Martial arts Books

Book SynopsisTHIS BOOK IS FOR ALL THOSE WHO GOT KNOCKED DOWN AND CAME UP SWINGING.Paige VanZant is a rising Mixed Martial Arts star in the UFC''s women''s strawweight division and holds a reputation for her ability to defeat obstacles and brutal fights in and out of the octagon. Long before she was a fighting champion and household name winning over fans on Dancing with the Stars with her beauty, strength, and infectiously bold personality, Paige struggled with her self-esteem.On Dancing with the Stars, Paige won hearts when she opened up for the first time about being bullied but there is so much more that she hasn''t shared until now. The journey that brought Paige to the UFC is a stunning story of overcoming tragedy and finding the strength and skills to defend oneself in the face of evil. Within the pages of Rise is a girl who was so severely bullied in highschool she had garbage thrown on her, so tortured she had to move hometowns. She sought refu

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Book SynopsisThis manual covers throwing techniques for hatchets, knives and tomahawks.Trade Review"Knife Throwing is the most authoritative guide on every aspect of the sport. From knives and throwing techniques to competition and advice, as well as profiles of pioneers and legends in the field, this book covers it all." --Bobby Branton, President of American Knife Thrower's Alliance (AKTA)

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Book SynopsisSinawali - meaning woven - is an intricate and devastating Filipino fighting system with ancient roots. This stick and blade empty hand technique employs a sinuous, polyrhythmic interweaving of leg and arm defences and attacks. This guide looks at the art.

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Book SynopsisBy turns thrilling, funny and spiritually enlightening, this is the real-life Martial Arts adventure.Martin Faulks grew up in a Norfolk village. Returning from library with a friend one day they were attacked by a gang of older boys. Martin ran away leaving his friend to be beaten up. He vowed that would never happen again.He trained in the martial arts in his teens with growing success, he gained his black belt and even won tournaments but he wanted something more. He wanted to train as a Ninja. So started a series of initiations that would take him eventually to being trained by the Dalai Lama''s bodyguard and travelling to Japan stay with the Yamabushi, the legendary spiritual teachers of the Ninja, living in the mountains of Japan.

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Book SynopsisOffers a study of Chinese stars and transnational stardom focussing on the career of Jet Li who is a martial arts actor. This book explores the way in which Li has evolved from a Chinese wuxia hero to a transnational kung fu star in relation to the discourses of genre, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and national identity.

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Book SynopsisOffers an overview of the key elements of Aikido, including breath power, focused power, and the power of the centre line. In this title, the author relates moving, personal anecdotes about Ueshiba and imparts what he learned from his mentor. In his comprehensive autobiography, legendary Aikido grandmaster Gozo Shioda tells of his exciting life. Born in Tokyo in 1915, Shioda excelled as a student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of modern Aikido. In 1954, Shioda entered the All Japan Martial Arts Exhibition, and won first prize. Holder of the ninth-rank black belt, he founded Yoshinkan Aikido. In 1988, he was awarded the title of Aikido Meijin (Grand Master) by the International Martial Arts Federation. He was also chief instructor for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the Air Self-de-fence Force, the Japanese National Railways, and Sophia, Meiji Gakuin, and Takushoku Universities. In Aikido: My Spiritual Journey, Shioda relates moving, personal anecdotes about Ueshiba and imparts what heTrade Review"Books by the early generations of Aikido teachers are getting rarer as these teachers, regrettably, continue to pass from the scene. A book by one of the early pioneers, who had in-depth personal experience with Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, is even rarer. . . . this book offers a picture of the early part of Aikido history: its practitioners and its founder. . . . Aikido: My Spiritual Journey is by Yoshinkan Aikido founder Gozo Shioda. . . . The book contains fascinating stories from Shioda Sensei’s life. It also has detailed and helpful insights on Aikido training and many stories of his time with Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. There are many well displayed historical and training photographs. Kodansha has done its usual good job of high quality book design." – Aikido Journal (online)"A book worth noting. . . Kodansha USA, the publisher of so many great books including many about Aikido, has just released Gozo Shioda’s ‘Aikido – My Spiritual Journey’. . . . I can tell you it is chock full of great photos of the 9th degree Master Aikido Sensei, many of them showing him ‘in action.’ It also includes a clear description of the heart of his insights into Aikido – including the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of the Art." –Examiner.com

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Book SynopsisA practical guide-written by the grandson of the founder of Aikido-for those seeking greater understanding of both the basic forms and advanced techniques. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, who drew on Japan's rich history of martial arts to develop an entirely new system that preserves the classical tradition within a contemporary context. In Progressive Aikido, Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of the founder and the third Doshu (living symbol and embodiment of the spirit of Aikido), focuses on the most fundamental principle of Aikido: proper movement.Trade Review"The book is presented in much the same way that our dojo eventually ended up teaching our own beginners, and as such, is a very good book for instructors to own. …the book will be most useful for those who are, or want to practice since it's about 90 percent text and photos presenting technique. There is very little in the way of any other writing for the idle browser. But as usual in books like this, for the long time student of Aikido the good stuff is in the introduction... and as usual I suspect most will simply skip to the pictures. Do yourself a favor and go down to the local bookstore, pick it up and read it. It's short, it's worth it." —EJMAS"It’s a very nice format, and brings the text closer to providing the pointers one might actually receive in the dojo from the instructor. … the book is an easy read, and there is a lot of beneficial material, presented in an excellent format. This book would make a good addition to any Aikido library, regardless of your particular style." —AikiWeb

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Book SynopsisTwo kata from the recommended list: Gankaku-crane standing on a rock-a name descriptive of this kata, which has techniques for striking upward or downward with either hand while standing on one foot. Here are dazzling techniques for counterattacking with the back-fist or side kick. In the Jion kata there are many crisp, flowing movements, but within these calm, harmonious movements are strong, spirited techniques appropriate for mastering shifting positions, changing directions and sliding the feet.Trade Review"An understandable text and clear, well-posed photographs." —Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThese advanced kata may be selected for testing above shodan level. The techniques in Bassai Sho, using sword hand, ridge hand and tiger mouth, make good defenses against stick attacks. In Kanko Sho are many counter-attacks to the upper level. Chinte has unique techniques, the rarely seen tateken, and is especially valuable for women's self-defense.Trade Review"Recommended to the competitor and ... colleges supporting karate teams." —Choice

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Book SynopsisThe basics are only a guiding principle. Your strongest posture is the one that fits your constitution. That cannot be taught to you, you have to find it for yourself. It is not a question of widening your stance or narrowing it, if the truth be told. But, people will do what is comfortable for them, so if you allow them to, they will just make it up for themselves. That is why, you must always return to the basics. This is what is important. -Gozo Shioda Aikido students and enthusiasts the world over will be delighted with this English

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Book SynopsisStep-by-step instructions and over 300 photographs allow the trainee to follow and learn the techniques with ease. The ideal weapon for self-defense is a stick. To find a comprehensive system of techniques using the stick, we must turn to the East, for systems known to the West have fallen into disuse. In this book, the techniques of Kukishin Ryu-an ancient Japanese method-have been updated and adapted for use today. A thorough grounding in the fundamentals dealt with here will enable you to disarm and control any assailant. CONTENTS Section 1: Basic Movements

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Book SynopsisThe only American heir to W. C. Chen, Phillip Starr continues the master’s teachings in this useful guide that also profiles the exciting early years when martial arts were still new in America. Through this entertaining collection of personal anecdotes involving Master Chen, the author, and his classmates, readers learn a particular aspect of the traditional martial arts. Included are explanations of the importance and meaning of courtesy and the custom of bowing, the significance of training with weapons and how it impacts bare-handed skills, and the value of traditional forms and how they relate to actual combat.

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Book SynopsisIn this second volume, a martial arts expert continues his study of Wing Chun, a popular system of kung fu, demonstrating how it can be used to improve your mental and physical health   Wing Chun, also called Ving Tsun, is a popular system of kung fu designed centuries ago by a Buddhist nun and Shaolin master. Together, the two volumes of The Wing Chun Compendium offer a complete guide to the discipline, from theory and philosophy to drills and forms.   In this second volume, author Wayne Belonoha takes students to the next level, focusing on the final three and most advanced forms of the Wing Chun system and their associated skills: the “Mook Yan Jong” or wooden man; the “Lok Dim Boon Quan” or six-and-a-half point long pole; and the “Baat Cham Dao” or eight-cut sword form, demonstrated here for the first time by Grandmaster Sunny Tang. Also included are distance and angle improvement drills, fighting strategy and training, instruction on proper body mechanics, and “Sticking Hands” techniques. While intended for the serious practitioner, The Wing Chun Compendium, Volume Two also teaches the basics of body movement, psychological components of practice and performance, and how to use martial arts for overall self-improvement—factors that can help any martial artists seeking to enhance their physical and mental development. The book includes hundreds of tips and techniques as well as 400 photographs.

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Book SynopsisIn Mikkyo—Japanese esoteric Buddhism—the dragon Kurikara symbolizes the internal energy developed through sword practice. Kurikara is a manifestation of the fierce bodhisattva Fudo Myo O, the patron of ascetics and warriors in Japan, who uses his sword to destroy delusions and sever attachments. Fudo’s sword represents the gaining of discriminative power and decisiveness—the ability to cut through illusion and attachment. This leads to the development of an inner energy that allows one to “burn up” all obstacles to spiritual freedom.Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent sets out the eight basic principles of swordsmanship common to all Japanese sword schools, emphasizing the cultivation of power and mental focus. Accomplished martial artist John Evans provides practical examples from his experience with the sword arts as well as Mikkyo and shugendo (mountain asceticism). The first foreign student to train with Nakamura Taisaburo sensei—widely acknowledged as the master of the sword art battodo—Evans clearly explains how skill such as Nakamurua sensei’s can be systematically developed through tanren, exercises that meld “inner” and “outer” power. Filled with fascinating anecdotes from Evans’s training in Japan, Kurikara is a useful, inspiring guide to Japanese sword practice and its spiritual underpinnings.

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Book SynopsisLong before the advent of firearms, Iron Shirt Chi Kung, a form of Kung Fu, built powerful bodies able to withstand hand-to-hand combat. Even then, however, martial use was only one aspect of Iron Shirt Chi Kung, and today its other aspects remain vitally significant for anyone seeking better health, a sound mind, and spiritual growth. In Iron Shirt Chi KungMaster Mantak Chia introduces this ancient practice that strengthens the internal organs, establishes roots to the earth’s energy, and unifies physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through a unique system of breathing exercises, he demonstrates how to permanently pack concentrated air into the connective tissues (the fasciae) surrounding vital organs, making them nearly impervious to injuries--a great benefit to athletes and other performers. He shows readers how once they root themselves in the earth they can direct its gravitational and healing power throughout their bone structure. Additionally, Master Chia presents postural forms, muscle-tendon meridians, and guidelines for developing a daily practice routine. After becoming rooted and responsive, practitioners of Iron Shirt Chi Kung can then focus on higher spiritual work.Trade Review"Practitioners of martial arts or related exercises will find this essential." * The Midwest Book Review, Sept 2006 *"Chia demonstrates his expertise in the field of chiropractic, medicine, Taoist yoga, sexual mystery and martial arts in such way that he feeds a medicinal and mystical understanding to the practice that can only stimulate the practitioners of this art to a deeper involvement and encourage the reader of this manual to take up this art." * The Cauldron Brasil, Feb 2007 *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Putting Iron Shirt Chi Kung into Practice 1. Iron Shirt Chi Kung and the Universal Tao 2. Preparations for Iron Shirt Chi Kung 3. Principles and Practices for Iron Shirt Structural Alignment and Chi Circulation 4. The Importance of Rooting 5. The Iron Shirt Chi Kung Postures 6. Structural Alignment and Taoist Yoga 7. Iron Shirt Body Construction 8. Developing a Daily Practice About the Author The Universal Tao System and Training Center ResourcesIndex

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Book SynopsisA clear introduction to Taiji, a slow and rhythmical martial art, this visual guide shows how it can be used as a 'moving meditation' that bestows strength, vigour and longevity.The book focuses on helping people apply the principles of the Taiji practice by offering a short introduction to its history and philosophy, as well as a primer on its general practices as established by the International Wushu Federation. Divided into five chapters, it includes an easy-to-learn warm-up, stances, hand techniques, steps, breathing, basic moves and the four Forms that are usually learned to receive a black belt in the art.With a growing focus on alternative ways of improving general health and well-being, Taiji as Moving Meditation is the perfect guide for those wanting to enhance focus and peace of mind.Trade ReviewPaul Fendos delivers exciting new insights into the ancient art of Tai Chi. A must-read for all Tai Chi fans seeking a deeper appreciation of, and greater skill in, this exquisite mind-body exercise. The linked videos are wonderful too! -- Christopher C. Cinnamon, JD, MS, Head Instructor, Chicago Tai Chi, Creator of Tai Chi for Knee HealthA great resource for new and experienced students of Taiji. Outlines the development of Taiji. Explains the relationship of concentration, breath and movement. Teaches Taiji movements and forms using detailed descriptions, clear photos and videos. I wish I had this book when I began studying Taiji 10 years ago. -- Julie Close, Long-time Taiji StudentThere are many websites and online sources of information about Taiji. Most leave the reader unsatisfied and confused.The new book by Dr. Paul Fendos is well written, provides many illustrations and instructions as to how Taiji is performed and provides video links that allow the student to put the illustrations and instructions into perspective..I am a long time Taiji student and I find that this book, Taiji as Moving Meditation, provides strong background information about Taiji. Most importantly the book shows a student how to perform the stances and moves of Taiji and how to link those stances and moves into a variety of forms consisting of linked elements integrating breathing, arm and hand movement, core movement and leg movement.Nothing replaces learning Taiji in a group setting, but this book has the information necessary to prepare a new student to work within a group setting and to help a student with experience to hone ones practice of Taiji.I encourage those who wish to learn about to Taiji, and those who wish to improve their Taiji, to obtain this book. -- Royne Nelligan, Attorney and long-time Taiji studentTable of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Taiji as Moving Meditation. 3. Taiji Basics. 4. Forms. 5. Summary.

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Book SynopsisMany people will suffer from depression at some time in their lives. New research shows that Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice, can be an effective treatment for depression and can provide a good alternative or supplement to medication in some cases. Frances Gaik explains the basics of what Qigong is and why it is effective for depression, and shows the reader how to make use of Qigong to rise from the darkness of depression and regain strength and motivation in life. Based on the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong works by promoting the movement of health-giving energy along the meridians of the body. The author shows how the practical application of Qigong can radically improve health and wellbeing, and provides a treatment plan, including Qigong exercises. Encouraging the reader to identify their problems and take action, Dr. Frances Gaik gives practical advice that will help anyone with depression to improve their mental health.Managing Depression with Qigong provides a guide to an effective and increasingly recognised form of treatment that will be invaluable to people with depression and their families.Trade ReviewRelatively short, simple to understand, and practical... This book is quite informative and offers information and guidance about ways of addressing depression that are not often considered in other sources that examine how people may treat depression. With growing evidence for benefits of mind-body and energetic therapies in treating psychiatric conditions, it is great to see this information shared in books for the public. -- Jed Shlackman, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Hypnotherapist, Miami, Florida'Managing Depression with Qigong'' by Francis Gaik is a very well researched book on the ''what'' and ''why'' of qigong, rather than on the ''how''. Gaik descries what qigong is and offers many studies and examples of why qigong can be used to treat depression successfully. It also appears that Gaik looked for studies to reinforce the belief of qigong, and if you want ''proof'' that qigong works, this book sets out to prove it... If you want an academic study of why to practice, get this book. -- Reviewed on the blog Atkins Diet and DepressionIn a lucid, dispassionate, folksy way, Dr. Gaik tells an important story. She describes the research efforts both of herself and earlier and contemporary pioneers in America, China and Japan first to rethink Western medicine in Eastern thought forms and then assimilate it. Her aim: to make you and me healthier through an affordable combination of deep breathing, meditation, counselling and moderate exercise, with an exit strategy from a limited time given over to non-addictive therapy... Her book is an easy, informative, delightful read. -- Patrick Killough, Counsellor, US Senior Foreign Service (1983-1991), US Senior Foreign Service (1983-1991), US Senior Foreign Service (1983-1991)Gaik ably describes western and Chinese notions of depression and the treatment of stress and includes a chapter summarizing the research project on Qigong's effects on depression that formed her dissertation. An appendix contains qigong exercises, including two sitting meditations, as well as a full bibliography. -- Booknews.comMany people will suffer from depression at some time in their lives. New research shows that Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice, can be an effective treatment for depression or can supplement or be an alternative to medication in some cases. Author Frances Gaik explains the basics of what Qigong is and why it helps people with depression. -- ICNM JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction. Chapter 1. A Paradigm Shift Toward Holistic Interventions. Chapter 2. The Information System of Your Body. Chapter 3. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong. 4. Identifying Your Problem. Chapter 5. Practical Applications of Qigong to Depression - The Action Plan. Chapter 6. Taking Personal Responsibility For Your Health. Chapter 7. The Clinical Research Study. Appendix. Part One: Active Exercises. Part Two: Supplementary Exercises. Part Three: Sitting Meditations. References. Acknowledgments. Index.

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Book SynopsisChen style Taijiquan is the oldest of the five main Taijiquan styles. In this book, Master Jan Silberstorff, a leading Chen practitioner, shares his expertise and insights.He explains the background to Taijiquan, and its key principles, and gives the reader a true insight into the Chen system. Master Silberstorff sets this within the historical context of Taijiquan in China, its country of origin, and explains the martial, health and spiritual aspects of traditional Chen Taijiquan. He discusses the different Chen forms and the importance of each, as well as the place of competition and the effect on participants.The book also contains the complete sequences for both the empty hand and weapon forms.This accessible and comprehensive guide to Chen style Taijiquan is ideal for beginners and will also be useful to advanced practitioners wanting to deepen their practice.Trade ReviewMaster Jan Silberstorff manages to convey the essence of Taijiquan in an easy to read format that would encapsulate and encourage practitioners at all levels. Excellent book that I would highly recommend, lovely diagrams, well written. -- UK Tai Chi Ltd.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments. Original Preface. Preface to the First Edition. Preface to the English Edition. Notes about this Book. What is Taijiquan? Part 1. The System of Taijiquan. Chapter 1. Some Facts upon the History of Taijiquan. Chapter 2. What is Qi? Chapter 3. Taiji - A Philosophy. Chapter 4. Taijiquan - A Martial Art. Chapter 5. Taijiquan - A Teaching of Health. Chapter 6. Taijiquan - A Spiritual Exercise. Chapter 7. Techniques and Principles of Taijiquan. Part 2. The Chen Style of Taijiquan. Chapter 8. The System of Chen - Taijiquan. Part 3. Taijiquan: At the Centre of Life. Chapter 9. Something about Yin and Yang. Chapter 10. Taijiquan, Tournaments and the Problems of Success. Chapter 11. The Mistake of Double Weighting. Chapter 12. Taijiquan and Sexuality - Does Art of Life Need Art of Love? Chapter 13. Taijiquan in the World: A Resumé. Part 4. Taijiquan in the Mirror of Medicine. Chapter 14. The Medical Point of View within the Chinese Tradition. Chapter 15. Medical Examinations of Taijiquan. Part 5. Words by the Patriarchs of the Chen Clan. Chapter 16. Verses and Dicta. Chapter 17. Ten Essential Statements on Taijiquan. Chapter 18. The Five Levels of Evolution (Gongfu) in Taijiquan. Chapter 19. Interview with Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. Chapter 20. Sequences in Technique with Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. Afterword. Glossary. Appendix I: World Chen Taijiquan Association. Appendix II: The Forms of Chen Taijiquan.

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Book SynopsisThe ancient Chinese practice of Qigong combines physical movement with gentle breathing techniques to promote harmony between body and mind, and is quickly gaining popularity in the West.This step-by-step guide to managing stress through Qigong begins by looking at stress and our response to it from both an Eastern and a Western perspective. The core of the book provides a program with first a series of carefully-designed stress relief exercises, followed by a series of gentler stress prevention exercises, all of which are clearly explained with easy-to-follow instructions for each of the steps, and fully illustrated. The author explains the theory underpinning the Qigong exercises in terms of the principles of Chinese Medicine, including Yin and Yang, The Five Elements and the circulation of energy (Qi) through the meridians. Extensively trialled with Maggie's Cancer Care Centres, and designed specifically to fit around a busy lifestyle, the Qigong program set out in this book will help to reduce stress, decrease anxiety and restore energy. This practical book will help anyone who is prone to stress, regardless of their level of ability or experience of Qigong. It will also be a useful resource for Taijiquan and Qigong instructors, alternative therapists, and other professionals working with clients who are affected by stress.Trade ReviewGordon is very knowledgeable and experienced in qigong practices and provides a nice overview of Taoist philosophy and practices, including a discussion of Chinese medicine. The main part of this book outlines specific exercises, explaining how they affect one's energetic state and help clear stress. There are clear instructions and pictures showing you how to do each of the exercises and there are a variety of exercises to explore - anyone can find exercises here that suit them... For anyone seeking gentle exercises that help reduce stress and tension, this book would be valuable. -- Jed Shlackman, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified HypnotherapistGordon has gone to great lengths to get across the essence of Daoyin Qigong methods and why they help people who 'are prone to stress'. [He] backs his findings up by personal experience drawn from his excellent work with people whose lives have been affected by cancer, in which stress plays a major part. -- UK Tai ChiI am a firm believer that practicing Qigong can help anyone who is prone to stress. This book is a good addition to anyone's Qigong reference library, especially those who practice Daoyin Yangsheng. It is alsi a good introduction to Qigong for those who want to try this ancient Chinese healing method to manage stress. -- Alain Burrese, J.D.Faulkner's great strength lies in simplifying a complicated discipline. His book allows readers to try several easy, brief exercises that can reduce stress and boost a sense of well-being. For anyone feeling harried in today's world --- and basically, that seems to be nearly everyone --- this detailed guidebook will be a secret weapon for fighting stress. -- Elizabeth Millard - Foreword ReviewsAnother book by the good folks at Singing Dragon, who are becoming quite an important source for excellent material on qigong and Chinese medicine... This book is a presentation of a form of Daoyin created in Beijing by professor Zhang Guangde... The author, a long time student of Professor Zhang, tells that the form of qigong in this book was designed with a very specific purpose in mind, to deal with chronic stress... The practices in this book are just such a way to give our body and energy system what it needs to be able to deal with any level of stress and remain healthy and whole in the process. -- The Empty Vessel: The Journal of Daoist Philosophy and PracticeThis book is a good addition to anyone's Qigong reference library, especially those who practice Daoyin Yangsheng. It is also a good introduction to Qigong for those who want to try this ancient Chinese healing method to manage stress. -- Ezine Articles.Table of ContentsForeword. Preface. Introduction. Stress. Background to Daoyin. Practice. Basic Movements. Standing Stress Relief. Seated Stress Relief. Standing Stress Prevention. Seated Stress Prevention. Principles of Action. General Principles. Specific Principles. Appendix A: Five Elements. Appendix B: Energy System. Appendix C: Chinese Names. Glossary. Index.

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