Presenting an overview of the martial arts--their history, cultural importance, characteristics, and technique--this book discusses martial arts in general terms, especially the training and discipline which they all have in common, and the metamorphosis every martial artist must make, from the external to the internal. Covers T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Aikido, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, and more.
There’s plenty of good reasons that millions of people around the world study martial arts. Besides the fact you can get a great workout when you study a martial art, you may also experience a rewarding balance between your mind, body, and spirit that you just won’t find anywhere else. Plus, it can be a lot of fun! No matter what shape you’re in, martial arts is a great way to drop extra pounds, learn to defend yourself, and develop personal and physical discipline. Whether you’re already studying a style of fighting or you’re just considering it, you’ll find everything you need to know in this helpful, friendly guide (including which movies to check out!). The book breaks down the differences and presents the basics of each style of fighting, so you can make an informed choice about which style you want to study. You’ll also find out what makes for a good instructor, so you can be sure that you’re learning from the best. And there’s much more. You’ll find out: What martial arts is and is not Five resolutions you must accept Understanding the role of the instructor How to set goals for yourself All about the proper clothes, shoes, and equipment How to prevent injuries The philosophy of self defense All about competing in tournaments About Meditation and breathing techniques The lowdown on weapons There’s also a helpful glossary of foreign-language terminology that you’ll frequently encounter in the dojo – that’s the training hall – so you’ll always be prepared. Whether you’re looking for a new way to get in shape, or a new way to sharpen your mind, Martial Arts For Dummies is all you need to get started in Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, or any other style!
Covering a variety of preparatory stretches and warm-up exercises, the 12-zone striking and defense systems, hand-to-hand combat ("trapping hands”), flow-practice drills, sinawali and redonda, this 160-page, fully illustrated text gives novices a tangible amount of self-defense skill through specific drills. For example, the sinawali is taught without sticks, in empty-hand fashion, to illustrate how its weaving motions can be easily translated into empty-hand movements for blocking, punching, and takedowns. He discusses the 12 important angles of attacks on the human body, 12 basic ways of dealing with each angle, plus stick and sword disarming techniques.
A well-placed kick can mean the difference between victory and defeat in a fight! This illustrated guide to martial arts kicks provides the reader with a wealth of information on 89 different types of kicks from various styles. This martial arts book features kicks from Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Kempo, Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do, and more. In a self-defense situation, there is no room for defeat. Readers will learn how to unleash a devastating barrage of kicks to throw their opponents off guard and leave every match in victory. The Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks has one purpose: to help readers hone their kicking proficiency so that they can readily deploy the most powerful tool in the fighter's repertoire. It contains thousands of photos and diagrams to show readers exactly how to perform all of the 89 kicks inside this book. Packed with full-color photos, detailed diagrams and a companion DVD featuring 50 of the most powerful kicks, this book is required reading for every martial artist who wants to sharpen and expand their kicking skills. You'll learn all about: Front Kicks Side Kicks Roundhouse Kicks Back Kicks Hook Kicks Crescent Kicks And many more!
The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual is a complete guide for anyone who has an interest in the martial arts. Having a broad knowledge of the various techniques of the martial arts gives a martial artist an expanded ability to counteract a variety of attacks and overwhelm an opponent's defenses. Author Ashley Martin shares with the reader his years of experience as a practitioner and teacher. He provides a catalog of the various martial arts being taught worldwide and their strengths and weaknesses. He then covers the basics of hand-to-hand techniques within each of those disciplines, from strikes to ground fighting. Finally, he offers information on the overall health and well being of the martial artist, including important nutritional information and stretching techniques. The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual is a solid foundation of martial arts for beginners and a key supplement for the veteran martial artist.
A Must-Have Resource for all Warrior Athletes Regardless of your skill or fitness level, The Ultimate Mixed Marital Arts Training Guide - with more than 300 step-by-step photographs, detailed callouts, and comprehensive instruction - is the personal trainer you need to accomplish your workout goals and sharpen your techniques. You'll learn: • Cardio and strength training exercises like mountain climber push-ups, partner closed guard sit-up reaches, and the Muay Thai scarecrow • Striking and defense techniques such as the jab, cross, hook, overhand, Muay Thai knee, inner/outer thigh kick, and head kick • Wrestling and countering techniques including the dirty boxing clinch, the over-under clinch, and the Muay Thai clinch • Takedowns like the hip throw, shoot takedown, and single and double leg takedown • Jiu-jitsu passing and escape techniques for the full mount, knee mount, closed guard, open guard, and more • Winning submission moves like the arm bar, Kimura, omoplata, guillotine, ankle lock, and triangle choke • Drills to improve your punching and kicking speed and accuracy • Mental exercises to sharpen your focus, reduce your fears, and increase your concentration • Diet and nutrition techniques the pros use to stay in top fighting condition - whether they're in training mode or cutting weight before a match Whatever your personal fitness and fighting ambitions might be, The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Training Guide is your all-in-one resource to peak physical conditioning, clear mental focus, increased confidence, and superior fighting skills.
Fighting Patterns of Kuntao and Silat(Authored by Chris Derbaum, Justin Miller)Brutal and Devastating Art of Kuntao and Silat.Fighting Patterns of Kuntao and Silat is a book based on a diagram which is sometimes referred to as Chinese hands and Indonesian feet. The footwork diagrams are a guide to numerous footwork patterns to put you in the right place at the right time for devastating leg strikes and takedowns which can also be used against multiple attackers.There are over 140 pages of footwork patterns alone in the book that serve as a "how to" guide so you can follow along and practice on your own. The book also includes the most basic footwork stances to more complicated takedowns in this devastating system. When the same diagram is turned upright all the explosive handwork and brutal knifework is also followed from this diagram. There is also a short history of Kuntao-Silat from China-Indonesia and some of the first teachers that brought these arts to the United States. Authors Chris Derbaum and Justin Miller both worked in the law enforcement field for over 35 years and have applied the arts of Kuntao-Silat to numerous real life situations.
