Bøger af Allen Pittman

"Pioneer" - as a noun is defined as "a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area." As a verb, it means "develop or be the first to use or apply (a new method, area of knowledge, or activity)." This anthology gives the reader the experience of the explorers who went to foreign lands to discover and learn about a specific field of knowledge and skills: the Asian martial arts.The eight chapters included here share a common root in the pioneers' desire to travel far and wide in search for practical martial arts useful in the street as well as for commando units. The pioneers discussed in this anthology experienced lives submerged in foreign cultures, lives compounded by the difficulties of communicating in foreign languages, changing diets, and often being in hostile living conditions. Their lives are far from the associations we usually associate with martial arts now steeped in pure exercise for health, or tournament competitions. Becoming familiar with of some of the Western pioneers of Asian martial arts bring us back to understand many of the original reasons for learning these combatives. Their lives and experience show us how and why the more serious side of Asian fighting arts remain illusive for most who, in practice, need not confront the lethal aspects of these traditions

Soon after birth, tiger cubs are instinctively drawn to wrestling. Eventually their play transforms into real skills of potentially lethal efficiency. Humans have done the same. In this anthology, you will find unique combative techniques found in some cultures as well as some techniques that are universal. Allen Pittman gives a portrayal of Dr. Tim Geoghegan's particular blend of Eastern and Western wrestling, and his formidable arsenal for grappling and throwing. In anther chapter, Pittman focuses on the shoulder throw. The technical variations seem endless for this valued movement. Steve Scott illustrates the cross-body armlock according to skills he hopes will give readers a better understanding and mastery of this armlock. His following chapter shows a rare Russian technique. Known as the Kharbarelli Pick-up, it is a good example of how different cultures and their unique grappling traditions have been adopted outside their original location. The chapter on the carotid choke is presented from the perspectives of a martial arts instructor and that of a physician. The application, effects, and ramifications of drug usage and mental state are discussed in detail. Tim Cartmell explains the key concepts of "sticking and following" as they apply to throwing methods found in Chinese xingyi, taiji and bagua. The concepts are explained and illustrated with examples of sample techniques. David Allen's writes on the Mongolian Nadaam Festival. Athletes from all over the country assemble to compete in horse racing, archery, and wrestling. Mongolian wrestling is probably the least watched martial art in the world. The author's photo exposé brings the festival to us. The chapter by Burdick, Wolske and Daneshagar gives us a rare view into the Persian grappling tradition. Iran's national sport is the strength training system found in the "house of strength," where bodybuilders and wrestlers are steeped in both Zarathrushran and Islamic traditions. The following chapter by Zhang Yun is on the throwing art of Shuai Jiao. It includes: history and development, analysis of fighting principles, details of hand and footwork, body movement, training methods, training equipment, relationship with other Chinese styles, and demonstrations of applications. The final article focuses on sumo with some parallels being drawn between sumo and mixed martial arts. Techniques and tactics are presented so readers might add some of these sumo moves to their own martial arts repertoire.