There is nothing glorious or elegant about the process you must go through on the road to your vision. The glory comes in knowing who you have become thanks to the process itself. Beginner with a Black Belt is a story of strength, survival, and courage. Interconnecting the different cultures that impacted her own life, Ana Stevanovic combines the teachings of East andWest in order to overcome immense obstacles and define her own values. In this inspiring and insightful take on how one can become the master of their own life journey, readers are presented with a brilliant blend of lessons learned through the struggles of life and lessons learned in Bujinkan (a practice of ancient Japanese martial arts). Ranked as a 7th Dan in Bujinkan, Ana understands the meaning of hard work. After discovering the three most important questions on the road to self-mastery, she set out on a mission to find her answers. Regardless of one's status in life, the important principles and illuminating message communicated in this book can serve as a point of direction for anyone seeking a more purposeful existence.

Kickboxing is practised all over the world and is one of the fastest growing sports today. Moreover, it is a martial art that can be enjoyed by almost everyone who is physically fit, regardless of age, size or ability. This detailed book will be of value to all those interested in kickboxing; whether they simply want to train for fun or have higher goals. Designed to take the student through the various levels of kickboxing training, from the very early stages right through to black belt, this book is an ideal aid for anyone wanting to train in the comfort of their own home, or to improve their kickboxing skills in the gym or the dojo.Topics covered: how to warm up correctly to reduce the risk of injury; how to achieve improved flexibility; how to develop the box [side] split and front split stretch; basic punches and associated training drills; advanced hand techniques; basic kicks and the training drills that are involved; advanced kicks including static kicks, spinning kicks, jumping kicks and jumping spinning kicks; sparring drills, conditioning exercises, individual training drills and partner training drills. Written in an easy to follow, step by step format and illustrated with over 550 colour photographs.

An introduction to the techniques of modern judo and their applications plus a short section on traditional judo.

An authoritative text supporting the newcomer to karate with all they need to know, up to black belt level. Packed with photographs detailing techniques and kata (the combinations of techniques students need to master to progress through the belts) this book is designed to take the student step by step through the progression of Shotokan Karate, taking each belt in turn. Photographs and clear instructions take you step by step through the kata. Karate is a martial art that focuses on the application of strikes using predominantly the hands and feet. It originated in Japan and has become popular throughout the world. There are many styles of karate but the most widely practised outside of Japan is Shotokan Karate. Training in karate is normally divided into three sections: the basic technique; kata, or sequencing of techniques to imaginary opponents; and kumite, the sparring done with an opponent. In total there are ten gradings to be passed in order to get a black belt - this, on average takes a student four years to attain. This book covers all the training needed to attain a black belt. This new edition includes brand new material on partner work, more grading tips to help you avoid making common mistakes, and new footwork diagrams to help you understand the movements better. An indispensable guide.

An introduction to karate techniques from basic to advanced, emphasizing safety, health, and fitness.

The martial art of Taekwon-Do was initially developed by the Korean military in the 1950s and spread internationally with the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation [ITF] in 1966. Taekwon-Do has continued to develop and it is now one of the most popular martial arts, with some eight million students worldwide and perhaps best known for its spectacular kicking and power demonstrations. However, Taekwon-Do is first and foremost a modern, scientifically based martial art with a vast array of techniques. Core Taekwon-Do techniques are grouped together in twenty-four patterns (tul), each of which is a progressively more complex series of self-defence moves against one or more imaginary opponents, and which must be mastered by students as they advance through the Taekwon-Do grading system. This unique book is specifically designed to help guide Taekwon-Do students through the first nine patterns that take them up to 1st degree black belt grade.

The Essential Karate Book is an informative, illustrated guide to the techniques, philosophy and practice of karate. With 20 chapters covering practically every aspect of karate, this in-depth reference will assist students and instructors as they plot their course through karate instruction, benefiting those at all levels. The Essential Karate Book contains 200 diagrams mapping out moves with 300 step-by-step photographs and companion videos, making it a comprehensive general karate reference for Western audiences. Readers of this karate guide will learn about: Stances, blocks, strikes and kicks Preparing your body through warm-ups, stretching, and conditioning through karate-specific exercises Kata grading and fighting (kumite) techniques and competition rules Martial arts weapons (kobudo), and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) applications The origins and history of karate Required behavior, clothing and etiquette, as well as the fundamentals of karate and the different styles that share them The Essential Karate Book is a must-have for any martial arts enthusiast, from beginners to black belts!