Combat sports and self-defence Books
Tuttle Publishing Sumo: A Thinking Fan's Guide to Japan's National
Book Synopsis"The most entertaining and irreverent guide to sumo." — James Fallows, The AtlanticSumo is a fresh and funny introduction to the fascinating world of sumo, Japan's national sport. Author David Benjamin peels away the veneer of sumo as a cultural treasure and reveals it as an action-packed sport populated by superb athletes who employ numerous strategies and techniques to overcome their gargantuan opponents. Sumo provides an engaging, witty, behind-the-scenes look at sumo today.A complete guide to sumo for both curious novices and long-time fans, you'll learn about: The greatest sumo match ever The many strategies employed by wrestlers, such as "the Hooker," "the Bulldozer" and "the Matador" Sumo's most stunning move Why rikishi sometimes throw a match The backroom politics that influence who is promoted to the highest ranks The "foreign invasion" of sumo and what it means for the sport's future About This New EditionThis book is a thoroughly updated revision of the popular The Joy of Sumo. Benjamin's enthusiasm and insight into the sport remain unmatched, and his humorous descriptions of the personalities and pageantry of the sport will have you laughing loud and often.
£15.75
Tuttle Publishing Warrior Wisdom: (Analysis of SUN TZU'S THE ART OF
Book SynopsisMartial arts legend Grandmaster Kazumi Tabata presents a brilliant analysis for modern readers of the most famous work of martial strategy, The Art of War by Sun Tzu.Warrior Wisdom also includes an analysis of the lesser-known The Tactics of Shokatsu Komei, as well as additional warrior tactics that have enabled the author to become a Grandmaster in Shotokan Karate and one of the most influential martial artists in North America.Since he was sent to the United States by his master Isao Obata in the 1960s to promote Karate, Tabata has continually refined his teaching methods and distillations of classic Eastern knowledge to enable Westerners to understand and take to heart these valuable lessons truly. This martial arts strategy book should be read by anyone interested in learning the ancient wisdom of these timeless classics to overcome challenges and excel in everything they do—whether in the martial arts, in business, or in everyday life.Trade Review"This book covers everything thoroughly yet simply, from immovable heart, fudo-shin (the universe and I are the same), world of the nothingness (mu) and the emptiness (ku), boundary of inner strength, to enlightenment of ancestors including classic texts. This book not only guides you through life but also establishes wealth in your heart by connecting you with various worlds." --Satoshi Nishitani, President, Kawaden Corporation; Chief Director, Japan Businessman Karate-do Federation (from his foreword)
£12.85
Tuttle Publishing Japan The Ultimate Samurai Guide: An Insider
Book SynopsisPart Samurai history, part martial arts guide, this is THE book for anyone interested in Japan's fabled Samurai culture.Author Alexander Bennett is the ultimate insider—holding multiple black belts in Kendo and Naginata, as well as a Ph.D. in Japanese literature and history. In this book he shares his vast personal experience and knowledge with readers seeking to undertake their own personal quest in the Japanese martial arts. Bennett outlines the Japanese history of Bushido and the Samurai—from early times up until the present. Then, as only someone steeped in this world can, he surveys the contemporary martial arts scene and provides the essential knowledge young foreigners need to find a teacher and learn successfully. Unlike any other book on this subject, Japan The Ultimate Samurai Guide is written by a Japanese speaker who has studied and taught martial arts in Japan for many decades. Chapters include: The Real Samurai The Concept of Bushido Development of the Japanese Martial Arts Martial Arts Masters You Should Know About Budo in Japan Today Key Martial Arts Concepts Life in a Japanese Dojo A Japan Survival Guide Written in a down-to-earth and easy-to-read style, this book will captivate anyone interested in Japan, as well as martial arts teachers and practitioners around the world. With both history and humor, this vividly illustrated book has a more personal touch than many (for example, read up on "Fifteen Famous Japanese Cultural Indiosyncrasies" and Bennett's favorite martial arts movies). As Bennett says, "This book is supposed to be genuinely from the heart. Without the pretense…misconceptions or romantization that often accompanies martial arts."Trade Review"Profusely illustrated throughout, impressively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide will be of special and particular interest to anyone intrigued by Japanese martial arts in general, and samurai traditions and legacies in particular. While especially and unreservedly recommended for dojo, community and academic library Martial Arts collections and supplemental studies reading lists." -- Midwest Book Review"…a very informative and interesting book about Budo, samurais, weapons and the Japanese culture. The book is full of colorful pictures, works or art, diagrams, and illustrations…Besides the interest in history and martial arts, this book's strength is for the visitor to this beautiful land. The pictures themselves make me want to go and buy a ticket immediately." --Man of La Book blog"Each chapter proves informative in its own way, and the pages are filled with humor, as well as anecdotes and lists of things such as Bennett's favorite martial arts films that give the book a more personal touch. It is also fantastically illustrated, with hundreds of pictures depicting the evolution of martial arts to the present day. 'This book is supposed to be genuinely from the heart.' says Bennett. 'Without the pretense, bulls--, misconceptions or romanticization that often accompanies martial arts.' And that's the impression you get reading it; it's a work of passion, but one that is both honest and to the point." --The Japan Times
£14.24
Tuttle Publishing Modern Ninja Warfare: Ninja Tactics for the
Book SynopsisModern Ninja Warfare takes a contemporary look at the stealthy methods of the Ninja (Shinobi).Ninja historian Antony Cummins, himself a skilled martial artist, takes a detailed and realistic look at the Ninja, their methods and their role in the medieval Japanese military, as well as how they compare to today's Special Forces and covert military groups. Cummins collected information from members of Special Ops, police forces, CIA and more about the techniques they use in the twenty-first century, and compares it against his extensive knowledge and research of historical ninjutsu methods. Readers will get a detailed look at the defensive strategies, engagement against specific threats, intelligence gathering, territorial concerns, mental focus and the spiritual mind-control techniques of these invisible warriors—both of the past and present.With over 100 striking illustrations that vividly portray the Ninjas' secret world, this book shines new light on their shadowy methods. In the process, the mythical image of the Ninja is washed away revealing the reality of these commando-spies of medieval Japan.
£11.69
Tuttle Publishing Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code: A
Book SynopsisThis seminal work by historian Alexander Bennett presents a broad overview of the Japanese "Way of the Warrior" as it is expressed in scores of classical Japanese texts written by famous Samurai themselves.Bennett's analysis of these writings shows that the essential meaning of Bushido, the Samurai's code of conduct and ethics, evolved significantly over time—from the 12th century when the warrior class was elevated to become an elite group, to the 19th century when the Samurai class was suddenly disbanded.Bushido Explained takes a visual approach to presenting important concepts and terminology, helping readers easily navigate the complex world of the Samurai. The text is written in a highly accessible style, with sidebars presenting interesting concepts, facts and important Samurai figures who were central to Bushido's evolution. The different types of Bushido—which vary by region, time period and Samurai rank—are presented with over 300 informative diagrams and illustrations.No other book offers such a wide-ranging, yet clear analysis of Bushido—debunking myths and misconceptions about who the Samurai truly were. Bushido Explained presents a precise overview of Samurai ideals and culture in a logical, chronological order.Author Alexander Bennett—a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai university in Japan—uses this information and teaching methods in his Japanese Studies: Introduction to Bushido class. Now, readers all over the world can sit in on the unique lesson.Trade Review"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"Alex Bennett is a stalwart of martial arts and Bushido in Japan. He is one of the very few who can convey the wisdom of the samurai to the rest of the world." --Yasuko Kimura, headmaster of Tendo-ryu (a 400-year-old classical martial arts school)"No other study of Japanese history and culture offers such a wide-ranging, yet clear analysis of Bushido…Exceptionally 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, [it] is an extraordinarily informative and unreservedly recommended introduction to the Japanese warrior code known as Bushido…" -- Midwest Book Review
£14.24
Tuttle Publishing Ninja Fighting Techniques: A Modern Master's
Book SynopsisNinja Fighting Techniques explains how to defend yourself against real-world threats using techniques perfected centuries ago by the great Ninja masters.Author Stephen K. Hayes is the world's leading expert on Ninjutsu techniques. In this book, he presents the Ninja "Five Elements" system to explain fundamental aspects of self-defense. According to Japanese Buddhist belief, human nature is connected to the natural world and the five elements. By understanding that connection, essential responses to any threat become clear: Earth—Remain grounded in your thinking and footing to repel attempts to distract or deceive you Water—Shift, angle and move fluidly to confuse attackers and put them off balance Fire—See where a situation is going as it develops and intercept it at the critical moment Wind—Stay light on your feet and move nimbly to evade attempts to pin you down Void—Control a fight's direction by changing dynamics to confuse your attacker Ninja Fighting Techniques explains how the five elements can become automatic, unconscious responses for fighters who train the Ninja way. Through study and practice they become instinctive, effectively employed precisely when you need them without thinking.The advantage of Ninja teachings over other martial disciplines is that, in addition to providing physical combat methods, they teach you to develop a better understanding of human behavior and psychology as well as "real-time" awareness of your surroundings—invaluable in any combat and street fighting situation.With over 300 full-color photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions, this book shows you how the ancient self-defense techniques developed by the Ninja are still unsurpassed today!Trade Review"Regardless of your martial art background or stylistic preference, you will likely be able to connect to the themes presented…numerous images aid in communicating the proper movements…In this modern age where conflict and violence has evolved, may Stephen K. Hayes' Ninja Fighting Techniques become the ninja guide to a better life. 5 out of 5 Ninja Stars!" -- Martial Journal
£12.74
Tuttle Publishing Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the
Book SynopsisImmerse yourself in the world of the Samurai with this classic text, translated and interpreted for the modern reader.Code of the Samurai is the four-hundred-year-old summary of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido—the ancient Japanese "Way of the Warrior." Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping modern Japanese martial arts within Japan and internationally.This accessible and enjoyable translation is by Thomas Cleary, the foremost translator of Asian martial classics, accompanied by the powerful line drawings of master illustrator Oscar Ratti, and a number of color photos. A new foreword by Alexander Bennett, a leading expert on Samurai history, explains the lasting importance of this classic work and its place within the canon of Japanese literature.This accesible classic is an indispensable resource to the corporate executive, student of the Asian Culture, martial artist, and those interested in Eastern philosophy or military strategy, as well as for those simply interested in Japan and its people.Trade Review"…a wonderful book for anyone who wants to understand the ideals behind the true warrior."--Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior"This is a compelling, well-written translation." --Lawrence Kane, author of The Little Black Book of Violence and The Way of Kata
£9.49
Bunkasha International Kendo World 6.1
£16.71
Bunkasha International Kendo World 6.2
£16.71
Bunkasha International Kendo World 6.3
£16.71
Bunkasha International Budo Perspectives
£17.68
Bunkasha International Kendo World 7.1
£19.00
Bunkasha International Kendo World 7.3
£19.00
Bunkasha International Kendo - Approaches for All Levels
£18.00
Pachi Tanglang International Pachi Tanglang Chuan: Eight Ultimate Praying Mantis
£22.49
Editorial Kairs SA El Libro del Aikido
Book Synopsis
£12.56
Editorial Kairos Aikido Paso a Paso: Una Guía Práctica
Book Synopsis
£20.23
Editorial Kairos El Arte de la Paz
Book Synopsis
£12.43
Editorial Kairos Shoninki: El Arte del Disimulo: El Auténtico
Book Synopsis
£13.94
Miraguano El maestro Chooki Motobu y el karate de Okinawa
Book Synopsis
£16.56
Ediciones Tutor, S.A. Programa de iniciacin al tai chi
Book Synopsis
£19.22
Tutor S.A. KÁRATE SUPERIOR 5. KATAS HEIAN Y TEKKI
Book Synopsis
£20.52
Editorial Paidotribo, S.L. Aikido Aikido Universal Harmony La Armonia
Book Synopsis
£20.58
Obelisco Guerrero Japones, El
Book Synopsis
£9.83
Editorial Kairos El Libro de Los Seis Anillos: Secretos del
Book Synopsis
£11.09
£15.75
£14.24
Swordschool Ltd Swordfighting, for Writers, Game Designers, and Martial Artists
£28.99
Planeta Publishing Manual de Supervivencia Femenina
Book Synopsis
£10.76
Dekel Publishing House Unknown Capoeira: Volume I: Secret Techniques of
Book Synopsis
£16.96
Dekel Publishing House Unknown Capoeira Volume Ii - a History of the
Book SynopsisCapoeira, an original Afro-Brazilian discipline, is not so easily defined due to its numerous facets, as a deadly martial art, an exotic dancing discipline, inspired by an ancient far-away culture. Nearly four hundred years of slave trade brought to Brazil an envyingly cultural heritage, composed of a continuous influx of different ethnic groups, which, concomitant with the different native, African and European regional expressions and its rich constant geopolitical changes, has produced a singular, colourful and vibrant multicultural and multi-ethnic society engaged in their new Brazilian identity. From the XVIII to the XIX century, the harsh conditions with which black slaves were treated led to increasing numbers of slave revolts in the Americas, where escaped slaves forming independent Maroon communities in French, Hispanic, British and the Netherlands Antilles, and the Quilombola communities in Brazil, organized fighting guerrilla wars against the plantation masters and owners, giving rise to campaigns against slavery in Europe and the abolition of slavery in the Americas. Capoeira became the result of Brazil''s own diasporic experience, a branch of a large tree which grew into a unique and complex social art that cannot be dissociated from its historical and anthropological perspectives. This book is written by expert Brazilian capoeira Mestre Ricardo Cachorro, unveils the Age of Exploration and the resulted Atlantic slave trade, unfolding African slavery in Europe as early as in the 15th century, much before black slaves were taken to the New World. The enchanting saga of the Akindele family from the beautiful Yoruba kingdom of Adágún L}wá will take you deeply into pre-colonial Africa and to the lands of newly explored Bahia de Todos os Santos in 1531, where the almost sacred history of capoeira began. From the new findings in Africa to the discoveries in Brazil, this captivating book navigates through the Feitorias and Capitanias the sugarcane mills of the 17th century the real and virtually unknown cradle of capoeira. It brings to surface beautiful historic and cultural aspects of the colonial periods with its arts, music and religion, the African melting pot which was formed from the blend of ancient African cultures and the new Afro-Brazilian rural and urban settings and, finally, the old and the modern founders of capoeira. This is a delicious treat for all Capoeira''s lovers, practitioners, and instructors who want to know more about this original Afro-Brazilian discipline, as well as students of history, anthropology, art, music, theatre, and related fields all the way from the academic researcher to the curious history & culture lover.
£16.96
Independently Published Artes Marciales Gaélicas: (Gaelic Martial Arts)
Book Synopsis
£11.63
Independently Published Some Western Pioneers in Asian Martial Arts: An Anthology
£11.66
Independently Published Asian Martial Arts, Monks, and Ways of Thought: An Anthology
£10.40
Independently Published Martial and Healing Traditions of India: An Anthology
£15.26
