Martial arts Books

Book SynopsisThe ancient warrior culture of Japan produced a sophisticated martial philosophy that we know today as Bushido—the Way of the Warrior. In Samurai Wisdom, author Thomas Cleary provides five critical new translations of major Japanese works on Bushido.The writings of the scholar Yamaga Soko and his disciples are among the most lucid expositions we have of the core ideas and philosophy underlying the Samurai's disciplined way of life and outlook. Together they provide an in-depth, practical guide to character building and conduct according to the precepts of Bushido—a code for professional warriors that retains as much relevance in today's world as it had when these works were written 400 years ago.Yamaga's writings inspired the transformation of the Samurai from a feudal class of warriors under the command of the Shogun to a group of prominent individuals with significant intellectual, political and moral leadership and influence. The works translated in Samurai Wisdom for the very first time are as timeless and essential today as the works of Sun Tzu, Musashi and Clausewitz.The five Japanese works on Bushido translated in Samurai Wisdom are: The Way of the Knight by Yamaga Soko The Warrior's Rule by Tsugaru Kodo-shi Essentials of Military Matters compiled by Yamaga Takatsune The Education of Warriors by Yamaga Soko Primer of Martial Education by Yamaga Soko Trade Review"Samurai Wisdom is absolutely excellent. Not only does this book provide the reader with a deep understanding of the samurai mind and their values, but if studied and applied, it also provides the reader with many valuable principles to live by in today's world. This is one of Thomas Cleary's best books." --Bodhi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior's Path"[A] refreshing look at the life of the samurai, his history, his way of thinking, the reason & benefits for living the way they did & a deep insight into their minds." --Terry Tozer, Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate Academy (TJSKA)"These books provide a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of Edo period samurai and their struggles to retain the skills of war while remaining relevant in a time of peace, and they're also very affordable." --TheShogunsHouse.com blog

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisLinking the time when karate was a strictly Okinawan art of self-defense shrouded in the deepest secrecy and the present day, when it has become a martial art practiced throughout the world, is Gichin Funakoshi, the Father of Karate-do.' Out of modesty, he was reluctant to write this autobiography and did not do so until he was nearly ninety years of age. Trained in the Confucian classics, he was a schoolteacher early in life, but after decades of study under the foremost masters, he gave up his livelihood to devote the rest of his life to the propagation of'

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life, Graham Horwood describes the various styles of Tai Chi Chuan, exploring its roots in the Chinese philosophy of Taoism as well as elaborating on the evolution it has undergone over millennia. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung, he highlights parallels between its source, The I Ching, and archetypal principles from both Eastern and Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, and shows how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi, which will strengthen both the mind and body, opening the gateway to the inner person. Drawing on information from the Yang family's formerly secret teachings, the book explains how to build chi (energy), circulate and store it, and also includes an exclusive set of Chi Kung exercises which will augment the building, circulation and storage of chi for the healer and martial practitioner, showing the path to optimizing the practitioner's energetic and spiritual development. The exercises are accompanied by an explanation of where chi comes from and its application for the mind and body as well as the flow in the meridians.The book provides an excellent introduction to both the theory and key practices of Tai Chi Chuan for the beginner, and multi-level insights for the seasoned practitioner that will enhance his or her practice and understanding of Tai Chi Chuan.Trade ReviewHorwood has produced a thoroughly interesting and comprehensive account on the various styles of Tai Chi expertly mixing theory, history and developments of the discipline with exercises that include the building, circulation and storage of chi. For beginners, this offers an excellent introduction of the theory and key practices of Tai Chin Chuan, while for a more advanced practitioners the multi-level insights will enhance their understanding and practice. An invaluable resource for those interested in the discipline. -- Yoga (Mind Body and Spirit)Table of ContentsIntroduction. Jung, Wilhelm, and the I Ching. The I Ching and Life in Harmony. Feng Shui and the Balance of Nature. Science, DNA, and Tai Chi. The Role of Change in the University Life Force. The Dark and Light Sides of Tai Chi Chuan. Chapter One: The Philosophy of Taoism from a Western Perspective. Chinese Thought and History. Alchemy and Opposition. The Number and Name of Creation. Tending the Waters of the Unconscious. Chapter Two: The History of Tai Chi Chuan. The Four Styles of Tai Chi Chuan. An Ancient Way of War. The Tai Chi Hermit. The Spiral Dance of Chen Wang Ting. Tai Chi Goes Underground. Yang the Shadow Boxer. The Yang Family Style. What the History of Tai Chi Tells Us. Chapter Three: The Eight Pa Qua Trigrams. Chinese Archetype: Chien–Heaven. Chinese Archetype: Kun–The Receptive. Chinese Archetype: Kan–The Abysmal. Chinese Archetype: Li–The Clinging. Chinese Archetype: Tui–The Joyous. Chinese Archetype: Chen–The Arousing. Chinese Archetype: Ken–Keeping Still. Chinese Archetype: Sun–The Gentle. Conclusion of the Pa Qua and Their Relationship. Chapter Four: The Five Elements–Wu Hsing. The Relationship with the Tai Chi Form, Movement, and Internal Organ Balance. The Psychology of the Wu Hsing. The Four Elements in Greek Thought. From Paracelsus to Quantum Physics. Applications in Tai Chi. Fire Element. Earth Element. Metal Element. Water Element. Wood Element. Conclusion. Chapter Five: The Science of the Inner Breath–Chi Kung. Sexuality, Reproduction, and the Maintenance of Healthy Chi. Forms of Chi Kung. Chi Kung 1–Reverse Breathing. Chi Kung 2–Microcosmic Orbit. Chi Kung 3–Macrocosmic Breathing. Chi Kung 4–Ball Breathing. Chi Kung 5–Condensing Breath. Chi Kung 6–Heaven and Earth Breathing. Chi Kung 7–Meridian Breathing. Chi Kung 8–Five Element Internal Organ Breathing. Chi Kung 9–Eight Trigram Breathing. Chi Kung 10–Variations for Healing. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis innovative book makes the benefits of Tai Chi directly available to Westerners by communicating its essence in poetic, evocative, and humorous images that apply not only to movement practices of all kinds but to daily life. The book does not assume any knowledge of Tai Chi forms.The images in this book - drawn from a wide variety of sources, both Chinese and Western, ancient and modern - are easy to understand, fun to work with, and embody the true inner spirit of Tai Chi's timeless tradition. The book contains hundreds of photos and line drawings illustrating the images, detailed explanations of the biomechanical realities that underlie the images, and a summary of the latest scientific research on the benefits of Tai Chi.Trade ReviewThis book would be useful not only to the student of Tai Chi, but also of any healing modality, dance, sport, meditation or conscious physical art... Overall it is a cleverly written book that achieves its aim of instigating an aware physical experience. -- Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine(...) is to my mind one of the most exciting tai chi books I have read in a long time... Martin Mellish clearly understands this and his novel approach to the subject means that his book is one that truly is accessible to Western readers... A Tai Chi Imagery Workbook: Spirit, Intent, and Motion is a must have. -- SpiralWiseThe Tai Chi Imagery Workbook by Martin Mellish is an experiential and inspirational book that you can just pick up and choose to work with individual concepts, giving both teachers and practitioners an infinite variety of imagery to enhance their skills and practice. Not only is this an ideal book for Tai Chi, but also for those who practise or teach Yoga, Pilates, dance and meditation.It brings alive, in a user friendly way, time-honoured wisdom into modern concepts, allowing us to explore the value of imagery and imagination in our everyday lives. This is a practice which, as the author states, in western culture has long been feared, put down or regarded as just superstition. It is a chance to return to the playfulness of childhood, and use the skill of imagination in a creative and constructive way. He has embodied the true essence and spirit of an ancient tradition, applying a skilful balance between play and anatomical, structural and philosophical information. At the same time he addresses other modalities, for those who would prefer to approach the book, not just in a visual sense but, in a more tactile and kinaesthetic way. This makes it full of accessible ideas to enhance the lives of all ages and abilities.It is also an excellent aid to teachers and those who need to get the concepts across to others who have never experience Tai Chi before, making them illuminating and fun for all generations and fitness levels. The author's practical, no messing approach to anatomy and physiology creates an accessible way for the lay person to easily grasp the essence of what is needed in order to use their body in the correct way whilst at the same time enhancing the flow of Chi or vital life force through it... I was sincerely delighted to be asked to review this inspiring book, because and as a Yoga, Tai Chi and Shiatsu teachers trainer myself I would be happy to recommend this book to all my students and teachers, and put in into their recommended reading list. Knowing that within its covers is a lifetime of practical and thought-provoking universal images and concepts to experience and work with. -- Positive Health OnlineLove this book! If you only ever buy one tai chi book then make it this one. Quite simply it makes tai chi movements intuitive... This book helps you to experience tai chi for yourself... This book is suitable for all levels from beginner to experienced practitioner and instructor. There's some 30 years of experienced contained within its pages but such is the clarity and simplicity that you don't feel weighed down by all the knowledge but rather lifted up because things you thought were complicated can be experienced in a simple way. -- Taichifinder.co.ukThis is a wonderful book, full of unusual and thoughtful images to help students and teachers find new paths to Tai Chi satisfaction and success. I highly recommend this book to all Tai Chi players, no matter what style they practice. -- Michael Gilman, President of the International Society of Tai Chi Chuan Instructors, Grand champion competitor, and author of 108 Insights into Tai Chi Chuan and 101 Reflections on Tai Chi ChuanIn this non style specific book Martin gives the reader plenty of examples of imagery, for example "walk like a cat on a frozen pond" and lovely pictures to back them up. However, his experience in Tai Chi and authentic scientific background shines through. In particular I like the use of imagery backed by logic, illustrations and detailed explanations. If nothing else we should all try Martin's version of "Opening the Jade Pillow" whether you do Tai Ci or not. I think I will be "dipping" in and out of this book for a long time to come, with plenty of good ideas to experiment with... I would recommend this book and can see benefits to Tai chi players and non players alike. -- UKTai Chi LtdPost Cultural-Revolution tai chi does not include imagery, but Mellish learned from older teachers. He brings a sense of play to the underlying illustrated movements, while inviting body mindfulness, designed to tap into inner wisdom for building strength, flexibility, and balance... these practices, illustrated and explained with humor and wisdom, create the potential for a powerful mind-body shift. Profound moments emerge in comments such as "Commitment does not mean increasing the force that is pulling you forward, but letting go of the force that is holding you back." These physical practices combined with visuals bring such wisdom alive by igniting mindful movement in unexpected and everyday ways. -- Bobbye Middendorf - ForewordTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Photo Credits. Introduction. Letting Go. A Key to Relaxation: Commitment. Letting Go of Muscular Tension. Power Through Letting Go. Letting Go of 'Doing'. Letting Go of Thought. Letting Go of Limitation. Stance, Rooting, and Stepping. The Importance of Balance. Using Imagery for Balance. The 'Empty Step'. The Iliopsoas Muscle Complex and its Role in Stepping. Transferring Your Weight. Feet Like an Ape's Feet that can Hold on to Branches. Riding a Horse. Stance Like a Mountain. Your Body is just the Tip of the Iceberg. Your Reflection is Underneath the Ground. Lines of Magnetic Force. Stance is an Arch. Sitting on an Exercise Ball. Stance like a Car Suspension System. Being Carried in a Sedan Chair. Doing the Form Under a Low Ceiling. Skating. The Pelvis Opens and Closes Like a Book. The Center. Life, Emotion, Power, and Breath. Sinking the Consciousness into the Center. The Eye of the Storm. Pelvic Floor like a Trampoline. Psoas and Iliopsoas. Sitting in a Chair. Climbing Harness. Hydraulic Jacks Lift Your Ribcage Off Your Hipbones. Trapping a Sheet of Paper in the Crease of the Hip. Sweeping Beer Bottles off a Table. The Trim of the Pelvis. Hipbones Resting in one Horizontal Track. Hipbones like Headlamps. Feel the Pelvis as a Large Cup with a Handle. Pelvis like a Bowl of Fruit. Circuits Around the Center. The Process of Developing Awareness of your Center. Your Spine and Your Line. Anatomy and Musculature of the Spine. The Jade Pillow – Gateway Between Mind and Body. The Golden Cord. Sitting on a Window-ledge. Feel the Spine like a Snake. The Pin of a Vertical Hinge. A Downward-pointing Spear. A Golf Ball Resting on a Tee. Feather Extends Upward from Back of Head to Paint the Sky. You have a Dinosaur Tail. As if Balancing a Book on your Head. One Line Through Back of Head, Tailbone, and Heel of Support Foot. Three Circles in the Torso. Radiance. The Inner Smile. Breathing into Every Cell in your Body. Bursting with Energy like the Michelin Man. An Aura Surrounds Your Body. Like Watering a Flower. Light Shining out from all your Energy Centres. Lights Shining out to and Beyond the Horizon. Shoulders, Arms, and Hands. Relaxing the Arms. Relaxing the Shoulders. Energetic Openness. Connection. Flow and Rhythm. Rhythm. Flow. Combating Evil Spirits. Dancing with the Spirits. The Five Elements. Power. Mechanical Disadvantage and how we get Around it. Static Power. Bracing of the Small of the Back. Dynamic Power. Wave Energy. Explosive Power. Self and Other: Push Hands. Notes on Word Choices. Push Hands is for Everyone. Intention, Relationship, and Push Hands. Push Hands 'Light'. Push Hands as a Formal Practice. Effectiveness of Imagery for Push Hands. Some Basic Images for Push Hands 'Light'. Stick, Connect, Absorb, and Displace. Imagery for Level 1: Sticking. Imagery for Level 2: Connecting. Imagery for Level 3: Absorbing. Imagery for Level 4: Displacing. Tai Chi Straight Sword and Other Weapons. Tip of Weapon Passes through a Tiny Hole without Touching the Sides. Tip of the Sword is 'Sucked' out into Space. The Sword is an Extension of your own Body. Dissecting the Air as if it were Solid. Slicing a Pillow. Imagine your Empty Hand as Another Sword. The Overhead Chop - Like Unrolling a Red Carpet - or like an Ice Skater going into a Spin. Imagery in Daily Life. Appendix A: Mathematics and Mechanics of Tai Chi. Open Curves and Mechanical Advantage. Gravity, the Ground Force, and the Balance of Forces. Elastic and Inelastic Collisions. Appendix B: Scientific Research on Tai Chi. Confounding Effects in Tai Chi Research. Research Reviews by Subject. How to Research the Research. Bibliography. The Tai Chi Classics. Imagery and Movement. Imagery and the Mind. The Five Elements.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn its first English-language edition, this detailed training manual is a complete guide to Gao baguazhang, as preserved through the lineage of Liu Fengcai. The youngest of the major bagua lineages, Gao bagua shows the influence of taiji quan, xingyi quan, and shuai jiao. It incorporates traditional bagua weapons, pre-heaven palms, and animal forms in addition to sixty-four individual post-heaven palms and their accompanying two-person forms. A unique synthesis of health-building techniques, Daoist theory, and practical fighting applications, Gao-style bagua is an example of the finest internal-arts traditions.The original manuscript for The Cheng School Gao Style Baguazhang Manual was completed by the art's founder, Gao Yisheng, in 1936. It was not published at the time, but handed down to his student Liu Fengcai, who edited and published the first Chinese edition in 1991 with the help of his own student Liu Shuhang. In 2005, Liu Shuhang published a revised and expanded version, and this was again expanded and reissued in a third edition in 2010. Now, the manual has been translated and fully updated for its first English-language edition. Including over 400 photos showing step-by-step techniques and forms, the manual documents the fundamentals of the art as well as detailed descriptions of techniques and empty-hand forms, laying the groundwork for advanced training. This edition includes rare photos of important masters in the Gao lineage, lineage charts, biographies, and other updates, making it the essential companion for anyone studying Gao style and a useful guide for any practitioner of baguazhang or other Chinese martial arts.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUses the life and accomplishments of sword master Miyamoto Musashi to explore the history of swords and sword fighting and show the key role they played in the development of the traditional Japanese martial arts systems. This book opens with an introduction to Musashi as a real-life figure, not just the legend we've come to know. In this landmark book, author Fumon Tanaka uses the life and accomplishments of sword master Miyamoto Musashi to explore the history of swords and sword fighting and show the key role they played in the development of the traditional Japanese martial

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten for everyone from beginners to tournament competitors, this guide is a useful resource for getting started in the major martial arts. It walks readers through basic moves of Karate, Kung-Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and T'ai Chi, with an emphasis on self-defence.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Part I: Martial Arts Essentials. Chapter 1: Better than a Barroom Brawl. Chapter 2: Martial Arts Culture. Chapter 3: Choosing a Style. Chapter 4: Choosing a School or Instructor. Chapter 5: Go Get 'Em: Goals and Ranking Systems. Chapter 6: Clothes, Shoes, and Equipment. Chapter 7: Playing It Safe and Avoiding Injury. Part II: Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk. Chapter 8: Getting the Most from Your Training. Chapter 9: Protecting Yourself: Self-Defense Details. Chapter 10: Preparing for Competition without Losing Your Head (Literally). Chapter 11: Working the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection. Chapter 12: Just Like in the Movies: The Lowdown on Weapons. Chapter 13: Using Martial Arts Outside of Class. Part III: Styles, Techniques, and Tactics: An Up-Close Look. Chapter 14: Karate. Chapter 15: Kung Fu. Chapter 16: Tae Kwon Do. Chapter 17: Judo. Chapter 18: Aikido. Chapter 19: Escrima. Chapter 20: Hapkido. Chapter 21: Muay Thai. Chapter 22: Jeet Kune Do and Eclectic Martial Arts. Chapter 23: T'ai Chi Chuan. Part IV: The Part of Tens. Chapter 24: Ten Rules for the Martial Arts Classroom. Chapter 25: Ten Qualities a Good Instructor Must Have. Chapter 26: Ten Tips from the Master. Chapter 27: Ten Cool Martial Arts Movies. Part V: Appendixes. Appendix A: Glossary. Appendix B: Sources and Resources. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe martial arts, in their finest form, are much more than a physical contest between two opponents - a means of imposing ones will or inflicting damage upon another. Rather, for the true master, karate, kung fu, aikido, wing-chun and all the other martial arts are essentially avenues through which they can achieve spiritual serenity, mental tranquility and the deepest self-confidence.The role of Zen in the martial arts defies easy definition because Zen has no theory; it is an inner knowing for which there is no clearly stated dogma. The Zen of martial arts deemphasizes the power of the intellect and extols that of intuitive action. It''s ultimate aim is to free the individual from anger, illusion and false passion.Hyams emphasizes crucial aspects of the martial arts that have been all but lost since their import into the West: the Zen objectives of serenity of spirit, tranquility of mind, and firmness of will.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisGrace and self-control. Anyone who has been on the inside of my sporting effort know for the most part those words do not exist. They may accidentally present themselves on occasion, but for the most part, when humans and physical challenges come together in the same arena, everything but grace and self-control results. It seems the harder we strive for perfection the more our human side takes control, bringing with it blunders, mishaps and confusions. The martial arts is by no means an exception. This book is commemoration to this effort by way of a collection of light-hearted cartoons honouring the attempts by human beings living to imitate the ways of nature.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn in-depth exploration of T''ai Chi through the practice of Cloud Hands, a foundational exercise common to all schools of this popular martial art Part theoretical treatise, part training manual, this book facilitates a deeper understanding of "internal" movement and training for students of T''ai Chi and other internal martial arts. Step-by-step exercises help to bring the theoretical into concrete practice and application. Author Robert E. Tangora, an accomplished practitioner and teacher of several different styles of T''ai Chi, places a heavy emphasis on the development of internal structure and building a solid foundation in the art''s most basic movements. Intermediate and advanced practitioners will discover a deeply interconnected world of practice; beginning students will learn basic training methods that can help them bypass years of incomplete training and erase incorrect habits already formed. Tangora also stresses the importance of meditation and its crucial relationship to the art''s health and martial aspects, as well as how to use the spine to integrate movements—especially important for practitioners with back problems who wish to learn how to move without inducing pain. Readers will learn to:• Cultivate internal power• Discover the inner workings of Tai Chi Ch''uan• Understand the meaning of the T''ai Chi classics• Move without injury• Relieve back pain

Read more less

Book SynopsisFamed for promoting health and longevity, as well as for its effectiveness as a fighting art, Xingyi is practiced by enthusiasts in China and in the West. Designed as a primer or introductory reader and filled with photos, illustrations, and descriptive text, this authentic manual introduces the Five Elements of Xingyi—Splitting Fist, Drilling Fist, Smashing Fist, Pounding Fist, and Crossing Fist—outlining the basic theory and history of the art. Coming directly from an eighth-generation practitioner of a famous lineage, The Xingyi Boxing Manual is a distillation of the knowledge and experience of many of the major figures in the history of Xingyi boxing. Translator John Groschwitz includes previously unavailable materials from the complete original book making this revised and expanded edition an essential guide for today''s practitioner of this traditional martial art.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less