Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden in Plain Sight
Author: Ellis Amdur
Publisher: Freelance Academy Press
Total Pages: 495
Release: 2018-04-27
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 193743950X

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.

Bagua and Tai Chi

Bagua and Tai Chi
Author: Bruce Frantzis
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2012
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1583943595

In Bagua and Tai Chi, noted teacher Bruce Frantzis demonstrates through these two important practices what is required to develop and embody high levels of chi flow. Inside the slow-motion movements of tai chi is a sophisticated mind/body/spirit practice. Derived from the I Ching (Book of Changes), bagua is unique in its circular movements, spiraling energy, and unpredictable changes of direction. Frantzis begins with an overview of both bagua and tai chi and their origins in Chinese culture, followed by comprehensive advice on how to incorporate these practices into daily Western life. Written in an easy, conversational style, the book provides an explanation of an art that is practiced by millions in China to release stress and maintain a vigorous level of health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the 2.3 million Americans who currently practice tai chi report improved sleep, conditioning, and overall wellness. Bagua and Tai Chi offers a gentle healing and strengthening system that will appeal to a wide audience, including martial artists, meditators, dancers and athletes, personal trainers, and anyone looking to reduce stress and increase calmness and clarity through an effective, low-impact body practice.

Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts

Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts
Author: Tetsutaka Sugawara
Publisher: Japan Publications Trading
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1996
Genre: Aikido
ISBN: 9780870409349

Aikido & Chinese Martial Arts V1 is a Japan Publications publication.

T'ai Chi & Aikido

T'ai Chi & Aikido
Author: Andrew Popovic
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2007
Genre: Aikido
ISBN: 9780754817482

"Learn the way of spiritual and physical harmony with two ancient martial arts that develop mental focus, strength, suppleness and stamina. A practical step-by-step teaching plan clearly demonstrated with more than 900 specially commissioned photographs"--Cover.

Solo Forms of Karate, Tai Chi, Aikido, & Kung Fu

Solo Forms of Karate, Tai Chi, Aikido, & Kung Fu
Author: Bruce Tegner
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1981
Genre: Ejercicio
ISBN: 9780874070347

Describes nine non-contact, non-competitive routines from various oriental martial arts which can be performed by a single individual for the purpose of exercising and conditioning the body.

Filipino Combat Systems

Filipino Combat Systems
Author: Mark Edward Cody, GM Ray Dionaldo
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2005-03-03
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1420823329

Filipino Combat Systems chronicles the creation, evolution and core concepts of one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. It overcomes the shortcomings inherent in martial art instruction manuals by focusing not on technique, but on the strategy and philosophy of movement behind the technique. Written by a first generation student under the authority and supervision of the system’s Founder and Grand Master, this work is an excellent introduction to the system. FCS is one of the most practical combat oriented martial systems in existence, bridging the gap between the ancient fighting arts and the modern world.

Solo Forms of Karate, Tai Chi, Aikido and Kung Fu

Solo Forms of Karate, Tai Chi, Aikido and Kung Fu
Author: Bruce Tegner
Publisher:
Total Pages: 112
Release: 1994-07-01
Genre:
ISBN: 9780874075229

Describes nine non-contact, non-competitive routines from various oriental martial arts which can be performed by a single individual for the purpose of exercising and conditioning the body.

The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan

The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan
Author: Kiew Kit, Wong
Publisher: Cosmos Internet (Publishing Division)
Total Pages: 351
Release:
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN:

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide. One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects for health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. Packed with step-by-step illustrations for practice at home, this tai chi guide covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art, including its benefits for mental, spiritual and emotional development. This tai chi book is both an ideal introductory guide and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes. Topics in The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan include: Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial ArtThe Concept of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi ChuanThe Historical Development of the Various StylesAdvice from the Great MastersTechniques and Skills of Pushing HandsSpecific Techniques for Combat SituationsTaoism and Spiritual Development in Tai Chi ChuanAnd many more

Walking on Pins and Needles

Walking on Pins and Needles
Author: Arlene K. Faulk
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2022-02-22
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1632994933

Tai Chi is not about trying harder; it’s about letting go, being in the moment, feeling balance, and the fluidity of energy. When you’ve been voted as “most likely to succeed” as a senior in high school with a bright future ahead, you set challenging goals and move forward to fulfill expectations. And as far as Arlene Faulk—accomplished businesswoman, storyteller, and Tai Chi instructor—knew, multiple sclerosis wasn’t going to get in her way. At the age of 22, in the middle of working the busiest shopping day of the year, Arlene loses all feeling in her body from the waist down. Her mobility returns but she’s given no diagnosis, and one question pervades her thoughts: What is happening to my body? In this moving and illuminating memoir of one woman’s years-long struggle to understand and conceal her debilitating symptoms as she ascends the corporate ladder in a major airline comes a story of perseverance, rediscovery, and hope in light of multiple sclerosis. As she jumps into the unknown, Faulk finds comfort and healing through Chinese medicine and Tai Chi. Her inspiring story demonstrates how a chronic and debilitating health condition lacks the power to control our lives and stop us from moving in the direction of possibility.