"Martial arts can improve more than just physical fitness. It can make practitioners think about their body, movements, and mental reactions in entirely new ways. This book explores karate, kung fu, and tae kwon do. Readers will learn about flexibility, balance, and how to get back on their feet after taking a hit. Learning to fall gracefully is half the battle. This guidebook also explores the emphasis that the martial arts place on resolving conflicts...

Martial Arts for Your Mind and Body offers an immersive introduction to nine leading examples of martial arts. Hosted and brought together by tai chi Grandmaster David-Dorian Ross, these 25 interactive lessons (one more than a typical course) give you a solid grounding in the different philosophies, styles, and techniques of the major martial arts families.

This is our classic signature documentary. Over two years in the making, this is an epic account of today’s greatest martial arts teachers and the mind connection that exists between them regardless of their very diverse styles. Here is what the editor of Black Belt Magazine had to say: “I must say I was impressed. Professionally filmed in Japan and China, it profiles practitioners of Aikido, Karate, Kendo, Kyudo, Shaolin Kingfu, Tai Chi and Wushu...

"Judo is a grappling martial art first established in Japan. Instead of punching and kicking, judo practitioners use their opponent's movements against them. They strive to take their opponent to the ground using grappling, throws, and sweeps. They may also use chokes and joint locks to make an opponent 'tap out.' Competitive judo has a long tradition, and it's an Olympic sport. Readers will learn about judo's rich history, its basic moves, and how...

"Kung fu is an exciting and popular form of martial arts. Like all martial arts, kung fu not only teaches self-defense, it also teaches confidence, concentration, and physical fitness. People have practiced kung fu for thousands of years, during which numerous styles and techniques have developed. This volume looks at the history of kung fu, from ancient China to the modern dojo. Fact boxes highlight key exercises, equipment, and important figures...

"The martial art of jujitsu was developed in Japan hundreds of years ago. It was meant to help practitioners combat samurai, who were heavily armored and heavily armed warriors. The goal was to do so without the use of weapons. Jujitsu emphasizes joint locks, throws, sweeps, and pins, all techniques that can help a smaller competitor use leverage and momentum to take down a bigger opponent. Young readers will learn about this popular martial art and...

Jujitsu - "the pliable fighting art," originated in Japan as "jujutsu," and later modifed in Brazil as "jiujutsu" - relies less on speed, flexibility, and strength. Instead, practitioners need patience and understanding. By participating in a series of drills, learn to use your body like a pliable reed for fighting. Then, consider how to apply pliability to your daily life.

Qi is the Chinese word for "energy of life," and qigong is the science of understanding the flow of Qi. Because the ability to manipulate Qi is at the heart of many Asian martial arts, this lesson takes a break from the physical systems of martial arts and explores the history and mental practice of qigong. Learn a variety of meditation techniques that complement your physical study.

Step into what may seem like the quintessential Japanese martial art, with its emphasis on powerful physical techniques, from punches and chops to how to train your legs. Join U.S. Olymic team coach, Sensei Akira Fukuda in this introduction to karate and its history. Learn the fighting stance, the front kick, and a series of punches.

Kung fu influenced almost all martial arts in China, including dozens of varieties of kung fu, and Chinese martial arts in turn formed the foundation for martial arts throughout Asia. Join Coach Johnny Chang as he provides an overview of the white crane style of kung fu and demonstrates the major stances and punches.