China Books

This book brings together the best of North Atlantic Books' martial arts writings with new works, including an ode to the late aikido master Terry Dobson, and an illustrated lesson on 'hard' and 'soft' martial art systems. At turns provocative and humorous, this collection looks at a variety of martial disciplines - both Eastern and Western - and asks unexpected questions about the fighting arts: What is it like to be a woman amateur boxer? When is cowardice a martial art? Can a New Age Bay Area liberal teach the U.S. Army Green Berets the secret powers of aikido and meditation and not lose his soul? International in scope, this collection offers chapters on such legendary figures as Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee, and covers a variety of martial arts including capoeira, aikido, boxing, escrima, t'ai chi ch'uan, and iaijutsu. (For this item please quote stock ID 6185) ISBN: 9781556432668

Many women learn of martial arts through a male companion's interest in kung-fu movies or a six-week self-defence course. Some venture beyond. This book contains the stories, in essay and poetry form, of a group of women who have trained for at least seven years in this demanding activity. Many speak of martial arts as an equaliser of power, with skill being more important than raw strength. Other benefits include endurance, confidence, and determination. There are a variety of viewpoints among this select group, which range from a physically disabled student to a Native American practitioner. While some essays are better than others and a majority of women are aikido trained (a 'softer' style), this collection fills an important niche in a male-dominated sport. (For this item please quote stock ID 24031) ISBN: 9781556431364