Instructions in a system of martial arts practiced and taught in England by the sixteenth century Company of Maisters.

Essays discuss various types of martial arts, and looks at how the martial arts help women to develop positive self-images and break free of the role of victim.

Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader. Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture.

A well-placed kick can mean the difference between victory and defeat in a fight! This illustrated guide to martial arts kicks provides the reader with a wealth of information on 89 different types of kicks from various styles. This martial arts book features kicks from Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Kempo, Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do, and more. In a self-defense situation, there is no room for defeat. Readers will learn how to unleash a devastating barrage of kicks to throw their opponents off guard and leave every match in victory. The Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks has one purpose: to help readers hone their kicking proficiency so that they can readily deploy the most powerful tool in the fighter's repertoire. It contains thousands of photos and diagrams to show readers exactly how to perform all of the 89 kicks inside this book. Packed with full-color photos, detailed diagrams and a companion DVD featuring 50 of the most powerful kicks, this book is required reading for every martial artist who wants to sharpen and expand their kicking skills. You'll learn all about: Front Kicks Side Kicks Roundhouse Kicks Back Kicks Hook Kicks Crescent Kicks And many more!

The ancient martial arts disciplines are used not only for self-defense; they also contribute to a person's sense of harmony and well-being. Featuring specially commissioned photographs drawing on the expertise of highly qualified practitioners, this book examines in detail the history and philosophy behind the martial arts and the etiquette and techniques of primary and more advanced moves. 700+ color photos.

"Jixiao Xinshu" is a comprehensive military warfare manual, written by Ming Dynasty General Qi Jiguang in 1560. It consisted of chapters on Spear fighting, Archery, terrain, troops formation etc... One of the chapters is "Quanjing Jieyao", which contains 32 unarmed fighting stances for soldiers' training. There has been multiple attempts by various people to translate this ancient Chinese Fist manual. The ones which I've read are usually translating them literally. In order to make the translation & interpretation more meaningful, I've seeked to discover the core principles behind each of these 32 unarmed fighting stances. In this book, you'll see how these principles can be applied to any martial arts style, or any weapon. By training in these 32 martial principles, it will provide a complete & holistic training for a warrior, medieval or modern. I believe that my work in this book will help you in advancing your martial arts practice, no matter which fighting style you're from.

Yip Chun is a Grandmaster of Wing Chun, and the eldest son of Yip Man - Bruce Lee's mentor. With the help of Danny Connor, Yip Chun explains the moves, the importance of the relationship between teacher and student, and the Confucian theory. Studentswill learn Chi Sau, Siu Lim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Tze from the many illustrations that show the forms. 150 photographs.

The Documentary Comic Books Of The For Beginners Series Deal With Complex And Serious Subjects. They Attempt To Untimidate And Uncomplicate The Great Ideas And Work Of Great Thinkers. The Movements And Concepts Dealt With Are Placed In Their Historical, Political And Intellectual Contexts. The Books Are Painstakingly Researched, Humourouly Written And Enlivened With Classic Comic-Strip Illustrations, Photographs, Paintings, Etc. The Range Of Subjects Covered Is Truly Vast And Varied Malcom X And The New Age Guru Castenanda, Shakespeare And Foucault, Jewish Holocaust And Arab And Israel, Structuralism And Biology.

From Bruce Lee and Benny Urquidez to the latest Jackie Chan blockbuster film, this updated edition of The Martial Arts Almanac is the first-ever comprehensive look into the exotic world of martial arts. Young martial arts fans can read all about aikido, tae kwon do, kung fu, karate, and a host of other styles, as well as the great masters who made them famous. -- Dozens of photographs, illustrations, and sidebars -- Index and glossary for help with foreign terms -- Interview with a real martial arts master