Combat sports and self-defence Books

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. The Book of Five Rings was composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Thomas Cleary''s translation is immediately accessible, with an introduction that presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along with Musashi''s text, Cleary translates here another important Japanese classic on leadership and strategy, The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply to the way of the warrior.

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Book SynopsisFighting techniques and strategies from World Champion and Hall of Fame Boxer, Jack Dempsey.Jack Dempsey, one of the greatest and most popular boxers of all time, reveals the techniques behind his unparalleled success in the ring. Straightforward and with detailed illustrations, Championship Fighting instructs the reader in the theory, training, and application of powerful punching, aggressive defense, proper stance, feinting, and footwork. The boxing methods Dempsey reveals will prove useful to both amateurs and professionals or anyone interested in teaching themselves how to box or practice martial arts. “I was confident that I could take the rawest beginner, or even an experienced fighter, and teach him exactly what self-defense was all about.” —Jack Dempsey

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Book SynopsisThe culmination of 25 years of research, Alex Bennett's groundbreaking English translation of Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings reveals the true meaning of the original work. Plus, definitive translations of five more known works of Musashi! This piece of writing by famed samurai Musashi (1584-1645) is the single-most influential work on samurai swordsmanship, offering insights into samurai history, the Zen Buddhist state of "no-mind" that enables warriors to triumph and the philosophical meaning of Bushido—"the way of the warrior."Until now, English translations of The Book of Five Rings have been based on inaccurate copies of Musashi's long-lost original manuscript. Bennett's translation is the first to be based on a careful reconstruction of the original text by Japan's foremost Musashi scholar. By identifying discrepancies among the existing copies, adding missing texts and correcting over 150 incorrect characters, this source is the closest representation of Musashi's original work possible. Utilizing this new source, Bennett captures the subtle nuance of the classic Japanese text, resulting in the most accurate English translation of The Book of Five Rings availableEnjoy complete, richly annotated translations of Musashi's most-known works: The Book of Five Rings Mirror on the Way of Combat Notes on Combat Strategy Combat Strategy in 35 Articles The Five-Direction Sword Pathways The Path Walked Alone The texts are richly annotated by Bennett, who includes an extensive introduction on Musashi's life and legacy. This paperback edition also includes a new introduction by Kendo Kyoshi 7th Dan Graham Sayer, who talks about the influence Musashi's writings have had on him as a person and martial artist.The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works will be widely read by those interested in Japanese culture, Samurai history and martial arts—setting a new standard against which all other translations will be measured.Trade Review"…artfully translated by Bennett…color illustrations enhance this superb new edition of a classic, an evident labor of love." -- Publishers Weekly"Dr. Bennett possesses a profound knowledge of, and deep insight into, the world of Japanese bushido. This expertise has been enhanced by his extensive practical experience of the traditional martial arts of Japan, and his proficiency in this domain is highly acclaimed." -- Tetsuo Yamaori, former Director of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies"This is a very good edition of this important document, made more valuable by the lengthy introduction and the inclusion of all six of the works currently attributed to Miyamoto Musashi, which allow us to see how his views developed, and places the famous Book of Five Rings into the context of his life." -- History of War blog

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Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author of A Fighter’s Heart comes an “entertaining and enlightening” look inside the mental game of mixed martial arts fighting (Dave Doyle, Yahoo! Sports). From a muay Thai bout in Bangkok to Rio, where he trained with jiu-jitsu royalty, to Iowa, where he matched up against the toughest in MMA, Sheridan threw himself into a quest to understand how and why we fight. In The Fighter’s Mind, Sheridan does for the brain what his first book did for the body. To uncover the secrets of mental strength and success, Sheridan interviewed dozens of the world’s most fascinating and dangerous men, including celebrated trainers Freddie Roach and Greg Jackson; champion fighters Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, and Marcelo Garcia; ultrarunner David Horton; legendary wrestler Dan Gable, and many more. What are their secrets? How do they stay committed through years of training, craft a game plan, and adjust to the realities of the ring? How do they project strength when weak, and remain mentally tough despite incredible physical pain? A fascinating book, bursting at the seams with incredible stories and insight, The Fighter’s Mind answers these questions and many more.Trade Review"Another must read... Sheridan never gets bogged down in psychology, rendering his book accessible even to non-fight fans. The lessons handed down from the book's subjects are fleshed out on their own and by Sheridan, painting a complete picture of the pain and joy it takes to get to the top, stay there, and eventually surrender the crown." --FIGHT! Magazine "Fantastic ... One of the best MMA books I've ever read, and I've certainly read my fair share." --Eric O'Brien, "Way of the Warrior," ESPN radio "You don't have to care about fighting, or even know that MMA stands for mixed martial arts, to find insights into human behavior in Sam Sheridan's The Fighter's Mind."--Bloomberg "In tasking himself with peeling back the layers of a complex and multifaceted activity, [Sheridan is] raising the bar for everyone else... If you want a better grip on a sport even some of its participants may not fully understand, his work is quickly becoming required reading." --Jake Rossen, ESPN.com "The Fighter's Mind is an entertaining and enlightening read and is a worthy addition to any MMA fan's bookshelf." --Dave Doyle, Yahoo! Sports "Sheridan wrote one of my favorite books of recent times, The Fighter's Heart, and is one of those writers who could write about getting the oil changed in his car and still make it riveting ... So it comes as no surprise that The Fighter's Mind is a terrific read."--Jeff Fox, MMA Manifesto "A must-read for fight fans." --Evan Holober, The Queensberry Rules "Tirelessly curious and game, deftly sidestepping pretentiousness and macho posturing and all the other usual traps that snare writers who delve into the form and meaning of fighting, Sam Sheridan seeks out fearsome teachers and comes away with a rare prize: a deep understanding of the mental aspect of the fighter's craft and what it can teach us about how--and how not--to live." --Carlo Rotella, author of Cut Time, An Education at the Fights "Having opened up professional fighting worldwide in the best-selling A Fighter's Heart, former Merchant Marine and Harvard grad Sheridan here plumbs the mental side of the sport. ... this should be a knockout with fight fans." --Library Journal "As accurate and perceptive an account of what makes top fighters tick as I have seen. Sam Sheridan is a great observer and with his profiles of some the top names in MMA, he cuts through the clutter and highlights what it is about these men's psychologies and thought processes that has made them so dominant. There is so much valuable information in this book that I read it once and then went back through it again with a highlighter. The chapter on legendary trainer Greg Jackson alone makes the book worth purchasing."--Donovan Craig, Editor In Chief, FIGHT! Magazine "Relevant for fighters and non-fighters alike, [The Fighter's Mind] creates new bridges between the fight community and the rest of the world."--Lockflow.com "In Sam Sheridan's The Fighter's Mind you are taken on a journey that starts in the mind of wrestling great Dan Gable and meanders through the inner psyche of today's fighters. Paradoxically, the knowledge illuminated from this fascinating journey remains timeless and true, reflecting the wisdom of the archetypal ancient warrior--truly a great contribution to the field of mental athletic peak performance." --Michael Lardon, M.D., sports psychologist and author of Finding Your Zone

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Book SynopsisPractical skills to cope with home and city hazards, keeping safe in everyday and extreme situations

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Book SynopsisOne of the few real self-protection guides on the market today, this book will teach you first and foremost how to avoid violent situations. But should you find yourself in one, it will also show you how to control yourself and your emotions so you can function on a physical level to defend yourself.

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Book SynopsisQigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain health and well-being. Yi Jin Jing/ Tendon-Muscle Strengthening Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to a particular qigong exercise that focuses on turning and flexing the spine.Based on the twelve traditional routines of Yi Jin Jing, the exercises covered in the book feature soft, extended, even movements that invigorate the limbs and internal organs. In particular, practice of the Yi Jin Jing exercises improves flexibility, balance and muscular strength, and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Each routine is described step-by-step and is illustrated with photographs and key points. The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how to correct these.Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points and accompanied by online material, this book will be of interest to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.Trade ReviewThis is a beautiful sequence of exercises attractively filmed and clearly taught... The book provides a convenient source of information to refer to and very clear illustrations of the postures together with arrows showing the directions of the movements. -- Tai Chi Finder LimitedWith these books the Chinese Health Qiqong Association have come close to providing everyone with their own personal qigong instructor. -- Tai Chi Finder LimitedAfter introducing the history of Yi Jin Jing, some principles of the practice are explained and some practice tips are given. Then, the book goes through a step-by-step description of each twelve practices. After each practice, the key points are highlighted, common mistakes are given and how to correct them and the benefits of thhe practice is explained. -- Medical Qigong Education CentreTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Origins and Development. 2. Characteristics. 3. Practice Tips. 4. Step-by-Step Descriptions of the Routines. Section 1. Hand and Foot Forms. Basic Hand Forms. Basic Stances. Section 2. The Exercises Illustrated. Ready Position. Routine 1. Wei Tuo Presenting the Pestle 1. Routine 2. Wei Tuo Presenting the Pestle 2. Routine 3. Wei Tuo Presenting the Pestle 3. Routine 4. Plucking a Star and Exchanging a Star Cluster. Routine 5. Pulling Nine Cows by Their Tails. Routine 6. Displaying Paw-Style Palms Like a White Crane Spreading Its Wings. Routine 7. Nine Ghosts Drawing Swords. Routine 8. Three Plates Falling on the Floor. Routine 9. Black Dragon Displaying Its Claws. Routine 10. Tiger Springing on Its Prey. Routine 11. Bowing Down in Salutation. Routine 12. Swinging the Tail. Closing Form. Appendix: Acupuncture Points Mentioned in This Book.

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Book SynopsisLenny McLean - an infamous name, but forever a legend. He is arguably one of the most notorious and feared prize-fighters this country has ever produced. Not only was he a mountain of a man and a true fighter, feared on the streets of gangland London and outside the clubs whose doors he manned in the heart of the capital, he was also an old-school East Ender, who took pride in operating on a gentleman's code despite the often-dangerous world he lived in. His life was cut all-too-short, just as it was taking a new, previously unimaginable direction after his role in Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels but he remains loved by those who knew him. The Guv'nor Revealed uncovers parts of Lenny McLean's life not previously explored, with shared memories from his close friends, family and various other acquaintances who crossed his path one way or another during his lifetime. Lenny McLean was one of a kind; infamous for his brute strength but also loved for his protective heart. Collated from years of interviews, Lee Wortley and Anthony Thomas bring you an array of thrilling, and often touching and amusing, testimonies from those closest to him and a new insight into the life of The Guv'nor.

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Book SynopsisQigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain health and well-being. Ba Duan Jin: Eight-Section Qigong Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to this particular qigong exercise, which has been shown to improve the respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems.The Ba Duan Jin exercise dates back to the Song Dynasty, and is broken down into eight sections, each of which focuses on a different physical area. The routine enhances limb strength and flexibility of the joints, and also fortifies the nerves. It can help in the treatment of illnesses such as osteoporosis and is also beneficial for mental health. Each routine is described step-by-step, and is illustrated with photographs and key points. The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how to correct these.Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points and accompanied by access to online video material, this book will be of interest to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.Trade ReviewThe online video is very professionally and beautifully done and is one of the best that I have seen. The practitioners demonstrating the forms are clearly very experienced and are excellent models to follow. I have practised several versions of ba duan jin and I particularly like this version. It's simple, aesthetic and very effective. This book and online video are a readable and thorough guide to the practice of ba duan jin. -- Medical Qigong Education CentreWith these books the Chinese Health Qigong Association have come close to providing everyone with their own personal qigong instructor. -- Tai Chi Finder LimitedThe online video, filmed as it is in uplifting locations, such as on top of the Great Wall of China and by the sea etc. with the performers in their silk pyjamas, does add a little something extra to the experience of participating in this virtual class. -- Tai Chi Finder LimitedTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Origins and Development. 2. Characteristics. 3. Practice Tips. 4. Step-by-Step Descriptions of the Routines. Section 1. Hand and Foot Forms. Basic Hand Forms. Basic Stances. Section 2. The Exercises Illustrated. Ready Position. Routine 1. Holding the Hands High with Palms Up to Regulate the Internal Organs. Routine 2. Posing as an Archer Shooting Both Left- and Right-handed. Routine 3. Holding One Arm Aloft to Regulate the Functions of the Spleen and Stomach. Routine 4. Looking Backwards to Prevent Sickness and Strain. Routine 5. Swinging the Head and Lowering the Body to Relieve Stress. Routine 6. Moving the Hands Down the Back and Legs, and Touching the Feet to Strengthen the Kidneys. Routine 7. Thrusting the Fists and Making the Eyes Glare to Enhance Strength. Routine. 8. Raising and Lowering the Heels to Cure Diseases. Closing Form. Appendix: Acupuncture Points Mentioned in This Book.

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Book SynopsisThe Fundamentals of Judo identifies the essential techniques that define Judo as a fighting art and looks at how students should practise and develop these key skills. The core techniques are analysed in depth and through step-by-step photography for the benefit of both beginner and experienced Judo players. The analysis of each technique reflects Ray Stevens' detailed technical knowledge and experience as a Judo player.

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Book SynopsisGet street-smart. Unleash your inner warrior. Forget everything you thought you knew about self-defense. Those graceful martial arts moves that are so effective in the movies are likely to get you killed on the street. In fight-or-flight mode, you won't have the calm thinking and fine motor skills to execute them. You need a simpler approach with a few fundamental moves that are easy to remember and perform yet devastating to an attacker. The solution? Self-Defense For Dummies, your guide to avoiding attacks, neutralizing attackers, and protecting yourself and your loved ones. In this book, you discover a self-defense system that works in the real world, where armed criminals target the most vulnerable and don't fight fair. Discover strategies to make yourself a hard target, as opposed to an easy oneHeighten your awareness of your surroundings and potential threatsSharpen your self-defense instincts and respond proactively to impending dangerMaster hand-to-hand combat basics and defend against grabs and holdsLearn how to use weapons and defend against themTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: Getting Your Head in the Game 7 Chapter 1: Laying the Groundwork for Self-Defense 9 Chapter 2: Wrapping Your Brain around Self-Defense Concepts 23 Chapter 3: Developing a Self-Defense Mindset 43 Chapter 4: Knowing What You’re Up Against 57 Part 2: Starting with Basic Self-Defense Tactics 71 Chapter 5: Deterring Attacks and Attackers 73 Chapter 6: Getting Loud, Angry, and Violent 97 Chapter 7: Adding Weapons to Your Self-Defense Arsenal 103 Part 3: Developing Hand-to-Hand Combat Skills 127 Chapter 8: Knowing How and Where to Strike to Gain the Advantage 129 Chapter 9: Mastering Basic Empty-Hand Techniques 151 Chapter 10: Adding Advanced Strikes to Your Arsenal 175 Chapter 11: Breaking Free of Grabs and Holds 199 Chapter 12: Down-and-Dirty Ground Fighting 215 Part 4: Neutralizing Weapon Attacks 241 Chapter 13: Clearing the Weapon and Attacking the Attacker 243 Chapter 14: Surviving the Horror of an Active Shooter 269 Part 5: The Part of Tens 283 Chapter 15: The Ten Commandments of Self-Defense 285 Chapter 16: Ten Tips for Survivors 289 Index 295

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Book SynopsisChallenging timeworn conventions of karate training and revealing the original intent of classical kata—or forms—through detailed descriptions of self-defense applications known as bunkai, this is a crucial addition to any martial-arts library. Containing more than 265 photos, the book is divided into chapters that illuminate each of the ten classical kata of Goju-ryu.   Drawing on more than forty years of experience in the martial arts, Giles Hopkins Sensei takes us on a journey into the Goju-ryu karate system, providing a principles-based method for analysis of kata practice. Arguing against the commonly held notion that kata techniques can have multiple interpretations, he insists that a kata cannot simply mean what the user wants it to mean, but contains specific martial principles that must be followed for it to work effectively.   The step-by-step descriptions of the receiving, controlling or bridging, and finishing techniques contain in-depth analysis of commonly misunderstood aspects of kata. Each chapter concludes with an engaging anecdote from the author’s time in Okinawa, the birthplace of Goju-ryu, connecting it with the kata under discussion. Equally useful for the novice and for more advanced karate practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of kata and bunkai.

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Book SynopsisWith the aid of superb line artworks, Unarmed Combat demonstrates to the reader how special forces soldiers are taught to excel in hand-to-hand fighting: how they maximise bodyweight, and the use of various strikes, throws, locks and constrictions to defeat opponents. It explains how different martial arts have been combined by military units to create hand-to-hand combat systems for defence against multiple assailants, for fighting on the ground, for dealing with edged and impact weapons, what works against attackers with firearms and – more importantly – what doesn’t. With tips and techniques from unarmed combat experts, the book is divided into two main sections. The first covers the mental preparation needed to be ready to defend yourself. The second covers the physical techniques needed to defend yourself, and if necessary, strike back to temporarily incapacitate your attacker and escape. With more than 300 easy-to-follow artworks and handy pull-out lists of key information, Unarmed Combat is the definitive guide for anyone wanting to be ready for anything - it could save your life.Table of ContentsIntroduction PREPARATION 1. The Threat 2. Win Without Fighting 3. Training to Win TOOLS OF THE TRADE 4. The Basics 5. Unarmed Combat Training 6. Your Body’s Weapons 7. Striking and Grappling Methods 8. Locks, Controls and Chokes IN ACTION 9. Tactics 10. Defeating Unarmed Attacks 11. Defeating Hand-Held Weapon Attacks 12. Defeating Firearm Threats 13. Fighting on the Ground 14. Fighting Under Adverse Conditions Final Notes Index

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Book SynopsisThe SAS is probably the world’s greatest elite military unit and its soldiers are renowned for their ability to cope when under great physical and mental stress. Now you can acquire the unique range of skills taught to members of the Special Air Service through the SAS & Special Forces Fitness Training. Written by an expert author, this book offers a total fitness programme for both body and mind. Special exercises and routines will help the reader improve strength, stamina and agility. There are also chapters on diet and nutrition, to help the trainee’s body gain the maximum benefit from eating the right food and drink. The chapters on mental agility and self-defence teach the trainee to cope with the challenges of modern combat, the SAS way. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and instructive artworks and including expert advice throughout, SAS & Special Forces Fitness Training is an exhaustive, lively guide to achieving a level of fitness that will match the world’s elite military soldiers.Table of Contents1. Strength and Endurance One: The Importance of Being Fit Two: Strength Training Without Weights Three: Strength Training With Weights Four: Running Five: Endurance Marches Six: Swimming Seven: Cycling Eight: Self-defence Nine: Injuries Ten: The Complete Fitness Programme 2. Nutrition Eleven: Daily Requirements Twelve: Your Own SAS Diet Thirteen: Survival Food 3. Mental Agility Fourteen: Positive Thinking Fifteen: Pressure at Work Sixteen: Facing Danger

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Book SynopsisKata are the backbone of Karate. Continually practising them allows the whole spectrum of possibilities contained in Karate to be revealed. This book aims to assist in understanding the Kata better, to get to know the situations when they can be applied, and how to improve them in the daily training routine and in grading tests and competitions.

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Book SynopsisA breathtakingly brutal and evocative account of the life of infamous boxing world champion Sonny Liston''Dazzling . . . An unforgettable journey to some of boxing''s darkest places'' Steve Bunce, author of Bunce''s Big Fat Short History of British BoxingSonny Liston is one of the most controversial men the boxing world has ever seen. He rose from a childhood of grinding poverty to become 1962''s heavyweight world champion. He spent time in prison, he was known to have mob connections, he was hated and vilified by his public. And after he lost the world title to Cassius Clay in a spectacular fall from grace, he died under mysterious and never fully explained circumstances.Sonny Liston''s life story is an unsolved mystery and an underappreciated tragedy. In uncompromising detail, Nick Tosches captures the shadowy figure of Liston, this most mesmerising and enigmatic of boxing antiheroes.''Crackling [and] unmissable . . . A warpeTrade ReviewDazzling, unforgiving... Tosches and Liston smash their way through fights and beaten men... Tosches understood the large heart and vicious ways of Liston and together they take an unforgettable journey to some of boxing's darkest places -- Steve Bunce, author of 'Bunce's Big Fat Short History of British Boxing'Shooting from the hip, Nick Tosches brings Liston and the lurid underworld of boxing brilliantly to life... The fullest portrait yet of this troubled man. Told in the spare, muscular prose Tosches is known for, Liston's story is the tale of a man who "died on the day he was born" * Esquire *Liston's story comes alive though hard facts and breathtaking writing... As much about boxing as it is about the darkest side of the American Dream * Time Out *Tosches has a talent for getting inside the skin of men [and] drawing out meaty stories... The prose sizzles - hard, tough writing suited to a hard, tough subject * New York Times Book Review *Crackling [and] unmissable... A warped fairy tale and a dark murder mystery * Maxim *Brash [and] astute... Tosches gets in the ring and slugs it out from the first bell as if he were the twin reincarnation of John L. Sullivan and Jack Dempsey. [He] picks the dirtiest, ugliest, saddest man the fight game has thrown up in a hundred years and rides the story all the way to the grave * Observer *A fantastic book about a life that started in darkness and continued to go deeper into the darkness until the only light was death. Nick Tosches is an extraordinary writer -- Hubert Selby Jr, author of 'Requiem for a Dream'A profound voyage into the twisted psyche of a sportsman... Brings you face to face with [a] hard life and ugly death * FHM *Tosches is a remarkable reporter... While Liston demolishes opponents with the brutality of his blows, Tosches goes down the mean streets of professional boxing, ventures into the shadowy corners of mob dealings and dares to reveal the fixed fights... A great story * Salon *[A] hyper-noir meditation on the devil and his relationship to Sonny Liston... Tosches has attitude to spare, agile and sublime, smooth and cool... A captivating, tragic tale * Austin Chronicle *Grandmaster of grit lit, Tosches writes eloquently about America's underbelly * Boston Globe *

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Book SynopsisA guide to goju-ryu fundamentals that narrates the author's personal history of Okinawan goju-ryu karate. It covers advanced kata, its evolution and its importance. It features step-by-step photographs that show the advanced techniques of shorei-kan karate, including stances, strikes, blocks, kicks and two-man training styles.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The approaches highlighted in Gershon Ben Keren's Krav Maga book provide simple, effective solutions to common and complex attacks…Whilst no book can replace ongoing, supervised reality-based training, this book provides a valuable reference for anyone serious about self-protection. Gershon has sought out and trained with many of Israel's leading self-defense experts and combined his findings with his experiences in the military, private security industry, and a successful martial arts career to produce an effective approach that is in line with best practices and proven techniques. This book should be a part of any serious martial arts and self-defense practitioner's reference library." --Dr. Gavriel Schneider 6th Dan, author of Beyond the Bodyguard and Head of System for Gendai Ryu and the Modern Warrior Alliance"As an ex-military intelligence operator with Special Forces units, I expect the highest standards from the self-defense school I choose. I have trained under Gershon for the last nine years and continue, with his encouragement, to explore other martial arts and self-defense systems although I have yet to find any as complete, thoughtful and practical as his. Gershon is more than just a self-defense instructor, he thinks about and tests his theories under the harshest conditions and deeply cares about his system and students." --SR, Private Security Contractor"As a professional security consultant, I have worked for the UK and US governments providing protective services to diplomats and military officers. Prior to this, I served in the UK military on Special Duties. Whilst in this unit, I was keen on learning more close quarters combative techniques, and this search took me to Krav Maga, where I met Gershon. His training, methodology and knowledge not just of the physical side of violence but the mental side of it, made me take notice. I have happily worked alongside Gershon, and his training methods and ideas are continually developing. This makes him one of the most knowledgeable personal defense experts I know." --David Ashworth, Professional Security Consultant

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Book SynopsisA fast and powerful style that excels in throwing and ground fighting Sambo is considered one of the most effective, technically diverse, and dynamic modern sport fighting styles ever devised. Developed in the Soviet Union and based on Kodokan Judo and wrestling, sambo emphasizes utility over aesthetics. The end result is a fast paced and powerful system that excels in both throwing and ground fighting. This book offers a serious, technical look at the Russian martial sport that has changed the way the martial arts world looks at grappling. Our emphasis will be a systematic approach, presenting skills based on their function and utility in actual sport fighting. Sambo places emphasis on fast-paced, powerful and functional throwing techniques, and equally fast-paced, powerful and functional ground fighting techniques. Using fundamentally sound skills performed by a motivated and well-conditioned athlete, who has molded what he knows to work for him with a high ratio of success, is hard to beat. Contents include The essentials of sambo Throwing techniques Leg, ankle, and hip locks Armlocks Holds and breakdowns Over 1200 instructional photographs “The skills presented in this book have all passed the tests of time and competition. Everything presented has been used successfully at all levels of competitive sambo.” —Steve ScottTrade Review“Russian sambo is a unique sport and martial art known for its combat effectiveness and adaptability. The Sambo Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Throws, Holds, and Submission Techniques is the first English language book that addresses the whole of sambo. I applaud Steve Scott’s efforts in advancing the rich tradition of Russian sambo.” —Igor Kurinnoy Three-time world sambo champion Five-time Sambo World Cup champion “There are only a handful of people who have been continually present and influential in the sport of sambo since it first arrived on our shores. Among them is Steve Scott. He has continually trained top athletes, published texts and hosted tournaments. The Sambo Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Throws, Holds, and Submission Techniques his new compendium is a much awaited text. Few and far between are comprehensive English language books on the diversity of techniques that comprise sambo. This book will surely become required reading for new and old members of the sambo community.” —Steve Koepfer Head coach of New York Sambo Combat Sambo “Steve Scott has my personal sincere appreciation on such a great book. Steve has left a real legacy.” —Leonid Polyakov Executive secretary USA Sambo “I’ve known Steve Scott for several decades and he has always been a fan of sambo and judo. He is a man who is talented in many skills and a great teacher and writer. I am proud to say that I support any effort that Steve puts forth to promote sambo. His book, The Sambo Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Throws, Holds, and Submission Techniques comes from a very qualified and competent individual and I throw my full support behind it.” —Joe Neely US World Team coach Head coach Sombo Joe “The Sambo Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Throws, Holds, and Submission Techniques is the first English language publication that covers all aspects of sambo throws, takedowns, immobilizations, and submissions. This book is truly a comprehensive guide to the Russian martial art. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to train in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus but most people don’t have this option and that is why this book is important. The Sambo Encyclopedia gives you an insight to sambo’s training methods.” —Gregg Humphreys Dynamo Combat Club/Miletich Fighting Systems “The Sambo Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Throws, Holds, and Submission Techniques is a great book and Steve Scott is a great coach! If you want to know what sambo is all about, this is the book to read.” —Jan Trussell World, Pan American, and US Nationals sambo champion “I have been lucky to have spent my entire career training under Steve Scott. He has taken me from a 27-year-old recreational grappling enthusiast to the highest levels of competition in less than ten years. Because of Steve’s guidance and tutelage, I have won silver at the Sambo Masters World Championships, medaled twice at the Pan American Sambo Championships and most recently a silver in 2019. I won the Sambo National Championship and trained over the world with world-class athletes and coaches. I owe this all to Steve Scott and a healthy respect for hard work. “I train with Steve Scott on a daily basis and yet I still look forward to each and every book, knowing that I will be better for reading it.” —Derrick Darling Sando judo, silver medalist Sambo Masters World Championship Silver and bronze medalist, Pan American Sambo Championship National Sambo Championship “Steve Scott is a world-class coach of sambo, judo, and jujitsu. Steve’s own competitive background includes winning two national sambo championships as well as many high-level judo tournaments. As a coach he has produced three world sambo champions and a world medalist. Steve has been coach of the US World and Pan American Sambo Teams, the US Jr. World and Pan Am Judo Teams, and many others. I first met Steve at the US Olympic Committee Coach’s College in the 1980s where we were selected to represent judo. As I got to know Steve, I was impressed by the depth of his knowledge in all aspects of judo, sambo, and other grappling arts. Even more impressive is his ability to impart his knowledge to others. I highly recommend The Sambo Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Throws, Holds, and Submission Techniques. Now, for the price of a book you can tap into Steve’s vast experience and learn how to take your game to the next level.” —John Saylor Three-time US national judo champion, Pan American medalist Head Coach US Olympic Training Center judo team (1983-1991) Author of Strength and Conditioning Secrets of the World’s Greatest Fighters Director Shingitai Jujitsu Association “Steve Scott’s impressive tome is exactly what the title declares: The Sambo Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Throws, Holds, and Submission Techniques. This comprehensive book really is an encyclopedia of the Russian martial art of sambo. It pragmatically guides you through throws, takedowns, transitions, armlocks, leg locks, hold-downs, and breakdowns from this Russian martial sport. This incredible resource belongs in every sambo practitioner’s library, and it’s a book that will help anyone who desires to up their grappling skills through sambo’s techniques and training methods.” —Alain Burrese, JD 5th dan Hapkido, Author Table of ContentsIntroduction Author’s Note Chapter One: The Essentials of Sambo Chapter Two: The Throwing Techniques of Sambo Chapter Three: The Leg Locks, Ankle Locks, and Hip Locks of Sambo Chapter Four: The Armlocks of Sambo Chapter Five: The Holds and Breakdowns of Sambo Chapter Six: Epilogue Some Closing Thoughts About The Author

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Book SynopsisWith detailed photographs and clear instruction for practice, this is the first book comprehensively to cover the history, development and training methods of this rarely taught esoteric internal martial art. The deceptively simple postures and movements of Yiquan are highly effective for achieving results for both health and combat, making it very appealing to martial artists, and Master Tang here reveals the secrets of a martial art still surrounded in mystery. He also provides a history of the origins and lineage of the Yiquan tradition, as well as detailed information on the stances and movements, weapons, and programs, grading and teaching.This complete guide to Yiquan will be essential for anyone interested in Yiquan or oriental martial and internal arts more generally.Trade ReviewThis book is clearly the fruit of many decades of intensive research and practice under the old generation of Yi Chuan masters. It gives very lucid, detailed descriptions of the entire training system, as well as revealing the previously hidden theories and training concepts which give this system the essence it is famous for. Extensive photos of both the author and many old masters bring the text to life. This work is a remarkable achievement in the field of Chinese martial arts. -- Alex Kozma, author of Warrior Guards the Mountain: The Internal Martial Traditions of China, Japan and South East AsiaTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Disclaimer. Foreword. Introduction. 1. History of Yiquan. 1.1. Origin. 1.2. Development. 1.3. Establishments. 1.4. Anecdote of Wang. 1.5. Bruce Lee and Yiquan. 2. My way of Yiquan. 3. Wang's valuable words. 4. System and Theories. 5. Quick Start – Liang's 3 Treasures. 5.1. Stance. 5.2. Dun Yao. 5.3. Tuo Yao and Cuo Yao. 5.4. Prostration. 6. Zhan Zhang - Static Stances. 6.1. Before practice. 6.2. Postures. 6.3. Effects. 7. Shi Li – Test Strength. 7.1. Test Strength Format. 7.2. 10 Combat Test Strength. 8. Mo Ca Bu – Footwork. 9. Fa Li – Emit Strength. 9.1. Fixed step Emit Strength. 9.2. Moving step Emit Strength. 10. Fa Sheng – Emit Sound. 11. Tui Shou - Push Hand. 12. Shan Cao – Punch. 13. Duan Shou – Combat free sparring. 14. Advanced Techniques. 14.1. Advanced Stances. 14.2. Big Step Stances. 14.3. Fist Stances. 15. Fist Dance. 16. Yiquan Weapons. 17. Special Features. 18. Arranging Programs and Grading. 19. Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisQigong is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that involves coordinating breathing patterns with physical postures to maintain health and well-being. Liu Zi Jue: Six Sounds Approach to Qigong Breathing Exercises is an accessible, fully-illustrated guide to this particular qigong exercise, which focuses on breath control.Liu Zi Jue regulates and controls the rise and fall of Qi (vital energy) through the inhalation and exhalation of six sounds. The exercises feature slow, gentle movements that are safe and easy to learn and are suitable for people of all ages and in all conditions of health. The routine strengthens the liver, heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys, thus helping to balance the energy and functions of the internal organs, and has also been shown to have a calming effect and to alleviate stress. Each routine is described step-by-step, and is illustrated with photographs and key points. The authors also point out common mistakes and offer advice on how to correct these.Complemented by an appendix of acupuncture points and accompanied by a digital download, this book will be of interest to Qigong and Tai Chi practitioners at all levels, students of martial arts and anyone interested in Chinese culture.Trade ReviewThis production scores for its novelty value and clarity of its actual teaching. -- Tai Chi Finder LimitedWith these books the Chinese Health Qigong Association have come close to providing everyone with their own personal qigong instructor. -- Tai Chi Finder LimitedLiu Zi Jue is also known as "the Six Healing Sounds", "the Six Qi Method" and "the Six Word Secret". This is a classical system first written down in the sixth centruy. Originally, the practice was a breathing exercise using the six sounds but later body movements were added to the practice. The book and DVD give the most comprehensive description of how to make the sounds correctly. There are very specific instructions on how to position the mouth, teeth and tongue and, of course, you hear the correct sound on the DVD. The DVD is very professionally and beautifully done and is one of the best that I have seen. The practitioners demonstrating the forms are clearly very experienced and are excellent models to follow. -- Medical Qigong Education Centre

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Book SynopsisWINNER SPORTS USA Best Books Award 2015 Fight Like a Physicist provides an in-depth, sometimes whimsical look into the physics behind martial arts for sport and self-defense. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a curious enthusiast, this book can give you an "unfair advantage" by unraveling the complex science of effective fighting techniques and examining the core principles that make them work. In addition to breaking down the principles behind the punches, Dr. Thalken, a computational physicist with a long history of martial arts across various styles, applies the mind-set of a physicist to a number of controversial topics in the martial arts: *Making physics your "unfair advantage," in the ring and on the street*Examining center of mass, pi, levers, wedges, angular momentum, and linear momentum for martial artists*Protecting the brains of fighters and football players from concussions*Reducing traumatic brain injury in contact sports*Exposing the illusion of safety provided by gloves and helmets*Overturning conventional wisdom on compliance during an assault*Busting Hollywood action myths*Giving the mystical side of martial arts a much-needed reality check Dr. Thalken invites readers to take a scientific approach to training and fighting, and provides all the tools necessary to get the most out of their experiences and make their training count.Trade ReviewThalken explores how physics can be applied to martial arts.More than a body of facts, Thalken sees physics as a practical discipline: an approach that can be applied to any number of pursuits. His chosen pursuit is martial arts. As in physics, the author says, no authority or status can make a martial artist's technique effective. Testable and reproducible results hold all the power. His thesis is that by understanding the way the human body moves and balances, a martial artist can gain the upper hand on opponents who do not approach their sport scientifically. Thalken outlines the way concepts from physics reveal strategies in fightingthe center of mass is important for leg sweeps and grappling, hits that travel shorter distances will arrive with greater force and speed, etc. He also debunks common misconceptions about equipment. For example, boxing gloves are not safer" than bare knuckles; while they distribute force over a wider area, causing fewer breaks in the skin, they allow the fist to strike with more momentum and hit hard surfaces (like the head) more frequently. He also delves into many of the myths propagated by media portrayals of martial arts as well as the pseudoscience propagated by practitioners of martial arts themselves. A relatively short book, the work is more primer than instruction manual, advocating a perspective as opposed to promoting individual exercises or training regimens. There is an infectious energy to Thalken's prose, one that sells both the no-nonsense combat analysis and the cool skepticism of the physics discussion. As a guidebook, the text has very little fat: section titles like, Where Is My Center of Mass, and Why Do I Care?" keep readers assured Thalken isn't trying to force more information on them than needed. The author is an apt communicator of even the more abstract ideas, putting them into a simple, intuitive context. It's unclear if thinking like a physicist can actually win a fighter matches, but it certainly provides a new grammar for thinking about the ways in which our bodies move.An enlightening book for martial artists seeking a competitive edge. Kirkus Fight Like a Physicist is a cool concept that makes physics tangible for fans of fighting sports.As a martial arts practitioner with a doctorate in physics, Jason Thalken has an interesting perspective on fighting sports, and he applies his knowledge of scientific principles to his chosen sport in Fight Like a Physicist. Though there probably isn't quite enough material here for a full book, the early sections do a solid job explaining the physics in a relatable way that gives fighters some perspective on how to incorporate scientific knowledge to fight better.Fight Like a Physicist finds a nice middle ground in terms of the material's tone the writing is simple enough for its target audience to understand and apply, while it still delivers meaningful scientific concepts. For example, the book uses levers as a way to explain the relationship between distance and force, and explains how the dispersal of force on impact can make particular blows more or less effective.Thalken includes numerous charts and graphs throughout the book. Like many of the concepts he writes about, these visual representations will look familiar to anyone who took physics in high school, but may not have thought about the material since then. He throws in the occasional math box," to highlight mathematical concepts like the force curve or the center of mass, while using both equations and sample fight-based scenarios. Combined, these elements make Fight Like a Physicist both a useful primer and an enjoyable refresher.Though the early chapters are strong, the book does lose its way a bit late, with chapters that seem shoehorned in. Thalken includes a chapter about brain injuries affecting football players (including Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), and posits a theory about how applied force might manifest in such injuries. However, the author also has a patent pending on a new helmetwhich he discloses honestly, but which does make an already tangential chapter feel like a sales pitch at times.Other sections criticize practices like tai chi for their lack of scientific basis, or advocate fighting back against criminals in dangerous real-life situations, but these parts feel unnecessary, and the tone deviates from the book's strengths. They don't quite fit the fighting-sports theme, and the science in these chapters is less than clear cut, especially when compared to the universal principles discussed earlier.At its best, in the early chapters, Fight like a Physicist is a cool concept that makes physics tangible for fans of fighting sports, and can just as easily get more science-minded readers interested in those sports. -- Jeff Fleischer Foreword Reviews, March 12, 2015Table of ContentsIntroduction: Fight Like a Physicist Section 1: Internalize the Basics Chapter 1: Your Center of Mass Chapter 2: Energy, Momentum, and the Hit Points" Myth Chapter 3: The Number Pi and Glancing Blows Chapter 4: Levers, Wedges, and Free Lunches Section 2: Protect Yourself with Knowledge Chapter 5: Knockouts and Brain Damage in Athletes Chapter 6: Foam or Knuckles: Navigating the Illusion of Safety Chapter 7: Brain Damage: Do Helmets Even Help? Chapter 8: Guns, Knives, and The Hollywood Death Sentence Chapter 9: Chi and Pseudoscience in the Martial Arts Conclusion: You're Only Getting Started Works Cited

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Book SynopsisThis manual lays out techniques of the Keluarga Pencak Silat Nusantara (KPSN), one of the leading pencak silat organizations in Indonesia. Moving from the fundamental elements—stances and strikes—to exploring complex series of moves for exercise, self-defense, and competition, the manual shows the richness and uniqueness of this still relatively unknown martial art. For each technique covered, concise text accompanies clear, hand-drawn illustrations, making this guide an easy learning tool for beginners or enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and practice of pencak silat. The late Master O’ong Maryono was a world champion, international trainer, and recognized martial arts expert. Author of the seminal book Pencak Silat in the Indonesian Archipelago, he was an indomitable advocate for the preservation and development of pencak silat.

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Book SynopsisWINNER - Sports, 2016 Best Books Award BECAUSE NOT ALL KRAV MAGA IS THE SAME TM Israeli krav maga is the official self-defense system of the Israel Defense Forces. Krav maga training shares the same principles for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel alike to deliver them from harm's way. Goals however, are different for law enforcement and military personnel. This book is designed for security-conscious civilians, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals alike who want to improve their chances of not just surviving an armed attack, but increase the odds of prevailing without serious injury. Krav maga's popularity in professional law enforcement, military, and security circles is attributable to its practicality, simplicity, quick retention, easy learning curve, and brutal effectiveness. This effectiveness is built on a few core tenets and simple building blocks. General principles are applied and customized to suit the needs of a dynamic violent situation. Contents include: *Mind-sets, reactions, and tactics in response to violence*The highest-level counters against multiple armed attacks and threats*Core kick, clinch, and tackle defenses*Core ground survival tactics*Multiple-opponent strategies and tactics*Impact weapon defenses*Edged weapon defenses*Firearm disarms and retention*Includes 954 detailed photographs The most up-to-date tactics presented in this book focus on the most common violent scenarios. These techniques derive from the author's translation of the Israeli Krav Maga Association (IKMA) curriculum. The IKMA is the governing body for krav maga, recognized by the Israeli government and headed by Grandmaster Haim Gidon. Responsible people seek krav maga training as a shield against violence.Trade ReviewI can personally attest to how effective Krav Maga under David Kahn really works. Many people train krav maga on a regular basis, but never get to use it outside the gym setting or in a real life situation like I have. As a former professional football player and, a police officer for twenty-two years a member of a SWAT team for 12 years, I know the need for proper and consistent training. I have found that training with David Kahn is the best for the patrol and SWAT officer. My real life experience occurred when having to take into custody a wanted person who was a real threat to my life and possibly to those living in his area. One of my fellow officers who had just trained with David, got to see and witness first hand the knowledge and training that David has taught the law enforcement community when I had to use Krav Maga to take the violent individual into custody. As a police officer studying krav maga under David Kahn it has change my life both mentally and physically, I have a confidence and knowledge in krav maga that I can only get from David! -- Al "Poodie" Carson, Officer Having served as a Navy SEAL for more than twenty-five years, I recognized premier training when we did it. This is krav maga delivered at its highest levela phenomenal force multiplier. David provides instinctive, simple, and brutally efficient tools to prevail in a violent kinetic or nonkinetic hand-to-hand combat situation. The professional insights and tactics David presents are dead-on serious and practicalno nonsense. I, and other like-minded professionals, continue to train with David. I highly recommend David Kahn's reality-based krav maga approach to everyone who is serious about developing a hand-to-hand capability. -- S.M., (ret.) Senior Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy On behalf of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence (MACE) I would like to extend my appreciation to David B. Kahn and H. C. Sparky" Bollinger, Maj USMC (Ret.) as well as their professional training team. On several occasions they have trained the top-level Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) instructor-trainers as well as instructors of the FBI and DEA academy at our facility. Their clear and concise instruction in military hand-to-hand combat, as well as in law enforcement defensive tactics is of the highest caliber. -- Lt. Col. (ret.) J. C. Shusko, United States Marine Corps I would like to thank you for providing your expert instruction ... This represents an ongoing relationship with the goal of providing top-level best-practices training for all members of law enforcement throughout the state. Based on the response from this course, all agencies involved had nothing but praise for the course and your staff. It is important our tactics continually evolve as new techniques and defensive tactics are developed. I know the academy staff is looking forward to working with you in the future. Your instruction and skill set are at the highest level. -- Captain S. Munafo, Commandant, New Jersey State Police Training Bureau I wanted to express my gratitude for the Israeli Krav Maga weapon-defense training that you provided. The opportunity to do these skills 'hands on' with M4, shotgun, as well as the handgun is extremely beneficial. I appreciate that you stuck with real-world tactics and your delivery of the lesson was well taken by the law enforcement audience. Additionally, it was apparent that you are aware of the law enforcement rules of engagement. Thank you also for providing weapon disarming, close quarters/tubular combat, as well as removing subjects from vehicles during MV stops in addition to what you had planned for the day. It is obvious that as the chief instructor of the Israeli Krav Maga Association your knowledge of defensive tactics is extremely beneficial to the law enforcement community. -- Vladimir Vaval, New Jersey Transit Police Officer, Training Unit I would like to express my gratitude for the training you provided to the officers with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. The Law Enforcement Krav Maga Instructor course was excellent and a true asset to not only my officers but the visiting officers from various departments. The krav maga was effective yet easy to learn and retain, making it very practical for the patrol officer. We look forward to continuing the program and expanding it in the future. Your experience, knowledge of the law, and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated. If the Bureau of Law Enforcement can ever be of assistance in the future, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks again. -- Col Corey L. Britcher, Director, Pennsylvania Bureau of Law Enforcement I would like to thank you for sharing your expertise in Israeli krav maga with the members of the New Jersey State Police, Executive Protection Bureau. The simplicity of the moves, coupled with effectiveness of the techniques, makes this training useful in real-world situations. I particularly like the disarming training and simultaneous 'block and strike' techniques. Your professional instruction and enthusiastic participation along with you and your entire staff made this training a true success. Israeli krav maga has further prepared the New Jersey State Police, Executive Protection Bureau, in achieving our mission of protecting our principals. We look forward to training with you and your impressive krav maga fighting system in the future. -- Lt. Kevin Cowan, Training Officer, New Jersey State Police, Executive Protection Bureau I would like to start by saying what an informative and eye-opening experience all of my team had during the seminar you and your team delivered in Portsmouth (UK) back in July 2013. The magnitude of knowledge combined with your relentless approach to adapting techniques to create a workable solution fit for specific military purpose was commendable. However, what stood out most to my team in our reflection of the experience was the manner of its delivery, as at no stage did you sell the system as being the way or a better way; you simply provided realistic options that could be adapted to fit any requirement or scenario/environment. Royal Marines Close Combat (RM CC) will always look to evolve, as this is at the heart of commando business. To cross-pollinate further knowledge and experiences I and my team will look to maintain links wherever possible with you and your instructors, as I strongly believe this will benefit to both parties, as I know you already do with other elite units globally. -- Sgt. Ben Perkins, RM CC UK Chief Instructor Trainer (IT), Commando Training Centre Royal Marines Of all the training I have put myself through for the last several years, nothing could have prepared me for the experience in Mexico City this evening. I am currently here on a business trip and was walking from the IBM office to my hotel (only ten minutes away) with two of my colleagues from the States. Some guy comes out of nowhere, and started speaking Spanish in a threatening tone. I didn't know what he was saying, but he pulled out a gun and pointed at all of us moving it around (in broad daylight). All three of us froze up. One of my colleagues started trying to speak Spanish saying sorry, no problem. I charged in and grabbed the gun followed by the standard disarm: redirected it to the ground, punched him so bloody hard in the face whilst keeping the gun pointed away, and pulled the gun out. He fell to the ground... I wanted to send you this note, because I know that krav maga and what I have learnt from you saved me. -- Anuj Batra, Krav Maga student David Kahn is a true professional. He is extremely knowledgeable yet humble. David is an outstanding author and instructor. I have known and worked with David for over 15 years. This book will provide the reader an opportunity to learn from one of the best Israeli Krav Maga instructors at their leisure. The techniques in this book are proven and effective. If practiced regularly and perfected, the techniques will become instinctive and will be effective. This book is the opportunity for you to better prepare yourself for encounters on the street or anywhere else. Now is the time to begin, protect yourself, your comrades and your family. -- Paul M. Miller, Retired Captain, New Jersey State Police, Academy Instructor, TEAMS Unit Member I have had the pleasure, opportunity, and advantage the last decade to train with United States Chief Instructor of the Israeli Krav Maga Association, David Kahn. I first met David when I was assigned to the New Jersey State Police Training Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey, as the lead defensive tactics instructor. I had been tasked by the Commandant to research, evaluate, assess, and conduct a best practices" for the NJSP defensive tactics program regarding duties of a NJSP Trooper. After researching federal, state, and local agencies' defensive tactics standards, training, and requirements, it was apparent that no uniform standard existed. However, it was obvious that Israeli Krav Maga Association met and exceeded any and all needs of the NJSP as well as the law enforcement community. I invited and met with David, his staff, as well as Haim Gidon, Grandmaster for Israeli Krav Maga Association based in Israel. After initially training with David it was clear that IKMA curriculum and best practices exceeded any national defensive tactics standards. I noted that not all krav maga is the same and made the recommendation. I was granted permission by the Commandant to move forward to formally bring in David Kahn (IKMA). As a result, Israeli Krav Maga was officially implemented into NJSP Academy recruit training, advanced, and in-service member training. David personally trained me, along with self-defense instructors Tpr. M. Oehlmann, Tpr. Rayhon, and Tpr. R. Roberts. David also trained the NJSP T.E.A.M.S (SWAT) and Executive Protection Unit (EPU). The IKMA provided us with the mind-set and physical skills a law enforcement officer will need to survive a situation and win. Several federal agencies have also brought David in to their academies to provide training for their instructors as well. Training in IKM prepared members of the NJSP to react decisively, instinctively, with speed, economy of motion, while combining a simultaneous defense and aggressive objectively reasonable response that can be performed under pressure thwarting any attack. IKM provided members with subduing techniques to safely and effectively direct, ease, place, restrain, and control an adversary onto the ground thus limiting liability and enabling the Trooper a smooth transition into a handcuffing procedure. IKM focused on legally acceptable anatomical targets allowing female and male troopers alike to overcome and neutralize a stronger adversary while also complying with an objectively reasonable use of force standard. The integration of IKM provided members with a seamless transition from defensive and close-quarters combat tactics to firearms utilizing force options. I highly recommend and believe that training with David Kahn (IKMA) should be implemented into all LE agencies firearms and defensive tactics programs. IKM is essential and critical to the responsibilities and job performance of LE members and agencies. Mickie W. McComb (Ret.), New Jersey State Police Assistant Unit Head Firearms and Self-Defense Training Unit, Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Use of Force Instructor, Training Bureau, Sea Girt, New Jersey;Expert Witness Excessive Use of Force;The TASA Group- Technical Advisory Service for Attorneys: Expert Witness Excessive Use of Force -- Mickie W. McComb (Ret.), New Jersey State PoliceTable of ContentsThe Professional Kravist Mindset When Facing a Deadly Attack Psychological Aspects Of Violent Conflict Violent Conflict's Mental and Physical Stress Manifestations Krav Maga's Training Philosophy Visceral Counter-Violence Attack the Attacker: Anatomical Targeting(TM) 24 Vulnerable Targets Injuring Versus Hurting Legal Considerations Krav Maga Tactical Positioning Reacting To An Ambush Seeing An Attack Straight Punch Defenses Hook Punch Defenses Krav Maga Throws Defending A Hook Punch Into Throws Counter-Throws Core Kick Defenses Clinching Clinch Defenses Tackle Defenses Escort Control Holds Core Ground Survival Tactics Protecting Your Neck Offenses From The Rearmount Impact Weapons Against Upper- And Lower-Body Strikes Short Impact Weapon Against Short Impact Weapon Impact Weapon Against Edged Weapon Attack Impact Defenses Against An Assailant Posturing with an Edged Weapon (Midlevel) Windmill" Rotational Defense Against An Overhead Edged Weapon (not depicted) How to Optimize Cold Weapon Combatives Mastering Personal, Impact and Firearm Combined Combatives Long-Gun Cold Weapons" Against Personal and Cold Weapons Defense With An Empty/Malfunctioning Pistol Against Edged Weapon Attacks Hostage Taker Holding A Knife To A Hostage's Throat Krav Maga's Firearm Disarm Philosophy Handgun Defenses From The Front VIP Protection Sidearm Retention Long-Gun Weapon Retention While Defending Takedown Attempts Use-of-force and Law Enforcement

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Book SynopsisKrav Maga is a modern and proven self-defence system. Easy to learn because it is based on natural reflexes, it is extremely efficient to use against one or more attackers. There is only one goal: to survive violent conflicts as unscathed as possible. Developed by the Israeli army and formerly an insider tip in military training, this close combat system is booming worldwide. Krav Maga is not a traditional or competitive martial art but pure self-defence. It’s all about survival. Its techniques are constantly developed and adapted to current threat situations. In his book Krav Maga: Effective Techniques for Self-Defense, his second on this self-defence method, the author methodically explains more than 100 Krav Maga techniques for self-defence—including more than 300 detailed photos—by using the principles that make this system so successful. It includes information on both well-founded basics as well as advanced techniques, depending on the distance to the attacker. The effective techniques for self-defence in this book help to demonstrate what Krav Maga is all about, gives exercise tips for more successful and safe execution, and provides information to help the reader further develop the learned techniques, making this the official book about Krav Maga training.

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Book SynopsisChin Na is one of the four major fighting categories in all Chinese martial styles.   The four categories are: Kicking (Ti) Striking (Da) Wrestling (Shuai) Seize-Controlling (Na) This book is also laid out according to actual fighting scenarios as follows: Chin Na Against Barhand Attacks Chin Na Against Blocking Chin Na Against Kicking Chin Na Against Knife Attacks Offensive Chin Na Techniques With over 375 techniques, practitioners can discover a variety of techiques suitable to their needs and martial arts style. Effective application of Chin Na requires speedy execution of a block or yield, a set up, and then a proper technique. By experimenting with different situations presented in this book, you can find those techniques that work best for you. Seize-Controlling Chin Na techniques can be effectively used against an opponents grabbing attacks as well as against wrestling. Pressing and striking Chin Na can be used to seal the opponents breathing, vein/artery, or Qi circulation, which can cause severe pain, numbness, and unconsciousness. Most of Chin Na can be learned easily and be adopted into any martial style. Chin Na has been known as the root of the Japanese arts of Jujitsu and Aikido, and practitioners can use the study of Chin Na to increase their understanding of the theory and principles of their own arts. This book is designed to make learning easier. Trade Review"This is a unique and unusual reference which will prove invaluable to any involved in martial arts: a survey of Chinese seizing styles which covers both new techniques and traditional combat scenarios. In addition to written descriptions of the techniques, there are numerous step-by-step black and white photos which prove invaluable for illustration. Highly recommended. " Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Ronda Rousey''s My Fight Your Fight and John Kavanagh''s Win or Learn comes the first book from UFC fighter and now analyst Dan Hardy, who lifts the lid on his own career and writes with insight and eloquence on all things MMA and UFC, the brutal and ever-evolving sport that launched such superstars as Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping, Georges St-Pierre, Nate Diaz and Amanda Nunes.Dan Hardy''s first book is much more than a straightforward MMA autobiography. Taking the key fights from his career, Hardy explores the sport with the unparalleled insight that has made him the best analyst working today.From training in China with Shaolin monks, to how MMA helped him channel his rage, to psychedelics and the ceremony in Peru that changed his life, to tapping into his ''reptilian brain'' and the psychological warfare of UFC, to his epic title fight with Georges St-Pierre.Hardy also speaks eloquently of the heart condition that foTrade ReviewSkilfully described, captivating, and like the author himself, wholly authentic . . . In sharing his life story, Hardy offers inspiration and wisdom. He's also funny, engaging and thoroughly entertaining in the process. Highly recommended. * Flowvibration.com *

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Book SynopsisThis 19th-century self-defense manual—written by a master swordsman—will appeal to fencers and martial artists as well as fans of Victorian-era culture, steampunk, and American history Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery was a master swordsman who participated in more than fifty duels, fought under twelve flags, battled gangsters, and was constantly involved in the great conflicts and upheavals of his time. In the 1870s, he began writing his magnum opus—a series of newspaper articles that are now collected here for the first time in Self-Defense for Gentleman and Ladies. In this book, Colonel Monstery presents a unique look into the Victorian-era fighting world. He describes styles such as British “purring” (shin-kicking), Welsh jump-kicking, and American rough-and-tumble fighting, in addition to providing illustrated instruction in the art of gentlemanly self-defense with a cane, staff, or one’s bare hands. Fifty rare drawings and photographs from the period illuminate Monstery’s world, while an extensive glossary of terms and an introductory biography of Colonel Monstery—including fascinating details of his many duels as well as his groundbreaking devotion to teaching fencing and self-defense skills to women—update his text to make it accessible and useful to gentlemen and ladies of any era.ContentsColonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery: The Unknown American Martial Arts MasterI. Introduction.II. The Logic of Boxing.III. Standing and Striking.IV. Advancing to Strike and Feinting.V. Simple Parries in Boxing.VI. Parries with Returns.VII. Effective or Counter Parries in Boxing.VIII. Offence and Defense by Evasions.IX. Trips, Grips, and Back-Falls.X. Rules for a Set-to with Gloves.XI. Observations on Natural Weapons.XII. The Use of the Cane.XIII. The Use of the Cane (continued).XIV. The Use of the Staff.XV. The Use of the Staff (continued).Appendix: Monstery''s Rules for Contests of Sparring and FencingGlossary

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Book SynopsisWINNER - Self-Help, 2016 Best Books AwardThe speed and brutality of apredatory attack can shock even an experienced martial artist. The suddenchaos, the cascade of stress hormonesyou feel as though time slows down. Inreality, the assault is over in an instant. How does anyone prepare for that? As a former correctionssergeant and tactical team leader, Rory Miller is a proven survivor. Heinstructs police and corrections professionals who, in many cases, receive onlyeight hours of defensive tactics training each year. They need techniques thatwork and they need unflinching courage. In Drills: Training for Sudden Violence Miller gives you the toolsto prepare and prevail, both physically and psychologically. He shares hard-wonlessons from a world most of us hope we never experience. *Train in fundamentals,combat drills, and dynamic fighting.*Developsituational awareness.*Conditionyourself through stress inoculation.*Take a criticallook at your training habits.You don't get to pick wherefights go," Miller writes. That's why he has created a series of drills to trainyou for the worst of it. You will defend yourself on your feet, on the ground, againstweapons, in a crowd, and while blindfolded. You will reevaluate your trainingscenarioskeeping what works, discarding what does not, and improving yourchances of survival. Miller's internal work,"world work," and plastic mind" exercises will challenge you in ways that merephysical training does not. Sections include *Stalking*Escape andevasion*The predatormind*Personal threatassessmentThis is a fight for yourlife, and it won't happen on a nice soft mat. It will get, as Miller says, allkinds of messy." Drills: Training for Sudden Violence prepares you for that mess.Trade ReviewThose of us who teach self-defense have a vital responsibility to ensure that our students can actually use what they learn. The challenge is that we can never know when a student will be forced to apply their skills. It could be today, tomorrow, next year or never. That makes it the instructor's responsibility to make each and every student as competent as possible as quickly as possible. In Drills Rory Miller gives exercises and training philosophy that serve this goal. Some of the drills are mental, because the author recognizes that survival is not just a physical problem. Some are simple, things you can do right now. Some, like scenarios, are on the leading edge of current professional training. There's a lot in this book, and no fluff. Concise, effective, and useful, I cannot recommend it highly enough! -- Lawrence A. Kane, martial artist, author of Surviving Armed Assaults, co-author of The Little Black Book of Violence and Scaling Force Rory Miller has once again provided a master piece delineating not only his well thought out and useful drills for martial arts and self-defense, but providing invaluable insight for teaching martial arts and self-defense skills across the broad range of experience and need. Many of his drills provide more mental and psychological training than physical and, as such, viable to any practitioner from the novice to the expert. His book provides practical exercises building off of his previous books, Meditations on Violence and Facing Violence. -- Jeffrey Cooper, MD, Emergency Physician, Tactical Physician, 6th Dan, Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Power is the ability to do things. So knowledge isn't power. Just knowing" has no ability to get things done. Knowledge has to be effectively applied to be powerful. That's why this latest book from Rory Miller is so very important; it teaches drills that effectively develop the ability apply many differing skills and attributes. Rory once again shares his hard won expertise in a logical and accessible way.Iain Abernethy, 6th dan, World Combat Association Chief International Coach, author -- Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan, World Combat Association Chief International Coach, author of Mental Strength, Throws for Strikers, and Karate's Grappling Methods The best way to train for a serious fight is full out; however, if you do that, you may break your toys -- or they may break you. If somebody doesn't get hurt, you are doing it wrong. Rory Miller has developed a series of drills that can help. No drill is perfect, but those in this book on how to survive serious mayhem, are effective. Read it, and learn. -- Steve Perry, New York Times bestselling author, Shadows of the EmpireTable of ContentsIntroduction Forwardby Wim Demeere Acknowledgements Evaluating Drills OS: The One-Step Series OS1: The One-Step OS2: Four Option One-Step OS3: The Baby Drill OS4: Slow Man Drills OS5: Three-Way Coaching OS6: Dance Floor Melee OS7: Frisk Fighting OS8: Environmental Fighting OS9: The Brawl Interlude 1: Biases and Assumptions B: Blindfolded Drills B1: Blindfolded Defense B2: Blindfolded Targeting B3: Core Fighting B4: Blindfolded Infighting D: Dynamic Fighting D1:Dynamic Fighting D2: Sumo D3: The Hole Against the Wall D4: Moving in the Clinch D5: French Randori Interlude #2: Sources F: Fundamentals F1: Maai With Weapons F2: Offlining F3: The Targeting Drill F4: The Lock Flow Drill F5: Initiative F6: Advanced Ukemi F7: Pushing F8: Core Defense GM: Ground Movement GM1: Roll-over Drill Phase 1 GM2: Roll-over Drill Phase 2 GM3: Roll-over Drill Phase 3 GM4: Roll-over Drill Phase 4 GM5: The Wax On, Wax Off of Groundfighting GM6: One Up, One Down GM7: Blindfolded Grappling Interlude #3 Social and Asocial PM: The Plastic Mind Exercises PM1: Animal Styles PM2: Fighting the Elements PM3: The Other IW: Internal Work IW1: Centering IW2: Eating Frogs IW3: The Game of the Stones IW4: Lists IW5: Slaughtering and Butchering IW6: Ethics and Glitches IW7: To Save My Children IW8: The Predator Mind IW9: The Articulation Exercise Interlude #4: Training Open-Ended Skills C: Combat Drills C1: Takeouts C2: Multiman C3: Break Through C4: Bull in the Ring C5: The Reception Line C6: Scenario Training WW: World Work WW1: The Clothespin Game WW2: Ten New Things WW3: Stalking WW4: Escape and Evasion WW5: Counting Coup WW6: Dog Handling WW7: Global Awareness Exercises WW8: Legal Articulation WW9: World Building Exercise WW10: Personal Threat Assessment SC: On Sparring and Competition SC1: Kumite and variations SC2: Judo Randori: Nage SC3: Free Grappling and variations SC4: Jujutsu Randori SC5: Full Contact SC6: Mixed Martial Arts SC7: Competition Interlude #5: The Violence Prone Play Group T: Tricks and One-Offs T1: The Touchstone T2: Hit me as hard as you can" T3: The No-Touch Parry T4: Action/Reaction Appendix:Setting up a VPPG (Violence Prone Playgroup) Afterword: Real SuperPowers

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Book SynopsisNINE LEVELS, EASY TO EXPERT This book stands apart from other staff training manuals. While most titles focus on forms and twirling, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author draws on thirty years of martial experience, presenting the best of both Eastern and Western traditions. Joe Varady lays out a comprehensive course of study in nine levels, from beginner to expert. He guides readers through such fundamentals as stances, striking, blocking, and footwork. In advanced lessons, readers learn disarming techniques, groundwork, and facing multiple opponents. But this book is not just for staff enthusiasts. Even those unfamiliar with martial arts can adapt these techniques, increasing their skill and confidence in defending themselves. "Our environment is usually full of improvised weapons," Varady writes. Staff fighting techniques can be effectively applied in a self-defense situation using a walking stick, coatrack, curtain rod, floor lamp, hockey stick, fallen tree branch, broom, mop, shovel, or rake." Equipped with this knowledge, readers will begin to realize that, in one way or another, they are nearly always armedand capable of defending themselves. This book features *Nine levels of instruction, progressing from easy to expert*Over 600 photos with motion arrows*A nondenominational" approach to staff, utilizing the best of Eastern and Western arts*A comprehensive, methodical approach to building staff skills If you are already a student of the staff, these lessons will not conflict with your katas or current style. Instead, they will augment your techniques, broadening your options. Whether you are an experienced staff fighter or a layman seeking practical techniques for self-defense, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting will help you develop the skills you need.Table of Contents0 0 1 432 2469 YMAA Publication Center 20 5 2896 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE Foreword Preface Introduction What is Staff Fighting? A Brief History of the Staff Staff Fighting and Self Defense Think Big Know Your Staff Intensity The Levels Level1: The Foundation Fundamentals Stances Basic Striking Understanding the Lines Basic Blocking Blocking, Parrying, and Evading Footwork Figure Eights Level 1 Workout Level2: Basic Middle Grip The Fighting Stance Combat Striking Range, Distancing, and the Circle of Death Targeting Training Equipment: Target Sticks Combinations Feinting Strategy and Tactics Training Equipment: The Pell Defense: The Wall Level 2 Workout Level3: Advanced Middle Grip The Double Strike Training Equipment: Target Sticks Hooking Disarms The Push-Pull Energy Drill Training Equipment: The Striking Ball Disarming Blocks Sliding Disarms Shushi's Wall Level 3 Workout Level4: Basic Extended Grip Introduction to Extended Grip Extended Grip Basic Strikes Extended Grip Figure Eights Extended Grip Thrusting Training Equipment: The Target Ball Training Equipment: The Thrust Board Snap Strikes Training Equipment: The Horizontal Makiwara Extended Grip Blocking Disarms Level 4 Workout Level5: Advanced Extended Grip Fencing with the Staff The Disengage The Double Disengage The Cutover The Beat Extended Grip Hooking Disarms The Disarm Drill Training Equipment: Spinners Parrying Part the Grass to Find the Snake Level 5 Workout Level6: Combat with the Staff The Moment of Truth Full Contact Weapons Fighting Training Equipment: The Padded Staff Understanding Timing The Three-Step Rule Programming Continuation of Attack Blitz Attacks The Grand Overall Strategy Level 6 Workout Level7: Expert Training Hot Stuff Switching Grips Alternate Ready Positions Fool's Guard Tail Guard High Guard Rear Guard Additional Techniques Upward Heel Strike Overhand Heel Thrust Jabbing Thrust Poisonous Snake Fiore's Block Disarming Beat Trapping and Pinning Flying Front Kick Flicking Throwing Level8: Master Training Close Combat with the Staff Groundwork Facing Multiple Opponents with the Staff Unarmed Defense Against the Staff Level9: The Way of the Spear Intro to the Spear Basic Spear Fighting Strategy Training Equipment: The Rings Unarmed Defense Against a Spear Throwing the Spear Catching the Spear Tub Tilting Appendixes 0 0 1 341 1948 YMAA Publication Center 16 4 2285 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE Aboutthe Author

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Book SynopsisThe Judo Advantage explores the dynamics of how and why the human body works most efficiently for throwing, submission, and pinning techniques. Although judo provides the basis for the author’s analysis, his insights also relate to other grappling sports such as Russian sambo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Olympic and collegiate wrestling. Gain a competitive edge using the principles of human biomechanics. Master the ability to control your opponent’s movements. Improve fluency for seamless transition between techniques. Generate incredible power and speed. This book features: In-depth analysis of stances, balance breaking, throws, takedowns, transitions, ground fighting, trapping, footwork, combinations, gripping, posting, linear and angular movement, torque, generating power, evading, generating force, changing directions, and stability Over 200 action photos Drills and winning insight for coaches and athletes of grappling arts Steve Scott merges traditional martial wisdom with modern kinesiology, the study of human anatomy and movement. This new biomechanical perspective helps competitors develop every facet of their grappling skill, giving them a clear advantage in controlling opponents.

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Book SynopsisEspecially designed for learning Tai Chi at home Tai Chi in 10 Weeks is designed to guide beginning students through the fundamentals of tai chi in only ten weeks. Dr. Aihan Kuhn teaches you an easy to learn twenty-four-step Yang-style tai chi form. Tai chi is best known as a gentle full body exercise that has been proven effective for reducing stress, calming your mind, and boosting your immune system. No wonder, millions of people around the world practice tai chi for health and wellness. Dr. Aihan Kuhn is a master instructor of tai chi and qigong. In this book she shares the lessons she’s learned in a lifetime of studying and teaching. She is warm and encouraging, making readers of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome. This book features: A ten-week calendar to guide you through your introduction to tai chi Over 200 beautiful full-color photos Warm, welcoming instruction from a master of tai chi and qigong With this book you will: Learn the twenty-four-step Yang-style form Understand the fundamentals of tai chi Discover not just the physical postures of tai chi, but also its psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits “Tai chi is a life journey,” Dr. Kuhn writes. "Part of my success is from my patients and students that understand that prevention requires participation. They practice tai chi and qigong on a regular basis, which is key to their health and healing. Can you really learn tai chi in 10 weeks? Yes, you can learn the fundamentals of tai chi. You can build the foundation for this life-changing journey. Tai Chi in 10 Weeks is your road map."

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Book SynopsisThe speed and brutality of a predatory attack can shock even an experienced martial artist. The sudden chaos, the cascade of stress hormones―you feel as though time slows down. In reality, the assault is over in an instant. How does anyone prepare for that? As a former corrections sergeant and tactical team leader, Rory Miller is a proven survivor. He instructs police and corrections professionals who, in many cases, receive only eight hours of defensive tactics training each year. They need techniques that work and they need unflinching courage. In Training for Sudden Violence Miller gives you the tools to prepare and prevail, both physically and psychologically. He shares hard-won lessons from a world most of us hope we never experience. Train in fundamentals,combat drills, and dynamic fighting. Develop situational awareness. Condition yourself through stress inoculation. Take a critical look at your training habits. “You don't get to pick where fights go,” Miller writes. That's why he has created a series of drills to train you for the worst of it. You will defend yourself on your feet, on the ground, against weapons, in a crowd, and while blindfolded. You will reevaluate your training scenarios―keeping what works, discarding what does not, and improving your chances of survival. Miller's internal work, world work, and plastic mind exercises will challenge you in ways that mere physical training does not. Sections include: Stalking Escape and evasion The predator mind Personal threat assessment This is a fight for your life, and it won't happen on a nice soft mat. It will get, as Miller says, “all kinds of messy.” Training for Sudden Violence prepares you for that mess.

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Book SynopsisA concise yet comprehensive history of traditional Okinawan and Japanese karate, with biographies of the great karate mastersThis concise-yet-comprehensive history of traditional Okinawan and Japanese karate includes authoritative biographies of the great karate masters of the past and the philosophical issues they faced as karate changed and evolved. Bringing a fresh understanding to the study of the martial arts, Mark I. Cramer dispels many of the often-repeated martial-arts myths as he details the lineages of the modern styles of karate and describes the social, cultural, and political events that influenced them. While most books focus on a single style of karate or the biography of just one of the great teachers, this book offers a well-researched and detailed overview. By bringing all of this knowledge together in one volume, Cramer?an award-winning inductee into the USA Karate Federation?s Hall of Fame?fills a crucial gap.

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Book SynopsisThrough the lenses of Shotokan Karate and biomedicine, sensei and biomedical scientist Alex W. Tong shows readers how body, mind, and spirit can be developed through martial arts practice.Through the practice of martial arts, a person can realize their full potential--not only in body, but in mind and spirit. The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts shows readers how. Author, sensei, and biomedical scientist Alex W. Tong delves into the physical, mental, and spiritual components of martial arts and integrates contemporary sports psychology, kinesiology, and neuroscience into a nuanced and illuminating understanding of what martial arts practice can be.Structured into three sections, Tong discusses:The Mind: The dao of martial arts, mental tranquility, contemporary neuroscience, and warming up the brainThe Body: Posture and stance, breathing in martial arts, and the physics of mastery and effortThe Spirit: Soul, spirit, and moving zen; nature and manifestations of the spiritEach section includes observations on martial arts origins, physiology, and tangible results on martial arts training. Blending traditional and contemporary approaches, knowledge, and research, The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts builds a vision of practice that elevates physical performance, awareness, decisiveness, and strength of spirit.

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Book SynopsisDocumenting the rise of women's wrestling from sideshow to WWE main event

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Book SynopsisThe 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.

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Book Synopsis'You can get a couple of years for beating the shit out of another bloke or a couple of grand. I chose to do the latter.'Decca's story is that of a bullied boy with an impossible dream. Of solvent abuse, violence, drug addiction, depression, boxing, bare-knuckle fighting but - ultimately - redemption.It begins on a council estate in Carlisle where, as the victim of cruel bullies, a young Decca anaesthetised himself from the pain and humiliation by sniffing solvents. In his mid-teens the fear fell away to be replaced by fury, as the bullies soon discovered to their cost. Memories of that frightened boy fuelled a rage that forged a fearsome street-fighter and future champion.Working on the doors attracted more trouble but further enhanced his growing reputation. At the age of nineteen, life was good until the love of his life left him. Depression set in and prevailed. For almost ten years, he fell prey to a rampant cocaine habit, which provoked his demons, making him unpredictable and dangerous to be around. Serious jail time seemed inevitable.Out of sheer desperation, his dad arranged Decca's first unlicensed boxing match. He won and became instantly hooked. Having gotten fit, hungry, and off the drugs, he was lured into the bloody arena of bare-knuckle fighting. Many brutal undefeated fights followed, as did two BKB heavyweight titles. A chance meeting with renowned boxing promoter, Ricky English led to Decca's shot at the iconic 'Guv'nor' title. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Book SynopsisGround fighting is taking the martial arts world by storm, but how do you get to the ground safely and end in a prone position? What are the dangers of throwing and taking an opponent over? In this book on throwing and take-down techniques of Sambo, the author teaches how to control vertical grappling and destroy an assailant with a demolishing throw. Including the original "blow before throw" techniques banned from sport grappling at the beginning of the century.

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Book SynopsisThe Sword Form is an important aspect of the popular Chinese martial art, Tàijíquan. The 32-Posture Sword Form, from the point of view of the physical movements only, is not complex, but there is a significant amount of other information, relating to the applications, that is open to interpretation. Written by an experienced teacher of Tàijíquan, this book provides a detailed description of the Jian (the sword), its parts and how it should be held. Using photographs and illustrations, the author gives step-by-step instructions for the main 13 applications including sword strokes, stances and footwork techniques.This book contains a wealth of information on Sword Form technique and is an ideal resource for students of martial arts, experienced practitioners or anyone interested in learning about Tàijíquan.Trade ReviewJames Drewe is one of the most sucessful and well organised tai chi teachers I have ever met and this is reflected in the quality of the book. -- Tai Chi FinderTable of ContentsContents: Introduction. 1. Chinese Weapons. 2. The Jiàn. 3. A Brief History of the Jiàn 4. Blade Construction. 5. Parts of the Jiàn 6. The Balance of the Sword. 7. Holding the Sword. 8. Performing Taiji & Taiji Sword 9. Two-Person Sword Routines. 10. Traditional & Modern. 11. The Sword Metaphysically. 12. Intention. 13. Development of the 32-Posture Form. 14. The 13 Applications. 15. Sword Strokes. 16. Stances. 17. Footwork Techniques. 18. Leg Movements. 19. The 32-Posture Sword Form in Competition. 20. Music for the 32-Posture. 21. The Sword-Fingers. 22. Definitions of Terms Used. 23. The 32-Posture Taiji Sword Form. 24. Footprint Map of the Form. 25. Breakdown of the Form. 26. Beyond the Basics. Acknowledgements.

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Book SynopsisRecorded over six centuries ago, the teachings of the 14th-century Master-at-Arms Johannes Liechtenauer have been given new life by a world-wide community of modern swordsmen and women, fascinated by the elegance, efficiency and depth of his unique martial art. Christian Henry Tobler was one of the pioneers in reviving the medieval Master's art, creating the first, published syllabus for training with the two-handed longsword back in 2004. This fully rewritten, revised and expanded edition brings to bear a decade of refinement, creating a definitive, "how to" guide for students. Beginning with a short historical overview of the art, Mr. Tobler teaches stance, footwork, methods for gripping the sword, and step-by-step instructions for executing the core techniques of the Liechtenauer tradition. Additional chapters introduce students to wrestling, spear and armoured combat; demonstrating the art's depth and breadth. Heavily photo-illustrated, the book also makes use of decision-trees and training drills to aid in learning. Used as a complete, self-contained course, or a primer for studying the original medieval works themselves, this unique book will be invaluable to martial artists, reenactors, medieval historians, or anyone who has ever wondered "how did knights fight?"Table of ContentsForeword About the Author The Chivalric Fighting Arts Association The Selohaar Fechtschule Preface Introduction Chapter 1: Beginning Your Training Chapter 2: Line, Footwork, Measure, and Time Chapter 3: Vier Leger Chapter 4:Three Wounders Chapter 5: Four Openings Chapter 6: Initiative Chapter 7: Defending with Attacks Chapter 8: The Five Strokes Chapter 9: Zornhau Chapter 10: Breaking the Four Openings Chapter 11: Krumphau Chapter 12: Zwerchhau Chapter 13: Schielhau Chapter 14: Scheitelhau Chapter 15: Vier Versetzen Chapter 16: Nachreisen Chapter 17: Fuhlen and Indes, an Interlude Chapter 18: Uberlaufen Chapter 19: Absetzen Chapter 20: Durchwechseln and Zucken Chapter 21: Ringen Chapter 22: Durchlaufen Chapter 23: Sprechfenster Chapter 24: Zwei Hengen, Acht Winden Chapter 25: Nebenhut Chapter 26: Fence! Chapter 27: Armoured Foot Combat Chapter 28: Fencing with the Spear Chapter 29: Fencing with the Half-Sword Chapter 30: Conclusion Table of Drills Glossary & Bibliography

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