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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.

In his follow up to the phenomenally popular Solo Training, Loren Christensen has dug down deep to come up with hundreds of more ways for you to rev up your training at home or in the gym. Solo Training 2 kicks off with a focus on building your body's core for stronger, faster and more effective grappling, kicking and punching. A strong core - your shoulders, chest, abs, hips, and back - is the source of your body's power, speed and coordinated movement. As a martial artist, a strong core helps you to get more out of your training and to respond instantly and effectively to the fast changing demands of competition or an explosive street encounter. You'll also get over 100 ways to work your combinations, cheat speed, improve accuracy, fight from unconventional stances, practice grappling when you can't find a partner and get the most out of your mannequin bag. If hundreds of new training drills sound overwhelming, not to worry. Solo Training 2 wraps up with 8 workouts, each with a specific goal like the Free Hand Power Builder and the Boxer Workout. If you've read your copy of Solo Training 2 to tatters, give it a little time off and dig into Solo Training 2, where Loren Christensen promises to take your fighting techniques and understanding of fighting concepts to a new level.

Somewhere in America right now are four or five women who will be killed tomorrow. They are going about their day, and I know if they were prepared to counter attack in the ways Loren Christensen and Lisa Place teach, they'd have a far better chance of prevailing tomorrow." ¿Gavin de Becker (from his Foreword), best-selling author of The Gift of FearSome ¿experts¿ say you should be submissive when attacked at home or by a stranger. You won¿t find that advice here, although you might use it as a ruse before you claw your assailant¿s eyes and smash his groin. Your ultimate goal is to get away, but you don¿t achieve that by being meek and docile. You get away by drawing on that hardwired survival instinct to attack him like an enraged lioness protecting her babies.In Self-Defense for Women:Fight Back, martial arts experts Loren W. Christensen and Lisa Place teach you to use your hands, forearms, elbows, teeth, knees, and feet to survive the attacks unsuspecting women become the victims of every day. And you will learn that yoüre surrounded by a limitless cache of weapons you can use to your advantage against a larger assailant.How to recognize and assess a threatHow to de-escalate a bad situation7 basic defensive techniques any woman can use effectivelyAdvanced skills for when you want to know moreHow to identify and use everyday objects as defensive weaponsWhat to practice to prepare for a potential confrontationHow to practice at home, alone, and with a partnerWhy you need to be physically fit and how to make a fitness planHow to use fear as a weaponThe power of your mind and how to harness it for self-defenseIf yoüre ready to learn to fight back, Loren and Lisa know exactly what you need to survive an attack in your home or on the street.

There is a truth in the world of hand-to-hand combat that too many martial artists aren;t aware of or refuse to believe: Every time you discover a sure-thing technique, one that makes all your training partners groan and writhe in agony, there exists out there in the mean streets, a host of people who won t feel it. People like these: * Attackers with large muscle bulk or large fat bulk, * Attackers intoxicated on alcohol, * Attackers under the influence of drugs, * Attackers out of control with rage, * Attackers who are mentally deranged, * Attackers who feel pain but like it. This book isn't about working out with a training partner it s about surviving a desperate street attack against a nightmare who doesn t acknowledge what you thought was your best shot.

Whether you're a law enforcement officer wanting to improve your edge or a martial artist wanting to expand your knowledge of street proven techniques, you will find Defensive Tactics: Modern Arrest and Control Techniques for Today's Police Warrior is filled with invaluable information including:* Joint manipulation that works* Leverage control vs. pain control* Hitting with the hands, feet, forearms and elbows* Safely and quickly crossing the gap* Blocking an assailant's strikes* Using vulnerable points to gain compliance* Head disorientation * Safe application of sleeper holds* Controlling a suspect on the ground * Arresting big guys* Fighting concepts to take on patrol* Weapon retention in close quarters and on the groundWritten by a retired cop and high-ranking martial artist who survived all that the mean streets threw at him while working patrol, gang enforcement and dignitary protection, Defensive Tactics goes beyond what is taught in the academy, officer's in-service training, and what is allowed by the administration. BONUS: Includes a chapter on proven ways to control a suspect on the ground written by LAPD officer Mark Mireles, an MMA coach, police academy trainer, and wrestling champ.

¿Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points.¿ - Bruce Lee, The Tao of Jeet Kune DoThe Art and Science of Stick Fighting is a unique, non-style specific, approach to fighting with the short stick. Its curriculum is streamlined and divided into nine logical stages of training that allow the reader to quickly and methodically learn and develop the skills needed for competative fighting and self-defense with the stick.

You have an owner's manual for your car, your stereo and even your blender, so why not your body? The Fighter's Body is exactly that, an owner's manual for your body, the most complex piece of equipment you will ever own. As a martial artist, you have special needs. Have you ever wondered how that latest fad diet might affect your performance on the mat? Ever wanted to take off a few extra pounds? How about putting on muscle without slowing down? Make weight for a tournament? Lose 5 pounds fast? Eat better? Change weight classes? Confused about supplements, vitamins and protein shakes? Can't make sense of the food pyramid? Don't know where to start? Start here. Author Loren Christensen and personal trainer Wim Demeere combine their knowledge of martial arts, weight training, nutrition, diet and exercise to answer your questions and put you on the road to becoming the best martial arts athlete you can be. This book will answer your questions about important topics including: why some diets are harmful for martial artists; how to calculate your protein needs for training; when and how to use supplements; how to eat at fast food places and not ruin your diet; why it's okay to splurge on 'Dirt Day'; how to safely make weight for a tournament; why HIIT training is essential to weight loss; what to eat on competition days; and, how to create a plan that works and stick to it.

What if there was a secret ingredient that could make every single one of your martial arts techniques better? Not only faster and more powerful, but more likely to slam home to exactly the right target every time. Maybe there is. Timing is the art and science of ending a confrontation as quickly and efficiently as possible. In Timing for the Fighting Arts, authors Loren W. Christensen and Wim Demeere team up to teach you exactly how to get every last ounce of speed and power out of your techniques. Already strong and lightning fast? Prepare to get even better. Whether you want to feel safer on the street or emerge victorious in the ring, this book is packed with inside information essential to defeating your opponent. Every one of these concepts is backed up by drills and practice scenarios so you can go beyond theory and put your new knowledge to work in the ring or on the street where you need it most. If you're ready to take your skills to the next level, Loren and Wim are ready to show you the way.

Discover quick and innovative ways to improve your punching, kicking, sparring, and self-defense skillsplus dozens of tips to develop speed, power, and flexibility. If you are feeling stuck or bored in your martial arts routine, Loren's no-nonsense style will get you up and training with a fire you have not felt in years.

A collection of stories from China's dynasties. An amusing and insightful anthology for Western readers.

Independent Publisher Book Award FINALIST - 2008The Tai Chi Book is a detailed guide for students who've learned a Tai Chi form and want to know more. It also introduces beginners to the principles behind great Tai Chi, and answers common questions that all of us have.The Tai Chi Book shows you how to use Tai Chi to gain strength in your bones, muscles and vital organs, how to improve your balance and flexibility, and how to achieve remarkable vitality.The author also introduces complex elements of Tai Chi, including ways to develop the relaxed strength known as sung, how to cultivate and feel Chi, how to train mindfulness, and a helpful chapter on being a student.In addition, the author explores the debate over Tai Chi breathing patterns, explains in detail proper body alignment, and tells why Pushing Hands is more important than you might think.The Tai Chi Book is your guide to the fullest health benefits of Tai Chi and to higher levels of skill and ability. • Like two books in one-basic and advanced Tai Chi training.• Find out how to choose and relate to a teacher.• Develop remarkable vitality and longevity.• Includes the Cheng Man-ch'ing short form.• More than one hundred photos and illustrations.

Tai Chi Dynamics is intended for intermediate and advanced Taiji players. The author Robert Chuckrow Ph.D. experimental physics, has been a Taiji practitioner for over forty years. He applies logic and basic scientific principles of anatomy, physiology, and physics to muscular action, breathing, and alignment in Taiji movement and push-hands.He clarifies many perplexing concepts such as "correct force" by utilizing detailed explanations, illustrations, and photographs.Sayings from the Taiji Classics are quoted throughout, and exercises are provided to give readers a chance to confirm their understanding.Over a dozen self-defense applications of the basic Taiji movements are illustrated, and the effectiveness and completeness of Taiji as a martial art is candidly analyzed.Suggestions for many aspects of teaching Taiji are provided, which stem from over three decades of practical experience. A chapter on Zheng Manqing (Cheng Man-ch'ing), with whom the author studied for five years in the early 1970s, sheds light on Zheng and his students.A special chapter deals extensively with aspects of self development from a personal perspective, discusses how doing Taiji correctly is a precursor to spiritual growth, and compares religion, science, and spiritual teachings.A detailed chapter on health, self-massage, and healing discusses fasting (including the author's own experience with a twenty-eight-day fast), differences between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, and provides exercises and methods of self-massage for head, legs, feet, and back.There is even a section on how to make your own footwear suitable for practicing Taiji.The book includes personal anecdotes and stories, and has over one hundred photographs and illustrations by the author.

Discover the original purpose and training of taekwondoThe principles and techniques illustrated in this book, having been handed down over the decades, if not centuries, emphasize a core philosophy rich in defensive strategy.Taekwondo, literally translated, can be defined as "foot, hand way" or "the way of smashing with hands and feet." Such descriptive nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, however, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sport competition in the martial arts, many techniques of defensive value have been stripped away or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. While the thirst for Olympic gold has clearly played a significant role in propelling taekwondo into the forefront, it should be remembered that this native Korean martial art contains over 3200 distinct self defense techniques.This book describes in detail, the history and evolution of Taekwondo from its ancient roots to modern day applications. Also included are exercises in "Ki" or internal energy development, meditation practice, and practical self-defense strategies. This work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component.

From the creator of today's hottest fitness craze comes the definitive program that brings Cardiokickboxing back to its origional Kickboxing roots with real techniques, equipment and bag work.

When faced with big challenges, young adults need time to reflect, process, and think deeply about their place in their community and their future.In today's fast paced world, young adults are subject to chronic fears of missing out, mental health issues, anxiety, and depression unlike any generation that has come before.The martial arts have the potential to help.Traditional martial arts revolve around principles and core values such as honor, integrity, perseverance, patience, humility, and respect. Each manifesting in self-expression and creativity to promote individual growth and a balanced approach to living.A complete martial artist learns how to conquer ?self? through martial arts training and how to live by these traditional core values. Although there are occasions when martial arts may be used for self-defense, its primary uses are for sport, character, and spiritual fulfillment. The author shares: His own childhood story of hardship and redemption How to adopt martial arts values as a way of living Important universal principles to live by On creating a championship attitude Examples about martial arts forms (kata) and sparring How to get started and be successful in your personal martial arts journeyThis book, The Complete Martial Artist, offers kids, young adults, parents, and twenty-somethings an opportunity to see what martial arts can do for their lives. What parents are saying about being a complete martial artist?It gives [my child] discipline, a hard work ethic, and physical fitness?? Bell family?It gives my son a sense of self-confidence and a better overall attitude??Miller family?It gives my boys the benefit of interaction with other kids, good friends, getting out of their comfort zones, and leadership skills??Draper family?It makes my daughter outgoing and happy??Lopez family?It gives my kids discipline and confidence to speak up for themselves??Bui family?It gives my child goals to work toward and helped him improve in school??Brown family

Bringing the Dao to life for readers of all generations Fables entertain us, enlighten us, and guide us. We recognize ourselves in the characters, be they emperors, village children, or singing frogs. They help us see our own weaknesses, our strengths, and the many possibilities. Their lessons transcend time and culture, touching what it really means to be alive. Whoever we are, wherever we''re going, these short tales help us along the path-the Way. Some offer a moral compass. Some illustrate the dangers in human folly. Others just make us laugh. In this collection of fables, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming shares the stories that have influenced him most as a teacher, a partent, martial artist and lifelong student of the Dao. These fables bring the Dao to life for readers of all generations. The Dao in Action will inspire young readers to refine their character. Older readers will smile and recognize moments of truth. This collection is for anyone who would like to explore the enduring lessons of virtue and wisdom. These lean, concise fables illustrate balance, the duality of yin and yang, always shifting, always in correction. They help us laugh at our human predicaments-and maybe even at ourselves.We can all use some reflection and inspiration from time to time.

Gives you tools that you can use to improve your quality of life and begin the healing journey. This book provides readers simple-to-do exercises for stress relief, health maintenance, and cancer prevention. It offers guidance on using food for healing and for weight control.