Step-by-step photographic instructions to martial arts that explains the basic techniques and principles of tae kwondo, karate, aikido, ju-jitsu, judo, kung fu, tai chi, kendo, iaido, and shinto ryu.

Provides information related to various aspects of martial arts, including histories, techniques, and traditions.

From viet vo dao to Van Damme, this comprehensive martial arts reference contains thousands of entries covering every possible aspect of the discipline--including martial arts styles, history, theory, practice, founders, fighting techniques, ranking systems, and more. Perfect for beginners, this guide is also a wonderful reference tool for advanced practitioners who are interested in learning more about martial arts. Photos and illustrations.

"The Invention of Martial Arts examines the media history of what we now call 'martial arts' and argues that martial arts is a cultural construction that was born in film, TV and other media. It argues that 'martial arts' exploded into popular consciousness entirely thanks to the work of media. Of course, the book does not deny the existence of real, material histories and non-media dimensions in martial arts practices. But it thoroughly recasts the status of such histories, combining recent myth-busting findings in historical martial arts research with important insights into the discontinuous character of history, the widespread 'invention of tradition', the orientalism and imagined geographies that animate many ideas about history, and the frequent manipulation of history for reasons of status, cultural capital, private or public power, politics, and/or financial gain. In doing so, The Invention of Martial Arts argues for the primacy of media representation as key player in the emergence and spread of martial arts. This argument overturns the dominant belief that 'real practices' are primary, while representations are secondary. The book makes its case via historical analysis of the British media history of such Eastern and Western martial arts as Bartitsu, jujutsu, judo, karate, tai chi and MMA across a range of media, from newspapers, comics and books to cartoon, film and TV series, as well as television adverts and music videos, focusing on key but often overlooked texts such as adverts for 'Hai Karate', the 1970s disco hit 'Kung Fu Fighting', and many other mainstream and marginal media texts"--

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.

Jonathan Bluestein's Research of Martial Arts is a book about the true essence of martial arts. It includes neither instruction on deadly killing techniques, nor mystical tales of so called super-human masters. Rather, it is a vast compilation of seriously thought-out observations made on the subject by the author, as well as many other martial artists and scientists, with a slight touch of history and humour. The goal of this project had from the start been to surpass the current standard in the martial arts literary market, and offer readers worldwide something which they have never seen before. In essence, a book in which are found countless answers for martial arts practitioners which they cannot be read elsewhere, which address commonly discussed martially-related topics with breadth and depth unparalleled in other works to this day (in any language). It holds among its pages no less than 220,000 words, containing knowledge which would be coveted by many. The aim of this book is to present the reader a coherent, clear-cut, and in-depth view of some of the most perplexing and controversial subjects in the world of martial arts, as well as providing a healthy dose of philosophical outlook on these subjects (from various individuals). At its core is the author's aspiration to build a stronger theoretical foundation for the discussion of martial arts, while addressing matters in innovative ways, which I have come to believe, would help people to better grasp the nature of these arts. There are books by authors who will tell you that some aspects of the martial arts are too complex for concrete, coherent and defined explanations. Others have used ambiguous terminology to explain what they could not pronounce otherwise. This is no such book. This book was written to provide you with the solid, applicable answers and ideas that you could actually understand, and take away with you. This book is mainly comprised of three parts: | Part I: From the Inside Out – External and Internal Gong Fu | This is essentially mostly a very long & thorough discussion of martial arts theory and practice. Traditional and modern concepts and methods are discussed through the mediums of Physiology, Biology, Anatomy, Psychology, Philosophy (Western and Oriental alike), sports science, and the author's personal experiences. The Internal Martial Arts of China receive a special, lengthier treatment in this part of the book. | Part II: Contemplations on Controlled Violence | This one is of a Philosophical and Psychological nature, and contains the author's thoughts on the martial arts and their manifestation in our daily lives, with guest-articles by various martial arts teachers. | Part III: The Wisdom of Martial Spirits: Teachers, and the Things They Hold Dear | This part includes various interesting and comprehensive interviews with distinguished martial arts masters, spanning dozens of pages each. Every one of the interviewees is a person whose views and ideas are thought provoking and well-worth reading. The teachers interviewed in this book are: Master Chen Zhonghua (Chen Taiji Quan) Master Yang Hai (Xing Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Chen Taiji Quan) Shifu Strider Clark (Tongbei Quan, Wu style Taiji, Shuai Jiao and more) Shifu Neil Ripski (Traditional Drunken Fist and many others) Sifu James Cama (Buddha Hand Wing Chun and Southern Praying Mantis) Itzik Cohen Sensei (Shito-ryu Karate) No matter the age, rank, status or experience – this book was written for everyone who see themselves part of the martial arts community. It is my sincere hope that any person who reads this book will benefit from the time he or she had spent doing so. May this work encourage others to continue intelligent writing and research in the field, as I was pushed forth and built upon the knowledge others have shared before me. May you have a pleasant reading experience! =]

The Shaolin Encyclopedia is an essential reading for all students or teachers who want to advance to a higher level or to understand the core of traditional Northern Shaolin Kung Fu as an art and practice. This is the complete series of traditional Northern Shaolin books that martial arts students are waiting for: learning history and philosophy; study the principles and concepts of style; explore the finer points, both as a theory and as martial applications, which are applicable to training in many other martial arts styles; acquire the essential theory of Chan philosophy, the martial art of Shaolin and QiGong; understand the concepts of fighting behind the movements; examine and explore the details of the forms, including the key principles of the movements as well as their advanced martial applications; develop martial skills through specific training techniques; important books for the designer who seek to obtain clarity in his understanding of martial arts, regardless of the style practiced; discover how to analyze the shapes and the martial applications in Shaolin KungFu, acquiring superior knowledge about your style and insights that will give you a greater understanding of your art; increase your strength, improve your health and develop explosive martial strength with Shaolin Qigong. This book contains: Dedication, Author, Blue Belt Level, Bei Shaolin Kung Fu Style, History, Philosophy, The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, Principles, Yin Yang Principle, Five Point Principle, Principle of the Doorbell, Technique, Forms, Qi Gong, Warm-up, Postures, Punch Techniques, Defense Techniques, Leg Techniques, Combinations with Partners, Shaolin Wu Bu Quan - Basic Martial Applications, Chin Woo Athletic Association, Italian Chin Woo Athletic Association, Bei Shaolin Quan Italy.

This book has taken Gene years to write, and it is his legacy to the world of grappling. It is a massive text on the art of finishing holds. Among the 500-plus pages are chapters on grips and handles; catches and grabs; foot and leg controls; arm bars and shoulderlocks; wristlocks and twists; straight leglocks; ankle bends and twists; chokes; and necklocks and cranks. Many of the techniques shown in the volume are old, never-before-seen pro wrestling techniques. There will never be another grappling text containing so many unique and devastating finishing holds -- unless Gene LeBell pens a sequel.

From home remedies for poison ivy, toothaches and sunburn to vitamin therapy for reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease, here is the latest information about health and natural healing incorporated into and easy-to-use encyclopedia. First time in paperback.

The Shaolin Encyclopedia is an essential reading for all students or teachers who want to advance to a higher level or to understand the core of traditional Northern Shaolin Kung Fu as an art and practice. This is the complete series of traditional Northern Shaolin books that martial arts students are waiting for: learning history and philosophy; study the principles and concepts of style; explore the finer points, both as a theory and as martial applications, which are applicable to training in many other martial arts styles; acquire the essential theory of Chan philosophy, the martial art of Shaolin and QiGong; understand the concepts of fighting behind the movements; examine and explore the details of the forms, including the key principles of the movements as well as their advanced martial applications; develop martial skills through specific training techniques; important books for the designer who seek to obtain clarity in his understanding of martial arts, regardless of the style practiced; discover how to analyze the shapes and the martial applications in Shaolin KungFu, acquiring superior knowledge about your style and insights that will give you a greater understanding of your art; increase your strength, improve your health and develop explosive martial strength with Shaolin Qigong. This book contains: Dedication, Author, The depth of Traditional Northern Shaolin, Fa Jin, The present moment in Shaolin Philosophy, The postures in Shaolin Kung Fu, Introduction and main features, The names of the postures and the philosophical explanation, Basic technique, Training and combat study, Shaolin Hei Hu Quan - Advanced martial applications, Martial Arts Association International, Chin Woo Athletic Association, Italian Chin Woo Athletic Association, Bei Shaolin Quan Italy.