Analysis of Genuine Karate - Hermann Bayer - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Genuine karate is an Okinawan martial art for self-defense; its ongoing globalization has jeopardized its inherent effectiveness. “The changes made to karate in mainland Japan and in America have altered karate so intrinsically that it can no longer claim to be genuine karate.” Dr. Hermann Bayer, Ph.D., examines how Japan re-interpreted Okinawan karate to create its own unique style of karate-do, and how Japanese and American changes resulted in a modern karate-sport business. Practitioners of karate are often confused, misguided, and even led to believe that karate is just karate—this is far from the truth. Practitioners need a clear understanding of what their training can offer them. This can only be achieved by understanding karate''s true purpose and by discerning misconceptions from facts. Contents include - - Okinawan karate’s “principle of never changing kata”. - - Karate as an Okinawan cultural heritage. - - Socio-cultural arguments to preserve Okinawa karate—as is. - - Japan—the karate reproducing country. - - Karate or Karate-do? - - The business of karate, karate-do, and karate-sport. - - Scientific proof of a peaceful karate mind. - - The laws of physics reveal weaknesses when kata are changed. - This substantially researched work makes a compelling case for the socio-cultural and historic arguments to conserve genuine Okinawan karate. Supported by historical facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Dr. Bayer reveals, for all to see, the complex evolution of karate and the unsettled claims made upon it by the various stake-holders.

Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 - Hermann Bayer - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Genuine Okinawan Karate was developed as a fighting tool. Non-Okinawan Karate are for other purposes. Karate practitioners, scholars, and everyone caring about Asian martial arts and its culture will enthusiastically appreciate this eye-opening work. Dr. Bayer substantiates further how the art Karate was used to prepare a nation (Japan) for total war, how it was deliberately industrialized into a worldwide Japanized Karate-Do inflation, and how its following transformation into athletic showmanship destroyed the art’s unity and distinctiveness. The author endorses Karate-Jutsu as a genuine Okinawan martial art even as foreign knowledge and skills from India (speculated) and from China (proven) were integrated― and he explains the imitative social mechanism used to turn this local fighting art into a symbol of national identity. Since martial arts were initially understood as a moral code-neutral tool , like a weapon, this happens to contradict the modern understanding of Karate being a peaceful art with inherent non-violent values. In truth, moral codes or guidelines on how to use this tool were developed separately, not within the art. A new “back to the roots” Karate-Jutsu movement gains importance and establishes a counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization, helping to integrate some neglected reminiscences of Karate-Jutsu back into Karate-Do. Such a development brings Japanized Karate-Do versions closer to their martial origins, whereas pure Karate-Jutsu will be preserved as a point of reference by a group of dedicated curators. Contents include: - - Okinawa is the birthplace of Karate-Jutsu and Japan is the birthplace of Bu-Jutsu. - - How Karate and Budo were used for Japan’s war preparations. - - Senpai seniority was the social mechanism to integrate Karate into Japan’s martial arts tradition. - - Consequences of an ancient fighting art being turned into athletic showmanship. - - In Sports-Karate there is no more Kata in Kumite, and there is no more Kumite in Kata either. - - The modern misconception of avoiding a fight by all means. - - The path toward mastery in Karate. - - Sensei correct your errors and blunders, you have to correct mistakes yourself. - - Today’s Karate-Jutsu movement is the counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization. - - Karate’s market structure in the 21st century. -

Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 - Hermann Bayer - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

AWARDS FINALIST— Sports , Best Book Awards, 2023 Genuine Okinawan Karate was developed as a fighting tool. Non-Okinawan Karate are for other purposes. Karate practitioners, scholars, and everyone caring about Asian martial arts and its culture will enthusiastically appreciate this eye-opening work. Dr. Bayer substantiates further how the art Karate was used to prepare a nation (Japan) for total war, how it was deliberately industrialized into a worldwide Japanized Karate-Do inflation, and how its following transformation into athletic showmanship destroyed the art’s unity and distinctiveness. The author endorses Karate-Jutsu as a genuine Okinawan martial art even as foreign knowledge and skills from India (speculated) and from China (proven) were integrated― and he explains the imitative social mechanism used to turn this local fighting art into a symbol of national identity. Since martial arts were initially understood as a moral code-neutral tool , like a weapon, this happens to contradict the modern understanding of Karate being a peaceful art with inherent non-violent values. In truth, moral codes or guidelines on how to use this tool were developed separately, not within the art. A new “back to the roots” Karate-Jutsu movement gains importance and establishes a counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization, helping to integrate some neglected reminiscences of Karate-Jutsu back into Karate-Do. Such a development brings Japanized Karate-Do versions closer to their martial origins, whereas pure Karate-Jutsu will be preserved as a point of reference by a group of dedicated curators. Contents include: - - Okinawa is the birthplace of Karate-Jutsu and Japan is the birthplace of Bu-Jutsu. - - How Karate and Budo were used for Japan’s war preparations. - - Senpai seniority was the social mechanism to integrate Karate into Japan’s martial arts tradition. - - Consequences of an ancient fighting art being turned into athletic showmanship. - - In Sports-Karate there is no more Kata in Kumite, and there is no more Kumite in Kata either. - - The modern misconception of avoiding a fight by all means. - - The path toward mastery in Karate. - - Sensei correct your errors and blunders, you have to correct mistakes yourself. - - Today’s Karate-Jutsu movement is the counterculture to Karate-Do’s industrialization. - - Karate’s market structure in the 21st century. -

Karate Science - J. D. Swanson - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Dynamics, motion, sensation...they are karate''s connective tissue―and they are the heart of this book. Karate Science: Dynamic Movement will help you understand the mechanics of the human body. Swanson describes these principles in incredible detail, drawing on examples from several styles of karate, as well as aikido, taekwondo, and judo. Whatever your martial background, applying this knowledge will make your techniques better, stronger, and faster. - - Understand the major types of techniques, including their outward appearances and internal feelings. - - Master the core principles behind these feelings. - - Learn the biomechanics and dynamics of core movement. - Karate Science: Dynamic Movement is filled with examples, anecdotes, and beautiful illustrations. Although Shotokan karate is the author''s frame of reference, the principles of human mechanics translate to all martial styles. This book features - - Clear and insightful explanations of dynamic movement. - - Over 100 illustrations. - - Profound but accessible analysis of the kihon, or fundamentals of Shotokan karate. - As a lifelong student of martial arts, J. D. Swanson, Ph.D., had searched through piles of books on form and function. "Stand here, step there" they said. But where movement was concerned, none went deep enough. No one was discussing the dynamics―the actual feeling of the moves. Both in print and in live teaching, karate instruction tends to focus on stances and finishing positions. But dynamics, motion, sensation...they are karate''s connective tissue―and they are the heart of this book. “ Karate Science: Dynamic Movement is rooted in the teachings of the masters,” Swanson says. “This book nucleates that knowledge, clarifying and distilling the key principles behind movement dynamics. This is the next evolution of karate books.”

Karate Science - J. D. Swanson - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Dynamics, motion, sensation...they are karate''s connective tissue―and they are the heart of this book. Karate Science: Dynamic Movement will help you understand the mechanics of the human body. Swanson describes these principles in incredible detail, drawing on examples from several styles of karate, as well as aikido, taekwondo, and judo. Whatever your martial background, applying this knowledge will make your techniques better, stronger, and faster. - - Understand the major types of techniques, including their outward appearances and internal feelings. - - Master the core principles behind these feelings. - - Learn the biomechanics and dynamics of core movement. - Karate Science: Dynamic Movement is filled with examples, anecdotes, and beautiful illustrations. Although Shotokan karate is the author''s frame of reference, the principles of human mechanics translate to all martial styles. This book features - - Clear and insightful explanations of dynamic movement. - - Over 100 illustrations. - - Profound but accessible analysis of the kihon, or fundamentals of Shotokan karate. - As a lifelong student of martial arts, J. D. Swanson, Ph.D., had searched through piles of books on form and function. "Stand here, step there" they said. But where movement was concerned, none went deep enough. No one was discussing the dynamics―the actual feeling of the moves. Both in print and in live teaching, karate instruction tends to focus on stances and finishing positions. But dynamics, motion, sensation...they are karate''s connective tissue―and they are the heart of this book. “ Karate Science: Dynamic Movement is rooted in the teachings of the masters,” Swanson says. “This book nucleates that knowledge, clarifying and distilling the key principles behind movement dynamics. This is the next evolution of karate books.”

Welcome To Karate - Bruce Costa - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Welcome To Karate offers what you need to begin successful martial arts training Welcome To Karate is a curricular guide and sourcebook for new karate students. We will introduce you to dojo principles, traditions, etiquette, and involvement along with technical support for the variety of materials that you will encounter during your first months in a traditional karate dojo. - Stances - Kicks - Blocks - Body Shifting - Strikes - Sparring All of the techniques relevant to your rank are clearly explained and accompanied by anecdotes, history, humor, and encouragement. Inside this book discover: - How to prepare before your first visit to a dojo - Technical descriptions and drills for self-training - Reinforcement of experiences - Contemplative reasoning, funny stories, and empathy for your challenges - A fundamental karate glossary and pronunciation guide - And much more Sensei Costa will arm you with necessary insights before a class—and reinforce your training experiences after class—to drive your enthusiastic return to the dojo time and time again. Welcome To Karate keeps you focused on your goals each step of the way.

Analysis of Shu Ha Ri in Karate-Do - Hermann Bayer - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

The transfer of a centuries-old Japanese fine arts principle into empty-hand fighting. In this book in the Analysis of Karate series, Hermann Bayer, Ph.D. examines Shu Ha Ri and its influence on modern karate. Bayer examines why and how this centuries old Japanese fine arts concept has changed how karate is practiced in modern times. Shu Ha Ri is a genuine Japanese fine arts principle that was later applied into Japanese martial arts in general, and into karate-do in particular—not as a factual martial arts tradition but as an invented one—during a process that also converted Okinawa’s self-protection art into something closer to a fine art of self-perfection. Clarifying the influence of Shu Ha Ri in the Japanese approach to martial arts is particularly important since traditional Okinawan karate circles adamantly insist on keeping their Okinawan karate approach separated, unique, and not to be mixed up with Japanese ways. Dr. Bayer''s weaves historic, socio-cultural, political, philosophical, psychological, and commercial components into a complex analysis that finally gives a clear picture of the subject, and that addresses doubts and questions about ascent or alibi which inevitably arise when an Okinawan fighting art is changed into a Japanese fine art. Contents Include - - A centuries old Japanese fine arts principle finds its way into modern karate. - - Shu Ha Ri is a Japanese cultural concept, not an Okinawan one. - - Japan converts Okinawan Karate-jutsu and inserts Japanese philosophies. - - The essence of Shu Ha Ri is its trinity of coexisting phases. - An additional component in this analysis is the inclusion of educational principles and approaches that can help instructors organize and systematize their teaching approach and to overcome traditional instructor-centered concepts by using teaching approaches that were developed to better reach westerly socialized minds.

Analysis of Shu Ha Ri in Karate-Do - Hermann Bayer - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

The transfer of a centuries-old Japanese fine arts principle into empty-hand fighting. In this book in the Analysis of Karate series, Hermann Bayer, Ph.D. examines Shu Ha Ri and its influence on modern karate. Bayer examines why and how this centuries old Japanese fine arts concept has changed how karate is practiced in modern times. Shu Ha Ri is a genuine Japanese fine arts principle that was later applied into Japanese martial arts in general, and into karate-do in particular—not as a factual martial arts tradition but as an invented one—during a process that also converted Okinawa’s self-protection art into something closer to a fine art of self-perfection. Clarifying the influence of Shu Ha Ri in the Japanese approach to martial arts is particularly important since traditional Okinawan karate circles adamantly insist on keeping their Okinawan karate approach separated, unique, and not to be mixed up with Japanese ways. Dr. Bayer''s weaves historic, socio-cultural, political, philosophical, psychological, and commercial components into a complex analysis that finally gives a clear picture of the subject, and that addresses doubts and questions about ascent or alibi which inevitably arise when an Okinawan fighting art is changed into a Japanese fine art. Contents Include - - A centuries old Japanese fine arts principle finds its way into modern karate. - - Shu Ha Ri is a Japanese cultural concept, not an Okinawan one. - - Japan converts Okinawan Karate-jutsu and inserts Japanese philosophies. - - The essence of Shu Ha Ri is its trinity of coexisting phases. - An additional component in this analysis is the inclusion of educational principles and approaches that can help instructors organize and systematize their teaching approach and to overcome traditional instructor-centered concepts by using teaching approaches that were developed to better reach westerly socialized minds.

Shin Gi Tai - Michael Clarke - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Prepare to have your beliefs challenged about what karate really is. Within these pages, you will discover traditional karate; along the way, perhaps many of your own beliefs about karate will be confronted. You might have a body capable of mastering karate''s physical techniques, but do you have a mind with a level of awareness that is able to grasp the true spirit of karate? For adults only. Regardless of how many people you can defeat in combat, the deeper aim of karate has always been to conquer your own ego, and by doing so, you increase the likelihood of avoiding conflict. When you can control your ego, you have a chance to establish peace in your life: this is the tradition of budo karate. Shin Gi Tai has a literal translation: mind–technique–body. A karate-ka''s mind (shin) must be developed ahead of his technique (gi) if he is to discover a sense of balance within his body (tai). While the mental and physical aspects of karate are daunting and causes many to stop training, if you can just endure the early years, say - the first decade - then there is opportunity for real and lasting benefits. Budo is a concept more often discussed than put into practice, and yet, as part of traditional karate training, it has the capacity to dramatically change lives for the better, but only if you are prepared to move past the obvious and strive to understand the philosophy and the morality of budo. Your life is yours, your karate is yours, accept ownership of both and reap countless rewards.

Shihan Te - Paul Anderson - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

In the martial arts, kata are the prearranged and choreographed dance-like forms used to convey the intricacies of a particular style to the practitioner. In a sense they are the physical form of an oral tradition, (a form of knowledge transference that many believe extends back several thousand years), training not only the body, but the mind and spirit. Kata are the basis for which modern day karate techniques have developed and hence kata are considered the ''textbooks'' of the martial arts. Kata is often called the mother of Karate. Bunkai is a kind of analysis (meaning, ''to disassemble'') - a much neglected form of study within Karate. These self-defense applications are what give the kata their true meaning and purpose. For the old masters, those of whom may have only practiced one or two kata their entire lives, the repetitions demanded of kata never became a burden because of the meaning, the bunkai. In thousands of schools around the world today, the various kata of Karate are taught and practiced. Unfortunately, not many know, or care to teach, the bunkai, referring to them a mysterious ''secrets.'' In Shihan Te: The Bunkai of Kata , these "secrets" are revealed. - - Useful for all styles of Karate. - - The key to understanding Karate...and yourself! - - Discover the rich history and deeper meaning of the Martial Arts.

Chojun - Goran Powell - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

A typhoon brings the renowned karate master Chojun Miyagi into the life of young Kenichi Ota, who must prove himself before he can enter the master''s inner circle. As once-peaceful Okinawa prepares for war, master and student venture to China in search of the deepest meaning of karate. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the tides of war turn against Japan and an American invasion fleet approaches Okinawa. Kenichi is conscripted as a runner for the Japanese general staff and finds himself in the epicenter of the Battle of Okinawa. In the aftermath, he must fight again to rebuild the shattered hopes of his people and to preserve his master''s art of karate.

The Art of Hojo Undo - Michael Clarke - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

ADDING POWER TO THE FIGHTING TECHNIQUES OF KARATE Hojo Undo means ''supplementary training'', and using these tools is the key for developing the devastating power of karate techniques. Without Hojo Undo, a practitioner cannot reach the profound strength levels required for a lifetime of karate training. This book details how to construct and use many training tools; provides accurate mechanical drawings, comprehensive training methods, and an historical context to understand why Hojo Undo was created in ''old'' Okinawa. - - Warm up exercises - - Detailed construction drawings - - Build your own Hojo Undo tools! - - Learn how to use the tools to develop devastating power - - Link your increased power to fighting techniques - - Hear what Okinawan Masters say about Hojo Undo training -

The Art of Hojo Undo - Michael Clarke - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

ADDING POWER TO THE FIGHTING TECHNIQUES OF KARATE Hojo Undo means ''supplementary training'', and using these tools is the key for developing the devastating power of karate techniques. Without Hojo Undo, a practitioner cannot reach the profound strength levels required for a lifetime of karate training. This book details how to construct and use many training tools; provides accurate mechanical drawings, comprehensive training methods, and an historical context to understand why Hojo Undo was created in ''old'' Okinawa. - - Warm up exercises - - Detailed construction drawings - - Build your own Hojo Undo tools! - - Learn how to use the tools to develop devastating power - - Link your increased power to fighting techniques - - Hear what Okinawan Masters say about Hojo Undo training -

Analysis of Genuine Karate - Hermann Bayer - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

The Way of Sanchin Kata - Kris Wilder - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Once you read this book, your Karate will never be the same Many practitioners believe that Sanchin Kata holds the key to mastering traditional martial arts. It is one of the simplest forms to learn, yet one of the most difficult to perfect. Those who truly understand its teachings find that it facilitates enormous quickness and power in any martial application. The challenge lies in gaining that understanding, which is something we had to uncover ourselves by trial and error…until now. When Karate or "Ti" was first developed in Okinawa, it was about using technique and extraordinary power to end a fight instantly. These old ways of generating remarkable power are still accessible, but they are purposefully hidden in Sanchin Kata for the truly dedicated to find. "Ti" (is the Okinawan word for ''hand''). "Te" (is the Japanese word for ''hand''). This book takes you to new depths of practice by breaking down the form piece by piece, body part by body part, so that the very foundation of the kata is revealed. Test it. Every chapter, concept, and application is accompanied by a test it section, designed for you to explore and verify the kata for yourself. Sanchin Kata really comes alive when you can feel the thrill of having those hidden teachings speak to you through your body across the ages. No other document or video available today provides such depth and exploration of Sanchin Kata. Simply put: once you read this book and test what you have learned, your Karate will never be the same. Contents Include: - - Movement Not Seen - - The Crescent Step - - The Spine - - Bones, Sinew, and Muscle - - The Energetic Structure - - The Mechanical Structure - - Iron Shirt - - Rooting - - The Mind - - Ten-minute Sanchin - - The 5:7 Ratio - - The Entire Traditional Kata in step-by-step Movement - - And Much More! -

The Essence of Shaolin White Crane - Dr. Jwing Ming Yang - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

The secrets of internal power are revealed in this expert guide to Internal and External martial Qigong. This comprehensive martial arts training guide explores White Crane Kung Fu (Gongfu), one of the most famous martial styles developed in China. Martial Arts Qigong is integral to White Crane kung Fu and is a proven way to build explosive fighting power, known as Jin. In addition to fighting power, martial Qigong builds robust health and longevity. By focusing on the spine and torso, Shaolin White Crane develops and maintains a strong, supple upper body. Flexibility and strength of the spine are notable results of this training. It is commonly recognized that Shaolin White Crane is the root of Okinawan Karate, and has heavily influenced Japanese martial arts. From this book, a Karate practitioner will be able to trace this root back, and gain profound comprehension of empty-hand styles. - - Long time hidden secrets of White Crane revealed. - - A comprehensive analysis of Internal and External martial Qigong. - - Complete sets of White Crane Hard and Soft Qigong training. - - A thorough examination of martial power (Jin). - - Presents more than 60 White Crane Jin patterns. - - Learn mental and physical training for explosive fighting power. - - Over four hundred action photographs and illustrations. -

The Essence of Shaolin White Crane - Jwing Ming Yang - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

The secrets of internal power are revealed in this expert guide to Internal and External martial Qigong. This comprehensive martial arts training guide explores White Crane Kung Fu (Gongfu), one of the most famous martial styles developed in China. Martial Arts Qigong is integral to White Crane kung Fu and is a proven way to build explosive fighting power, known as Jin. In addition to fighting power, martial Qigong builds robust health and longevity. By focusing on the spine and torso, Shaolin White Crane develops and maintains a strong, supple upper body. Flexibility and strength of the spine are notable results of this training. It is commonly recognized that Shaolin White Crane is the root of Okinawan Karate, and has heavily influenced Japanese martial arts. From this book, a Karate practitioner will be able to trace this root back, and gain profound comprehension of empty-hand styles. - - Long time hidden secrets of White Crane revealed. - - A comprehensive analysis of Internal and External martial Qigong. - - Complete sets of White Crane Hard and Soft Qigong training. - - A thorough examination of martial power (Jin). - - Presents more than 60 White Crane Jin patterns. - - Learn mental and physical training for explosive fighting power. - - Over four hundred action photographs and illustrations. -

Redemption - Michael Clarke - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Michael Clarke was an angry, vicious kid, a street fighter. He grew up in the late sixties and early seventies in Manchester, England, in a tough neighborhood where, he writes, “Prostitutes worked the pavement opposite my home, illegal bookmakers took bets in back alley cellars, and street brawls were commonplace.” He left school at fifteen and began his education as a pugilist on the streets. He fought in bars and clubs, at football matches, in parks, and in bus stations—and he was good. He reveled in the victories and the admiration they brought. It was a life of knuckles and teeth, of broken bones and torn flesh—and the arrests that followed. Clarke was seventeen when a judge sentenced him to two years in Strangeways Prison, an infamous place also known as “psychopath central.” In prison he resolved to change his life and stay out of trouble, but trouble was everywhere. He discovered a world of violent gangs, abusive guards, and inmates engaged in an endless struggle for dominance. Strangeways was a place where a person could get stabbed to death for taking the bigger piece of toast. In time Clarke was released, but the transition was difficult and he almost fought his way back to prison. Then one night he entered a karate dojo and his life changed forever. He began a lifetime pursuit of budo, the martial way. He sought knowledge, studied with masters, and traveled to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. Redemption: A Street Fighter’s Path to Peace is a true account of youth wasted and life reclaimed. Michael Clarke reminds us that martial arts are not simply about punching and kicking. They forge the spirit, temper the will, and reveal our true nature.

Ancient Chinese Weapons - Dr. Jwing Ming Yang - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Martial artists that reach a certain level of proficiency with their barehanded fighting forms, may choose to expand their knowledge to include weapons techniques. Over the past 5,000 years, the Chinese have developed a vast array of weapons, built for a multitude of purposes. These weapons and their derivitaves are found in all martial art styles, including Kung Fu, karate, Taekwondo, and Indonesian styles. You may ask - What weapon should I choose? - What are their original or main purposes? - What is the history of these weapons? - What weapon is right for my body type or strength? Ancient Chinese Weapons: A Martial Artists Guide is an easy reference guide designed to offer the answers. It is profusely illustrated, easy to navigate, and conveniently broken down into the four main classifications: Long Weapons, Short Weapons, Soft Weapons, and Projectile / Thrown Weapons. Contents include: - Techniques and fighting strategy for many kinds of weapons - The history and evolution of Chinese weapons - Weapons classifications - Over 130 illustrations Inside you will find ancient Chinese weapons of many types, from swords and spears, sharpened coins to flying claws! Even if you''re not a martial artist, but have an interest in history and warfare, you''ll find this guide an invaluable resource.

Legends of the Masters - Augustus John Roe - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

MARTIAL ARTS TRANSPORT US TO THE REALMS OF LEGENDS Every day in dojos and training halls, fantastic stories of history’s martial arts heroes are told. Tales of men and women who overpower wild beasts, walk unharmed through a barrage of swords, or single-handedly defeat scores of attackers—they all captivate our imagination and our sense of marvel. Whether presented orally, on screen, or by written word, these legends remain a key element of our collective martial arts culture and naturally inspire wonder about where the facts end and the fiction begins. No stories are more gripping than those surrounding the founders and great masters of modern-day martial arts. This book looks at twelve of the greatest martial arts legends of all time, retelling their common historical lore, examining the known facts, suggesting possible reasons for their longevity, and discussing the key functions that these legends have served martial artists both historically and today. Bodhidharma : A Zen Monk’s Journey to the East Zhang Sanfeng : The Founding of Internal Martial Arts Morihei Ueshiba : The Quest for Ultimate Peace Ng Mui & Yan Yongchun : The Dual Founders of Wing Chun Nai Khanom Tom : The Hero of Ayutthaya Fights for Freedom Choi Hong-Hi : Leading Korea from the Ashes of War Miyamoto Musashi : A Swordsman Meets His Greatest Foe Helio Gracie : Grapplers from the East and West Meet Bruce Lee : Fighting for the Freedom to Teach Kung Fu Bui Thi Xuan : The Swordswoman and the Tiger Gogen Yamaguchi : Returning from the Gulag Masutatsu Oyama : Taking on the Wild “Vivid . . . profound . . . plausible . . . be inspired.” —Shotokan Karate Portal

Top 10 Kicks - Augustus John Roe - Bog - YMAA Publication Center - Plusbog.dk

Good kicking provides an extra layer of depth and complexity to one’s martial arts or fighting skills. Elevate your fighting game with this essential guide to the top ten functional kicks. Good kicking can be used tactically in a wide variety of situations, such as to control range, surprise opponents or setting up further strikes. The training required for kicking provides improved strength, fitness, balance, and flexibility by utilizing the entire body in a powerful and natural way. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fighter, you’ll gain valuable insights into: - - The ten most effective kicks for real-world martial artists. - - Ways to incorporate kicks into your fighting style. - - Methods for improving strength, balance, and flexibility. - - Tactical applications in various fighting scenarios. - - Descriptors rating damage, speed, and difficulty levels for each kick. - This book has been written with functionality in mind. It features ten of the most practical and effective kicks drawn from various martial art systems. These kicks come from and can be included in: - - Karate - - Taekwondo - - Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) - - Kickboxing - - Kung Fu - - Savate - - Jeet Kun Do (JKD) - - Sanda - - Muay Thai - - Wing Chun - - Krav Maga - - Self-defense - Whether your goals are fitness and flexibility, training for competition or real-life self-defense scenarios, the kicks presented here will serve you well. Written primarily with beginner and intermediate fighters in mind, it can also provide variations and potentially alternative approaches for more seasoned kickers to add to their own repertoire too. Don’t let weak kicks hold you back. Transform your fighting ability and gain a crucial edge in competition. With clear instruction and expert tips, you’ll become a more well-rounded and formidable fighter.