"An excellent introduction to traditional Japanese swordsmanship."-Daily YamiuriThis book introduces Kendo, the exhilarating mental and physical sport of Japan that has gained new popularity, with both sexes now participating, its own evolution and the efforts of a remarkable group of teachers it has progressed through the years to its present position as a sport.This is Kendo is a fully illustrated introduction to the traditional art of J...

Master the art of Kendo—Japanese Swordsmanship with this illustrated and comprehensive martial arts guide.Kendo or the "Way of the Sword" holds a special place within the martial arts as one of the few practices tracing back directly to Japan's ancient samurai heritage. Modern students flock to kendo for physically—and mentally—challenging activity that combines traditional martial arts values with strenuous physical activity.Author Geoff Salmon ha...

This authoritative history of Japan's elite warrior class separates fact from myth as it chronicles centuries of samurai combat, culture, and legend.In Legends of the Samurai, Hiroaki Sato examines the history of these medieval Japanese warriors, as well as the many long-standing myths that surround them. In doing so, he presents an authentic and revealing picture of these men and their world. Sato's masterful translations of original samurai tales, laws, d...

The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do presents the teachings of legendary martial arts master Shoshin Nagamine, founder of the Matsubayashi school of Shorin-ryu karate-do.Used for generations as a practical and pictorial guide, it contains over 1,000 photographs to document eighteen classic karate kata (preset forms) and seven yakusoku kumite (prearranged partner exercises), as well as basic techniques. This book is a precise and easily acces...

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a guide to the most effective and devastating techniques in popular martial arts by World Champion and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Alexandre Paiva.The book contains over 1,000 full-color photographs demonstrating the moves that made the author the most feared competitor in BJJ circles and now one of the most sought-after instructors. Jiu-Jitsu or Jujutsu came into prominence in the early 90's when jiu-jitsu expert Royce Gracie won the...

With extensive, step-by-step photographs and instructions, this jiu-jitsu guide is an effective tool for mastering this ancient martial art.The original Japanese martial art developed by the elite samurai class during Japan's feudal era, Jiu-jitsu is the forerunner of Judo and the precursor of today's ultimate fighting styles, such as mixed martial arts (MMA). For centuries, this method of unarmed self-defense proved so successful in combat that it was kept secret ...

Learn the background of Japanese Karate along with the ins and outs of belonging to a dojo with this readable martial arts guide.The Japanese martial art of Karate is not only a means of self-defense; it is also a sport and philosophy. The Karate Dojo: Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art examines each of these aspects—through the colorful legends, tales, and traditions that are associated with the art—and explains why educators and parents are becoming i...

Taekwondo Basics teaches you all the fundamentals of this Korean martial art form in a clear and easy-to-understand manner!This basic introductory survey contains the following vital information:The origins, philosophy, and history of TaekwondoHow to find a teacher and a class that are right for youGetting ready for your first class—what actually happens in a Taekwondo class?The essential elements—stances, blocks...

A product of over twenty years of exhaustive research, Judo Training Methods is a comprehensive examination of the Japanese Judo.Written by martial arts authority Donn Draeger and judo champion and instructor Takahiko Ishikawa, it is an expert martial arts guide. Although the examples are geared toward judo, the training and conditioning methods set out are valuable for all martial artists and athletes, whatever their art or sport. Judo Training Methods is...

"Clearly written, easily understood…one of the most significant contributions to the art of footand fist fighting.” - The Japan TimesTae Kwon Do is a fighting art which employs almost all parts of the body in offensive and defensive moves. The techniques consist of many individual moves which are practiced as individual units and joined together for maximum efficiency in free fighting. These practice units are: basic drill in stances, kicking, punching, striking, blockin...

Krav Maga: Real World Solutions to Real World Violence presents a no-nonsense approach to neutralizing attackers in close quarters.Author Gershon Ben Keren explains the philosophy behind the Krav Maga method, which is the basis of the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) devastating close combat system. This book lays out a systematic approach to self-defense and provides illustrated confrontation scenarios paired with tailored practical responses.Accompan...

"The illustrations represent situations where attacks actually occur, rather than a gymnasium scene, which considerably enhances their realism…An excellent point is the emphasis on footwork, with diagrams similar to those used by dance teachers." -Black Belt magazinePractical Karate: Defense Against an Unarmed Assailant is the second volume in the classic six-volume series by Masatoshi Nakayama and Donn Draeger.Written for those with an un...