Martial arts Books
North Atlantic Books,U.S. The Intuitive Body: Discovering the Wisdom of
Book SynopsisThe Intuitive Body draws on the principles of the non-aggressive Japanese martial art aikido and meditation to present a fresh approach to cultivating awareness, attention, and self-acceptance. Author Wendy Palmer shows readers through basic practice and partner exercises how to become more aware of the body and trust its innate wisdom. She introduces exercises from the Conscious Embodiment and Intuition Training program she pioneered, connection movement, meditation, and breathing. These exercises form a daily practice that can help the process of integration, of deepening and unifying the self, and learning to deal with fear and anger. Written in a direct yet nurturing style and based on the author’s many years of practice and teaching, this revised edition of The Intuitive Body contains new material on Conscious Embodiment movement and meditation practices. Also here are new chapters on advocating without aggressing and the wisdom of not knowing — embodying the qualities of dignity and integrity in everyday life. The book is ideal for readers who are already engaged in the process of becoming, as well as for those who are looking for ways to find the courage to begin.
£16.14
North Atlantic Books,U.S. Walking the I Ching: The Linear Ba Gua of Gao Yi
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£15.29
North Atlantic Books,U.S. The Major Methods of Wudang Sword
Book SynopsisOriginally published in Chinese in 1930, The Major Methods of Wudang Sword has become a contemporary classic in the field of traditional Chinese martial arts. Written by Huang Yuan Xiou, the disciple of Li Jing-Lin—China’s most celebrated sword practitioner—this edition now introduces English readers to the fascinating world of traditional Chinese swordplay. Immensely popular in China, Wudang sword contains within its techniques the essence of the internal martial arts of Taiji Quan, Xingyi Quan, and Bagua Zhang. Unlike other books of its time, The Major Methods of Wudang Sword explores the practical application of its techniques rather than simply introducing a solo form. This helps readers and students of any style and background discover new insights and gain new approaches to personal practice. The book also emphasizes the internal aspects of swordfighting, including mental and meditative techniques. Translated by Dr. Lu Mei-hui and with expert commentary by Master Chang Wu Na—two contemporary disciples of Wudang sword— and featuring dozens of black and white photos from the original Chinese edition, The Major Methods of Wudang Sword unlocks the secrets of Wudang swordplay for both novice and advanced practitioners.
£16.14
North Atlantic Books,U.S. Bagua Swimming Body Palms
Book SynopsisBagua Swimming Body Palms is the second book written by Wang Shujin, one of the world’s foremost exponents of Chinese internal martial arts and a renowned expert of Bagua Zhang. This volume continues the process of bringing Master Wang’s important art to Western readers. More intricate than the Linked Palms form, Swimming Body Palms helps practitioners achieve fluent body mechanics and the ability to connect and flow from one movement to the next with power. Master Wang, who taught Swimming Palms to only a few advanced students, described it as “swim-walking,” or swimming around the body.Bagua Swimming Body Palms offers a thorough grounding in the basics of Bagua principles and practice, and illuminates the connection between the cultural meanings of the I Ching and the physical movements of Bagua Zhang. The photographs from the Chinese book are reprinted, along with hundreds of new photographs of translator Kent Howard demonstrating the exercises in greater detail. Sifu Howard provides extensive commentary on Master Wang’s writings, and Daoist master Huang Jinsheng contributes a thoughtful essay on Master Wang’s spiritual practice with the esoteric Daoist sect Yi Guan Dao. The book’s engaging style, fidelity to the Chinese text, and comprehensiveness make it a welcome addition to any martial arts library.
£14.39
Frog Ltd The Gift of Danger: Lessons from Aikido
Book SynopsisMary Stein took up aikido in her mid-fifties and quickly learned what it really means to face danger—both external and internal. In this powerful collection of short essays, she vividly describes learning an active and spirited defense on the mat, in the process uncovering a lifetime of habitual tensions and emotional reactions, of flight and ineffective fight. Stein’s thoughtful musings make clear how the practice of aikido can show what is really needed, right now. The Gift of Danger is aimed at men and women for whom the question of what is genuine in their lives has taken on fresh urgency. Above all, Stein shows that a sense of danger has extraordinary importance for the martial artist; when danger is present during training, one learns to test limits and respond quickly and accurately. We follow the author as she stands, tentative but determined, on the razor’s edge between knowing and not knowing, judgment and impartiality—the only place where real growth can occur. The Gift of Danger is both a striking story of personal growth and a potent argument for aikido as a model for human behavior. Please visit thegiftofdanger.com for more information on the book and author.
£12.59
North Atlantic Books,U.S. Sonny Umpad's Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of
Book SynopsisSonny Umpad''s Eskrima provides insight on Maestro Santiago “Sonny” Umpad''s life, philosophy, and teaching methods, as well as the structural underpinnings of his system. Born with the soul of a warrior, the intellect of a scholar, and a zealot''s devotion to his art, Maestro Santiago "Sonny" Umpad forged an enduring contribution to the rich and colorful history of Filipino martial culture. In 1976, after immigrating to the United States, Sonny founded the school of Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima—rooted in his training in the Philippines and tested by a hard and dangerous life on the streets, Sonny''s system was above all else practical. As Sonny''s reputation as a talented fighter became well-known, he began to cross-train with masters of other martial arts, including Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee''s first student) and Wally Jay (founder of Small Circle Jujitsu). One of the most innovative and visionary exponents of the Filipino arts, Sonny pioneered the concept of "mixed martial arts" long before the term was in use. Instructor George Yore has assembled the writings of six of Sonny''s students (including Wade Williams, 2012 nominee for the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame) to create a biographic homage to this remarkable martial artist; basic techniques and applications are also demonstrated, accompanied by 130 step-by-step photos. Practitioners of Filipino martial arts—as well as mixed martial artists and security specialists—will find valuable instruction in techniques and applications, while the thousands of people touched by Sonny''s teachings will gain a new understanding of this notoriously reclusive master''s life—and how his experiences informed the development of his system.
£15.29
Triumph Books MMA Unscripted: Behind the Scenes of America's
Book SynopsisIn MMA Unscripted: Behind the Scenes of America's Hottest Sport, the authors, editors, and writers for MMA Worldwide delve deep into the dramatic, awe-inspiring underpinnings of the mixed martial arts universe. The result is a revealing portrait of what happens once the cage empties and the lights darken. Within these pages, the MMA Worldwide crew has canvassed the entire sport to uncover the best stories and most-telling anecdotes about MMA personalities and events. Visit the training camps of some of the best fighters in the world, including Erik Paulson's Catch Submission Wrestling, Wanderlei Silva's home gym in Las Vegas, and Cung Le's facilities in San Jose. Get a rare personal look at some of the most intriguing personalities in the MMA World, including UFC cage announcer Bruce Buffer, former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, and Tapout magazine founder Chris "Mask" Lewis. Enjoy behind-the-scenes peeks at some of the best fight promotions in the country. This is the best way to get exclusive access to the best on- and off-camera moments of the sport.
£13.25
North Atlantic Books,U.S. Introduction to Baguazhang: From Circle Walking
Book SynopsisThis clear, step-by-step guide to the fundamentals of Bagua Zhang lays out the principles, practices, and underlying philosophy of this cerebral and sophisticated Chinese internal martial art. Leading readers from the most basic precepts of Bagua Zhang practice to advanced techniques, Kent Howard draws on his deep understanding of the art and his decades of teaching to set students on a path toward mastery. While Bagua Zhang is often perceived as a complex martial art that is difficult to learn, Howard breaks it down into clear and easily absorbed principles and exercises that beginners can master and incorporate into higher levels of practice at their own pace. Numerous easy-to-follow photographs illustrate core practices such as circle-walking, post standing, and palm changes, as well as foundandational techniques of posture and alignment, fluid motion, generating whole-body power, absorbing and redirecting energy, striking while in motion, and much more. In addition to providing a solid foundation for a lifetime practice, Bagua Zhang Fundamentals also offers more advanced practitioners valuable tips on how to increase their knowledge and understanding of this multifaceted martial art.
£15.29
North Atlantic Books,U.S. Martial Structure: How to Maximize Your Martial
Book SynopsisA unique guide to becoming faster and more powerful in martial arts through correct body alignment and proper structure, featuring over 100 imagesIn all martial disciplines—including karate, judo, taekwondo, and gong-fu—real martial skill does not require the development of large muscles or great strength but rather correct posture. Drawing on decades of experience as both a student and a teacher, Phillip Starr focuses on how physical posture affects not only physical abilities but also the mental condition and emphasizes the importance of developing power without exerting unnecessary muscular force. Thoroughly and accessibly explained and abundantly illustrated throughout with photographs that provide step-by-step instructions, Martial Structure is essential for anyone wanting to understand how the laws of physics and biomechanics can be harnessed to make them faster, more powerful, and more effective in actual combat.
£12.59
North Atlantic Books,U.S. Martial Arts and the Mirror Image: Using Martial
Book SynopsisA groundbreaking approach to martial arts combining psychology and Qigong, featuring practical exercises and 100 step-by-step illustrationsMartial arts teacher Phillip Starr draws on more than 60 years of experience to introduce the Mirror Image Technique—a method that recognizes the reinforcing nature of body and mind and the way we hold ourselves in our personal lives and in our martial arts practice. Starr pulls from Self-Image Psychology and Qigong to offer readers a unique set of physical exercises that can be applied to any martial art tradition—as well as our personal lives. Unlike other self-help books that consider the mind as the sole gateway to change, the Mirror Image Technique shows that cognitive transformation starts with the body. Starr takes readers through: Demonstrating key principles of Qigong with exercises like The Unbreakable Arm and The Unliftable Body Improving your stance Increasing your strike force Insights into the mindset for breaking boards (tameshiwari). Intended to enhance growth and personal development, the techniques in Martial Arts and the Mirror Image offer a renewal of confidence and enthusiasm for one’s particular practice.
£16.19
Creative Paperbacks Mma
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£14.39
Bloomsbury USA The Shotokan Karate Bible: Beginner to Black Belt
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£22.40
Frog Ltd It's a Lot Like Dancing: An Aikido Journey
Book SynopsisThe text combines with the great photos to create an incredible reading experience. Anyone interested in getting more out of the martial arts than physical technique should read this book.
£18.90
Hirmer The Art of Self An Interpretation of Traditional
Book SynopsisGrandmast David Ippen was born and raised in Germany. He studied Philosophy in Munich, Germany and is a licensed Physiotherapist. He has been studying traditional Taekwon-Do since Thames & Hudson Ltd, Head Office, Trade Distribution and Accounts 181a High Holburn, London WC1V 7QX Littlehampton Book Services T +44 (0) 20 7845 5000, F +44 (0) 20 7845 5050, Faraday Close, Durrington,Worthing, West Sussex BN13 3RB E sales@thameshudson.co.uk Customer Services +44 (0) 1903 828501, Direct Order Line +44 (0) 1903 828511 E enquiries@lbsltd.co.uk / orders@lbsltd.co.uk F +44 (0) 1903 828801/02 1990 and currently holds the rank of 5th Dan. He has been teaching Taekwon-Do since 1995. In February 2009 he opened the Traditional Taekwon-Do Center Honolulu. His Dojang (school) focuses exclusively on teaching traditional Taekwon-Do. In addition to his martial arts training, GM Ippen studied Kahuna Bodywork under Kahuna Abraham Kawai'i and Ho'okahi Ho'oulu. This style of bodywork are principles based on Hawaiian martial arts. He has extensive training in the recognition of and balancing of energies in people, land, building structures, and generating Mana.
£15.85
Logos Verlag Berlin Die Wiege Des Taijiquan: Der Soziokulturelle
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£39.90
Editorial Kairos El Libro de Los Seis Anillos: Secretos del
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£16.40