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.

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.

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.

Chen style Taijiquan is the oldest of the five main Taijiquan styles. In this book, Master Jan Silberstorff, a leading Chen practitioner, shares his expertise and insights. He explains the background to Taijiquan, and its key principles, and gives the reader a true insight into the Chen system. Master Silberstorff sets this within the historical context of Taijiquan in China, its country of origin, and explains the martial, health and spiritual aspects of traditional Chen Taijiquan. He discusses the different Chen forms and the importance of each, as well as the place of competition and the effect on participants.The book also contains the complete sequences for both the empty hand and weapon forms. This accessible and comprehensive guide to Chen style Taijiquan is ideal for beginners and will also be useful to advanced practitioners wanting to deepen their practice.

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.

This book combines academic expertise and philosophical inquiry with the practical expression of T'ai Chi. The authors combine eastern philosophy and the wisdom of T'ai Chi as expressed through a Master. The result is a harmonious blend of Taoist philosophy and the everyday use of its principles through the Chinese art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. The exploration of Taoism and T'ai Chi begins by examining their origins and affiliations under the title of Beginnings. Subsequent chapters take up the themes of Harmony (expressing the duality and interrelation of yin and yang); The Way (which looks at the philosophy of the Tao and the path that leads to its practical expression through T'ai Chi); Change (which examines the influence of the I Ching and the Eight Energies); Direction (an analysis of the Five Elements); and Energy (which explores alchemy and the vital energy of ch'i). The primary focus is on Movement and Stillness, which harmonizes the softness of movement with the stillness of the inner self -- leading to the theme of Unity, the ultimate goal of philosophical Taoism and the practical dimensions of that philosophy in T'ai Chi.

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.

The Ninja were the secret agents and assassins of feudal Japan and they remain a subject of enduring fascination. They first emerged during the power struggles of 9th and 10th century Japan, in response to the increasing demand for spies, informants and even assassins, and they were used until the mid-1600s when they disappeared on account of a campaign to destroy them. This title provides an accurate and detailed account of the reality of the Ninja, detailing their daily life, training, hiring, combat use and secret operations; also covered are the Ninja's use and knowledge of poisons, medicines and charms.

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.

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.

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.

Qigong is a traditional Chinese movement practice that is most often done to maintain health or to relieve specific illnesses. Here, Sat Chuen Hon, a master teacher and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist healing arts, presents a system of six gentle yet invigorating exercises, along with complementary meditations and vocalizations, which can improve overall health and increase energy. Hon includes both the physical exercises and the accompanying meditations and vocalizations, which deepen the healing effects of the practices.
Hon is a warm and humorous guide who makes the practice and philosophy of qigong accessible and relevant. The text includes step-by-step illustrations and is sprinkled with stories and anecdotes from the author's twenty-two years of practice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book grew out of a question one of the author's students asked. The answer proved to be longer than either teacher or student could have anticipated. As he looks at the complex art of 'Tai Chi', the author answers questions such as why, unlike in other martial arts, 'Tai Chi' has no gradings; how hard you should try; and how to make the most of your teacher. A wide range of material is covered, including fundamental points about the mechanics of movement and the 'energetic' aspects of practice, as well as the relationship between body, mind and spirit that emerges. The author also provides answers to questions that even experienced practitioners may not have thought to ask, such as what are the levels of self-defense in 'Tai Chi'? How do I refine and develop my 'Tai Chi'? What is the difference between method and technique? How do I put principles into practice? This insightful book covers all aspects of 'Tai Chi', answering questions that are beyond the scope of many classes. It will be of interest to anyone beginning 'Tai Chi' or Qi Gong, as well as to more experienced practitioners at all levels, practitioners of other martial arts, and friends and relatives of "Tai Chi" players who wonder what all the fuss and enthusiasm is about.

Here is a collection of ancient Chinese maxims on strategy, battlefield tactics, and deception - in the spirit of such classics as 'The Art of War' and 'The Book of Five Rings' - made fresh and relevant with contemporary examples and explanation.

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.

The traditional arts of Taijiquan and Qi Gong are sophisticated expressions of Chinese martial. health and spiritual culture. Rooted in China's ancient past they are still practised by many people in China today to achieve good health, mental well-being and a long and active life; commonly called `Eternal Spring'. This book, written for a Western audience, explains the essential theories and strategies of Taijiquan and Qi Gong in an insightful and accessible way. It expounds their value in our daily lives as a most effective means of combating the stresses, strains and illnesses that are now so much a part of our modern lifestyle and positions these two disciplines as the most comprehensive strategies for health, happiness and rejuvenation currently available. Michael W. Acton guides the reader through core concepts with an insight and wisdom borne out of many years of practice, study and teaching. This book will be of use to anyone who is already on this path or who is interested in self-development, health and well-being or the fascinating philosophy and ideas that underpin these traditional Chinese disciplines.

While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu-an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected karate teacher-shows how cultivating ki (life force) and understanding the principles of budo (the martial path of self-development) can make training in martial arts more meaningful, effective, and personally and spiritually rewarding.
Tokitsu emphasizes the mental aspects of martial arts practice including:
-The importance of ki development
-Seme, or capturing your opponent's mind
-Understanding ma, the spatial relationship in combat
Studying these concepts, he explains, gives martial artists the tools to train for a lifetime and at the very highest level. Tokitsu also gives a historical and cultural survey of budo, and explains how the Western view of budo training is different than the Japanese-a perspective rarely available to Western martial artists.

In "budo--"which can be translated as "the way of brave and enlightened activity"--martial arts and spirituality merge at the highest level of skill. "Budo Secrets" contains the essential teachings of budo's greatest masters of Kendo, Karate, Judo, Aikido, and other disciplines. Timely and instructive, these writings are not just for martial artists--they're for anyone who wants to live life more courageously, with a greater sense of personal confidence and self-control, and with a deeper understanding of others. John Stevens has gathered an eclectic and historically rich collection of teachings that include principles and practice guidelines from training manuals and transmission scrolls, excerpts of texts on budo" "philosophy, and instructional tales gathered from a number of sources. Since many of the martial arts masters were also fine painters and calligraphers and used brush and ink as a teaching medium, Stevens has included their artwork throughout with explanation and commentary.