Book picks similar to
Fight Like a Physicist: The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts by Jason Thalken
martial-arts
science
non-fiction
nonfiction
Stick Fighting: Techniques of Self-Defense
Masaaki Hatsumi - 1981
To find a comprehensive system of techniques using the stick, we must turn to the East, for systems known to the West have fallen into disuse. In this book, the techniques of Kukishin Ryu-an ancient Japanese method-have been updated and adapted for use today. A thorough grounding in the fundamentals dealt with here will enable you to disarm and control any assailant.CONTENTS Section 1: Basic Movements Section 2: Techniques against First Attack Section 3: Techniques against Foot Attacks Section 4: Techniques against Wrist Holding Section 5: Techniques against Sleeve and Lapel Holding Section 6: Techniques against Seizure from Behind Section 7: Techniques against Stick Holding Section 8: Immobilizations
The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding: The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revised
Arnold Schwarzenegger - 1985
Plus, all the features that have made this book a classic are here: -Arnold's tried-and-true tips for sculpting, strengthening, and defining each and every muscle to create the ultimate buff physique -The most effective methods of strength training to stilt your needs, whether you're an amateur athlete or a pro bodybuilder preparing for a competition -Comprehensive information on health, nutrition, and dietary supplements to help you build muscle, lose fat, and maintain optimum energy -Expert advice on the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries -Strategies and tactics for competitive bodybuilders from selecting poses to handling publicity -The fascinating history and growth of bodybuilding as a sport, with a photographic “Bodybuilding Hall of Fame” -And, of course, Arnold's individual brand of inspiration and motivation throughout Covering every level of expertise and experience, The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding will help you achieve your personal best. With his unique perspective as a seven-time winner of the Mr. Olympia title and all international film star, Arnold shares his secrets to dedication, training, and commitment, and shows you how to take control of your body and realize your own potential for greatness.
Comprehensive Applications in Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Styles
Yang Jwing-Ming - 1995
However, most books focus on the introduction of techniques themselves, and contain very little or no discussion on application in actual combat situations. This seizing art has thus been confined to stage performances instead of real combat use.Although Dr. Yang has published other Chin Na books, both fundamental and advanced texts, he believes this work is necessary in order to make this art more complete and alive. Therefore, in addition to introducing many new techniques, this book is also laid out according to actual combat scenarios - for example, application of Chin Na when your opponent punches, grabs, kicks or attacks with a knife.
The Essence of Karate
Hirokazu Kanazawa - 2010
In The Essence of Karate, Funakoshi creates, in his own words, a narrative of modern karate. He explains the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings and includes memories of his own training, as well as recollections of other karate masters and the history of the martial art. He also discusses the importance of winning without fighting, and the reason why many great martial artists improve with age.The preface has been contributed by Hirokazu Kanazawa, President of the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (and Funakoshi's disciple). He fondly writes of his memories of Gichin Funakoshi during his youth and what he learned from the master. In the afterword, the founder's great-nephew, Gisho Funakoshi, shares previously unknown personal anecdotes about his "Uncle Funakoshi."
The Crippler: Cage Fighting and My Life on the Edge
Chris Leben - 2016
And it takes another kind of person to stand out from all the rest as both a wild man and a rock star. Chris Leben, otherwise known as “The Crippler,” is that kind of person.Leben’s reputation started when he appeared on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show and competition where hopeful fighters live together and vie for a UFC contract and a path to greatness. He quickly made a name for himself with his controversial and abrasive behavior. During his subsequent ten-year career in ultimate fighting, Leben became one of the most recognized figures in the sport, enthralling audiences around the world with his wild, head-first style of fighting as he took on some of the world’s best fighters, including Anderson Silva, Yoshihiro Akiyama, and Wanderlei Silva.But Leben’s success in the ring and international fame hid a troubled background. Abandoned by his father at a young age, Leben’s mother worked long hours to raise him and his two siblings, and Leben learned early he had to be tough to fend for himself. For most of his life, Leben struggled with alcohol and narcotics, and he was suspended by the UFC for nine months for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Crippler is not just an exciting account of his rise to prominence within the UFC; it’s the incredible story of a renowned wild man dealing with his personal demons and learning that the toughest opponent is always yourself.Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Arcade, Good Books, Sports Publishing, and Yucca imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. Our list includes biographies on well-known historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Mandela, and Alexander Graham Bell, as well as villains from history, such as Heinrich Himmler, John Wayne Gacy, and O. J. Simpson. We have also published survivor stories of World War II, memoirs about overcoming adversity, first-hand tales of adventure, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Muscle Myths: 50 Health & Fitness Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making
Michael Matthews - 2012
Do any of the following claims sound familiar?"I have bad genetics--I'm a 'hardgainer.'""You have to work your abs more to get a six-pack.""When doing cardio, you want your heart rate in the 'fat burning zone.'""You have to do cardio for 20 minutes before your body starts burning fat.""Don't eat at night if you want to lose weight.""Steroids make you look great.""I'm overweight because I have a slow metabolism."You've probably heard one or more of these statements before, and the sad truth is lies like these have ruined many people's fitness ambitions. There are many, many more.Thanks to the overwhelming amount of fitness pseudo-science and lies being pushed on us every day by bogus magazines and self-styled "gurus," it's becoming harder and harder to get in shape. Muscle Myths was written to debunk the most commonplace and harmful gimmicks, fads, myths, and misinformation in the health and fitness industry. Here are just some of the things you'll learn in this book:Why you don't have to cut carbohydrates (carbs), or fat, or eat weird combinations of food to lose weight.The truth about supplements and why 99% of them are a complete waste of money (and the few that are actually scientifically proven to work).What it actually takes to "tone up"--and it's not doing "shaping exercises" (these don't exist) or doing a million reps every workout.Why women shouldn't be training differently than men if they want the lean, toned, and sexy type of body that they see in magazines, TV shows, and movies.The scientific secrets of getting a six-pack. Forget 6-minute gimmicks, doing endless crunches, and hours of grueling cardio--it's actually pretty easy when you know what you're doing.Training and diet methods that will completely shatter any perceived "genetic barriers" that you think are holding you back from building a muscular, lean physique that you love.The proper way to stretch so you don't sap your strength and risk injury. (Most people do this wrong and suffer the consequences without even realizing it.)And much more.With the information in this book, you can save the money, time, and frustration of buying into misleading diet plans and products that promise unattainable results. You can become your own personal trainer and start getting real results with your diet and exercise.SPECIAL BONUS FOR READERS!With this book you'll also get a free 31-page bonus report from the author called "The No-BS Truth about Building Muscle, Getting Shredded, and Staying Healthy."In this free bonus report, you're going to learn the true fundamentals of building a lean, muscular body without steroids, good genetics, or wasting ridiculous amounts of time in the gym and money on supplements.
Fight: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ass-Kicking but Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked for Asking
Eugene S. Robinson - 2007
Robinson – a former body–builder, one–time bouncer, and lifelong fight connoisseur – takes readers on a no–holds–barred plunge into what fighting is all about, and what fighters live for. If George Plimpton had muscles and had been choked out one too many times––this is the book he could have written.When Robinson and his fellow fighters mix it up, they live completely for the moment: absorbed in the feel of muscles slippery with sweat; the metallic tang of blood mingling with saliva in the mouth; the sweet, firm thud of taped knuckles impacting flesh. They fight because it feels good. They fight because they want to win. And even if they get their asses kicked, they fight because they love fighting.Fight is part encyclopedia, part panegyric to fighting in all its forms and glory. Robinson's narrative – told in his trademark tough–guy, stream–of–consciousness noir voice – punctuates this explanatory compendium of the fighting world. From wrestling, jiu–jitsu, boxing and muay thai to bar fighting, hand–to–hand combat, prison fighting and hockey fights, from the greatest movie fight scenes to how to throw the perfect left hook, Fight is a scene–by–scene tour of the bloody but beautiful underworld that is the art of fighting.With his aficionado's enthusiasm and fast–paced, addictive voice, Robinson's Fight combines compelling text with beautiful photographs to create an illustrated book as edgy and interesting as it is gorgeous.
Let Every Breath... Secrets of the Russian Breath Masters
Vladimir Vasiliev - 2006
This groundbreaking manual on Systema Breathing presents step-by-step training drills given to you in a thorough and comprehensive way. You will learn the unique methodology of Systema Breathing and get the foundation for every physical activity of your daily life. Whether you are looking to raise your athletic skills to the next level, or wish to increase your potential and to enjoy life, this is your tool to uncover the endless reserve of energy, health and happiness. At the same time, it is very easy reading, full of entertaining stories and thought provoking ideas.
Power of 10: The Once-A-Week Slow Motion Fitness Revolution (Harperresource Book)
Adam Zickerman - 2002
The Power of 10 seems to contradict nearly everything we're accustomed to hearing about exercise. Forget hours on the treadmill, and forget daily visits to the gym. This new program offers 20 minute workout sessions, once or twice per week, with an alluring emphasis on rest and recovery on your days off. The principle behind The Power of 10 is simple: by lifting weights in slow motion, making each rep last 20 seconds (10 seconds lifting and 10 seconds lowering) instead of the typical 7 seconds, you can maximize muscle transformation. The short workouts are so effective that your body will need days to recover and repair properly. Studies have shown that such routines can increase lean body mass, help burn calories more efficiently, and prevent cardiovascular disease more effectively than aerobic exercise alone.
Living the Martial Way: A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think
Forrest E. Morgan - 1992
A step-by-step approach to applying the Japanese warrior's mind set to martial training and daily life.
The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu: The Secrets of Kung Fu for Self-Defense, Health, and Enlightenment
Wong Kiew Kit - 2001
You will learn the ancient art of the Shaolin monks from the famous Shaolin monastery. It will prove invaluable to everyone interested in martial arts, chi kung, and meditation, showing how Kung Fu and other Shaolin arts can bring you health, vitality, mental focus, and spiritual joy.Chapters include:What is Kung Fu?—Four Aspects of Kung Fu; The Importance of Force Training; Application for Combat and Daily Living; Kung Fu Philosophy for Deeper Understanding; The Benefits of Kung FuThe Historical Development of Chinese Martial Arts—Kung Fu in Prehistoric and Ancient Times; The Glorious Han and Tang; The Modern PeriodFrom Shaolin to Taijiquan—Shaolin Kung Fu; The Various Styles of Taijiquan; Soft and Hard, Internal and ExternalA Comparative Study of Kung Fu—Contrasting Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu; Xingyi Kung Fu and Taoist Concepts; Tanglangquan or Praying Mantis Kung Fu; The Spread of Southern Kung FuDefining Aims and Objectives—Setting Aims for Kung Fu Training; Personal Objectives; Course ObjectivesThe Foundation of Shaolin Kung Fu—Inheritance from Past Masters; Various Shaolin Hand Forms; Basic Shaolin PatternsFrom Form to Combat Application—The Four Directions of Attack; The Principles of Effective Combat; Specific Techniques Against KicksCombat Sequences and Set Practice—Relieving Injuries Sustained in Sparring; Composing Your Own Kung Fu SetsShaolin Five Animals—Understanding Characteristics and Essence; The Five-Animal Set; The Names of the Five-Animal PatternsFive-Animal Combination Set—How to Improve Combat Efficiency; Spacing and Timing in CombatThe Internal Force of Shaolin Kung Fu—The Relationship Between Technique and Force; The Compassionate Art of Qin-Na; The Internal Force of Tiger ClawTactics and Strategies—Using Continuous Attack Effectively; A Tactic to Distract Your Opponent; Selecting Strategies to Suit Particular SituationsClassical Kung Fu Weapons—Staffs; Whips, Knives and Other Weapons; Light and Heavy WeaponsUnderstanding and Developing Chi—The Various Genres of Chi Kung; Lohan Embracing Buddha; Abdominal BreathingShaolin Kung Fu and Zen—Culitvating Heart, Nourishing Nature; Bodhidharma and Taoism in ZenThe Shaolin Way to Enlightenment—Attaining a Focused Mind; Meditation to Train Awareness; Shaolin Kung Fu for Spiritual Development
Running with Lydiard
Arthur Lydiard - 2000
Instructing runners in Finland, Mexico, Venezuela, Denmark, Japan, the USA and New Zealand, Lydiard has continued to refine his methods, and this manual contains information on exercise physiology, diet, injury prevention and cure, discussion of Lydiard's methods and revised training schedules.
The Wizard of Quarks: A Fantasy of Particle Physics
Robert Gilmore - 2000
This time physicist Robert Gilmore takes us on a journey with Dorothy, following the yellow building block road through the land of the Wizard of Quarks. Using characters and situations based on the Wizard of Oz story, we learn along the way about the fascinating world of particle physics. Classes of particles, from quarks to leptons are shown in an atomic garden, where atoms and molecules are produced. See how Dorothy, The Tin Geek, and the Cowardly Lion experience the bizarre world of subatomic particles.
Delavier's Stretching Anatomy
Frédéric Delavier - 2011
The very best stretches for shoulders, chest, arms, torso, back, hips, and legs are all here, and all in the stunning detail that only Frederic Delavier can provide.With over 550 full-color photos and illustrations, you'll go inside more than 130 exercises to see how muscles interact with surrounding joints and skeletal structures and learn how variations, progressions, and sequencing can affect muscle recruitment, the underlying structures, and ultimately the results."Delavier's Stretching Anatomy" includes 13 proven programs for increasing muscle tone, releasing tension and stress, and optimizing training and performance in 13 sports, including running, cycling, basketball, soccer, golf, and track and field.The former editor in chief of "PowerMag" in France, author and illustrator Frederic Delavier is a journalist for "Le Monde du" "Muscle" and a contributor to "Men's Health Germany "and several other strength publications. His previous publications, "Strength Training Anatomy "and "Women's Strength Training Anatomy, " have sold more than 2 million copies.
The MAF Method: A Personalized Approach to Health and Fitness
Philip Maffetone - 2020