Combat sports and self-defence Books

Book SynopsisTrade Review"The individual triumphs described in Her Own Hero are the sort of satisfying stories that would go hugely viral today. . . . a thorough and fascinating examination of the eruption of one important insight into public American life: Women can successfully use force against those who are assumed to be more powerful." * The New Republic *"Rouses insightful history examines the nexus of these seemingly disparate yet converging moments that serve as the birthplace of the womens self-defense movement in the United States." * American Historical Review *"Wendy L. Rouse examines the self-defense movement through an intersectional feminist lens. . . .Rouse explores boxing, jujitsu, street harassment, the suffrage movement, and domestic violence to provide historical context to the 20th-century womens movement . . .a compelling read." * Bitch Magazine *"Here is a story that seems to have been hiding in plain sight, requiring an innovative historian to tease it out of the records... Rouse's work not only expands the scholarship on gender, culture, and the empowerment of women in the early twentieth century, it also offers many lessons for our own day." * Western Historical Quarterly *"There are many pleasant surprises to be found in Her Own Hero. Rouse offers both a nuanced and intersectional assessment of self-defense within the broader social and political realities of early twentieth-century America and the explicit agendas of first-wave feminism and Progressive Era reformers… Rouse’s arguments for the inherently radical challenge raised by the bodily empowerment of women remains compelling and, especially when it comes to women facing violence in their own homes, relevant." -- Pacific Historical Review"In the cultural imagination, women's self-defense training is often traced back to the second-wave feminism of the 1960s and '70s, in which self-defense classes doubled as consciousness-raising sessions. InHer Own Hero, historian and martial artist Wendy Rouse digs deeper, locating the movement's birth in the 1910s and '20s. In this era, women across the countrymostly white and urban-dwellingtook up boxing and jiu-jitsu, with the specific purpose of warding off male attackers. White men tended to be suspicious of these lessons, and sought to frame them as needed only in response to deviants andnon-white threats . . . but the training helped kick-start conversations about genuine threatshusbands, for examplethat would resurface with force decades later." * Pacific Standard *"Martial arts turn out to be a great lens for examining increasing freedoms in a time of industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, though the book also gives a clear overview of Americas prejudices and limitations.Ahighly readable study whose historical accounts of sexism and xenophobia bear repeated discussion." * Foreword Reviews *"Her Own Hero is interesting, engaging, and makes important contributions to the scholarly literatures on the history of gender, the history of feminism, and early twentieth-century U. S. history. Wendy Rouse insightfully reconstructs the strategies that proponents of womens self-defense employed to counter assertions that self-reliant women were masculine and deviant. A terrific, influential book!" -- Jeffrey S. Adler,author of First in Violence, Deepest in Dirt: Homicide in Chicago, 1875-1920"Hatpins, yes, but also boxing gloves. Who knew that around 1900 women were signing up for lessons in jiu-jitsu and taking boxing classes? Wendy Rouse catalogues a grab bag of Progressive era thought and anxieties in favor of womens self defense training from new women rhetoric about womens physical and political emancipation to fears of white slavers, menacing male strangers, and rising Japanese cultural and political power." -- Elizabeth Pleck,Professor Emerita of History, University of Illinois, Urbana

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Book Synopsis Strike and kick with explosive power. Take down and grapple with sustained brute strength. Counter and evade with unmatched speed and agility. Be the best. Be your best with Ultimate Conditioning for Martial Arts, the complete guide for physical and mental dominance. Whether you practice MMA, Brazilian jiujitsu, taekwondo, karate, judo, aikido, kung fu, muay thai, krav maga, wrestling, or a combination of these, you have discovered your go-to training guide. Ultimate Conditioning for Martial Arts eschews the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you'll learn to evaluate your conditioning along with physical strengths and weaknesses. You'll select from 120 exerciseseach tailored to improve a key martial arts skill or attributeto enhance performance in the discipline you practice and the goals you set. Then you will learn how to structure a conditioning program for short-term gains and long-term successsuccess you'll see and your opponentsTable of Contents Chapter 1. Physical Requirements for Martial Arts Chapter 2. Evaluating Martial Arts Fitness Chapter 3. Dynamic Warm-Ups and Flexibility Chapter 4. Exercises for Base Conditioning Chapter 5. Exercises for Striking and Kicking Chapter 6. Exercises for Wrestling and Grappling Chapter 7. Exercises for Speed and Agility Chapter 8. Recovery and Nutrition Chapter 9. Program Planning and Periodization for Martial Arts Chapter 10. Programs for the Striking and Kicking Arts Chapter 11. Programs for the Wrestling and Grappling Arts Chapter 12. Blending and Customizing Programs for MMA

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Book SynopsisSynopsis coming soon.......Trade Review"The New Superpower for Women is a must-read for all women so that they will never have to hear the words “You are lucky to be alive.” It is a must-read for all parents so that they will never have to go through what my mom and dad did. All of Steve’s passion for women’s safety, his long history in law enforcement, which includes serving as an FBI defense tactics instructor, has been poured into this book. Using real-life scenarios, Steve explains what happens in the moments leading up to an assault and shows that how we respond in those seconds can affect our safety. Although the perpetrator in my case was a stranger, overwhelmingly it is someone who we know and trust that commits the crime. This book arms us with concrete ways to protect ourselves in these situations as well. Steve also recognizes that crime is never the victim’s fault. Especially in cases of sexual violence, survivors are often blamed and shamed into silence. Steve shatters the silence of sexual violence and equips us with the tools to better defend ourselves. Shining a light on a culture that too often condones sexual assault and blames survivors, this book illuminates the key to unlocking every woman’s superpower—trusting her own intuition."--Angela Rose, Founder and Executive Director of Promoting Awareness/Victim Empowerment (PAVE)“Steve Kardian has a fantastic new book it’s called the New Super Power For Women. Check it out and give to the women in your life, it might save a life!” —Dr. Mehmet Oz “The New Super Power For Women is an encyclopedia of safety that may very well save your life.” —Megan Alexander, National Correspondent, Inside Edition “One of the best books I’ve read on the fundamentals of personal self-defense. NO BS approach.” —Kevin Seaman, Foremost Authority on Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do

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Book SynopsisConcrete Strategies for Staying Safe and Protecting Yourself from AssailantsDo you ever feel the urge to furtively look over your shoulder to check if someone’s following you? Have you second-guessed a decision to walk in a poorly lit area late at night? When you see crime reports on the news, do you ever wonder if it could happen to you? Every day, unsuspecting people fall victim to muggers, pickpockets, carjackers, and other criminals. What can you do to make sure you’re not one of them?In Watch Your Back, Roger Eckstine presents dozens of possible risky scenarios that can occur in daily life and ways to counteract each threat. Potential hazards include:Paying for gas at the pumpUsing the ATMRoad rage and the belligerent fender benderAn active shooter attackConcealed carry and the rigors of daily lifeAnd much more!Eckstine illustrates his points by referencing case studies and news clippings of real-life events. He describes various ways people can be prepared both mentally and physically for altercations, with an emphasis on training yourself to constantly observe your surroundings. Additionally, he suggests emergency devices, personal weaponry, and communication tools to help in dangerous situations. You and your loved ones deserve to feel safe all the time. Watch Your Back has the advice you need to make this happen.

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Book SynopsisEverything you need to know about AR-15s from top firearms writers.The Guns & Ammo Guide to AR-15s is packed with a wealth of valuable information compiled by the foremost firearms writers today. A vast range of topics is covered in these articles, including:The lure of the SBRThe evolution of the REPRBore conditions that affect your cold-bore shotGeissele triggersAperture sightsHigh precision (down) rangeAR 9mm perfectionReloading for AR-15sAnd much more!Discover tried and true tips, tactics, and techniques from the pros along with guidance on buying gear and firearms from experts including Patrick Sweeney, David Faubion, SGM Kyle Lamb, Tom Beckstrand, and Eric R. Poole. The Guns & Ammo Guide to AR-15s has everything you could want to learn about AR-15s.

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Book SynopsisKnow which rifles can defend you and your family.In the chaos of a survival situation, firearms will be important tools for protecting yourself, your family, and your supplies as well as for hunting animals for food. In A Prepper’s Guide to Rifles, Robert K. Campbell discusses the best rifles to have with you in any confrontation—including the end of the world as we know it. Rifles that are easy to carry and lightweight and that shoot accurately and reliably at close ranges are ideal candidates for personal protection. He covers the fairly standard AR family but also pistol calibers, .22s, and more nontraditional choices.In A Prepper’s Guide to Rifles, Campbell explores specific rifles that are appropriate for urban, rural, and suburban environments, with tips on how to use them in each context. Whether at home or in a survival scenario, these rifles are the best for defense.A Prepper’s Guide to Rifles not only reviews the specific features of defensive rifles but how to use them—whether on the move, in a defensive situation, while retreating, or in other circumstances. Campbell also offers expert tips on how to improve your marksmanship, how to maintain your firearms, crucial gun safety rules, what ammo and optics to purchase, and more.

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Book SynopsisIt takes a certain kind of person to stand out from other mixed martial arts fighters as both a wild man and a rock star. Chris Leben, otherwise known as “The Crippler,” is that kind of person. His reputation started on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show where hopeful fighters vie for a UFC contract and a path to greatness. The world saw an out-of-control brawler with a penchant for destruction. But that was only half the story. From the slums of northwest Oregon, Leben has spent a lifetime coping with deep scars left by an absent father and ever-present struggles with alcoholism and drug abuse. He’s been in jail eleven times, including for going AWOL. During his ten-year career in ultimate fighting, Leben became one of the most recognized figures in the sport, enthralling audiences around the world with his wild, headfirst style of fighting as he took on some of the world’s best fighters, including Anderson Silva, Yoshihiro Akiyama, and Wanderlei Silva. The Crippler is not just an exciting account of his rise to prominence within the UFC; it’s the incredible story of a renowned wild man dealing with his personal demons and learning that the toughest opponent is always yourself.Trade Review"Instead of whitewashing those personal failures into a hero's journey, Leben's book reads as a mix of war stories and regrets, an unvarnished look at the life behind a name that helped put MMA over to the reality-TV-watching public, and a confession." —Vice "This book is a true testament to the battles faced inside and outside of the cage that no one else will talk about." —Ed "Short Fuse" Herman, ten-year UFC veteran "I had a crazy life as a mixed martial artist. People everywhere ask me to tell them my now infamous stories. But Chris Leben took 'infamous' to a whole different level! This book is hilarious, heartfelt, and powerful. I love it!" —Bas Rutten, former UFC heavyweight champion and King of Pancrase world champion "Chris Leben is one of the most colorful and forthright characters the UFC has ever seen, and The Crippler—while not always pretty—is an incredible look behind the scenes at a legendary fighter who has admittedly battled his share of demons over the course of a very memorable career. Chris holds nothing back, and his brutal honesty makes it hard to put this book down." —John Morgan, award-winning MMA reporter for MMAJunkie.com and USA Today “[The Crippler] indulges readers, whether a fan of MMA or not, in the life of an individual’s struggle to teeter on extremes and, in the end, find their way closer to the fulcrum. . . . This book is well deserving of all five possible stars.” —MMA Latest "Patinkin does an excellent job of capturing Leben’s voice. In very short order, the reader will find themselves hearing Leben’s raspy voice in their head as they read. . . . Leben’s memoir is a good read. It’s Chris Leben, warts and all." —MMA Junkie "The brutal honesty about [Leben's] shortcomings makes for a frustrating yet empathetic story. . . . Many readers, even those outside the MMA fanbase, will find this personal account of a flawed fighter meaningful." —Library Journal"Instead of whitewashing those personal failures into a hero's journey, Leben's book reads as a mix of war stories and regrets, an unvarnished look at the life behind a name that helped put MMA over to the reality-TV-watching public, and a confession." —Vice "This book is a true testament to the battles faced inside and outside of the cage that no one else will talk about." —Ed "Short Fuse" Herman, ten-year UFC veteran "I had a crazy life as a mixed martial artist. People everywhere ask me to tell them my now infamous stories. But Chris Leben took 'infamous' to a whole different level! This book is hilarious, heartfelt, and powerful. I love it!" —Bas Rutten, former UFC heavyweight champion and King of Pancrase world champion "Chris Leben is one of the most colorful and forthright characters the UFC has ever seen, and The Crippler—while not always pretty—is an incredible look behind the scenes at a legendary fighter who has admittedly battled his share of demons over the course of a very memorable career. Chris holds nothing back, and his brutal honesty makes it hard to put this book down." —John Morgan, award-winning MMA reporter for MMAJunkie.com and USA Today “[The Crippler] indulges readers, whether a fan of MMA or not, in the life of an individual’s struggle to teeter on extremes and, in the end, find their way closer to the fulcrum. . . . This book is well deserving of all five possible stars.” —MMA Latest "Patinkin does an excellent job of capturing Leben’s voice. In very short order, the reader will find themselves hearing Leben’s raspy voice in their head as they read. . . . Leben’s memoir is a good read. It’s Chris Leben, warts and all." —MMA Junkie "The brutal honesty about [Leben's] shortcomings makes for a frustrating yet empathetic story. . . . Many readers, even those outside the MMA fanbase, will find this personal account of a flawed fighter meaningful." —Library Journal

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Book Synopsis“This book will save lives.” —Dick Conger. An all-encompassing manual that addresses safety, equipment, tactics, and the best practices for all shooters, here is an all-encompassing book of use to every gun owner.A result of twelve years of research, The Modern Day Gunslinger was written to meet the needs of the gun owner, the experienced shooter, those who own a weapon strictly for home and self-defense, and for the military member who wants to become a better shooter in defense of our country.It’s also for the law enforcement officer who risks his or her life going against the thugs of our society and for anyone interested in learning the defensive and tactical training techniques from some of the best and most experienced shooters in the world.This comprehensive training manual includes chapters on: Weapons and Range Safety Dry Fire Use of Force Living in a Battlefield Combat Mindset Shooting Competence Handguns Defensive Handgun Ammunition Marksmanship Stance Basic Kneeling Positions Ready Positions The Draw Strokes Grip and Trigger Control Visual Techniques and Sight Alignment Multiple Shots Follow-Through and Scan Loading, Reloading, and Unloading Malfunctions Low- and No-Light Shooting Concealed Carry and Holsters Learning Styles Training Fundamentals Shooting Drills The shooting skills taught in this book carry broad application in civilian, law enforcement, and military contexts. Common criminals, terrorists, assailants—the enemy and threat—all will find themselves outgunned in the face of a properly armed and trained gunslinger. Members of the armed services, government and law enforcement agencies, as well as civilians, will find that the close-range shooting methods addressed in this book can provide a decisive advantage.

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Book SynopsisThe book examines the deep interplay of martial arts, combative, and self-defense practices with nationalism and ethno-religious politics. It focuses on the complex formative process of ethno-religious communities, their growth and resilience, in the context of the establishment of the State of Israel and the contemporary Jewish Diaspora. By presenting the unique case of Krav Maga, literally meaning “hand to hand combat”, which is a selfdefense system initially developed between the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries which is now considered a staple of Israeli culture, the book ultimately provides strong evidence in support of the idea that the understanding of physical violence proper to the martial arts is not only accepted and tolerated within modern egalitarian democracy but it is indeed needed as a profoundly unifying collective experience.Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsIntroduction1 - Lions of God: A Critical History of Krav Maga2 - Krav Maga, Religious Communities and the Politics of Self-Defense3 - Once Were Warriors: Martial Arts and Vestigial States4 - Accept Yourself as Your Own Savior: Krav Maga and Collin’s Ritual Chains5 - Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum: Social Vaccine and Physical Violence inModern Society6 - From Krav Maga to MMA: The Gladiatorial Effect7 - ConclusionsBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTraditionally, the martial arts community believed that engaging in weight training was detrimental to the performance of the art, that it would hinder one's flexibility, speed, and agility. To be effective fighters, martial artists had to be quick and light on their feet like Bruce Lee and other slim and small, but powerful fighters. They maintained that karate was all about good techniques and proper timing and that muscle size has little to do with it. After all, the art of self-defense lies in the premise that smaller, weaker people can defend themselves effectively against larger, stronger opponents. While it's true that good technique and proper timing are essential, there's no reason to believe that muscular fitness will hinder a martial artist's effectiveness. In fact, just the opposite is true: with increased strength comes the enhanced ability to defend oneself. A well-designed weight-training routine--in addition to regular martial arts practice--will make practitioners stronger, not slower. In some cases, it can even improve their speed. Fortunately, the attitude toward weight training in the martial arts community has changed--largely due to an abundance of scientific data showing the positive effects of weight training for all kinds of sports. Today's athletes have much to gain by using weights to improve their performance. For martial artists, these gains include increased strength, increased resistance to fatigue, and even decreased risk of injury. In this book, veteran martial artist and fitness expert Mikhail Krupnik shows readers how to design a weight-training program to fit their individual needs and goals. From all-important safety issues, determining one's levelof fitness, and setting goals, to specific exercises, sample routines, and even proper nutrition--he covers everything martial artists need to know to enhance their performance with weight training.

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Book SynopsisWhile the old adage, "those who can't do, teach," is not entirely true, all too often "those who can do" cannot teach effectively. This book is unique in that it offers a holistic approach to teaching martial arts; incorporating elements of educational theory and communication techniques typically overlooked in budo. Teachers will improve their abilities to motivate, educate, and retain students, while students interested in the martial arts will develop a better understanding of what instructional method best suits their needs. *A tactical toolset useful to anyone's teaching style*Improve your ability to motivate, educate, and retain students*Explains how to optimize time and attention*Designed to individual preferences and learning styles*Effective for both children and adultsThe author's approach balances the reality that martial arts instructs are responsible for ensuring the safety of practitioners who learn potentially deadly techniques with the truism that if their classes are not enjoyable and productive no one will participate in them.Trade Review"I found myself thinking 'I didn't know that' several times as I read this book." -- Loren W. Christensen "Boeing trains hundreds of security officers, Kane's ideas will help us be more effective." -- Gregory A. Gwash, Chief Security Officer

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Book SynopsisTai Chi offers you the prospects of better health and vitality, peace of mind, and increased stores of personal energy. To realize this potential you must delve into the world of Tai Chi minutia, which is exactly where the essence of Tai Chi lays in wait for those ascribing to its regular and correct practice. This book looks deeply into Tai Chi's technical intricacies and nuances, offering guidance and practice tips, replete with step-by-step directions, on how to bring your Tai Chi to a higher level of correct execution. Seasoned Tai Chi teacher and author John Loupos offers wise and helpful guidance in a personable tone to help you recognize connections, feel connections, and keep connections. Tai Chi Connections...will help you to narrow the gap between where your practice is now and where you'd like it to go. Some of the subjects included: *Opportunities within slowness*Attention/Intention as dynamic ingredients*Tai Chi as a path to congruence*Tapping into earth force*Putting the brakes on momentum*Unspoken nuances of Tai Chi stepping*Training tips to optimize your Tai Chi experience*Moral / ethical mandates of being a teacherTrade Review"Heaven and earth are both embodied in word and spirit in this book. A remarkable work." -- Mark Mincolla, Ph.D., author "Loupos' depth of experience, derived from over three decades of practice and teaching, is abundantly clear...His love for the discipline of tai chi streams from the page." -- D. Kate Jewell NAPR ReView Magazine "With the help of Tai Chi Connections, students and teachers alike will receive practical guidance" -- Roger Jahnke, O.M.D., author "Loupos takes readers on a rich and multi-layered journey to the inner structure of Tai Chi so that we can open to the innate wisdom within our Tai Chi training." -- Jampa Mackenzie Steward, author/editor

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Book SynopsisThis revised edition includes a complete redesign with an emphasis on reader usability and modern Chinese typography. Packed with over nine hundred photographs, this comprehensive text offers theory, martial applications, sequences, Qigong exercises, weapon training, and is an indispensable resource for those serious about Chinese martial arts. *Translation of ancient Baguazhang documents*Baguazhang Qigong*Basic Training*Body Conditioning*Eight Palms sequence and fighting set*Swimming Body sequence and martial applications*Bagua Deer Hook Sword sequence and martial applicationsTrade Review"I simply can't emphasize enough how valuable I consider this book. The translated Chinese texts and modern-day rewordings are an absolute treasure to any Baguazhang practitioner who wants to gain a deeper understanding of his or her art. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to everyone with even a passing interest in Baguazhang, and also to other internal stylists who would like access to some fascinating commentary on Bagua QiGong. You'd be hard-pressed to find a 500+ page work on ANY martial art that is as information-heavy as this one. Buy and enjoy." TaoOfDerek.com

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