The book examines the deep interplay of martial arts, combative, and self-defense practices with nationalism and ethno-religious politics. It focuses on the complex formative process of ethno-religious communities, their growth and resilience, in the context of the establishment of the State of Israel and the contemporary Jewish Diaspora. By presenting the unique case of Krav Maga, literally meaning "hand to hand combat", which is a selfdefense system initially developed between the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries which is now considered a staple of Israeli culture, the book ultimately provides strong evidence in support of the idea that the understanding of physical violence proper to the martial arts is not only accepted and tolerated within modern egalitarian democracy but it is indeed needed as a profoundly unifying collective experience.

Learn the ancient knowledge of how the body's vital points, the centers of the body's natural energy, can be exploited to gain an advantage over your opponent in martial combat or self-defense. In this detailed guide to pressure point fighting, martial arts expert Rick Clark describes how to target expertly placed blows which can defeat your opponent quickly and effectively. He offers a systematic introduction to this knowledge and to the tools needed to recognize vital points in the kata, hyung, or forms already in place. The lessons explain: Where the body's vital points are located and how to strike them for maximum effect How vital points can be targeted most efficiently to successfully defend oneself How targeting vital points can be used in conjunction with traditional martial arts to help meet a variety of threats With 230 photos and 25 detailed charts, Pressure Point Fighting teaches that success in this discipline is not dependent upon acceptance of the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, or modern Western medicine, for that matter--solely on open-minded observation and willingness to try different approaches to martial arts training. Forewords written by pressure point combat expert Vince Morris and Tai Chi master Jane Hallander explain how this book's lessons are indispensable to anyone seeking to learn the elements of pressure point fighting.

Qigong Grand Circulation is an ancient path toward spiritual enlightenment. Spiritual enlightenment is a uniquely human endeavor; a universal and timeless quest to understand the mysteries of our lives. Perhaps it began when humans looked at the stars and first felt the enchantment of awe. But today, with all of our comforts and technological advancements, we are not satisfied. Our lives are noisy. Our bodies are under steady assault by pseudo-foods, poisons, and sedentary lifestyles. Our spirit is chaotic, competing with dogma and fear. We struggle to unplug, to disconnect, to deeply relax. The search for spiritual development has never been more urgent. Qigong helps us to consider and unify the mind, body, and spirit. This book provides traditional and modern scientific definitions of Qi and offers qigong practices to guide you on a path toward spiritual growth. Unique to qigong's approach to spiritual enlightenment is the indivisibility of the mind-body-spirit. Training of one of these aspects is the training of all three. Contents include A traditional and modern scientific analysis of Qi Buddhist and Daoist differences in their approach to spiritual qigong training Various breathing techniques Fundamental concepts of Small and Grand Circulation Qigong Muscle/Tendon Change Grand Circulation Qigong Brain/Marrow Washing Small and Grand Circulation Qigong Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming has once again brought his unique scholarship and experience to write an insightful analysis of this ethereal and profound idea of spiritual enlightenment. His approach has always been to provide the information-a map-for the path.

It takes only seven seconds for a criminal to pick you as a target. This empowering guide for women to protect themselves and their loved ones, from a self-defense expert and longtime veteran of law enforcement, combines commonsense advice on staying safe with concrete actions on what to do if find yourself in a dangerous situation. Acts of terror. Kidnapping. Cyberstalking. Campus assaults. Getting drugged at a party by a "friend." One out of four women will be a victim of a crime or assault in her lifetime. Don't let this be you. In The New Superpower for Women, Steve Kardian, a thirty-year veteran of law enforcement, FBI defense tactics instructor, and an expert on the criminal mind, demonstrates how to become a "hard target" and not a "soft target" by simply trusting your gut. Additionally, he shows how the habits of safety can become an integral part of your daily routine. This guide is your essential resource to understanding how to stay safe in today's world, whether you're experiencing unwelcome attention, feel threatened in a large crowd, or are facing online harassment. Kardian shares proven safety tips, shows how to be proactive in identifying potential trouble, and illustrates defense techniques specially created to enhance the physical strengths of a woman. Real-life stories and examples are included to demonstrate what criminals look for in a victim. You will learn how to avoid being targeted and what to do in a confrontation. Be prepared. Know the habits of safety to protect yourself and your loved ones.

For over one thousand years, Bodhidharma's (Da Mo) timeless classics have been considered the key to enlightenment and long-lasting youth. Now, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, one of the world's leading authorities on Qigong, has translated and written commentaries to make these ancient and profound teachings accessible to everyone. Using ancient Buddhist and Taoist documents as its foundation, this book analyzes and discusses theory and training methods in a modern, scientific manner, and presents safe ways for you to begin your own practice. Improve your health and strength through the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic). Work towards longevity & enlightenment with the Xi Sui Jing (Marrow/Brain Washing Classic). Qigong, the Secret of Youth is an invaluable guide for Qigong practitioners and Martial Artists who want to explore deeper levels of internal energy training. * Learn the keys to rejuvenating & reconditioning your body.* Discover methods for nourishing the brain and bone marrow.* Includes Qigong exercises & massage techniques.

Risk, Failure, Play illuminates the many ways in which competitive martial arts differentiate themselves from violence. Presented from the perspective of a dancer and writer, this book takes readers through the politics of everyday life as experienced through training in a range of martial arts practices such as jeet kune do, Brazilian jiu jitsu, kickboxing, Filipino martial arts, and empowerment self-defense. Author Janet OaShea shows how play gives us the ability to manage difficult realities with intelligence and demonstrates that physical play, with its immediacy and heightened risk, is particularly effective at accomplishing this task. Risk, Failure, Play also demonstrates the many ways in which physical recreation allows us to manage the complexities of our current social reality. Risk, Failure, Play intertwines personal experience with phenomenology, social psychology, dance studies, performance studies, as well as theories of play and competition in order to produce insights on pleasure, mastery, vulnerability, pain, agency, individual identity, and society. Ultimately, this book suggests that play allows us to rehearse other ways to live than the ones we see before us and challenges us to reimagine our social reality.

You have trained in aikido for at least several months and wonder what's beyond the mechanics of basic technique. You ponder why we do what we do, and what principles underlie the techniques. You are looking for an edge to accelerate your learning and deepen your understanding. This book's 'Especially for Students' section is for you.The 'Especially for Teachers' section offers tips for aikido instructors. It helps you articulate to your students some of aikido's more difficult ideas.The third section's longer chapters treat philosophical and strategic questions that are central to aikido practice.Learning and Teaching Aikido shows beginning-to-intermediate aikido students how to approach their practice, explaining why we do what we do in aikido. This literate presentation for the thoughtful practitioner also advises aikido teachers on how to present difficult concepts to their classes. Drawings and photos make the explanations clear. Learning and Teaching Aikido is a needed supplement to the many books that explain aikido history and how to execute aikido techniques.

Nei Gong is the practice leading to attainment of real internal skill and transformation, and the philosophical art of change that runs through all Daoist practice. This book provides a unprecedented insight into the entire Nei Gong process, expanding upon the foundations laid in the author's previous widely read book, Daoist Nei Gong, to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the practice. Going into unparalleled detail whilst remaining accessible, it explains the philosophy at the heart of Nei Gong , and the steps whereby transformation is achieved. A foundational knowledge of Chinese medicine will help the reader appreciate the explanation more deeply, but is not required for understanding. Essential reading for anyone seriously interested Qi Gong, Chinese martial arts, and the Daoist tradition, the book will also be an invaluable resource for practitioners of Chinese medicine, or advanced meditation.

This book focuses on the philosophy of Chinese martial arts film, arguing that philosophy provides a key to understanding the whole genre. It draws on Chinese philosophical ideas derived from, or based on, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and other schools of thought such as Mohism and Legalism, examines a cluster of recent Chinese martial arts films centering on the figure of the xia-the heroic protagonist, the Chinese equivalent of medieval Europe's knight-errant-and outlines the philosophical principles and themes undergirding the actions of xia and their narratives. Overall, the author argues that the genre, apart from being an action-oriented entertainment medium, is inherently moral and ethical.

What do martial arts signify today? What do they mean for East-West cross cultural exchanges? How does the representation of martial arts in popular culture impact on the wide world? What is authentic practice? What does it all mean? From Kung Fu to Jiujitsu and from Bruce Lee to The Karate Kid, Mythologies of Martial Arts explores the key myths and ideologies in martial arts in contemporary popular culture. The book combines the author's practical, professional and academic experience of martial arts to offer new insights into this complex, contradictory world. Inspired by the work of Roland Barthes in Mythologies, the book focusses on the signs, signifiers and practices of martial arts globally. Bringing together cultural studies, film studies, media studies, postcolonial studies with the emerging field of martial arts studies the book explores the broader significance of martial arts in global culture. Using an accessible yet theoretically sophisticated style the book is ideal for students, scholars and anyone interested in any type of martial art.

What do martial arts signify today? What do they mean for East-West cross cultural exchanges? How does the representation of martial arts in popular culture impact on the wide world? What is authentic practice? What does it all mean? From Kung Fu to Jiujitsu and from Bruce Lee to The Karate Kid, Mythologies of Martial Arts explores the key myths and ideologies in martial arts in contemporary popular culture. The book combines the author's practical, professional and academic experience of martial arts to offer new insights into this complex, contradictory world. Inspired by the work of Roland Barthes in Mythologies, the book focusses on the signs, signifiers and practices of martial arts globally. Bringing together cultural studies, film studies, media studies, postcolonial studies with the emerging field of martial arts studies the book explores the broader significance of martial arts in global culture. Using an accessible yet theoretically sophisticated style the book is ideal for students, scholars and anyone interested in any type of martial art.

Women and sport (exclusion, engagement, equity, etc) is an absolutely central topic in sport studies, and a massively important issue in wider sport and society. Judo is an Olympic sport but there are currently no academic books in English about women in judo. Drawing on the expertise of a range of well-respected authors this will be the first academic treatise on the topic in the English language.

Long considered a classic text by teachers and students, The Root of Chinese Qigong offers the principles and theories of qigong practice. This third edition includes Updated pinyin that includes diacritical tonal marks (for proper pronunciation of Chinese words). Updated Chinese text character font (providing better readability). Dr. Yang is acclaimed for helping readers understand qigong concepts deeper and more clearly by expressing them in familiar methods for the Western mind. He takes these ancient concepts and presents them in a logical way that helps practitioners stay on the right path to deepen knowledge and skill. In this book Dr. Yang teaches sitting and standing meditation, demonstrates qi massage techniques, and examines the Qi pathways in your body. He explains correct breathing methods, shares secrets for quieting the mind, and discusses how to increase your body's qi supply. He further explains important concepts such as the Three Treasures and regulating the body, breath, and mind. Contents include Qigong's history Basic concepts of qigong Qi and the human body The five categories of qigong Regulating body, breath and mind Regulating your essence, qi and spirit Key points for improving practice A detailed look at qi channels and vessels in the body Whatever style of qigong you may practice, making sense of qigong theory and principles is the best way of achieving your goals sooner, more accurately, and deeper.

Unleashing Manhood in the Cage: Masculinity and Mixed Martial Arts addresses the question "Why do mixed martial arts participants endure grueling workouts and suffer through injury, with little or no pay, just to compete?" The answer is because the participants enjoy a form of idolization from their supporters, each other, and culture more generally, which is linked to masculinity. In fact, MMA organizers, from the very beginning, purposefully created elements of the sport that are linked to dominant narratives about manhood. In this context, men don thin open-fingered gloves, lock themselves in a caged enclosure, and slug it out in a fight with few rules to see who comes out on top. This all occurs while "ring girls" in high-heels and skin-tight shirts and shorts stride around outside the cage holding signs and peddling t-shirts. The sum of these elements is the creation of a type of a publicly accessible and consumable form of masculinity. The sport of mixed martial arts is a rich and intriguing space where the construction of gender can be explored through a sociological and ethnographic lens.

Tai-chi Ch'uan is an ancient Chinese art based on the principles of physiology, psychology, and dynamics for the purpose of increasing and sustaining health. By practicing Tai-chi Chu'an, you can strengthen muscles, promote and regulate good blood circulation, refresh your whole body-and stimulate your spirit as well. Proper practice of the simple exercises clearly shown in this book can improve your digestion, adjust your weight up or down, clear your mind, allow you to think more clearly, and help you in dozens of ways you will find almost miraculous.

A behind-the-scenes look at the life of the most extraordinary martial artist of all time--Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon is a photographic catalog of all facets of this fascinating man, from the start of his career to his untimely and tragic death in 1973. This book reveals a quiet family man behind the charismatic public persona. It shows the real Bruce Lee--the man who was so much more than an international film and martial arts celebrity. This brilliant photo essay--compiled and edited by Bruce Lee expert John Little with the assistance of Lee's widow, Linda Lee Cadwell--reveals never-before-published family photos, including rare photos of Bruce's childhood in Hong Kong. Tender moments with his children are caught on camera, and action shots from his martial arts films are shown. With a preface by his daughter Shannon Lee and a foreword by wife Linda, the text is drawn directly from Bruce Lee's own diaries and journals. Based on the award-winning Warner Bros. documentary, Bruce Lee: In His Own Words, sections include: Chronology of the Life of Bruce Lee Early Years--why he began studying gung fu (kung fu) and took up wing chun, his first starring role, and his return to the US Hollywood--why he got the part in The Green Hornet, teaching Steve McQueen, James Coburn and Stirling Silliphant, filming Enter the Dragon, The Way of the Dragon, Fist of Fury and more, training and acting with Chuck Norris, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dean Martin and Sharon Tate, and the creation of Jeet Kune Do (JKD) Family--meeting Linda, having children, daily life This Bruce Lee Book is part of Tuttle Publishing's Bruce Lee Library which also features: Bruce Lee's Striking Thoughts Bruce Lee's The Tao of Gung Fu Bruce Lee Artist of Life Bruce Lee: Letters of the Dragon Bruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human Body Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do

The reawakening of Asian martial arts is a distinct example of cultural hybridity in a global setting. This book deals with history of Asian martial arts in the contexts of tradition, religion, philosophy, politics and culture. It attempts to deepen the study of martial arts studies in their transformation from traditional to modern sports. It is also important that this book explores how Asian martial arts, including Shaolin martial arts and Taekwondo, have worked as tools for national advocate of identities among Asians in order to overcome various national hardships and to promote nationalism in the modern eras. The Asian martial arts certainly have been transformed in both nature and content into unique modern sports and they have contributed to establishing cultural homogeneity in Asia. This phenomenon can be applied to the global community. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue in the International Journal of the History of Sport.

The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do presents the teachings of legendary martial arts master Shoshin Nagamine, founder of the Matsubayashi school of Shorin-ryu karate-do. Used for generations as a practical and pictorial guide, it contains over 1,000 photographs to document eighteen classic karate kata (preset forms) and seven yakusoku kumite (prearranged partner exercises), as well as basic techniques. This book is a precise and easily accessible pictorial guide to performance and perfection of traditional karate. The only book in English with photos of one of the great prewar masters demonstrating the proper execution of Okinawan karate, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do is a bridge between karate's legendary past and the practitioners of today. This intelligent and imaginative text explains the historical landmarks in the development of style, vividly outlines its leading forms and techniques, and recalls noted Okinawan karate men of the past, including the author's teachers Ankichi Arakaki, Choki Motobu, and Chotoku Kyan.

Unleashing Manhood in the Cage: Masculinity and Mixed Martial Arts addresses the question "Why do mixed martial arts participants endure grueling workouts and suffer through injury, with little or no pay, just to compete?" The answer is because the participants enjoy a form of idolization from their supporters, each other, and culture more generally, which is linked to masculinity. In fact, MMA organizers, from the very beginning, purposefully created elements of the sport that are linked to dominant narratives about manhood. In this context, men don thin open-fingered gloves, lock themselves in a caged enclosure, and slug it out in a fight with few rules to see who comes out on top. This all occurs while "ring girls" in high-heels and skin-tight shirts and shorts stride around outside the cage holding signs and peddling t-shirts. The sum of these elements is the creation of a type of a publicly accessible and consumable form of masculinity. The sport of mixed martial arts is a rich and intriguing space where the construction of gender can be explored through a sociological and ethnographic lens.

Book of the Year Award Finalist - Foreword Magazine Originally published in 1976, this authoritative work has been the guide for thousands of Taekwondo practitioners as they advance in their training. Whether your training is for self-defense, forms competition, or in preparation for the Olympic games, this newly revised edition provides beginner to Black Belt level training to assist you on your journey in Taekwondo. Contents include: * History, Philosophy, and Principles* Calisthenics* Stances* Basic Striking - Human Weapons, and Vital Points* Movements and Footwork* Strikes, Blocking and Kicking Techniques* Sparring and Breaking Techniques* Self-Defense Techniques* Eight Palgwe Forms - recommended for promotion of all color belts and 1st dan black belt by The United States Taekwondo Association (USTA), and used in sanctioned International Taekwondo competitions.* Eight Taegeuk Forms - required for promotion of all color belts and 1st dan black belt by The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), and used in sanctioned International Taekwondo competitions.* Rules and regulations of the World Taekwondo Federation, including sparring and Poomse (forms) competitions Rules and regulations of the World Taekwondo Federation, including sparring and Poomse (forms) competitions. The ever-increasing popularity of Taekwondo is apparent by the dedication of the tens of millions of practitioners worldwide, and by the inclusion of Taekwondo in the summer Olympic games. With all its popularity, it is paramount that the art be handed down in a clear, knowledgeable, and sustainable way - this book does just that.

Cut to the very core of what it means to be successful in the martial arts. Earning a black belt can be the most rewarding experience of a lifetime, but getting there takes considerable planning. Whether your interests are in the classical styles of Asia or in today's Mixed Martial Arts, this book prepares you to meet every challenge. Whatever your age, whatever your gender, you will benefit from the wisdom of master martial artists around the globe, who share more than 300 years of combined training experience. Benefit from their guidance during your development into a first-class black belt. The Wisdom of...* Iain Abernethy* Dan Anderson* Loren Christensen* Jeff Cooper* Wim Demeere* Aaron Fields* Lawrence Kane* Rory Miller* Martina Sprague* Phillip Starr* Jeff Stevens* Kris Wilder ...and many more. Packed with actionable information, The Way to Black Belt will teach you how to set goals, find a good instructor, monitor your progress, overcome plateaus in your training, take advantage of learning opportunities, and work through the inevitable injuries that come with rigorous martial arts training. Putting your skills to the test at each developmental stage of your training requires a certain mental 'clarity.' The authors examine what this means, how to find it, and how to make sure that when the time comes you are 100% prepared. If you are serious about your martial arts training, The Way to Black Belt will arm you with the information you need to swiftly become a highly skilled, well-qualified black belt.

Shaolin Monastery at Mount Song is considered the epicentre of the Chan school of Buddhism. It is also well known for its martial arts tradition and has long been regarded as a special cultural heritage site and an important symbol of the Chinese nation. This book is the first scholarly work in English to comprehensively examine the full history of Shaolin Monastery from 496 to 2016. More importantly, it offers a clear grasp of the origins and development of Chan Buddhism through an examination of Shaolin, and highlights the role of Shaolin and Shaolin kung fu in the construction of a national identity among the Chinese people in the past two centuries.

The Science of Judo is the first book to set out and discuss the science, coaching and history behind judo performance. Evidence-based and informed by the latest research, the book offers practical guidance on preparing athletes for high performance and understanding the core tenets of sport science underpinning it. Featuring contributions from world-leading experts, the book consists of chapters on all aspects of judo performance, including: The historical development of judo and its physical, intellectual and moral role Physical preparation for competition, coaching and training strategies Skill acquisition, talent identification and development Nutrition and lifestyle of judoka Performance analysis and biomechanics Injury epidemiology and prevention Special considerations for female and young judoka Clearly written and accessible, The Science of Judo provides upper-level students and researchers, and coaches and sport science staff working with judoka, with the most thorough and authoritative reference on sport science applied to judo currently available.

The indigenous martial arts of the Philippines archipelago are known by a variety of names including Arnis, Arnis de Mano, Eskrima or Escrima, and are widely respected for the development of combat-effective defensive strategies and skills. The Filipino martial arts are fast and dynamic and utilise a diverse range of training methods to augment the journey towards achieving advance abilities in defending against weapons-based or empty-hand encounters. Supplemented by over 320 colour photographs, this exciting book explores the fundamental, intermediate and advanced techniques of double and single stick categories that are standard across many systems of the Filipino martial arts.