Criminals, police, military forces, and civilians practice martial arts which often utilize weapons. One major difference is weather or not the weapons are handled according to legal guidelines. This special anthology includes insightful writings that focus on aspects of martial arts as they are practiced and used by different people on both sides of the law. Certainly most practicing a martial art are doing so primarily for their health or as a sport. Perhaps they have an interest in self-defense, but often their practice methods are not realistic enough to be truely effective. For this reason, Friman and Polland’s first chapter deals with the concern for realistic methods for training martial artists, particularly those involved in law enforcement. In the following chapter on “The Art of Regulation,” Dr. Friman argues that the martial arts are more likely to face government regulation when authorities perceive them as posing challenges to the state’s monopoly over the means to create and maintain order. In the quest for maintaining order, Alex Levitas shows in the next chapter that martial arts weapons are widely used by police forces in many countries. Applications are illustrated by photographs credited to noted law enforcement pioneers in this area, including Terrence Winston, Robert Fabrey, Roy Bedard, and Robert Koga. Two chapters by Noah Nunberg examine the practical legal aspects of using martial arts techniques while training in the martial arts studio or in defending oneself on the street. Assault and battery are examined in depth as to potential criminal and civil liabilities that may arise. Specific cases and hypothetical situations are referred to for reference and insight. Dr. Román and Dr. García write about the scope and legal framework of penitentiary self-defense. This kind of self-defense is defined by the unique characteristics of a confinement context and a very specific regulation aimed at preserving the integrity of prisoners and penitentiary staff, as well as prison facilities. A technical section is also included. In the system known as Comprehensive Penitentiary Defense, Dr. Román presents techniques which professionals in this field must master and know how to apply when they face any hazardous situation. These techniques go from peaceful conflict resolution, assertiveness, or body language to joint control, immobilization, or pressures. In the face of regulating martial art practice and weapons useage, the final chapter by Peter Hobart inspects the right to bear arms. Existing criminal laws and recent weapons bans have made it increasingly problematic for legitimate martial artists to own, use, and transport the tools of their trade. This survey of existing state and national weapons laws is intended to help make martial arts practitioners aware of these legal issues. All who read this book—whether involved in professions of law enforcement, military branches, or as a martial arts instructor or practitioner—will find each chapter of vital importance. We hope you will enjoy this anthology as it provides excellent coverage of aspects of the martial arts that are rarely discussed but have profound practicality.

A needle may draw a thread through printed pages to bind a book. In this little memoir, I feel like a needle that drew a common thread though a segment of martial art history. This book details three interrelated activities: (1) martial art studies, (2) involvement as founder of Via Media Publishing, producing a quarterly journal and books, and (3) teaching martial arts. Publishers, writers, researchers and serious martial art practitioners will benefit with the detailed overview of Via Media and its publications. Via Media produced the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, known for its high academic and aesthetic standards. Its contents reflect the history of two decades and provides rich information for practitioners and scholars, making The Best Fighta valuable reference work. In addition to reading, the primary way to learn a martial art is through instruction. In reading about my studies and teaching experience, readers can relate to their own involvement in martial arts. What is important here is the portrayal of my instructors, their teaching methods, and reasons for being involved in martial arts. Their accounts should offer insights and inspiration for others who study and practice any martial art.

Get your aikido training off to a great start--from basic footwork and throws to training and demonstrations. This martial arts guide is a perfect introduction to aikido for beginners. Are you planning to learn Aikido, but don't know where to begin? Are you looking for a teacher? Are you taking a class but confused by the unfamiliar terms used to describe the techniques? This aikido book offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know to feel confident and be successful. You'll learn about: The origins of aikido--its philosophy, history and techniques How to find a teacher and a class that is right for you Getting ready--what happens in a typical Aikido class? The essentials--stances, strikes, grabs, throws, and pins How to complement your aikido training with ki exercises, multiple-person training, and freestyle exercises How to succeed in Aikido-- how to create an effective training program, test for belt promotion, and participate in competitions and tournaments Resources to help you further develop your Aikido skills

Master the techniques and theory of Japanese Karate with this easy-to-follow, illustrated martial arts guide. Karate: The Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting has inspired hundreds of thousands of karateka, and it remains one of the finest texts available on the technique, art, and spirit of karatedo. This definitive volume is a systematic presentation of the art of traditional Japanese karate. An easily accessible martial arts manual illustrated with more than 1,000 photographs, this comprehensive karate book gives step-by-step explanations and thorough analysis of all the basic movements and techniques of karate. Topics of Karate the Art of "Empty-Hand" Fighting" include: The history of Karate The theories and principle of Karate The best training and exercise methods Karate techniques like stance, blocking and attacks Defenses against weapons

Looks at the effect of deadly battle on the body and mind and offers new research findings to help prevent lasting adverse effects.

In a perfect world, no one would indiscriminately use a firearm to shoot and kill any number of innocent people – and if they tried, law enforcement would be there to stop the killer. But we live in an imperfect world where attackers normally target unsuspecting victims. Trained professionals are seldom there to fight back. When seconds count, it’s imperative for everyday citizens to learn how to disarm and disable attackers. In this guide, learn how to: • Take evasive and life-saving measures from sniper fire; • Avoid the sixteen deadly errors of active shooter defense training; • Utilize tactics and techniques to maximize your chances of survival during an active shooting; • Ambush, disarm and disable the shooter should you come face to face. This guide was created for the worst-case scenarios if you were to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time – and no trained professionals are there to help. While escaping a kill zone is one option, there may come a time when the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to ambush, Disarm and Disable the shooter.