"Sword Imperatives is a beautifully written book with captivating stories, clearly described movements, photos, and illustrations." The Chinese double edged sword is known in martial arts traditions as the king of blades. It is regarded by both scholars and martial artists as the most distinguished of all weapons. Sword ownership in ancient China represented power, prestige and rank. Sword Imperatives is the authoritative reference book dedicated to the proper and effective use of the double edged sword. Whether you practice sword for health or for martial arts, you will find this book the foremost guide to mastery in sword skills. With practice, you will be able to move the sword in perfect balance and harmony like an agile phoenix twisting and turning effortlessly with grace and power. This book includes: * Brief philosophy and history of sword development * 29 essential sword movements and drills * Green Dragon Kung Fu Sword routine * 32 Posture Tai Chi Sword routine

An easy introduction to some of the martial arts.

A comprehensive text that includes a study of the origins and history of Tai Chi; a detailed analysis of its relationship to Western philosophy, the I Ching, Tao te Ching, yoga, and Zen. The author also ties its use to esoteric systems, and discusses health and Chinese medicine in relation to Tai Chi. Includes several hundred detailed photographs showing application of the positions.

Monkey kung fu is one of the most signature styles with its unique acting movements, dynamic gymnastic techniques, and unorthodox striking, kicking, and sweeping techniques. From high flying leaping to ground techniques, monkey kung fu is always impressive as it requires top athleticism and coordination to perform the physically demanding movements. The monkey form in the Choy Li Fut system of Kung Fu is full of unique acting, acrobatics, and applicable combinations which makes it a perfect study for any martial arts enthusiast.This book provides each movement with a full description, step-by-step instruction complete with illustrations, and common mistakes to help provide a well-rounded approach to learning the fascinating style of monkey kung fu. A must-have for the serious Choy Li Fut practitioner, Monkey Movement is also an essential reference guide for martial arts tricking and other kung fu athletes looking to improve their athleticism through movement training.

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide. One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects for health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. Packed with step-by-step illustrations for practice at home, this tai chi guide covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art, including its benefits for mental, spiritual and emotional development. This tai chi book is both an ideal introductory guide and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes. Topics in The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan include: Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial ArtThe Concept of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi ChuanThe Historical Development of the Various StylesAdvice from the Great MastersTechniques and Skills of Pushing HandsSpecific Techniques for Combat SituationsTaoism and Spiritual Development in Tai Chi ChuanAnd many more

The phrase “martial arts studies” is increasingly circulating as a term to describe a new field of interest. But many academic fields including history, philosophy, anthropology, and Area studies already engage with martial arts in their own particular way. Therefore, is there really such a thing as a unique field of martial arts studies? Martial Arts Studies is the first book to engage directly with these questions. It assesses the multiplicity and heterogeneity of possible approaches to martial arts studies, exploring orientations and limitations of existing approaches. It makes a case for constructing the field of martial arts studies in terms of key coordinates from post-structuralism, cultural studies, media studies, and post-colonialism. By using these anti-disciplinary approaches to disrupt the approaches of other disciplines, Martial Arts Studies proposes a field that both emerges out of and differs from its many disciplinary locations.

Unlock the secrets and health benefits of this ancient internal Chinese martial art! T'ai Chi Ch'uan (or taijiquan), a Chinese internal martial art, is best appreciated in the West for its health and fitness benefits, as an art of self-defense, and as a spiritual path. In classical Tai Chi, these aspects form an inseparable unity. In this guide to the classical Yang style, Petra and Toyo Kobayashi present the foundations of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and give comprehensive insights into its methods. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the inner energy--Ch'i--and its contribution to a refined practice of T'ai Chi and its application in self-defense. This Tai Chi book contains a clear and fully illustrated exploration of the 37 positions of the Yang style's short form and a basic partner exercise, Push Hands. Easy-to-follow photographs and diagrams with step-by-step instructions will help you to improve your practice. Ideal for practitioners at any level. Chapters include: The Styles The Principles Quotations from Old Masters Sixty-Four Questions and Answers About T'ai Chi Ch'uan Six Levels of Development The Thirteen Basic Positions and Techniques Advanced Practice Important Questions to Ask Yourself and more!

An easy introduction to some of the martial arts.

The gentlest of the Chinese martial arts, tai chi has become a path toward inner peace and stress management for practitioners all over the world. This book discusses the philosophy and benefits of tai chi. 300 photos.