Treasured for centuries by karate's top masters, the Bubishi is a classic Chinese work on philosophy, strategy, medicine, and technique as they relate to the martial arts. Referred to as the «bible of karate» by famous master Chojun Miyagi, for hundreds of years the Bubishi was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. All of karate's legendary masters have studied it, applied its teachings, or copied passages from it. No other classic work has had as dramatic an impact on the shaping and development of karate as the Bubishi . Karate historian and authority Patrick McCarthy spent over ten years researching and studying the Bubishi and the arts associated with it. The first English translation of this remarkable martial arts manual includes numerous explanations and notes. McCarthy's work also includes groundbreaking research on Okinawan and Chinese history, as well as the fighting and healing traditions that developed in those countries, making it a gold mine for researchers and practitioners alike. For the final word on the true origins and spirit of classic Okinawan martial arts, one need look no further. This karate book is one of the best karate training supplements available.
The Essential Karate Book is an informative, illustrated guide to the techniques, philosophy and practice of karate. With 20 chapters covering practically every aspect of karate, this in-depth reference will assist students and instructors as they plot their course through karate instruction, benefiting those at all levels. The Essential Karate Book contains 200 diagrams mapping out moves with 300 step-by-step photographs and companion videos, making it a comprehensive general karate reference for Western audiences. Readers of this karate guide will learn about: Stances, blocks, strikes and kicks Preparing your body through warm-ups, stretching, and conditioning through karate-specific exercises Kata grading and fighting ( kumite ) techniques and competition rules Martial arts weapons ( kobudo ), and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) applications The origins and history of karate Required behavior, clothing and etiquette, as well as the fundamentals of karate and the different styles that share them The Essential Karate Book is a must-have for any martial arts enthusiast, from beginners to black belts!
Become a champion in the Thai martial arts world with this Muay Thai training guide! Muay Thai (or Thai boxing), the national sport of Thailand, has become one of the most prominent martial arts forms in the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena. Often called «the art of eight limbs,» Muay Thai combines the use of punches, kickboxing, elbows, knees and standing grappling moves. Mastering Muay Thai Kick-Boxing is an excellent aid to anyone training in Muay Thai or MMA—new students can learn the moves efficiently, while experienced students will refine their techniques. Author and experienced martial artist Joe Harvey presents students with over 200 color photographs and training aids, such as stepping diagrams, tables, training drills, tips, and more! This Muay Thai book will take your practice of this intense sport to the next level.
"<i>Knife & Tomahawk Throwing</i> helps keep alive these traditional arts of the old West. In these pages, you will learn about the fundamentals of the sport and gain insight into some of the greatest professional knife throwers–the men who paved the way for the modern day thrower." — <b>Bobby Branton, President of the American Knife Thrower's Alliance (AKTA)</b><br><br>Harry McEvoy, the foremost expert in the field of tomahawk and knife throwing and best-selling author of <i>Knife Throwing: A Practical Guide</i>, provides us with an exciting, in-depth look at the popular sport of weapon throwing.<br><br>Meet the men who throw flaming knives at lovely ladies on a spinning target—and not scorch a hair; learn about the legendary «Skeeter» Vaughan, whose record-breaking throw saved the lives of hundreds of U.S. servicemen during World War II; and witness the courage of Tony Cascarella, who brought down a 275-pound wild boar with only three Bowie-Axe throwing knives.<br><br>In addition, this book will clearly show you the skills involved in knife and tomahawk throwing—skills all the professionals first mastered before attempting the daring feats required when performing the «impalement arts.» Also presented is an interesting history of throwing-knives, from the earliest times, through the development of the European daggers, and up to the knives used during the Vietnam War. Furthermore, you'll learn about many of the other throwing weapons of the world, including the martial arts weapons used by the Japanese ninja, and the deadly boomerangs of the Australian aborigines.<br><br>Concisely written and illustrated with more than 50 photographs—including many of the «greats» in action—<i>Knife and Tomahawk Throwing</i> is a must for anyone interested in these fascinating sports.<br><br> Chapters include: <ul><li>The Fine Points of Knife Throwing</li><li>How to Build Targets</li><li>Evolution of the Throwing Knife</li><li>The Art of the Professionals</li><li>The Saga of Skeeter Vaughn</li><li>Tomahawk Throwing</li><li>The Hunt of the «Hog Heaven» Boar</li><li>The Other Throwing Instruments
The Indonesian talent for harmoniously blending indigenous styles with the arts of the Asian mainland has given rise to fighting arts that are among the most fascinating in the world. Preserved in music, dance, and art as—well as in ritual, tribal law, and mythology—the fighting arts of Indonesian archipelago play a central role in Indonesian culture.Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia — a profusely illustrated and well researched work from renowned scholar and martial arts teacher Donn F. Draeger — provides a comprehensive introduction to the sophisticated forms of empty-hand combat and myriad unique weapons that characterize Indonesian fighting styles like Pentjak-silat and Kuntao. Draeger shows how the forms are related to their mainland cousins, provides a historical context for their development, and describes the combat methods of Menangkabau warriors, Alefuru headhunters and the Celates pirates.With over 400 illustrations, Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia is an indispensable addition to any martial artist's library.
This martial arts guide could actually be considered two books in one: a thorough history of Japanese karate–do and a profusely illustrated instruction manual for students of the martial art who have advanced beyond the beginning stages.Part One:Concerned about the misinterpretation of Japanese culture in general and karate in particular by many Western practitioners of karate, the author sets out in Part One of his book to trace the history of karate from its probable origins in India (or perhaps Greece) and its transmission in successively more developed forms to China, Okinawa, and then Japan.In Part Two:In this practical martial arts training manual the author first demonstrates important points of etiquette to be used in the karate dojo. He follows with well–illustrated instructions of kumite (sparring drills), including those involving two practitioners and those such as the doubleline drill and the circle drill which give practice in facing a number of opponents. Descriptions of many of these are not readily found in other English–language publications. He then presents nine kata, introductory the advanced kata, Sochin and Nijushiho.
Tai Chi Chuan: Form to Function is a detailed manual for the study of the martial techniques of tai chi chuan.It takes up where author Nigel Sutton's earlier title, Applied Tai Chi Chuan , left off, by setting out step-by-step the training exercises necessary for the mastery of tai chi chuan as a true combative art. Sutton outlines a well-defined program designed to lead to understanding and mastery of the useful self-defense techniques.Some of the tai chi techniques explained include beginning basic execution of hand patterns, complex exercises, training with partners in predetermined push-hands routines, and freestyle push hands sparring.
"An excellent introduction to traditional Japanese swordsmanship."—Daily YamiuriThis book introduces Kendo, the exhilarating mental and physical sport of Japan that has gained new popularity, with both sexes now participating, its own evolution and the efforts of a remarkable group of teachers it has progressed through the years to its present position as a sport.This is Kendo is a fully illustrated introduction to the traditional art of Japanese fencing—its essential nature and its basic techniques. It is the first kendo book in English to describe and analyze this famous sport. Features include:Over 100 photographs and drawingsOrigin and History of KendoBasic Kendo Principles and TechniquesTraditions Governing Kendo Etiquette and TechniqueImportant StrikesOffensive and Defensive PositionsTraining ExercisesThe paramount point to be remembered in this book on an ancient art is that no one really stops learning more about the people who invented armor and developed combat techniques. It is our hope that the reader will continue his study beyond the scope of this kendo guide.
Learn the secrets of Shaolin Temple boxing also known as Shaolin Kung Fu with this illustrated matrtial arts guide.Shaolin Temple boxing is the father of all boxing forms in China and is a close ancestor of Japanese karate. Despite the widespread study of Shaolin kung fu, however, the true origins and history of this exciting martial art have been obscured by wildly fanciful myths and legends that have arisen over the centuries, leading martial-arts authority Robert W. Smith to remark, «There are no good books on Shaolin Temple boxing. There are only varying degrees of poor.» In Taiwan, however, Smith had the good fortune to discover a short, anonymous work in Chinese that he believed revealed the essence of Shaolin.This kung fu book is the English version of that text. Abundantly and attractively illustrated, it is a fascinating account of the history of an ancient martial art, as well as a concise martial arts manual explaining the fundamental philosophy and techniques of Shaolin Temple boxing.
Master the techniques and theory of Japanese Karate with this easy-to-follow, illustrated martial arts guide. Karate: The Art of «Empty-Hand» Fighting has inspired hundreds of thousands of karateka, and it remains one of the finest texts available on the technique, art, and spirit of karatedo.This definitive volume is a systematic presentation of the art of traditional Japanese karate. An easily accessible martial arts manual illustrated with more than 1,000 photographs, this comprehensive karate book gives step-by-step explanations and thorough analysis of all the basic movements and techniques of karate. Topics of Karate the Art of «Empty-Hand» Fighting" include: The history of Karate The theories and principle of Karate The best training and exercise methods Karate techniques like stance, blocking and attacks Defenses against weapons