In the Netherlands, girls and young women are increasingly active in women-only kickboxing. The general assumption, in the Netherlands and in western Europe more broadly, is that women’s sport is a form of secular, feminist empowerment. Muslim women’s participation would then exemplify the incongruence of Islam with the modern, secular nation-state. Punching Back provides a detailed ethnographic study that contests this view by showing that young Muslim women who kickbox establish agentive selves by playing with gender norms, challenging expectations, and living out their religious subjectivities.

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2021 The companion to Rex Ogle’s award-winning Free Lunch is a searing account of adolescence in a household torn by domestic violence. Punching Bag is the compelling true story of a high school career defined by poverty and punctuated by outbreaks of domestic abuse. Rex Ogle, who brilliantly mapped his experience of hunger in Free Lunch, here describes his struggle to survive; reflects on his complex, often paradoxical relationship with his passionate, fierce mother; and charts the trajectory of his stepdad’s anger. Hovering over Rex’s story is the talismanic presence of his unborn baby sister. Through it all, Rex threads moments of grace and humor that act as beacons of light in the darkness. Compulsively readable, beautifully crafted, and authentically told, Punching Bag is a remarkable memoir about one teenager’s cycle of violence, blame, and attempts to forgive his parents—and himself.

Winner of the 2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award. Instead of giving him lunch money, Rex’s mom has signed him up for free meals. As a poor kid in a wealthy school district, better-off kids crowd impatiently behind him as he tries to explain to the cashier that he’s on the free meal program. The lunch lady is hard of hearing, so Rex has to shout. Free Lunch is the story of Rex’s efforts to navigate his first semester of sixth grade—who to sit with, not being able to join the football team, Halloween in a handmade costume, classmates and a teacher who take one look at him and decide he’s trouble—all while wearing secondhand clothes and being hungry. His mom and her boyfriend are out of work, and life at home is punctuated by outbursts of violence. Halfway through the semester, his family is evicted and ends up in government-subsidized housing in view of the school. Rex lingers at the end of last period every day until the buses have left, so no one will see where he lives. Unsparing and realistic, Free Lunch is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Rex’s voice is compelling and authentic, and Free Lunch is a true, timely, and essential work that illuminates the lived experience of poverty in America.

Sabaki means staying open to the world at large and responding to others in a way that blends energies in new directions. Whether it is a question of repelling an attack or building relationships, the combined energy that comes from sabaki is an effort of cooperation, openness, and respect. Whether you are training for health, competition, or self-defense, The Sabaki Method can show you how to turn defense into offense, anticipate attacks, condition the body, and focus the mind. Kancho Ninomiya takes the mystery out of karate.

A comprehensive, practical guide to non-contact boxing - looks at workouts in an individual, group or class setting. Learn how to improve clients' body composition, heart-lung stamina, strength, speed, co-ordination, balance and flexibility. It also covers boxing training's less tangible but equally important benefits such as building confidence and self-esteem – especially relevant to schools and young people. Key features include: - Fully illustrated, with vibrant photographs and practical diagrams for imparting core boxing and safety techniques (e.g. wrapping clients' hands; teaching correct stance, punches and combinations) - Sample training programmes for clients of differing abilities and fitness levels, with guidance on safe and appropriate progression - Relevant content on dietary and health matters The Complete Guide to Boxing Fitness is a tried-and-tested, unique guide to boxing skills and drills for the fitness and sporting arenas.

Back Stability: Integrating Science and Therapy, Second Edition aids practitioners in recognizing and managing back conditions using proven clinical approaches to help clients and patients stabilize their spines.

Welcome, to the process of unleashing your fullest potential in your inner strength within. A lot of the time we can be tapping into more, more opportunities, more energy, more friendships, etc. Your Strength Within will guide you to doing just that, tap into the mastery of the art of achievement. This transformative guide invites you on a life-altering journey through ten powerful chapters, each designed to equip you with the skills and mindset necessary to conquer any challenge and achieve your most audacious goals. Your Strength Within is your roadmap to a life without boundaries. With practical insights and actionable steps, this book empowers you to turn your dreams into reality, unlocking the strength within to master every challenge and create the life you desire. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey toward personal growth, accomplishment, and enduring success.