The late 19th century saw a dynamic growth of contacts between Western countries and the Far East. Along with the increase in travel came a wave of educational opportunities for Americans and Europeans to gain first-hand experience of living in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Likewise, adventurous individuals from the Orient made their way to the West.      Scholars, politicians, and business people became experts in their adapted culture. Some learned the native language...

"The Undertaker: The Unauthorized Real Life Story of The WWE's Deadman" is a fascinating, first of its kind, and completely unauthorized inside look at the man behind the WWE legend known as The Undertaker. Detailed and distinct among contemporary pro wrestling biographies, this insightful look at the life, career, and legacy of Mark Calaway is bound to forever change your view of The Undertaker.

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...

Complete Shotokan Karate is actually two books in one: a thorough history of Japanese karate in Asia and the United States, and an instructional manual for students of the Shotokan method.Part One outlines the history of karate from its probable origins in India (or perhaps Greece), and its transmission from China through Okinawa to Japan. Relevant aspects of Japanese history and culture, such as the samurai ethos and Zen, are emphasized.

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...

As the title signifies, Pro Wrestling Through The Power Slam Years: 1994-2014 is the story of professional wrestling during the 20-year period that Power Slam: The Wrestling Magazine resided on newsagents’ shelves. For those unaware of the magazine, the first issue of Power Slam went on sale in July 1994. The final issue hit the shops in July 2014. Pro Wrestling Through The Power Slam Years: 1994-2014 provides in-depth critique of the key events in the WWF/WWE, WCW, ECW, TNA and other comp...

Are you a fan of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)? Do you watch in awe as the giant competitors throw themselves and each other around the ring? Are you familiar with the terminology of WWE? Would you like to know more about the professional wrestlers who provide such thrilling entertainment? If you answered yes to any of these questions you won’t want to be without this handy new reference guide.Presented in an easy-to-follow format, this book contains all the facts and figures on WWE ...

The last uchi deshi (live-in student) of Sosai Oyama Masutatsu, Nicholas Pettas, takes you along on his adventure as an eager, 18-year-old boy going from Copenhagen, Denmark to the other side of the globe. Here, in Tokyo, Japan, he doesn't just find himself in another country, but in a different world altogether.The rigorous life of an uchi deshi is filled with drama and the struggle to survive. Even more so for a Western uchi deshi, thrown into an environment where everything is d...

This martial arts guide could actually be considered two books in one: a thorough history of Japanese karatedo and a profusely illustrated instruction manual for students of the martial art who have advanced beyond the beginning stages.Part One:Concerned about the misinterpretation of Japanese culture in general and karate in particular by many Western practitioners of karate, the author sets out in Part One of his book to trace the history of karate from i...

"A riveting look at record spinning from its beginnings to the present day . . . A grander and more fascinating story than one would think." — Time Out LondonThis is the first comprehensive history of the disc jockey, a cult classic now updated with five new chapters and over a hundred pages of additional material. It's the definitive account of DJ culture, from the first record played over airwaves to house, hip-hop, techno, and beyond.From the ea...

Bunkai – the analysis and understanding of a technique or kata - is an integral part of karate.   The different kata applications shown in this book are possible defense solutions, which will supplement or partially reinforce the existing knowledge of the reader. However, they are not the only way to interpret the kata. The karateka, who wishes to gain more knowledge, will enrich his existing knowledge on the topic of Bunkai.

A martial arts biography of the legendary founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, and the colorful coterie of disciples who wanted to carry on his legacyKodokan judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, a...