Download or read book Internal Body Mechanics for Tai Chi Bagua and Xingyi written by Ken Gullette and published by . This book was released on 2018-08-02 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the book Ken Gullette wishes he had been able to read when he first began studying Tai Chi, Bagua and Xingyi in 1987. It gets to the point, stripping the mystical mumbo jumbo away, leaving detailed, real-world explanations of the six fundamental body mechanics that everyone should know when they study Tai Chi (Taiji), Bagua and Xingyi. For the first time, these body mechanics are organized and discussed clearly, with more than 250 images and highly-detailed but simple language. If you are a student or even a teacher of these arts, you should be able to learn something here that will deepen your own insight into the arts. Ken has studied with some top internal arts masters, and during the first ten years he was teaching, he boiled down the body mechanics he learned into six key concepts. In this book, he explains them in the same step-by-step detail that he uses in teaching his students, building on each of the concepts until you have a clear roadmap of what you need to practice for high-quality internal structure and movement. As Ken explains it, "The true intent of the internal arts is self-defense. The body mechanics in this book are the starting point you need to develop the structure and internal strength that is required for the relaxed power, the iron wrapped in cotton, that the internal arts are known for. This is the starting point upon which all other skill is built." Ken has studied these arts since 1987, is a tournament champion, winning in empty-hand and weapons forms, no-contact, light-contact and full-contact matches, and he has students worldwide who have studied his DVDs and his website, www.internalfightingarts.com. Concepts covered in these pages include: the ground path, peng jin, whole-body movement, silk-reeling energy, Dantien rotation, and opening/closing the kua. From the explosiveness of Xingyi to the relaxed power of Tai Chi and Bagua, the road to internal skill is long and difficult, but very satisfying. There is nothing "soft" about these arts. They are powerful arts of self-defense. And it all starts here.

Download or read book Power of Internal Martial Arts written by Bruce Kumar Frantzis and published by North Atlantic Books. This book was released on 1997-12-31 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the author of "Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body" comes a book that introduces martial arts practitioners to three "internal" arts and their subtle powers. Inner martial arts rely on internal energy for power rather than on muscles or tension. 15 photos.

Download or read book Hidden in Plain Sight written by Ellis Amdur and published by Freelance Academy Press. This book was released on 2018-04-27 with total page 495 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ellis Amdur's writing on martial arts has been groundbreaking. In Dueling with O-sensei, he challenged practitioners that the moral dimension of martial arts is expressed in acts of integrity, not spiritual platitudes and the deification of fantasized warrior-sages. In Old School, he applied both academic rigor and keen observation towards some of the classical martial arts of Japan, leavening his writing with vivid descriptions of many of the actual practitioners of these wonderful traditions. His first edition of Hidden in Plain Sight was a discussion of esoteric training methods once common, but now all but lost within Japanese martial arts. These methodologies encompassed mental imagery, breath-work, and a variety of physical techniques, offering the potential to develop skills and power sometimes viewed as nearly superhuman. Usually believed to be the provenance of Chinese martial arts, Amdur asserted that elements of such training still remain within a few martial traditions: literally, 'hidden in plain sight.' Two-thirds larger, this second edition is so much more. Amdur digs deep into the past, showing the complexity of human strength, its adaptation to varying lifestyles, and the nature of physical culture pursued for martial ends. Amdur goes into detail concerning varieties of esoteric power training within martial arts, culminating in a specific methodology known as 'six connections' or 'internal strength.' With this discussion as a baseline, he then discusses the transfer of esoteric power training from China to various Japanese jujutsu systems as well as Japanese swordsman-ship emanating from the Kurama traditions. Finally, he delves into the innovative martial tradition of Daito-ryu and its most important offshoot, aikido, showing how the mercurial, complicated figures of Takeda Sokaku and Morihei Ueshiba were less the embodiment of something new, than a re-imagining of their past.

Download or read book Fighting Science written by Martina Sprague and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2015-12-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has been said that a successful martial artist doesn't need size or strength, because "it's all in the technique." It has also been said that the power of a martial artist seems to increase quickly with weight, and the best lightweight fighter in the world will be defeated every time by an unranked heavyweight in a bar brawl. So is it size and physical strength that matters, or is it experience and dedication to correct technique? This book explores the science behind power in the martial arts. Once we understand the principles of physics that apply to balance, body mass in motion, inertia, direction, rotational speed, friction, torque, impulse, and kinetic energy, the need to memorize hundreds of martial arts techniques vanishes. The principles of physics apply to all people at all times regardless of which martial art we study; regardless of whether we are standing, sitting, kneeling, prone, or supine; whether we are big or small, strong or weak. Physics gives us options. Making physics our ally allows us to maximize our power, speed, and endurance and take advantage of whatever position we happen to find ourselves in. This book is supplemented by hundreds of photos, detailed glossaries, summary and review sections, and even quizzes to test yourself on what you've learned and help you gain an edge on an adversary.

Download or read book Introduction to Baguazhang written by Kent Howard and published by North Atlantic Books. This book was released on 2021-07-27 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This clear, step-by-step guide to the fundamentals of Bagua Zhang lays out the principles, practices, and underlying philosophy of this cerebral and sophisticated Chinese internal martial art. Leading readers from the most basic precepts of Bagua Zhang practice to advanced techniques, Kent Howard draws on his deep understanding of the art and his decades of teaching to set students on a path toward mastery. While Bagua Zhang is often perceived as a complex martial art that is difficult to learn, Howard breaks it down into clear and easily absorbed principles and exercises that beginners can master and incorporate into higher levels of practice at their own pace. Numerous easy-to-follow photographs illustrate core practices such as circle-walking, post standing, and palm changes, as well as foundandational techniques of posture and alignment, fluid motion, generating whole-body power, absorbing and redirecting energy, striking while in motion, and much more. In addition to providing a solid foundation for a lifetime practice, Bagua Zhang Fundamentals also offers more advanced practitioners valuable tips on how to increase their knowledge and understanding of this multifaceted martial art.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts written by David A. Hall and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2013-02-22 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: David A. Hall, one of today’s leading experts on Japanese combative culture, combines hands-on experience in a wide variety of martial traditions with an academic and religious background to produce this landmark work. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts is an exhaustive, impeccably researched reference offering information about everything there is to know on the subject, from "adauchi" (a vendetta) to "zanshin" (state of focused vigilance before, during, and after executing a technique or combative form). The volume opens with several sections to help make using the Encyclopedia as efficient and effective as possible: Abbreviations, Quick Guide to Weapons and Systems, Historical Eras, guides to the Entries and Lineage Charts, and A Note on the Japanese Language and Communication Style. The Encyclopedia itself, which runs for more than 625 pages and contains around 4,000 entries arranged alphabetically with bilingual entry headings and concise definitions, covers all aspects of the many different martial arts that have developed in Japan. Following the main portion of the work are several Appendices (Traditional East Asian Numbering Systems and Ancient Period Military Organization), as well as a Selected Bibliography, and Character Indices (General, Chinese, English, and Sanskrit) containing around 6,000 terms. With its vast wealth of information and practical organization, The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts is sure to become the essential reference for the beginning martial artist, as well as for the advanced student who wants a deeper understanding of the subject. Additionally, the book is perfect for scholars and researchers, who will appreciate the access to material previously unavailable in English; and for reference libraries and Asian studies and language departments.

Download or read book Developing Jin written by Phillip Starr and published by Blue Snake Books. This book was released on 2014-04-22 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A no-nonsense and entertaining guide to harnessing the power of jin in your t'ai chi or internal martial arts training Developing Jin provides a complete and progressive training regimen for increasing and refining chansi-jin, also known as silk-reeling power or coiling power—the true power of the internal martial arts. With step-by-step instructions and photographs, experienced teacher Philip Starr walks readers through a variety of techniques designed to help practitioners feel and use jin in their martial arts training. While much of the existing writing on jin relies on cryptic and mystical descriptions of internal power, Starr takes a direct, no-nonsense approach that addresses commonly held myths and identifies the real body mechanics behind this unusual power. Useful for novices and advanced practitioners alike, Developing Jin is a crucial addition to any serious martial artist's library. Table of Contents 1. Got Jin? 2. How To Use This Book 3. Basic Conditioning Exercises 4. In The Beginning 5. Structure and Alignment 6. Training the Breath 7. The Nature Of Qi 8. Let's Get Engaged! 9. Beginning With Stillness 10. The Breath Coiling Form 11. The Secret Of Tendon Power 12. Internal Coiling 13. Applying The Coiling Power 14. Putting It All Together 15. Training Routines For Coiling Power 16. Three Become One 17. Combative Applications Conclusion

Download or read book Zen in the Martial Arts written by Joe Hyams and published by Bantam. This book was released on 2010-05-05 with total page 145 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action."--Samurai Maximum. Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyams reveals to you how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems-self-image, work pressure, competition. Indeed, mastering the spiritual goals in martial arts can dramatically alter the quality of your life-enriching your relationships with people, as well as helping you make use of all your abilities.

Download or read book The Anatomy of Martial Arts written by Lily Chou and published by Ulysses Press. This book was released on 2011-02-15 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Guide details muscles used during common martial arts moves and how to more effectively prevent injury and gain strength. Features more than 100 comprehensive illustrations. Includes examples of stretches to protect specific muscles in each move.

Download or read book Martial Arts and Well being written by Carol Fuller and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-12-06 with total page 135 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Martial Arts and Well-Being explores how martial arts as a source of learning can contribute in important ways to health and well-being, as well as provide other broader social benefits. Using psychological and sociological theory related to behaviour, ritual, perception and reality construction, the book seeks to illustrate, with empirical data, how individuals make sense of and perceive the value of martial arts in their lives. This book draws on data from over 500 people, across all age ranges, and powerfully demonstrates that participating in martial arts can have a profound influence on the construction of behaviour patterns that are directly linked to lifestyle and health. Making individual connections regarding the benefits of practice, improvements to health and well-being – regardless of whether these improvements are ‘true’ in a medical sense – this book offers an important and original window into the importance of beliefs to health and well-being as well as the value of thinking about education as a process of life-long learning. This book will be of great interest to a range of audiences, including researchers, academics and postgraduate students interested in sports and exercise psychology, martial art studies and health and well-being. It should also be of interest to sociologists, social workers and martial arts practitioners. The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com/doi/view/10.4324/9781315448084, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.

Download or read book Tai Chi Ball Qigong written by Jwing-Ming Yang and published by . This book was released on 2022-08 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tai chi ball qigong training is an important component of proper tai chi chuan practice. For martial artists, tai chi ball qigong training can strengthen the torso, condition the muscles, and increase physical power by using the mind to lead the qi. It can be a major training tool to enhance pushing hands ability. For general exercise, tai chi ball qigong training helps those who might overly focus on 'core body exercises' to strengthen their hips, knees, and ankles. You will improve movement of the spine, increase energy through various breathing techniques, and learn to move many joints properly at different angles. This book includes History of tai chi ball Theory of tai chi ball qigong Tai chi ball warm-ups Tai chi ball fundamentals Tai chi ball breathing Tai chi ball exercises Tai chi ball partner exercises Tai chi ball advanced practice In all my years of teaching, I believe that Tai Chi Ball Qigong is one of the most powerful exercises I have ever seen to rebuild the entire body's health.--Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

Download or read book A Tooth from the Tiger s Mouth written by Tom Bisio and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2009-11-24 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A renowned expert in Chinese sports medicine and martial arts reveals ancient Eastern secrets for healing common injuries, including sprains, bruises, deep cuts, and much more. For centuries, Chinese martial arts masters have kept their highly prized remedies as carefully guarded secrets, calling such precious and powerful knowledge "a tooth from the tiger's mouth." Now, for the first time, these deeply effective methods are revealed to Westerners who want alternative ways to treat the acute and chronic injuries experienced by any active person. While many books outline the popular teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, only this one offers step-by-step instructions for treating injuries. Expert practitioner and martial artist Tom Bisio explains the complete range of healing strategies and provides a Chinese first-aid kit to help the reader fully recover from every mishap: cuts, sprains, breaks, dislocations, bruises, muscle tears, tendonitis, and much more. He teaches readers how to: Examine and diagnose injuries Prepare and apply herbal formulas Assemble a portable kit for emergencies Fully recuperate with strengthening exercises and healing dietary advice Comprehensive and easy to follow, with drawings to illustrate both the treatment strategies and the strengthening exercises, this unique guidebook will give readers complete access to the powerful healing secrets of the great Chinese warriors.

Download or read book The Art of Learning written by Josh Waitzkin and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2008-05-27 with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An eight-time national chess champion and world champion martial artist shares the lessons he has learned from two very different competitive arenas, identifying key principles about learning and performance that readers can apply to their life goals. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.

Download or read book Ba Gua Nei Gong Volume 5 written by Tom Bisio and published by Outskirts Press. This book was released on 2014-11-15 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the fifth in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Tian Gan Nei Gong is indispensable to the practice of Ba Gua Zhang and the martial arts in general. The Tian Gan Exercises develop the ability of the legs and waist to generate the torsional spiraling power known as "Silk Reeling" Energy. Tian Gan also trains the correct internal mechanics for many of Ba Gua Zhang's martial actions such as: piercing (chuan), chopping (kan), splitting (pi), drilling (zuan), rolling (gun), pulling (la), leading (ling), seizing (na), covering (gai), overturning (fan), pressing (an), uplifting (tiao), rotating (zhuan), twisting (ning), coiling (chan) and wrapping (guo). Tian Gan literally means "Heavenly Stem." The name Tian Gan refers to the longitudinal energetic axis or stem (the "Central Channel") that passes through the body. In practicing Tian Gan Nei Gong, the spiraling and turning actions of the body and Central Channel, combined with the movements of the arms and legs, stimulate and open the meridians, while simultaneously "wringing out" the spine and its surrounding structures. This helps maintain the health of the spine, the brain and the nervous system. Tian Gan Nei Gong can be an important adjunctive practice method for various types of Daoist meditation, and a useful pre-requisite to Micro-Cosmic Orbit meditation. Ba Gua Spinal Meditation is a unique training method that enables one to sense the subtle internal movements of the spine. A detailed discussion of Spinal Meditation is included in this book because this exercise forms a natural compliment to the Tian Gan

Download or read book Internal Martial Arts written by Michel Chiambretto and published by . This book was released on 2020-05-18 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Showing the mistakes to avoid and the important points to remember, Internal Martial Arts will be a real guide, both for martial arts practitioners wishing to discover or deepen the internal side of their practice, and for those interested in the questions of energy.

Download or read book The Attacking Hands of Ba Gua Zhang written by Gao Ji Wu and published by New York Internal Arts. This book was released on 2009 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Bubishi written by and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2016-05-31 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Treasured for centuries by karate's top masters, the Bubishi is a classic Chinese work on philosophy, strategy, medicine, and technique as they relate to the martial arts. Referred to as the "bible of karate" by famous master Chojun Miyagi, for hundreds of years the Bubishiwas a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. All of karate's legendary masters have studied it, applied its teachings, or copied passages from it. No other classic work has had as dramatic an impact on the shaping and development of karate as the Bubishi. Karate historian and authority Patrick McCarthy spent over ten years researching and studying the Bubishi and the arts associated with it. The first English translation of this remarkable martial arts manual includes numerous explanations and notes. McCarthy's work also includes groundbreaking research on Okinawan and Chinese history, as well as the fighting and healing traditions that developed in those countries, making it a gold mine for researchers and practitioners alike. For the final word on the true origins and spirit of classic Okinawan martial arts, one need look no further. This karate book is one of the best karate training supplements available.