Like any other philosophy, religion or culture, each martial art has its founding myths and heroes; stories that tell of the art's origins and makes sense of its underlying philosophic principles. This book is a collection of these myths and legends.

Throughout the ages, cunning and brave heroes have reached deep inside themselves to find the strength to triumph over long odds. Aspiring black belts will love this action-packed collection of twenty-six stories about the great heroes of the martial arts and their many paths to victory. The stories include the tales of: The legendary Bruce Lee--Kung Fu master and greatest martial artist of his time Miyamoto Musashi--the "greatest swordsman in history" and the author of the Book of Five Rings Jackie Chan--a dyslexic boy, abandoned at age seven who grew up to be a martial arts film star Mu-lan--the brave daughter who went to battle for the good of her family These exciting tales of thrilling fights and wily strategies span the wide world of martial arts--from Aikido, Karate, Kung Fu, Sumo, and Jujitsu to Brazilian Capoeira, Israeli Krav Maga, Korean Tae-kwon-do, Japanese Kyudo, and Thailand's Muay Thai, even the Zen-focused tea ceremony which teaches the discipline martial artists require to succeed. Filled with incredible action and amazing feats of daring and skill, Legends of the Martial Arts Masters will inspire readers of all ages with stories of courage, endurance and self-discovery.

What do martial arts signify today? What do they mean for East-West cross cultural exchanges? How does the representation of martial arts in popular culture impact on the wide world? What is authentic practice? What does it all mean? From Kung Fu to Jiujitsu and from Bruce Lee to The Karate Kid, Mythologies of Martial Arts explores the key myths and ideologies in martial arts in contemporary popular culture. The book combines the author’s practical, professional and academic experience of martial arts to offer new insights into this complex, contradictory world. Inspired by the work of Roland Barthes in Mythologies, the book focusses on the signs, signifiers and practices of martial arts globally. Bringing together cultural studies, film studies, media studies, postcolonial studies with the emerging field of martial arts studies the book explores the broader significance of martial arts in global culture. Using an accessible yet theoretically sophisticated style the book is ideal for students, scholars and anyone interested in any type of martial art.

"Engaging and knowledgeable…brings magical light and clarity to veiled martial arts history. In a cocoon shell, a man 'tis not a mantis til Fusco's faithful rendering of true life hero Wong Long bugs the Shaolin elders into accepting the teachings and virtues of the world's most dynamic insect…the praying mantis.--Dr. Craig D. Reid, Martial Arts Historian"

Teach Yourself 100 Cool Karate, Kung Fu, Ninjutsu, and Taekwondo Moves Ever watched a martial arts movie and wanted to emulate the moves being performed on screen? Martial Arts Made Easy features 100 of the coolest moves from a range of martial arts disciplines, including Karate, Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, and Taekwondo. Step-by-step photography shows you how to successfully complete each move. Tips on warming-up exercises, rolling, hand techniques and defensive moves.

A comprehensive study of the practice of combat sports in the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome and the Near East.