Taekwondo Basics teaches you all the fundamentals of this Korean martial art form in a clear and easy-to-understand manner! This basic introductory survey contains the following vital information: The origins, philosophy, and history of Taekwondo How to find a teacher and a class that are right for you Getting ready for your first class--what actually happens in a Taekwondo class? The essential elements--stances, blocks, hand and arm strikes, and kicks How to complement your Taekwondo training with other conditioning exercises, such as running and biking Powerful ways to improve your technique through target training, partner training, competitive training, free-sparring, and more Resources that can help you further develop your Taekwondo practice Whether you're just getting started, or you've already been training for a year or two, Taekwondo Basics offers an easy to read, yet comprehensive, introduction to the sport.

Get your aikido training off to a great start--from basic footwork and throws to training and demonstrations. This martial arts guide is a perfect introduction to aikido for beginners. Are you planning to learn Aikido, but don't know where to begin? Are you looking for a teacher? Are you taking a class but confused by the unfamiliar terms used to describe the techniques? This aikido book offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know to feel confident and be successful. You'll learn about: The origins of aikido--its philosophy, history and techniques How to find a teacher and a class that is right for you Getting ready--what happens in a typical Aikido class? The essentials--stances, strikes, grabs, throws, and pins How to complement your aikido training with ki exercises, multiple-person training, and freestyle exercises How to succeed in Aikido-- how to create an effective training program, test for belt promotion, and participate in competitions and tournaments Resources to help you further develop your Aikido skills

"Endorsed [by] the World Taekwondo Federation."

This useful and informative book offers a detailed overview of Jeet Kune Do practice while explaining the specific moves readers will need to perfect their techniques. As a foundation, the book recalls the origination of Jeet Kune Do--the philosophy, history, and different styles of the martial art. This introduction gives readers an important reference point on how the practice evolved. From there, the book explains how to choose a school and takes readers through their first class, including the etiquette and dress requirements. The essential elements of the style--stances, footwork, upper body and lower body techniques, and grappling are all well represented and defined. Building upon this solid groundwork, the book informs readers of the five ways of attack, including the single direct attack, the attack by combination, the progressive indirect attack, the attack by drawing, and the hand immobilization attack. Fighting instructions include the tactical considerations of Jeet Kune Do practice such as defenses, counterattacks, and sparring. The book concludes with a comprehensive list of resources to help students further develop their knowledge of and training in Jeet Kune Do. Compact and easy-to-read, this book gives readers everything they'll need to start their practice of this critical fighting art made famous by Bruce Lee.

Describes karate as an art and a form of self-defense and provides instruction in such techniques as punching, kicking, and blocking

Taekwondo for Kids is a fun and accessible guide to Taekwondo practice. First-time martial arts students are not just starting a program of physical and mental practice. They are entering a new world--one that not only has new rules, new goals, and even new clothing but that also offers them lots of new opportunities for fun and accomplishment. This martial arts books for kids includes introductions to the history and philosophy of the martial art, what to expect in the first few classes, how to warm up and practice, advice on setting goals, and information on competitions and tournaments. With over 75 full-color illustrations, including 40 clearly diagrammed Taekwondo exercises, and lots of fun facts and informative sidebars written in kid-friendly, jargon-free language, this is the perfect introduction for the younger martial artist.

Grandmasters Kyu Hung Lee and Sang H. Kim have combined their extensive taekwondo knowledge to teach you not only the 25 official taekwondo poomsae, but the meaning of the forms, the principles of Poomsae performance and the philosophy that underlies the techniques. -- from Amazon.com.

Get your training off to a great start--from basic kicks to practice and tournaments--this book is a perfect introduction to kung fu for beginners. It's everything you need to get started in kung fu! Whether you are considering taking up this martial art, or you've already started, Kung Fu Basics offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know to feel confident and be successful. You'll learn about: The origins of kung fu--philosophy, history and different styles What happens in a kung fu class--invaluable tips on choosing the right school, getting ready for your first class, and basic training methods The essential elements of the style--stances, footwork, kicks, and hand techniques, with tips on common mistakes and how to get the most power out of each move Drill and conditioning exercises--exercises to compliment your training Practical ways to improve your kung fu technique--traditional teaching advice of Chinese masters Resources--help further develop your knowledge and understanding of kung fu

“The Simpkins work is like a walk in a quiet forest on a warm day.” NAPRA ReView “The authors combine sound scholarship with the knowingness of practitioners and an unerring sense of what will interest readers most.” Booklist “Succinctness and clarity is a trademark of the Simpkins's work.” Spirituality and Health