The art of Bagua Zhang is best known for its circular forms, yet linear fighting techniques have been incorporated into Bagua practice by many renowned masters. Liu Dekuan, a student of Dong Haichuan (the founder of Bagua Zhang), was one such master, devising a set of 64 techniques performed in straight lines. These techniques were collected and preserved by Master Liu's disciple Gao Wencheng and his family, passed down from generation to generation. In The 64 Hands of Bagua Zhang, author Gao Jiwu--the grandson of Gao Wencheng--br... read more
Learn how to build a personal kicking system for competition and self-defence from two members of the Black Belt Hall of Fame, George Chung, a taekwondo stylist, and Cynthia Rothrock, an expert in northern Shaolin kung fu, as they demonstrate the impeccable kicking skills that made them tournament kata champions.
In this new book from American Ju-Jitsu Association (AJA) co-founder George Kirby, you will learn why and how your sensei seems to have access to strength and energy that goes beyond his verbal explanations. Transcending the mere memorisation of kata, forms and techniques, Kirby takes you into advanced concepts that will actually simplify your training, help you learn new techniques faster and grant you deeper access to the inner workings of jujitsu. These concepts can be applied to the entire spectrum of martial arts, as they a... read more
Cheung, who studied wing chun under wing chun master Yip Man, demonstrates the entire chum kil form, along with chi sao drills and applications, in this fully illustrated volume for the advanced wing chun practitioner. 256 pp.
Unlike most Aikido manuals, this one draws from multiple systems (including Aikikai and Yoshinkan Aikido as well as Judo) and many seemingly unrelated topics to enhance understanding of the underlying principles of Aikido. Peppered with humorous anecdotes, creative analogies, and real-life lessons, this is a practical and inspiring guide for all Aikidoists.
The book features a twofold, interrelated focus. First, it looks at the unique Filipino culture; how it was greatly influenced by Spanish colonization, the oppression it suffered under foreign rule, and how the native yearning for freedom led to the development of the martial art of arnis. The book then presents the distinct technical aspects and resultant physical manifestation of the indigenous fighting art. Centering upon the Kombatan method forged by Grandmaster Ernesto Amador Presas Sr., it describes numerous maneuvers utilizi... read more
A history and instructional guide by the world's oldest living master of Ba Gua. There are chapters on chi, on the metaphoric and symbolic aspects of Ba Gua practice, and on its origins, its relation to the I Ching, and more. Later chapters describe power training exercises, as well as sexual, athletic and martial applications.
The use of the stick, long or short, as a weapon of survival, including disarming techniques, is presented in this second volume on combat training by Michael D. Echanis. Ki power, proper grip, visualization and breath control are explained as important elements in surviving attacks.
The history, philosophy and beginning techniques of taekwondo are explained, with a complete guide to six beginning forms: kicho il-boo, kicho ee-boo, kicho sam-boo, palgye il-chang, palgye ee-chang and palgye sam-chang.
Tonny Tulleners, the 1965 International Karate champion (middleweight division), demonstrates the techniques of shotokan karate for the novice and discusses the most common errors made by the beginner.
Fumio Demura, who studied under Taira Shinken, covers stances, striking, blocking, combinations, sparring and an entire kata. Demura is considered among the finest bo experts of the modern age.
Author Dave Lowry of the ancient sword school Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu teaches the basics of Japanese swordsmanship using the bokken, the wooden training sword. Lowry covers stances, body movement, striking, combination techniques and techniques with a partner.
This guide to the finer points of boxing provides the wisdom needed to make the transition from enthusiastic beginner to proficient pugilist. The ABCs of ring generalship, offensive and defensive ring movements, feints, and draws and fakes are examined and explained along with clinching techniques, head-hunting, body work, and counter-punching chains. Strategies for boxing against tall and short opponents as well as for a variety of fighting styles such as charger, speed-demon, stick-and-move, and slugger and brawler are discussed ... read more
The nuances and techniques of the guard, the most important position in jiu-jitsu, are covered in this instructional guide that teaches practitioners how to put up an impenetrable defense to any opponent.
Jiu-Jitsu, literally meaning 'the gentle art', is a popular form of self-defense that does not necessarily rely on physical strength and power. Seven-time World Champion Fabio Gurgel presents us with a comprehensive two-volume series that brings simplicity to the complex movements of this Martial Art, as he reveals the secrets of Jiu-Jitsu step-by-step. "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Basics" is fully illustrated and simplify the technical expressions of the art form to allow any student to learn and improve. Originally, Jiu-Jitsu was develop... read more
Known for his superior technical abilities and his unique and innovative moves, Jean Jacques Machado now presents his entire Brazilian jiu-jitsu system in book form for the first time. Detailed is a complete repertoire of jiu-jitsu moves to handle any situation that arises, whether on the mat or on the street. Techniques are not presented in isolation, but rather through a series of moves that guide practitioners from an initial threat or opportunity all the way through to a submission hold. The subtle interplay between various str... read more
Brazilian jiu-jitsu has turned the martial arts world upside down by emphasising real-life situations and results over the dramatic kicks and throws of formal competition, making it also one of the most effective self-defence techniques for non-athletes. This guide to the self-defence techniques taught in the classes of Royce Gracie, one of the biggest figures in the world of jiu-jitsu, provides lessons that anyone -- regardless of strength or size -- can learn to neutralise an attacker in seconds. It offers a variety of defences t... read more
The tactics and techniques of two of the greatest competitors in the history of mixed martial arts combat, Renzo and Royler Gracie, are captured in this book. Their 'grappling' style of martial arts is explained -- methods that focus on holds and throws rather than kicks and punches, and come closer to the spirit and nature of real fighting than other martial arts. Covered are the history, rules, philosophy, strategy, and positions of submission grappling, providing a complete account of this increasingly popular sport.
During the last decade, the martial arts world has looked to innovative mixed martial arts competitions such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship to determine which fighting style is the best. These contests have repeatedly shown the grappling style of martial arts, headed by Brazilian jiu-jitsu, to dominate. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu style stems from the premise, garnered from analysis of actual street fights, that the outcome of any fight is decided on the ground. While most martial arts deal only with the initial punching and kic... read more
The moves that Carlson Gracie has taught to such stars as Vitor Belfort, Amauri Bitteti, Murilo Bustamante, Wallid Ismael, Mario Sperry, Kevin Costner, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Mickey Rourke are revealed in this book on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style of martial arts. One hundred and one positions that provide a complete game of guards, sweeps, and submissions are detailed. Students will find more aggressive techniques that expand their game in all directions, and advanced practitioners will learn the tips and secrets that make the ... read more