This book contains information on my life in finding the right martial art, for me. I discuss the law, training, weapons, injuries, Katas, techniques, women training, principles, choosing the correct martial art for you and much more. Yes, there are some pictures, though not really needed. It should be interesting to martial artists and non-martial artists and informative where you could use much of the material in defending yourself. There is the mental aspect to consider and more.

"[When we read and write poetry,] it is as if a long-settled cloud in our mind suddenly dissipates, and we are divine once again." -- from the Introduction Poetry is the language of devotion in prayer, chant, and song. Reading and writing poetry creates clarity, deepens and expands spiritual inquiry, and cultivates wisdom, compassion, self-confidence, patience, and love. In author Robert McDowell's words, poetry makes you into a tuning fork of the Divine. But poetry has disappeared over the centuries from religious ceremonies, academic curricula, and public discourse. In Poetry as Spiritual Practice, the first inspirational and instructional guide to combine poetry and spirituality, McDowell restores poetry as the natural language of spiritual practice and invites you to recognize poetry as "the pure sound and shape of your spirit." Vividly illustrated with a wide range of poems from all historical eras and poetic traditions, numerous religions and faiths, and McDowell's own and his students' work, Poetry as Spiritual Practice will reintroduce you to the unique pleasure of verse. And meditations throughout will allow you to integrate reading and writing poetry into your spiritual journeys and daily life. Since many of us have long forgotten, or never learned, the mechanics and terminology of poetry -- trochaic feet and tropes trip us up; we can't tell a villanelle from its shorter cousin, rondeau; and a terza rima may as well be a tanka -- this is also an instructional handbook on reading and writing poetry. An engaging guide through the landscape of world poetry, McDowell argues along the way for the many practical benefits of poetic literacy. Making poetry an essential part of daily rituals, aspirations, and intentions will put you on the path to greater meaning, growth, and peace in your life. At once an engaging technical primer, a profound meditation on the relationship between poetry and the Divine, and an inspirational guide for integrating poetry into spiritual practice, Poetry as Spiritual Practice will become a cherished companion.

The poet's first full-length collection, Quiet Money's New Edition consists almost exclusively of longer narrative poems, including the title poem about a bootlegger/pilot who flew the Atlantic solo before Charles Lindbergh. This piece is often cited as one of the most important poems of the 1980s and the movement to revive storytelling in verse.

With the accumulation of over thirty years of practical Martial Arts experience the Sr. Grandmaster of American Kenpo Karate Ed Parker Sr. decided to document and share his findings in a monumental series of books. Writing with the intent to expound upon the merits of his American KENPO Martial Arts system, he wrote of it's many facets as, "a discipline, a way of life, a philosophy, and an art and a science." With each book intended to offer a unique and exciting adventure into KENPO knowledge, he called the series of five volumes " Infinite Insights Into Kenpo." Early in 1982, Mr. Parker completed and published the first book in the "Infinite Insights Into Kenpo" series, titled "Mental Stimulation". He wrote, "I was sensitive to the need of innovations during my early years of training. Analyzing the methods of fighting in Hawaii, the place of my birth and early rearing, verified the unquestionable need for an updated approach to the Martial Arts." Mr. Parker broke the bonds of tradition and experimented with more logical and practical means of combating modern day methods of fighting. What emerged was, in his own words, "my own interpretation of the Art." It was this perspective that he introduced in this initial volume and developed and expanded upon through his subsequent works. Mr. Parker introduced an unparalleled number of combative predicaments, indicating the need for several viewpoints. Thee mystic "Universal Pattern", introduced to the public for the first time some twenty years earlier, was put into context. In an effort to develop and articulate definable qualities in the Martial Arts, he sought to set the backdrop for the unknown to become known, the intangible to become tangible and for the mysticism to disappear.

One of the oldest and most effective medical methods is that of the herbalist. This book introduces the reader to the ins and outs of this alternative therapy.

Kenpo Karate For Beginners Principles, Techniques & Tactics From The Art Of Karate Are You Ready To Learn All About Kenpo Karate? If So You've Come To The Right Place... Here's A Preview Of What Kenpo Karate For Beginners Contains... The Origin Of Kenpo Karate (Including Types Of Kenpo) The Uniqueness And Benefits Of American Kenpo The Four Angles Of Attack Kenpo Stances Explained Blocks And Parries Explained Punches And Strikes Explained Kenpo Rules To Live By The Grip Of Death Technique The Delayed Sword Technique The Alternating Maces Defensive Maneveur The Quest To Obtain Your Yellow Belt Short And Long Form 1 And Much, Much More!

Working in the narrative tradition of Robinson, Frost, and Jeffers, Robert McDowell is a leading figure in the expansive poetry movement. His narrative poems deliver the depth and complexity of a novel with a cinematic swiftness. They are accessible, graceful, spiritual without pretension, inhabited by characters tethered to the world. Book jacket.

Almost 50 years ago, a new television show swept our nation and captured my attention. It was called "Kung Fu". It starred David Carradine as a Shaolin monk wandering the American Wild West. The philosophy was appealing, the fight scenes were riveting, but what really captured my interest was the relationship between the young Kwai Chang Caine and his mentors Master Po and Master Kan. So, I set in search for my own Master Po. Over the years I visited various styles and schools in my area. None worked for me. Until 1990, when I met an older, white haired gentleman who taught something called American Kenpo. His manner drew me in; his love for what he taught was infectious. But as time passed, I discovered that I wanted the art to contain more that basic moves, katas and self-defense techniques. Was that all there was, just to collect movements as if they were trinkets for a curio cabinet? Where was the philosophy? Where were the fundamental principles? I felt as if I was lost in the woods. I needed a map to chart my course through the unknown. Because when you have a map, a compass and a point of reference, you know where you are, where you are going and how you are going to get there.American Kenpo Karate - the Key Principles is that map for the Kenpo practitioner. This book explores the five key principles that are the reasons behind the physical movements encompassed by this martial arts system. Just because a movement involves a kick or a punch, it isn't necessarily karate, let alone American Kenpo. With that map, it is difficult to get off the track.There are over 200 photographs that help to demonstrate concepts within this book, which was written so that anyone, martial artists and non-martial artists alike, can understand and appreciate it.

Teaching American Kenpo for forty years, I had subtracted some and added more to American Kenpo than what I had previously learned. For both men and women, Kenpo is very effective. There are defenses against punches, grabs, kicks, knife and club attacks. Also, 53 ground techniques to get you "off the ground" and back onto your feet. You can use the techniques with a weapon, like a stick or knife. You do not have to be athletic to use these techniques, since they were created for the average man / woman. Regular practice will keep your muscle memory sharp. This book is just a small portion of Kenpo and is enjoyable just as a read alone or as a practice manual.