk Kong's Kwongsai Mantis, Iron Ox Secret Drill Hand not taught.

VOLUME FOUR - ON MONK SOM DOT'S TRAIL / CHUNG YEL CHONG FAMILY INTERVIEWS includes: Sifu Chung Wei Fei grandson of Master Chung, Master Chung Yel Chong as a boy accepted by Monk Lee, Chung Go Wah son of third ancestor Master Chung, Master Chung's boxing and Dit Da Medicine books, Third Ancestor Chung teaches Kwongsai Mantis in Hong Kong 1920s, Master Chung kills a man in self-defense, Master Chung's three generations under one roof, Sifu Lee Kok Leung outlines his Kwongsai Mantis teaching, Sifu Patrick Lee plays Mantis in Pingshan Town, Lee Sifu's History of Kwongsai Mantis, On Som Dot's Trail - Shanxi Jook Lum Temple, Oldest of the Temple Halls, Chung and Monk Lee return South six months on horseback, Kwongsai Dragon Tiger Mountain of Shaolin boxing and spiritualism, The bottom line about Kwongsai Jook Lum Temple, Lam Sang's Kwongsai spiritualism and amulet, Monk Lee Siem looks like a ghost, Jook Lum Temple in Hong Kong, Jook Lum Temple in Macau, Map of Jook Lum Temples in China with Hakka Mantis boxing, Abridged China Hakka Mantis history, Guang Wu Tang Martial Hall of Wong Yuk Kong in 2012, Mission statement of Guang Wu Tang Kwongsai Mantis, Sifu Wong Yu Hua in 2012, Miscellanies, Resources, Train in China. Kwongsai Mantis and Iron Ox Boxing and staff forms in sequence, Hardcover, full color, 330+ photographs.

A rare book of China's Kwongsai Jook Lum Temple Praying Mantis Kungfu and Unicorn Culture. Included are: Origins, history and practices of China's Kwongsai Mantis, rare and exclusive historical photographs never published before, the hometown of Kwongsai Mantis-Pingshan Town, how Wong Yuk Kong came to learn Hakka Mantis, why Wong Sifu went "mad" after a spell was cast, why Hakka Mantis is divided into "three orders" and what they are, three Wong Brothers who inherited Kwongsai Mantis, what Kwongsai Mantis boxing was taught early on and now, what happened when Kwongsai Mantis and Chu Gar first met, Hakka Mantis descending the mountain on horseback in 1917, English and Chinese translation of how Master Chung blossomed Hakka Mantis in South China, Hakka Culture along the East River, extensive interviews with inheritor Wong Yu Hua about sensitive topics, rules and regulations of Wong Yuk Kong's Mantis School, a Hakka Feast in Pingshan Town, valuable Hakka Mantis resources online and off, Hakka Mantis boxing maxims and proverbs, dozens of Kwongsai Mantis boxing postures, staff, and sword pictures, rare never before published Jook Lum Mantis reliquary photographs, the Bamboo Forest Temple true heritage Dit Da liniment prescription and more.

How can a Martial Art enhance the quality of life? The Heart of Taekwondo (Korean martial art of self-defense) incorporates the themes, Patterns, Power and Promotion. Patterns (sets of physical exercises) must be performed with power in order to achieve promotion. For generations this criterion has remained at the 'Heart of Taekwondo' practice. The arrangement of 'Taegeuk' and 'Black Belt' patterns are illustrated with over 450 photographs. Taekwondo offers practitioners the opportunity to enjoy an excellent quality of life and, to live longer. The benefits of physical exercise, appropriate dietary intake and rest are discussed with the aid of charts and diagrams. The Author, Grandmaster Mark Biddlecombe, one of the highest ranked Taekwondo Instructors in the United Kingdom, shares his experiences, thoughts and ideas. Subjective and objective data are used to explain how Taekwondo has transformed from part of Korea's culture to one of the most popular martial arts in the world, and an Olympic Sport. The Heart of Taekwondo provides information for the novice and advanced practitioner. Within the book, subjects that have never before been written about have been discussed. Information regarding Taekwondo philosophy and specific techniques that have historically been shrouded in mystery is revealed. The secrets are out 'Eat well, Move more, Rest well, Live longer'.

A rare instructional treatise of Chinese boxing from the Kwongsai Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Bamboo Forest Temple, Praying Mantis Clan, as transmitted by the late Grandmaster Lam Sang. Details include stories of Lam Sang's supernatural ability such as Poison Snake Staff, Sun Gazing, and Light Body Skills. Boxing principles elaborated are Body posture, Rooting, Sinking, Center-line, Spiral power, Contact-control-strike, Intercepting and sticky hand, Bridging, Anticipating-telegraphing, Dead and live power, Form and function, 4 word secret, Dim Mak vital points and more. Boxing Fundamentals included are Footwork: Chop, Circle, Advance, Shuffle step, Turnarounds, Side to side; Kicks, Sweeps, Takedowns, Grappling, Chin Na Seizing, Hook hands, Elbow strokes, Dui Jong, Sticky hands, Forms, and Phases of training. Eighteen Buddha Hand techniques, 9 defensive, 9 offensive, are illustrated in color with instruction in attributes, function and vital point targeting. Boxing maxims of strategy and tactics are included.

This groundbreaking book teaches the Korean martial art Taekwondo to novices above the age of forty. Primarily written for Taekwondo trainers, Sekwondo is also easily understood and useful for the student. Why should one embark on practicing Taekwondo in the second half of one's life? The reason is simple - you may live longer and healthier. In contrast to many other types of sports, Taekwondo is unique in its dynamic nature. It embodies all the various elements of physical fitness, such as muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, balance, coordination, motor speed, and cardio-respiratory function. With very little material written and available about sensible and safe Taekwondo training for seniors, Sekwondo offers a fun, accessible, and effective exercise program, while introducing a fascinating and transformative discipline. About the Author: Prof. Jan Lodder, MD, PhD, grew up close to Rotterdam and currently resides in a rural village in Belgium. He received his MD in 1974 from the Erasmus University Rotterdam where, in 1977, he also received his PhD degree. Prof. Lodder has been a clinical neurologist for almost thirty years, and a professor of vascular neurology to the University of Maastricht since 2006. Two years ago he retired, but still enjoys a non-paid appointment to the University Hospital and University, which allows him to carry out formal research, such as the SEKWONDO study. Prof. Lodder holds a Taekwondo second dan degree. publisher's website: http://sbpra.com/JanLodder

A rare treatise of Hakka Chu Gar Southern Praying Mantis boxing that includes: Chu Gar Mantis history, boxing transmission, six Chu Gar areas, three kinds of Chu Gar in China; Chu Gar Mantis personal records - Sifu Chen Ching Hong, Sifu Yip Sui, Sifu Cheng Wan, Sifu Cheng Chiu, Sifu Dong Yat Long, Sifu Ma Jiuhua, Past Masters in Charge; Chu Gar applications - Single Bridge Tsai Sao, Double Bridge Dui Jong, Mang Dan Sao Dui Jong, Ying Sao Shadow Hand, Gow Choy Hammer Fist, Locking Hands, Bridge, Tan Sao, and Ginger Fist, Double Bridge Gwak Sao, Sticky Hand and Intercepting Hand Bao Zhang Palms; Chu Gar shadowboxing forms in pictorial - Som Bo Gin (Three Step Arrow) and Som Gin Yu Kiu (Three Arrows Shaking Bridge form); and more.

Setting a new benchmark in martial arts literature, this completely revised edition has been updated to reflect the evolution of training methods, both of the author and of the martial arts world in general. Once again this essential manual is clearly illustrated with photography and diagrams, but in addition, it now contains a complete set of training drills, with key footwork and concept linking methods. Fighting practice, fence work, and strength and conditioning are also included in this comprehensive reworking of a classic book. Learn how Wing Chun works, why it is so effective in practice and why its methods differ so radically from other martial arts.

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