Search results for ""YMAA Publication Center""

The civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists drove the largest refugee exodus in the modern history of China, across the sea to the southern island of Taiwan. Martial artists of many styles were among this diaspora. In the 1940’s areas of Taipei, Taiwan were terrorized by local gangsters. Supported by desperate martial artists who had to flee mainland China with no other resources but their martial skills, they robbed and extorted the population. The locals trying to rebuild a new life after the Japanese occupation, often hired their own cadre of martial artists. The Hong family was one of these merchant families. Through hard work, honesty, and perseverance, the Hong family had come from poverty to build a successful candle making business. It’s patriarch, Hong Wu-fan, not only hired martial artists but invited famous refugee masters to live and train in his family compound, thus earning their loyalty and the honor of their secrets. One of the most outstanding students was Hong’s fourth son, Hong Yi-xiang. The author Hong Ze-han tells the true story of his father Hong Yi-xiang, and the cultural story of Taiwan in the 50-year period between the 1940s and the 1990s. Hong Yi-xiang was the founder of the Yizong Tangshoudao school of martial arts. He earned his renowned reputation by using the philosophy of the internal arts to outwit his opponents, relying on strategy as much as superior physical skills. Blessed with access to his father’s life and teachings, the author Hong Ze-han conjures intimate conversations with the master and weaves a tale of success out of the struggle to survive. We, dear readers, are allowed in—to become outside students to these teachings and the cultural times in which the master’s art developed. We become part of an art and a country made stronger by the character and strength of its immigrants.

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Simplified Tai Chi Chuan 24 Posture is one of today’s most popular and easy to learn tai chi forms. This book presents both the Simplified 24-posture Tai Chi form and the Simplified 48-posture Tai Chi form. Simplified Tai Chi Chuan 24 Posture is one of today’s most popular tai chi forms. Once learned, it can be performed in only six minutes. If you are learning tai chi in a school, a fitness club, a community or recreation center, or even the local park, this is the tai chi form you are likely to encounter. The martial arts applications for each posture are shown so you can understand that every movement has a purpose. The Simplified Tai Chi Chuan 48 Posture is a popular tai chi form practiced by those who want a longer, more challenging sequence. Once learned, it can be performed in only twelve minutes. The forty-eight posture form is often the next form a student studies after learning the twenty-four

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Qigong Massage, one of the oldest methods of healing, is built upon five thousand years of progress and a highly refined, solid theoretical foundation. Used to improve health, slow down aging, and treat many types of illnesses, Qigong massage is a wide and deep healing science, and the root of many other popular forms of massage therapy. This comprehensive text by world renowned Qigong scholar, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, presents the fundamental techniques and theory of Qigong massage that therapists can use to enhance their skills, and deepen their knowledge and application of Qi (energetic) healing. Not only for therapists! Novices will find the instruction and techniques in this book practical and useful for recovering from fatigue, aches and pains, tension and more. A special section on Self-Massage is presented to help those in need of massage treatment benefits, but who lack a partner or therapist. Wit

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Discover What China has Known for 1000 Years, Self Healing Works! Wouldn''t it be nice to stop common ailments before they happen? We can prevent many of them once we have the proper knowledge. This book, Qigong for Treating Common Ailments, provides a system for maintaining overall health while addressing specific problems with exact treatments. All natural, safe, and easy to learn, these exercises provide a life-long path to wellness! This re-edited edition, originally published by a university press in China, is essential for the home health library! Solutions to help you: Protect and Strengthen the Internal Organs with Qigong Exercises. Improve Circulation and Overall Health using Qigong Massage Methods. Discover a Wide Variety of Breathing and Relaxation Techniques. Qigong for Treating Common Ailments is easy to Learn and easy to pract

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Discover the foundation behind the fascinating TCM system of holistic health based on several thousand years of real clinical experience. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique, comprehensive, and scientific system, maintaining that the root of a disease must be found, and that a patient must be treated according to their whole being as well as their surrounding natural conditions. Viewing the human as a single, integrated entity that relates with nature, TCM maintains that the human body is affected by any changes that occur in nature, and must be treated as such. Since its beginnings, not only has TCM been well preserved and documented but it has also been continuously developing and growing. Having remarkable curative abilities and few side effects, it is an effective means to prevent and treat diseases and to keep yourself strong and healthy.  Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine is

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Massage is one of the essential foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine.    Tui Na, literally "Push Grab" has been practiced by Chinese martial artists, Qigong practitioners and healers for thousands of years. Specializing in injury repair and curing illness, Tui Na massage can also maintain your health by adjusting your Qi in order to flow smoothly. It will increase your Qi and blood circulation in particular areas or throughout your entire body, removing blockages and stagnations caused by injuries, exercise and/or aging. Tui Na massage is also a wonderful way to relieve stress and recover from a hard day on the job or a tough workout.   Chinese Tui Na Massage is systematic, concise, practical and easy to read. Originally published in China, this re-edited edition (the 4th book in our Practical TCM series) provides both theory and practical techniques.  

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True Wellness is a step-by-step guide to optimal health, blending the best of Western and Eastern medical traditions. The authors have realized the conventional way of managing disease is unsustainable. They recognize that even as the high-tech accomplishments of Western medicine increase, the overall health of the nation continues to decline. In their own practices, however, they have discovered a path to optimal health, even in complicated Western health-care systems.>/p> The secret is combining the strengths of both Western and Eastern medicine to achieve the unique health goals of each patient. With this book you will: Discover the strengths and benefits of both Eastern and Western medicine Use journaling topics, questions, worksheets, checklists, and practical advice to prepare for and begin new, healthy behaviors Learn to create a multidisciplinary care team for a strong alliance between your Western health-care providers and Eastern practitioners True Wellness encourages individual responsibility and prepares you to take the first step on your healing journey. By combining ancient wisdom, cutting-edge scientific discoveries, and practical advice, this book will lead you through a transformation to true well-being in body, mind, and spirit.

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FINALIST SELF HELP Next Generation Indie Book Award 2016 FINALIST SELF HELP USA News Award 2015 We all have a built in weapon system that we rarely use, it's called anxiety. We are taught that anxiety is something to avoid. That emotional experiences such as fear, trepidation, or stress, are contrary to living a happy life. We are also told that in threatening situations, anxiety should be quelled. This is not true. Realize that a key to success in a threatening situation is to use your anxiety to increase your sensory input with information vital to your survival. Understand how to manipulate the anxiety of your aggressor, denying him critical information he will need for success. Whether you are a college student, a martial artist, a parent, or a citizen, you will learn three constants that will help you stay safer and reduce your overall risk of being victimized by aggression. *How your instincts are the key to making the right decisions for the toughest challenges.*Why your anxiety is the link between decision-making and instinct.* How to be completely in the moment, so your will can coordinate your anxieties and your instincts into a highly effective decision-making process. David Hopkins brings together a unique mix of expertise from professions in psychology and psychotherapy, martial arts, security and anti-terror. He will provide a practical, proven and effective system for enhancing any martial arts or self-defense system. Whether facing potential or active threats, either real time or online, you will learn to protect yourself and your family more effectively. You will be given practical exercises for developing these skills and examples from my own experiences in close protection/security, anti-terror, and undercover work using this same system. When you finish with this book, you will be more effective and more successful at facing a physical or mental enemy, no matter how large or small that may be.

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Fair Fight? Not likely. Least of all from a criminal who is looking to make a quick profit at your expense. A sad fact is that weapon-wielding thugs victimize 1,773,000 citizens every year in the United States alone. Even martial artists are not immune from this deadly threat. Consequently, self-defense training that does not consider the very real possibility of an armed attack is dangerously incomplete. Whether you live in the city or countryside, you should be both mentally and physically prepared to deal with an unprovoked armed assault at any time. Preparation must be comprehensive enough to account for the plethora of pointy objects, blunt instruments, explosive devices, and deadly projectiles that someday could be used against you. This extensive book teaches proven survival skills that can keep you safe on the street. A multitude of real-life scenarios and case studies analyzing violent encounters will help you to internalize this crucial knowledge. Contents include: *Awareness*Avoidance*De-escalation*Countervailing force*Armed conflict*Managing the aftermath of violence*Weapon features and functions If you are serious about self-defense this book is for you. Everyone, including experienced martial artists, security and law enforcement professionals, and concerned citizens will benefit from this vital information.

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FINALIST - Autobiography / Memoirs, 2016 Best Books Award "A British karateka" offers a bone-crushing, lip-splitting, and often elegant memoir of a tough guy searching for higher meaning through the study of martial arts." Kirkus Reviews "In this memoir describing how karate turned his life around, Clarke displays passion and grit in spades." Foreword Reviews Michael Clarke was an angry, vicious kid, a street fighter. He grew up in the late sixties and early seventies in Manchester, England, in a tough neighborhood where, he writes, Prostitutes worked the pavement opposite my home, illegal bookmakers took bets in back alley cellars, and street brawls were commonplace." He left school at fifteenand began his education as a pugilist on the streets. He fought in bars andclubs, at football matches, in parks, and in bus stationsand he was good. He reveledin the victories and the admiration they brought. It was a life of knucklesand teeth, of broken bones and torn fleshand the arrests that followed. Clarkewas seventeen when a judge sentenced him to two years in Strangeways Prison, aninfamous place also known as psychopath central." In prison he resolved tochange his life and stay out of trouble, but trouble was everywhere. Hediscovered a world of violent gangs, abusive guards, and inmates engaged in anendless struggle for dominance. Strangeways was a place where a person couldget stabbed to death for taking the bigger piece of toast. In time Clarke was released,but the transition was difficult and he almost fought his way back to prison. Thenone night he entered a karate dojo and his life changed forever. He began alifetime pursuit of budo, the martial way. He sought knowledge, studied withmasters, and traveled to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. Redemption: A Street Fighter's Path toPeace is a true account of youthwasted and life reclaimed. Michael Clarke reminds us that martial arts are notsimply about punching and kicking. They forge the spirit, temper the will, and revealour true nature.

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Discover and Use the Wisdom of the Sages! There''s an old Chinese proverb which states, "Optimism will help you forget sorrow." It is widely believed that an optimistic, stable mood and mental balance calms the body''s vital energies and spirit, aiding in the circulation of blood and Qi, thus improving health. Throughout China''s long history, ancient medical texts provided valuable advice on the subject of health: physical, emotional and spiritual. Isn''t it time you made use of this wisdom of the sages in your everyday life? Now you can with this user-friendly guide (a re-edited edition originally published by a university press in China), to maintaining your health through Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn to lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life — not only for yourself, but for your entire family. Traditional Chinese Health Secrets can show you the way. <

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The secrets of internal power are revealed in this expert guide to Internal and External martial Qigong. This comprehensive martial arts training guide explores White Crane Kung Fu (Gongfu), one of the most famous martial styles developed in China. Martial Arts Qigong is integral to White Crane kung Fu and is a proven way to build explosive fighting power, known as Jin. In addition to fighting power, martial Qigong builds robust health and longevity. By focusing on the spine and torso, Shaolin White Crane develops and maintains a strong, supple upper body. Flexibility and strength of the spine are notable results of this training. It is commonly recognized that Shaolin White Crane is the root of Okinawan Karate, and has heavily influenced Japanese martial arts. From this book, a Karate practitioner will be able to trace this root back, and gain profound comprehension of empty-hand styles. Long time hidden secr

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Warrior's choose a life that requires them to stand between the predators and the innocents of the world and hold the line with [their own] blood. The Warrior’s Manifesto is a concise and potent declaration of principles that chronicles the soul of the warrior by exploring the what, the why, and the way of those who protect and defend. Whether serving in the trenches or securing our streets, warriors choose a life that requires them to “stand between the predators and the innocents of the world and hold the line with [their own] blood,” as Modell writes. The Warrior’s Manifesto is a compelling defense of the role played by warriors in society. It will inspire those who answer the call to shield others, professionally or personally—and all those who appreciate what that means. “A magnificent treatise. Belongs in the pantheon of great books about good vs. evil.”—David Kahn, US chief instructor, Israeli Krav Maga Assoc., author “Compels the reader to believe that the warrior spirit is indomitable and thus remains undaunted.”—Robert Dreeben, twenty-seven-year veteran, NYPD “Raises provocative questions and answers them with depth and boldness.”—Detective Anthony Amoroso NYC regional director, New York Tactical Officers Association “A must-read for any rank or level of experience. Inspires and leaves you feeling proud [of] a very special group of people—warriors.”—James Schramm, police officer (retired); Senior trainer, Armament Systems and Procedures

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Combines the best that Eastern and Western medicine can offer in the understanding, treatment, and prevention of digestive conditions, diabetes, and obesity. All the while, boosting your immune system! True Wellness for Your Gut combines the best that Eastern and Western medicine have to offer in the understanding, treatment, and prevention of gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, and obesity. By blending modern research with ancient practices, this book will help readers stay positive and keep motivated along their journey toward better health and overall well-being. The authors have helped thousands of people through the use of surgery, pharmaceuticals, acupuncture, herbs, qigong, tai chi, meditation, and life-style counseling. They explain how Western medicine has substantiated a long-held understanding of the gut held by Eastern medicine – that digestive health significantly impacts and is impacted by sleep, emotions, movement, food, and social support. The authors discuss how sleep, exercise, nutritious food, stress management, acupuncture, and qigong favorably impact the gastrointestinal system. These modalities restore balance in the nerves, hormones, and neurotransmitters that improve digestion and metabolism. A special section is devoted to discussing the human gut microbiome, the bacteria we harbor in our intestines, and how the microbiome is essential to our health. Drs. Kuhn and Kurosu strongly recommend a collaborative approach, encouraging readers to engage with their Western healthcare providers so that serious conditions can be addressed safely. The authors share ideas about how the reader can create a multidisciplinary care team, involving practitioners of both Eastern and Western healing systems. The science behind meditation, acupuncture, and qigong are explained. Understand how the microbiome is essential to good health. Readers are offered recommendations of proven Eastern and Western therapeutic interventions that will calm the mind, decrease stress, improve sleep and nutrition, strengthen digestion, and normalize metabolism. True Wellness for Your Gut includes a step-by-step guide and qigong exercises designed to promote overall gastrointestinal health. The authors recognize that digestive disease is complex and requires a multifaceted approach for successful treatment. By blending the ancient wisdom of Eastern Medicine with cutting-edge Western discoveries, True Wellness for Your Gut will help readers stay positive and achieve optimal health, whether through prevention or treatment of digestives conditions, diabetes, and obesity.

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WINNER: GOLD MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE Benjamin Franklin Book Awards 2015 WINNER: RUNNER UP FICTION Eric Hoffer Book Awards 2015 FINALIST MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE USA Best Books Award 2014 Chie Miyazaki is wild and spoiledthe pampered child of a cadet line of the imperial House of Japan. When she disappears in the United States accompanied by a slick Korean boyfriend, it sets off alarm bells among people in Japan's security apparatus. The Japanese want the problem solved quietly. They seek out Connor Burke, prize student of the master martial arts sensei Yamashita. Burke suspects that he's being used, but he accepts the assignment out of honor for his revered sensei. A covert search and rescue operation turns into a confrontation with a North Korean sleeper cell, and Burke finally discovers the secret that drove Yamshita from Japan so many years ago and the power behind the decades-old connections that pull Yamashita back into danger in the service of the imperial family.

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The Little Black Book of Violence will arm you with the knowledge and good sense to make informed choices in hazardous situations. While some yahoo spewing insults about your favorite sports team is worlds apart from a drug-crazed lunatic lunging at you with a sharp knife in his hands and bloodlust in his eyes, there is a large gray area in between these two extremes where hard and fast rules do not always apply. This is where wisdom, oftentimes hard-earned wisdom, makes the difference between good decisions and bad ones. Every time you engage in violence, no matter how small or trivial it may appear to be at the time, it has the potential of escalating into something extraordinarily serious. What is really worth fighting for when you might find yourself spending the rest of your life behind bars, confined to a wheelchair, or trying to dig yourself out of bankruptcy from beneath the crushing weight of a civil lawsuit? It is important to ask yourself, "Is this really worth fighting over?" While in some instances the response could legitimately be "Yes," more often than not it ought to be "No." More than mere techniques, this book fills in crucial information about street survival that most martial arts instructors don't teach or even know. You will learn how to use awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation to help stave off violence. Despite the best intentions, however, you may still find yourself in situations where you have no choice but to fight and others where it is prudent to do so. Consequently you will also learn smart things you might want to try and dumb things you should attempt to avoid during a physical confrontation. In addition to learning strategies and techniques for defending yourself on the street you will also learn how to manage the aftermath of violence, including performing first aid, interacting with law enforcement, managing witnesses, finding a good attorney, navigating the legal system, dealing with the press, and overcoming psychological trauma. Men, who commit about 80 percent of all violent crimes, are twice as likely to become victims of aggressive behavior as women. While written primarily for this at-risk demographic, this comprehensive tome is essential reading for anyone who regularly deals with violence, thinks they may encounter a hostile situation, or who simply wants to increase their ability to survive a dangerous encounter.

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