One of America's foremost experts on the Japanese martial arts shows that karate is not just a sport or a hobby - it's a lifetime study toward perfection of character. Dave Lowry illuminates the culture, philosophy, and practice of this popular martial art and covers myriad subjects of interest to karate practitioners of all ages and levels including: the relationship between students and teachers; cultivating the correct attitude during practice; the differences between karate in the East and West; and, whether a karate student really needs to study in Japan to perfect the art.He also covers: the meaning of rank and the black belt; detailed descriptions of kicks, punches, evasions, and techniques and the philosophical concepts that they manifest; what practice means and looks like as one ages; and, how the practice of karate aims toward cultivating character and spiritual development. After forty years studying karate and the budo arts, Lowry is an informative and reliable guide, highlighting aspects of the karate path that will surprise, entertain, and enlighten.

Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) kung fu is one of the most admired and practical martial systems in the world; Alan Gibson is one of the foremost authors in the method and presents us here, with an investigation through the form and function of this very popular Chinese art. This is a comprehensive and functional reference that gets right to the heart of Wing Chun. The Works is an updated collection of Alan's pragmatic, Why Wing Chun Works series of books, packed with exiting new writing, philosophy, diagrams and photography, all laid out in a straightforward manner. Written in his familiar, easy reading style, Alan's friendly coaching voice is constantly backed up with concise and dependable information from respected experts. We are taken on an elegant journey through all six Wing Chun forms and each one is discussed in detail through concepts, application and training effect. In 1998 Alan published 250 copies of his first book, Why Wing Chun Works, he has been consistently updating and improving his learning resources ever since. His books are now published internationally and two have been translated into German and Russian. This book is a celebration of twenty years of Alan's organisation The Wing Chun Federation; as well as being an updating and consolidation of some of his most popular written work. This volume is one that any fan of the martial arts will surely benefit from reading and one that they really cannot do without.

He's studied Jiu-Jitsu with the Gracies in Brazil, studied Muay Thai among Thailand's underground fighters, and instructed special operatives in the Israeli Defense Force. He is Jay Dee B. J. Penn, considered by many to be the best mixed martial artist in the world. In "Why I Fight", the ultimate champion breaks his deeply guarded silence for the first time, inviting fans into his private world both in the ring and on Hawaii, where he lives and trains. "Why I Fight" is a breathtaking journey through Penn's grueling mental and physical preparations as he prepares for the big fight. It is also a deeply personal look at this intense, dedicated man's rise from troubled youth to the first American-born winner of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Brazil. As this kick-ass training diary and memoir reveals, the road to success wasn't easy. Despite being the most talented athlete on the mixed martial arts circuit, he was, for years, one of the most undisciplined fighters and a notorious hothead whose reckless behavior nearly cost him his reputation and his career. Now, at 30, Penn reflects on his personal and professional maturation, as well as his philosophy of fighting, his controversial opinions on the UFC and mixed martial arts organizations, his training secrets, his interesting family life, his love for the place he calls home, and his many fights inside the Octagon.

Offering cohesion and clarification for what is currently a loose collection of strategies, this reference delves into the 'ground and pound' fighting method - winning a fight by striking an opponent after a takedown. Demonstrating through fight metrics how just as many matches are won by strikes as submissions, this manual addresses the importance of proper 'grounding' and lists an array of riding, pinning, and transitioning skills. Following the first element up by introducing an exhaustive 'pounding' vocabulary, this guide is key to making stand-up strikers all the more formidable on the floor. Guaranteed to improve the game of even the best submission players, this handbook ensures tighter defence and enhanced offensive tactics, offering a one-stop solution for this vital but often overlooked aspect of the mixed martial arts arena.

From the author of "The Secret Art of Seamm Jasani" comes the definitive guide to the ancient defense-meditation art of Boabom.
The success of "The Secret Art of Seamm Jasani" by Asanaro surprised many who wondered whether a little-known Tibetan movement system would be able to compete with yoga, Spinning classes, and tai chi. After several printings and thousands of Seamm Jasani converts, the secret is out. Seamm Jasani schools have cropped up across the country, thanks to the popularity of Asanaro's book, and more people than ever are discovering Seamm Jasani. For students eager to continue learning about ancient Tibetan body movement arts, or for anyone curious about cutting-edge strength and spiritual training, The Secret Art of Boabom is a must read.
A cross between martial arts and yoga, Boabom is an ancient system of relaxation, meditation, breathing, and defense originating in pre-Buddhist Tibet. The movements contained within the collective "Arts" of Boabom are designed to develop vitality and internal energy, as well as mind and body balance, which are achieved through movements of defense, self-healing, relaxation, and meditation. Boabom provides quick relief from stress, and improves focus and confidence, as well as physical condition and mental well-being.
"The Secret Art of Boabom" includes detailed descriptions and more than three hundred instructional drawings of Boabom movements, as well as information about its positive effects. But "The Secret Art of Boabom" is more than just a how-to book. Combining the thrill of adventure nonfiction, the depth of history, and the profundity of philosophy along with the practicality of a guidebook, Asanaro offers thiscompanion to those eager to explore the secrets of ancient Tibet in order to improve their health and well-being.

Born in 1935 Grandmaster Byong Yu was raised in Korea and later moved to the United States in 1964. Overcoming physical disabilities and homelessness, Grandmaster Yu took the martial arts tournament circuit by storm and eventually attained the highest rank of black belt (9th degree). He has been awarded numerous trophies and attained the prestigious Martial Arts World Federation Lifetime Achievement Award. In this, his first book, the reader will learn about his incredible journey. Grandmaster Byong explains the Golden Keys to Life - you do not have to physically practice martial arts in order to benefit from these lessons. This is a guidebook to discovering your true destiny and conquering every obstacle that stands in your path.

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.

Western scholars and educators are generally far less familiar with the samurai in his original-and, ostensibly, primary-role as warrior and masters of arms than in his other functions as landowner, feudal lord, literature, or philosopher. Yet, any attempt to comprehend fully the samurai without considering his military abilities and training (bugei) is futile. With verve and wit, Karl Friday combines the results of nearly two decades of fieldwork and archival research to examine samurai martial culture from a broad perspective: as a historical phenomenon, as a worldview, and as a system of physical, spiritual, and moral education.

This moment of perfect clarity that is the force behind all the traditional Japanese arts--from archery to flower arranging--is celebrated here in Dave Lowry's exploration of the common principles shared by calligraphy and the martial arts.
Forty-two examples of Lowry's calligraphy, accompanied by his essays, show how the way of the brush reflects the strategic principles of the way of the sword. Each calligraphy represents a term from the martial arts--such as "do, " the way, or "wa, "harmony. The accompanying text amplifies our understanding of the term, what it meant to Japanese warriors, and what it means to practitioners of calligraphy and the martial arts today. What becomes clear is that these two seemingly unrelated disciplines actually partake of the same profound elemental spirit.

Stephen K. Hayes, who has trained personally with ninjutsu grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi in Japan, teaches the warrior quest, enlightened consciousness. ninja invisibility, the body and weapon as one, directing the power of surroundings and contemporary ninja training. Fully illustrated techniques with step-by-step photos and instructions.

Original publication and copyright date: 2003. Gichin Funakoshi, the father of karate,' once said that 'the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.''

A clear introduction to Taiji, a slow and rhythmical martial art, this visual guide shows how it can be used as a 'moving meditation' that bestows strength, vigour and longevity. The book focuses on helping people apply the principles of the Taiji practice by offering a short introduction to its history and philosophy, as well as a primer on its general practices as established by the International Wushu Federation. Divided into five chapters, it includes an easy-to-learn warm-up, stances, hand techniques, steps, breathing, basic moves and the four Forms that are usually learned to receive a black belt in the art. With a growing focus on alternative ways of improving general health and well-being, Taiji as Moving Meditation is the perfect guide for those wanting to enhance focus and peace of mind.

Ultimate Fighting Championship and the present and future of women's sports Mixed martial arts stars like Amanda Nunes, Zhang Weili, and Ronda Rousey have made female athletes top draws in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Jennifer McClearen charts how the promotion incorporates women into its far-flung media ventures and investigates the complexities surrounding female inclusion. On the one hand, the undeniable popularity of cards headlined by women add much-needed diversity to the sporting landscape. On the other, the UFC leverages an illusion of promoting difference—whether gender, racial, ethnic, or sexual—to grow its empire with an inexpensive and expendable pool of female fighters. McClearen illuminates how the UFC's half-hearted efforts at representation generate profit and cultural cachet while covering up the fact it exploits women of color, lesbians, gender non-conforming women, and others. Thought provoking and timely, Fighting Visibility tells the story of how a sports entertainment phenomenon made difference a part of its brand—and the ways women paid the price for success.

Resolved to give up spying for good, Mrs Pollifax can't stop herself agreeing to carry a small object to an agent in Thailand, and get one in return. The moment she lands, Mrs P. is horrified to find her contact dead and her husband kidnapped. The next thing she knows, she's tramping through the unfamiliar Thai countryside, led by a curious fellow who may be trying to help her find her husband. Or he may have other, more sinister plans ... Armed with only an open mind and a little karate, Mrs Pollifax is the most unlikely and lovable of international spies. What readers are saying: "Love, love, love Mrs Pollifax. Ms Gilman has an extraordinary way of keeping you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages of her books." "How can a sweet little old lady get into so much trouble? Mrs Pollifax is a gem and a hoot!" "A book that gives you a big smile on every page. I'm looking forward to my next Mrs Pollifax adventure." "Who wouldn't fall in love with a senior citizen who wears absurd hats, pushes the book cart at the hospital, and knows karate?" "I first read the Mrs Pollifax books when I was a little girl and I keep coming back to read the books again and again." "Read it, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. It's like a reminder of the zest for life." Editorial reviews: "Mrs Pollifax is an enchantress." New York Times "Mrs Pollifax gives Agatha Christie's Miss Marple a rival to reckon with." Toronto Star "Filled with adventures-and misadventures-but through it all Mrs Pollifax is triumphant." Booklist "Absorbing and worthwhile ... You won't want to put the book down." Portland Telegram "The pace never flags, bolstered by the shrewd Mrs P. and a host of well-defined characters who all work their surprising wiles." Publishers Weekly "Should delight you whether you're looking for smiles or thrills." New York Times Book Review "All's right with the world as long as Mrs Pollifax is part of it." Mobile Register

Warrior Origins is an account of the history and legends of the world's prominent martial arts and how they share a common heritage. It chronicles the origins of the Shaolin warrior monks, Shaolin Kung-Fu and their celebrated founder, Bodhidharma, who is also considered the first patriarch of Zen (Chan) Buddhism. The book considers Bodhidharma's origins in the context of ancient Persia and its royal houses and continues with the rise of Karate from ancient Okinawan roots to Japan and then into a global sport. It connects the record of Ninja and Ninjutsu and the influence of some of its latter luminaries, including Seiko Fujita, whilst also revealing new evidence on renowned martial artists such as Bruce Lee. This work takes a dramatically original approach to the heart of the martial arts and their founders. Author Dr Hutan Ashrafian, who holds black belt grades in several martial art styles, including a 5th Dan in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate and championship medals in Karate and Judo at World and European Masters level, delineates the inheritance of these arts using innovative evolutionary approaches to find previously unidentified links between them. Warrior Origins traces the pattern from Bodhidharma to the remarkable diversity of modern martial arts.

When he was younger, Matthew Polly travelled to the Shaolin Temple in China and spent two years training with the order of monks who had invented the ancient art of kung fu. 15 years later, his weakness for Chinese takeout and Jack Daniel's had taken its toll. Now firmly into middle age and far removed from his past athletic triumphs, Polly decided to risk it all one last time. Out of shape and over the hill, he jumped headlong into the world of MMA. Polly chronicles his gruelling yet redeeming two-year journey through an often misunderstood sport.

Budo, the way of the martial arts, is at heart a path of spiritual cultivation and self-realization whose aim is to develop a strategic mind that makes combat unnecessary. Kenji Tokitsu explains the philosophy of karate as budo and looks deeply at the key concepts that are essential for developing the budo mind in karate practice. These concepts are:
- distance and timing,
- rhythm, anticipation, and intuition,
- and the cultivation of explosive but focused energy.
These concepts are difficult to teach, but mastering them is the ultimate goal of any true martial artist. Tokitsu expertly guides the reader through these elusive ideas with clarity and a practical view.

The study of budo, or Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward achieving perfect balance in body, mind, and spirit. Here, Dave Lowry, who has pursued that path for over forty years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, kendo, aikido, iaido and other Japanese martial arts--classical and modern--as their training develops, including:
- What students and teachers should expect from each other
- The meaning of rank
- The importance of cardiovascular fitness in the martial arts
- How to correctly and sensitively practice with someone less experienced than yourself
- How to practice as you age
- The responsibilities that come with seniority and increasing skill
- The importance of etiquette and decorum in budo
- How to train with children

Lowry also gives practical advice on improving structural integrity in posture and movement; focusing under stress; stances and preparatory actions before engaging with an opponent; and telling a good teacher from a bad one. Both beginning and advanced students of Japanese martial arts will appreciate Lowry's take on the real issues and experiences that they encounter in practice.

Many people will suffer from depression at some time in their lives. New research shows that Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice, can be an effective treatment for depression and can provide a good alternative or supplement to medication in some cases. Frances Gaik explains the basics of what Qigong is and why it is effective for depression, and shows the reader how to make use of Qigong to rise from the darkness of depression and regain strength and motivation in life. Based on the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong works by promoting the movement of health-giving energy along the meridians of the body. The author shows how the practical application of Qigong can radically improve health and wellbeing, and provides a treatment plan, including Qigong exercises. Encouraging the reader to identify their problems and take action, Dr. Frances Gaik gives practical advice that will help anyone with depression to improve their mental health. Managing Depression with Qigong provides a guide to an effective and increasingly recognised form of treatment that will be invaluable to people with depression and their families.