Popular in China for thousands of years, Qigong is the art of cultivating your vital energy through gentle movements and techniques that incorporate breath, sound, visualization and self-massage. Often thought of as "Feng Shui for the body" or "Chinese yoga", Qigong is not simply about physical fitness, but also internal healing. The practice is commonly used in China, and increasingly in the US, to maintain fitness, heal ailments, promote longevity and reverse the aging process. This book provides a 20-minute programme of revitalizing movements and healing postures. The step-by-step Qigong workout aims to help women of all ages improve their overall health and fitness while maintaining youthful skin, eyes, hair and energy. It explains how each series of movements benefits the mind and body. Readers can then customize their routine and move beyond the 20-minute workout as they learn to apply the healing powers of Qigong - along with herbal recommendations, dietary remedies and self-accupressure - to specific age-related concerns such as arthritis, hearing loss, weight gain and sexual vitality. Special attention is paid to eomen's health issues such as menstruation, hot flashes, osteoporosis and breast health.

Through the millennia, man has been subject to aggression and violence from other men, and has pondered ways to meet such hostility. The source of man's ceaseless conflict lies in our nature. We are just not content with the simple life. We want what we do not have and lust for what others possess. Empires wax and wane; states cleave asunder and coalesce. Thus it has ever been. - Three Kingdoms (Chinese Novel 1400 A.D.) Ironically enough, the modern civilized world promotes many alternatives for conflict resolution in place of overt violence. As a result, physical strength, mental determination and emotional endurance have lost their urgency in today's popular society. Are we a generation self-absorbed in the absence of routine discipline and sacrifice? While the martial arts revolve around the way of personal combat, it also demands that its adherents live in accordance with a certain warrior code of conduct and honor. The Martial Way promises a long and arduous journey. It is an invitation to the subordination of self, the endurance of sustained practice, and the cultivation of the body and mind, with no tolerance for self-indulgences of any kind. Martial arts without compassion and honor promises only violence. Stripped of its spirituality, it threatens injury and suffering to both its victims and its practitioners. In the end, this higher ideal is what separates the warrior from the predator.

This remarkable book gives the reader a unique insight into an amazing five-year study of a single kata (Gojushiho). It shows the depth that is waiting to be discovered by the close study of kata, covering an incredible range of subjects including: * imagery * the psychology of confrontation * the common acts of physical violence * vital points and how to exploit them * the methodology for the break-down and understanding of kata * the applications of the kata * the principles of karate and how to apply them * the applications (in detail) for each of the movements of Gojushiho * the major variations of each application * objective measurements regarding their practicality * how to link the applications together The author also explains how to undertake your own study using a single kata of your choice, and how to build a training regime based on the kata. If you have ever wondered what kata is really all about then this book is for you. When karate was a secret art, practiced in the back yards of Okinawa by a few dedicated masters and their disciples, it was usual to train in a single kata for many years. A master of karate would know just one, two or possibly three kata. Through the deep study of those few kata the master karateka would possess a complete self-defence system, he would be well versed in the underlying principles of karate and he would have a memory aid which would map out his complete training regime. Over the last century the practice of a single kata has disappeared from karate practice. The deep understanding of a few kata has been replaced by the superficial understanding of many. This book shows you in great detail how to recover that understanding and how to put kata back at the heart of karate. What leaders in the field have to say about the book: "Without question this book adds to the body of knowledge in the study of karate" - Rick Clark

A Goju Ryu Guidebook: The Kogen Kan Manual for Karate gives the reader a tool to navigate the history, exercises, equipment, techniques, kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karatedo.

Grace and self-control. Anyone who has been on the inside of my sporting effort know for the most part those words do not exist. They may accidentally present themselves on occasion, but for the most part, when humans and physical challenges come together in the same arena, everything but grace and self-control results. It seems the harder we strive for perfection the more our human side takes control, bringing with it blunders, mishaps and confusions. The martial arts is by no means an exception. This book is commemoration to this effort by way of a collection of light-hearted cartoons honouring the attempts by human beings living to imitate the ways of nature.

- Reveals the close relationship between the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi and the hexagrams of the I Ching.
- As handed down in the teachings of the Yellow Emperor and Chang San-Feng.
- Explains the physical and spiritual benefits that result from the practice of the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form.
- An essential reference book for any serious student of T'ai Chi and the I Ching.
T'ai Chi is a physical expression of Taoist thought--a philosophy in motion. The relationship between the I Ching, Taoist philosophy, and T'ai Chi is well established in many of the classical texts and teachings handed down by the Yellow Emperor and Chang San-Feng, yet it has essentially remained a mystery in the West. Stuart Alve Olson, a longtime student of renowned T'ai Chi Ch'uan Master T. T. Liang, shows how the hexagrams of the I Ching relate to the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi, and how together they comprise the orderly sequence of the postures in the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form. The practice of this form initiates a process of internal alchemy that allows for the stimulation and accumulation of chi through the major energy systems of the body. Physically, this process restores youthful flexibility. Spiritually, it frees the mind to roam the sublime Tao.
Because the Before Heaven sequence of postures is the foundation of all T'ai Chi forms, this book provides valuable advice for all practitioners, regardless of the style they practice or the depth of their experience. An essential reference book for any serious student of Taoism, "T'ai Chi According to the I Ching" is an invaluable guide to how even the most esoteric aspects of Chinese philosophy are firmly rooted in a physical practice.

Unlike most t'ai chi books, which focus strictly on how to do the t'ai chi forms, "T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdom " presents a personal, practical view of this intriguing martial art. Lehrhaupt shares illuminating stories from her own life and the lives of her students that show how t'ai chi can be a vehicle for profound self-discovery and spiritual growth.
In learning to master each body posture, t'ai chi students often confront self-doubt, frustration, and the desire to compete and compare themselves to others--problems that also arise in daily life. Lehrhaupt shows how these and other obstacles provide valuable opportunities to deepen awareness and recognize the striking continuities between practice and everyday life.
Each section of the book includes practical exercises designed to enhance students' understanding of t'ai chi movements, and a helpful appendix answers many frequently asked questions about t'ai chi training such as how to find a teacher and how to balance practice with family life. Full of useful insights and guidance, "T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdom " will be a valuable companion for all students of this increasingly popular martial art.

This illustrated manual takes the martial artist step-by-step through everything necessary to convert their skills for use in the "street".

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.

In 1789, King Chongjo, ruler of the Yi dynasty, ordered General Yi Duk-moo to compile an official textbook on all martial art forms present in Korea. The result, the Muye Dobo Tongji, is the only surviving classical text on the Korean arts of war. Based on the earliest known Korean martial arts treatise, the Muye Chebo(1599), the Muye Dobo Tongji clearly shows the influence of neighboring Japanese and Chinese armies. Through hundreds of wars and invasions, Korean soldiers adapted battlefield skills and tactics from their enemies, creating a unique system. Organized into 24 disciplines comprised of empty hand fighting, weaponry and horsemanship, this is an accurate historical snapshot of the warrior arts of the late 18th century. This marks the first time this volume is available in English. Carefully translated from the original text and illustrated with reproductions of ancient woodblock carvings, this book provides fascinating insights into Korea's martial arts legacy.

A fifth-degree black belt in the revolutionary martial art of aikido and co-owner of an aikido school in Mill Valley, California, George Leonard is, "the granddaddy of the consciousness movement" (Newsweek). Leonard is president of the Esalen Institute and founder of Leonard Energy Training (LET), a practice inspired by aikido that offers alternative ways of coping with everyday issues. In this book he applies ancient techniques, physical and spiritual, to the battles we wage every day in both our public and private lives. Along the way, Leonard shows us unique and effective ways to: * cope with sudden, often brutal, setbacks in our lives--and turn them into gifts for growth * develop ki, or positive energy, to enhance vitality * use the aikido principle of "blending" to deal with verbal and psychological attacks With an already large following, George Leonard now brings the valuable wisdom of aikido to a wider audience.

Teaching: The Way of the Master is the classic text for martial arts instructors. In a revolutionary approach, Sang H. Kim Ph.D has blended his extensive knowledge of martial art training with modern and classical teaching methodology to create a system of teaching martial arts for the 21st century.

Martial Arts After Forty is the first book ever to explore the needs and advantages of the over-forty martial artist. It takes an in-depth look at the realities of training in mid-life including: * What type of exercises are beneficial and which ones are dangerous? * What are the effects of aging and what impact do they have on training? * How can baby boomers keep up in a class of Gen-Xers? * What types of injuries are common after forty and how can you prevent them? In addition to providing a wealth of fitness and training information, author Sang H. Kim addresses the fact that many older martial artists are looking for something more meaningful than just a good workout. His positive and knowledgeable approach to taking up or continuing martial arts training after 40 is inspiring, reassuring and informative. This book should be read by every adult martial artist regardless of age.

Practiced by millions of people around the world, the ancient and gentle Chinese martial art of tai chi offers the perfect balance of mind and body, strength and flexibility, grace and agility. Its smooth, fluid movements demand precision and control while offering exercisers of all ages improved fitness, stress reduction, and self-defense skills. Whether you are a curious novice, an intermediate student seeking deeper understanding, or a tai chi expert, "Inside Kung-Fu's Ulitmate Guide to Tai Chi" offers you a wealth of insightful, reliable, hard-to-find information from world-renowned experts in every aspect of tai chi. Inside, you'll find chapters that inform and inspire, addressing such topics as: The history of traditions of tai chi chuan How to find and evaluate schools and teachers Creating a strong foundation of basic techniques Mastering advanced techniques, including the cultivation of chi, breath control, and the use of weapons The founders of tai chi and teh variety of tai chi styles The self-defense applications of tai chi In this volume, you'll find everything you need to know to enhance your practice, increase your understanding, and reap the proven health and fitness benefits of the powerful internal martial art of tai chi. John R. Little is the author of "The Warrior Within" and "Bruce Lee: Words from a Master" as well as other books on Bruce Lee. He is also the author of numerous published articles on martial arts philosophy and practice. Curtis F. Wong is the publisher of "Inside Kung-Fu" and other highly respected martial arts magazines.

Tai chi employs slow and graceful movements that have been shown to reduce stress, tone muscles, improve balance and circulation and combat fatigue. This manual illustrates and explains each movement, offering a simple tai chi workout that can be performed in ordinary clothes, at any time or place.

The complete presentation of the system developed by Wally Jay, this book brings together elements from different arts, Jay's broad-based yet focused and effective system incorporates theories, principles, and techniques essential to the development of every martial artist, whether a novice or a seasoned veteran. In this definitive instructional text, Jay covers the history of small-circle jujitsu; techniques for warm-ups, falling and resuscitation; details on weaknesses of the human body; locking techniques for wrists, fingers, arms, and legs; throwing and choking techniques; and self-defense against strikes, chokes, body grabs, and wrist grabs.

Capoeira began as a martial art developed by enslaved Afro-Brazilians. Today, the practice incorporates song, dance, acrobatics, and theatrical improvisation-and leads many participants into activism. Lauren Miller Griffith's extensive participant observation with multiple capoeira groups informs her ethnography of capoeiristas--both individuals and groups--in the United States. Griffith follows practitioners beyond their physical training into social justice activities that illuminate capoeira's strong connection to resistance and subversion. As both individuals and communities of capoeiristas, participants march against racial discrimination, celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, organize professional clothing drives for job seekers, and pursue economic and environmental justice in their neighborhoods. For these people, capoeira becomes a type of serious leisure that contributes to personal growth, a sense of belonging, and an overall sense of self, while also imposing duties and obligations. An innovative look at capoeira in America, Graceful Resistance reveals how the practicing of an art can catalyze action and transform communities.

MARTIAL ARTS / HEALTHLong before the advent of firearms, Iron Shirt Chi Kung, a form of Kung Fu, built powerful bodies able to withstand hand-to-hand combat. Even then, however, martial use was only one aspect of Iron Shirt Chi Kung, and today its other aspects remain vitally significant for anyone seeking better health, a sound mind, and spiritual growth. In Iron Shirt Chi Kung Master Mantak Chia introduces this ancient practice that strengthens the internal organs, establishes roots to the earth's energy, and unifies physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through a unique system of breathing exercises, he demonstrates how to permanently pack concentrated air into the connective tissues (the fasciae) surrounding vital organs, making them nearly impervious to injuries--a great benefit to athletes and other performers. He shows readers how once they root themselves in the earth they can direct its gravitational and healing power throughout their bone structure. Additionally, Master Chia presents postural forms, muscle-tendon meridians, and guidelines for developing a daily practice routine. After becoming rooted and responsive, practitioners of Iron Shirt Chi Kung can then focus on higher spiritual work. A student of several Taoist masters, MANTAK CHIA founded the Healing Tao System in 1979. He has taught tens of thousands of students from all over the world and tours the United States annually, giving workshops and lectures. He is the director of the Tao Garden Integrative Medicine Health Spa and Resort training center in northern Thailand and is the author of 25 books, including the bestselling The Multi-Orgasmic Man.

'A wholly new perspective to finding balance and success' - Nir Eyal 'I highly reccommend it' - John Maeda, Chief experience officer, Publicis Group and author of How to Speak Machine: Laws of Design for a Digital Age Smash your targets * Annihilate the competition * Choose your battles Have you ever wondered why we use metaphors derived from war and conflict so often at work? What impact does that have on how we conduct business, our culture, our stress levels and ultimately our ability to succeed? For too long war has cast a spell on how we think about business, with negative implications for us, the companies we work in and on the planet. Drawing on the philosophy of Wing Tsun, an ancient Chinese martial art based on the idea that fighting is fundamentally bad, John Vincent and Julian Hitch challenge some of our deepest-held assumptions and show us how to unlearn many ideas and behaviours that are preventing our personal and professional growth. Instead of embracing force as the long accepted route to success, Winning Not Fighting offers as a transformational guide to work and life by inspiring positivity, simplicity and focus. "Unites business and martial arts in a realistic, practical and intelligent way. It's capitalism, but not as we know it." - Benjamin Zephaniah

The name 'Samurai' is synonymous with the ultimate warrior. With their elaborate armour, fierce swordsmanship and code of honour, the samurai have become iconic figures whose influence can still be felt today . From Kurosawa's epic Seven Samurai to the figure of Darth Vader in Star Wars, to Manga comics and video games, the figure of the fighting samurai still inspires us today. In John Man's new book we discover the truth behind the legend. From his birth in the shadow of the great volcano Sakurajima, to his glorious death by ritual suicide and disembowelment, Saigo Takamori was the ultimate Samurai leader. His fall brought about the end of hundreds of years of Samurai tradition and in many ways marks the birth of modern Japan. Saigo was a man trapped by paradox: a faithful servant to the emperor, and yet a leader of rebel troops; a mighty Samurai warrior, and also a master of Chinese poetry. His life, and ultimately his death, offer a window into the hundreds of years of culture and tradition that defined the samurai.

All students of kendo - the formal art and practice of Japanese swordsmanship - will welcome this manual by an advanced practitioner with a deep understanding of the martial art. The work begins with a history of kendo in Japan, followed by a study of basic equipment and its proper care and use and a detailed description of forms and rules - essential aspects of any martial art. Beginners will find this section particularly helpful because of the close attention paid to fundamental techniques of kendo, including the rare two-sword form (nitoryu), largely unknown outside of Japan. Each technique is accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow illustrations. The Nihon Kendo Kata and Shiai and Shinpan rules and regulations are useful references for those learning the Kata and participating in matches. The author, who is also a practicing physician, is attentive throughout to injury prevention and safety - concerns often overlooked in martial arts manuals. The elements of kendo philosophy, which can mystify even experienced practitioners, are explained in simple terms to aid understanding. The manual concludes with biographies of Japan's most celebrated swordsmen, an extensive glossary of kendo terms, and a history of kendo in Hawai'i, where it has been practiced for more than a century and where some of the world's top practitioners can be found.