This is the first book on the market to cater to two growing populations, martial artists and baby boomers. Once a blood and guts sport for tough young men, martial arts is now touted by athletes, aerobics trainers, actors, super models and soccer mums as the number one way for adults to get fit and stay in shape. This book addresses important questions like: How old is too old start a marital art?; What type of exercises are best (and which ones are dangerous) for the over-40 martial artist?; What are the effects of ageing and how can martial arts combat them?; How can baby boomers keep up in a martial arts class full of gen-Xers?; What types of injuries are most prevalent after 40 and how can they be prevented? This book takes a positive and enthusiastic approach to taking up or continuing a martial art in middle age or later. Readers will be inspired, reassured and educated.

This is a guide to pressure point striking for the average martial artist. Sang H Kim demystifies the lore of vital point striking and shows you realistic applications of vital point strikes for self-defense and combat sports. For those new to the concept of vital points, he begins by examining the Eastern theory of acupoints, meridians and ki (qi) and the Western scientific concepts of the nervous and circulatory systems, pain threshold and pain tolerance, and the relationship between pain and fear. This synthesis of accepted Eastern and Western theories helps the reader understand what makes vital point striking work and why it can be not only useful in fighting, but deadly. Based on this introduction, you will learn about 202 vital points for use in fighting including the name, point number, location, involved nerves and blood vessels, applicable techniques, sample applications, and potential results for each point.The points are illustrated in detail on an anatomically correct human model, with English, Chinese, and Korean names as well as point numbers for easy reference. In addition to identifying the vital points, Sang H.Kim gives you detailed information about the type of techniques that work for vital point striking including a discussion of fighting zones and ranges, plexus strikes, stance and footwork, bodily weapons, striking directions and angles and dozens of applications for common empty hand, grappling, groundfighting, knife and gun attacks. Based on over thirty years experience in the martial arts and in-depth research, Sang H. Kim has created one of the most complete books available on the art and science of vital point striking.

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.

This is a comprehensive guide to the kicks of Taekwondo from white belt to black belt and beyond. Sang H. Kim shares his expert knowledge of fundamental, jumping, spinning and multiple kicks. You will get in-depth instruction for over 40 kicks, including the purpose of the kick, key points to pay attention to when practising, step-by-step execution of the kick, the best targets for each kick, applications for sport fighting and self-defence, plus the most common kicking mistakes and how to fix them. As you progress, youll also learn exercises designed to improve your kicking flexibility, power, speed and balance. This book goes beyond the basics and explains the concepts behind awesome kicks including how to generate power using your whole body in every kick, how to generate maximum impact, how to use body mechanics to kick higher, and how to get the most out of every practice session. This is the ultimate reference for martial artists of all styles who want to master the art of kicking. Kicks included: Front Kick; Roundhouse Kick; Side Kick; Knee Kick; Raising Kick; Outside Crescent Kick; Inside Crescent Kick; Axe Kick; Whip Kick; Twist Kick; Pushing Kick; Flying Side Kick; Back Kick; Turn Kick; Spin Whip Kick; Hopping Kicks; Jumping Kicks; Jumping Spin Kicks; Multiple Kicks; Combination Kicks.

Motivation is the key to success in life, particularly in the martial arts. Students need motivation to achieve their goals. Instructors need motivation to give their best to every class. And more importantly, every instructor must understand the keys to motivating their students to stay focused and enthusiastic in their daily workouts. This book is divided into two types of motivation: the inspiration section, with hundreds of motivational sayings to inspire you and the application section, with hundreds of specific things you can do to get motivated or motivate others. It also includes the theory of motivation and the difference between good and bad methods of motivating others.

"Complete Taekwondo Poomsae" is the most complete reference book available on the Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Poomsae of WTF style Taekwondo. Grandmasters Kyu Hung Lee and Sang H. Kim have combined their extensive taekwondo knowledge to teach you not only the 25 official taekwondo poomsae, but the meaning of the forms, the principles of Poomsae performance and the philosophy that underlies the techniques. Each Poomsae is thoroughly illustrated with clear and technically precise photos. The instructional text is supplemented with information about the meaning, movement line and symbol of each form as well as the correct execution of each new movement introduced in the form. In addition to the 25 official Poomsae, the authors explain Poomsae theory and principles to help you understand the underlying concepts of Poomsae practice. Topics covered in this title include: characteristics of poomsae, 13 fundamental taekwondo techniques, stance, vital targets, bodily weapons, structural principles of poomsae, poomsae creating, movement principles, performance tips, mastery, terminology, origin of Taegeuk and Palgwae, meaning of the trigrams, and complete Korean and English poomsae terminology. Much of this information has never before been translated into English. The following Poomsae are included: Poomsae Taegeuk Il Jang; Poomsae Taegeuk Ee Jang; Poomsae Taegeuk Sam Jang; Poomsae Taegeuk Sah Jang; Poomsae Taegeuk Oh Jang; Poomsae Taegeuk Yuk Jang; Poomsae Taegeuk Chil Jang; Poomsae Taegeuk Pal Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Il Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Ee Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Sam Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Sah Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Oh Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Yuk Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Chil Jang; Poomsae Palgwae Pal Jang; Poomsae Koryo; Poomsae Keumgang; Poomsae Taebaek; Poomsae Pyongwon; Poomsae Sipjin; Poomsae Jitae; Poomsae Cheonkwon; Poomsae Hansoo; and, Poomse Ilyeo.

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.

This is a guide to invigorating your internal Ki energy flow through a unique sequence of 12 movements (MBX-12) targeting the 12 meridian energy channels. MBX-12 brings together mindful movement and deep breathing to create an active form of moving meditation. As you learn the exercises that make up the MBX-12 routine, you will develop an understanding of the mindfulness practice principles of attention, centring and release. Sang H Kim introduces the movements of MBX with step-by-step practice guidance, focal points, self-assessment criteria, wellness applications and detailed explanations of how mindful movement influences your inner energy flow. You'll also learn 13 MBX Mudras, symbolic hand movements that activate the 6 meridians in the hand and affect energy flow across the body. Throughout the book, short readings introduce you to the four pillars of energy transformation: mindfulness, movement, breath, and meridians. For experienced mind-body practitioners, MBX-12 is an excellent supplement to other mindful movement practice such as Yoga, Taichi, and Qigong. MBX-12 integrates your moving body with your breath, redirects energy flow along the 12 meridians, and unites the mind with all in the present.