The first English-language book to detail the combat systems and martial culture of a land shaped by centuries of conflict. The Martial Arts of Vietnam presents an engaging overview of the evolution of Vietnamese martial arts from 2,000 BCE until today. We will look at the mythical origins of the Vietnamese people and the impact that invasions from neighboring countries had on the martial culture of Vietnam. We will discover how kings and governments promoted and, in some cases, crushed martial traditions; alongside how Vietnams' unusual geography both protected and exposed martial styles and lineages. This work offers stunning photography, era timelines, and regional maps that allow for an engaging adventure through Vietnam's northern, central, and southern regions, all in search of events and catalysts that shaped its martial history through the ages. When we arrive at modern Vietnams' martial arts society, we meet with many teachers from the northern, central, and southern regions who, through courageous efforts, are attempting to codify and preserve their unique combat systems for the benefit of all martial artists. We explore the ethnic minority martial arts, Sino-Vietnamese and Chinese martial arts, as well as various imported and foreign systems and how they are positioned in relation to modern Vietnam's martial arts practices. The Martial Arts of Vietnam lifts the veil of secrecy long surrounding this socialist state to reveal its combat systems and their thousand years of evolution.

The Martial Arts Of Vietnam is the first English Language book to look in detail at the systems, styles and histories of Vietnamese martial arts and their related practices. Written as a culmination of many years research and practice of traditional Vietnamese martial arts by author Augustus Roe, The Martial Arts of Vietnam has been informed directly by first hand sources. Interviews with masters, students and academic research have all been drawn upon to provide the most detailed and up-to-date work written on the history, culture and martial arts practices of Vietnam. The Martial Arts of Vietnam features around one hundred original images taken on location, as well as maps and timelines detailing important historical events and points of interest, a listing of the martial arts schools and styles discussed in the book, and a glossary of important Vietnamese terms for readers to refer to.

The eagerly anticipated updated return of a bestselling martial arts classic The leaders of Tae Kwon Do, an Olympic sport and one of the worldÍs most popular martial arts, are fond of saying that their art is ancient and filled with old dynasties and superhuman feats. In fact, Tae Kwon Do is as full of lies as it is powerful techniques. Since its rough beginnings in the Korean military 60 years ago, the art empowered individuals and nations, but its leaders too often hid the painful truths that led to that empowerment „ the gangsters, secret-service agents, and dictators who encouraged cheating, corruption, and murder. A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do takes you into the cults, geisha houses, and crime syndicates that made Tae Kwon Do. It shows how, in the end, a few key leaders kept the art clean and turned it into an empowering art for tens of millions of people in more than 150 countries. A Killing Art is part history and part biography „ and a wild ride to enlightenment. This new and revised edition of the bestselling book contains previously unnamed sources and updated chapters.

What martial arts are associated with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar (Burma)? What makes them unique when compared with other Asian martial systems? This anthology is a convienent collection that focuses on the martial arts of these areas, such as the familiar art of Muay Thai, and lesser-known arts of Than Quyen of Vietnam, Burmese bando, and Cambodian leth wei. In chapter one, the David Allan brings readers inside the Lumphini Stadium in Bangkok to witness the fighters’ kickboxing skills and etiquette through text and photographs. He also records how musicians play and the locals participate in each event, with emotional exuberance of cheering, and betting. Jeremy Skaggs wanted to go to Thailand to train with some of the top Muay Thai fighters. His chapter allows readers to relive his experience through text and superb photography. He reports on his travel to Thailand, daily training routines, daily life there, and a night at the Lumphini Stadium. Chapter three by Jason Tran presents the origin and functions of That Son Than Quyen’s “spirit forms” as inspired by real and mythic animals. This is accomplished by contrasting Than Quyen with Chinese imitation styles, tracing the development of Vietnam religion and superstitions, and exploring the impact of geographic and cultural elements. In the next chapter Scott Mallon recounts excursions he made into Myanmar and Cambodia to learn about their indigenous martial arts firsthand. He reports on the Muay Thai-like systems and their similarities and difference, along with the special cultural atmospheres where these arts are found. Excellent photo coverage highlight the martial artists. Loh Han Loong’s chapter goes beyond the common views of Thai boxing by critically examining the way Muay Thai is portrayed in nonacademic sources, such as articles and websites. The manner in which Muay Thai is framed in popular culture is not simply the result of historical facts, but is a way of creating the Thai nation myth and the uniqueness of Thai culture. The lengthy final chapter by Dr. Winborne focuses on the bando system. His chapter explores ancient Burmese fighting traditions and their evolution to modern-day martial arts practices. Bando is a seamless amalgam of striking methods, grappling techniques, weapons approaches, and healing strategies from the Southeast Asian country currently known as Myanmar. This comprehensive self-defense system is reviewed and analyzed based on documented viewpoints of prominent masters and practitioners. The philosophy and principles that undergird the bando system are discussed as well. This anthology offers a concise overview of the history, cultures, and combative systems associated with the geographic areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietman, and Thailand. Familiar or not with these martial traditions, readers will be find the chapters informative and photography delightful.

The machines of war, and the effects of combat and its aftermath. The reader is also given a sense of how some writers and artists felt about the country and the people of South Vietnam. To date, our perceptions of the Vietnam War have been influenced largely by movies, television and novels. Recognizing this, Dr. Noble enlisted Professor William J. Palmer, a noted authority on the media and their reportage of the war, to provide an essay that allows the reader to.

Step-by-step instructions on the deadly techniques and tactics of the Vietnamese Cao Dai, which follows an ancient religion that has its thousand-year-old roots in a land often ravaged by warfare. Cao Dai kung-fu stresses both the physical aspects of martial arts and the psychology of tactics. HaHa Lung explains both in detail, including lessons on: Where To Strike; The Five Kinds of Weapons; Subterfuge and Stealth; and Strategy and Tactics.

Dr. Haha Lung gives a general overview of the land and characteristics of the people, giving readers the basis for an understanding of Vietnam's history and how this contributed to the rise of the Cao Dai religion. The author reminds us that the word "martial" means "war." While there may be beauty in a perfectly performed practice session, this "art" aspect takes a backseat to the "martial" in a life and death struggle. The purpose of martial arts, after all, is to complement your war arsenal. In a battlefield situation, unarmed martial arts are what you use between weapons. The purpose of Cao Dai Kung-Fu is to teach you how to get that arsenal fully armed. To this end the martial arts instructions in this book are written in an easy to understand manner with helpful illustrations and diagrams, so that even one uninitiated to the martial arts can find useful tips to store away in preparation for self defense in general. Dr. Haha Lung says to use whatever you can that works -- headbutting, kicking the side of the knee; there's all kinds of useful information you will be glad you have some day. For instance, "Modern day street fighters often dip their fingers into bleach, hot sauce, or any toxic substance that can then be thrust into an opposing fighter's eyes, nose and mouth during a noholds barred fight." Or "Any time your hand touches the ground fill it with something: dirt, a rock, a stick, etc. Snowball is better than no ball." Anything on your body -- your head, feet, elbows, knees, hands -- can be used to disable your opponent. Your options as to where and how to strike into your opponent will be limited only by your imagination. Book jacket.

Toward the Unknown is a series of parables about the martial–arts quest, and a meditation on the art of discipleship. A careful reading of the text will lead teachers and practitioners of all martial arts to examine their motives, to go beyond superficial prizes and awards, to rise above a focus on fighting technique, and ultimately to transcend the known. The stories included here chronicle the exploits of Master Lam, the greatest fighter and teacher of his time. Lam, following the example of his late master, Tai–Ahn, seeks to create an environment in which the student might be both challenged physically and enlightened spiritually. He teaches by example, following classical methodology, which focuses on moral, ethical, and spiritual growth in addition to technical competence. As the exciting and spiritually uplifting sequel to Beyond the Known, this book, through philosophy and fiction, leads the reader toward the unknown.

The Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu and modern Chinese Buddhism, is the oldest and most mysterious Kung Fu school in the world. It is an exotic and mythical destination of daydreams to millions of people. In the history of the temple, very few foreigners have ever had a chance to study there. Foreigners have been allowed to study in many of the Shaolin schools, near the temple, which have taken the Shaolin name as a marketing ploy, but less than fifty foreigners have studied at the original Shaolin Temple. Antonio Graceffo was lucky enough to be one of the few, and this is the chronicle of his experience. Antonio has twenty-five years of experience with martial arts, so it is with a knowing eye that he observed the training at the temple. But it is his background that gives him a very unique perspective. An Italian-American from Brooklyn, New York, and a former investment banker, Antonio was educated in some of the best universities that Europe and Asia had to offer. His articles are informative, humorous, and irreverent. He doesn't pull any punches writing about the filthy conditions and the diminished mental capacities of people who spent a lifetime learning to kick, but never bothered to learn to read and write. The title says it all. Put a Chinese-speaking Italian-American, from Brooklyn in the holiest of Buddhist temples, and watch the racial harmony flow.

David A. Hall, one of today’s leading experts on Japanese combative culture, combines hands-on experience in a wide variety of martial traditions with an academic and religious background to produce this landmark work. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts is an exhaustive, impeccably researched reference offering information about everything there is to know on the subject, from "adauchi" (a vendetta) to "zanshin" (state of focused vigilance before, during, and after executing a technique or combative form). The volume opens with several sections to help make using the Encyclopedia as efficient and effective as possible: Abbreviations, Quick Guide to Weapons and Systems, Historical Eras, guides to the Entries and Lineage Charts, and A Note on the Japanese Language and Communication Style. The Encyclopedia itself, which runs for more than 625 pages and contains around 4,000 entries arranged alphabetically with bilingual entry headings and concise definitions, covers all aspects of the many different martial arts that have developed in Japan. Following the main portion of the work are several Appendices (Traditional East Asian Numbering Systems and Ancient Period Military Organization), as well as a Selected Bibliography, and Character Indices (General, Chinese, English, and Sanskrit) containing around 6,000 terms. With its vast wealth of information and practical organization, The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts is sure to become the essential reference for the beginning martial artist, as well as for the advanced student who wants a deeper understanding of the subject. Additionally, the book is perfect for scholars and researchers, who will appreciate the access to material previously unavailable in English; and for reference libraries and Asian studies and language departments.