"Unlocking the Secrets of Southern Praying Mantis: The Ultimate Martial Arts Guide" offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most revered and enigmatic martial arts styles. This book starts with an introduction to Southern Praying Mantis, providing readers with a fundamental understanding of its unique characteristics and what sets it apart from other martial arts. It delves into the rich history and origins of this art, tracing its development through centuries and highlighting the cultural and historical contexts that shaped its evolution. Readers will gain insight into the philosophical foundations underpinning Southern Praying Mantis, learning how its principles guide not just physical practice but also the mental and spiritual aspects of the art. The book thoroughly covers the basic stances and postures essential to mastering the discipline, presenting them in a clear and accessible manner for practitioners of all levels. Essential techniques are detailed step-by-step, offering practical instruction on executing the movements correctly and effectively. The book also addresses advanced combat strategies, helping practitioners understand how to apply their skills in various combat scenarios. Training methods and regimens are discussed extensively, providing readers with structured routines to enhance their proficiency and build strength, flexibility, and endurance. An exploration of the role of chi, or internal energy, in Southern Praying Mantis offers readers a deeper understanding of how to harness and cultivate this vital force. The book also discusses the practical applications of Southern Praying Mantis in self-defense, emphasizing its effectiveness in real-world situations. Weapon training is another critical aspect covered in this guide, with detailed explanations of how traditional weapons are integrated into the practice. The integration of mind and body is a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of mental discipline and focus in achieving mastery. The book profiles legendary practitioners who have contributed to the art's legacy, offering inspiration and insight into their training philosophies and achievements. Finally, it looks towards the future of Southern Praying Mantis, considering how this ancient art can continue to evolve and thrive in the modern world. "Unlocking the Secrets of Southern Praying Mantis" is an essential resource for anyone interested in martial arts, whether a beginner or an experienced practitioner, offering a thorough and engaging guide to understanding and mastering this powerful and profound discipline.

The solo forms or sets of a martial art may appear to be merely flashy performances or rote exercises for conditioning, and because of this many students disregard this aspect of their training. True martial arts masters, however, know that the forms of a system actually contain all of the techniques and secrets of that system—if one knows how to look for them. Often called the “great books” of martial arts, forms are crucial for a deeper understanding of the art one practices. In Hidden Hands, Phillip Starr provides detailed instruction in the art of reading martial arts forms: by first mastering rudimentary “words” (individual techniques) and then moving on to simple “sentences” (combinations of techniques), the student will come to understand forms as ancient documents that contain the true essence of their art. Starr discusses different aspects of forms practice such as rhythm, timing, spirit, and performance, and presents specific guidelines for interpreting the movements of various forms. The book ends with the dissection and interpretation of a complete form. Containing examples from Chinese, Japanese, Okinawan, and Korean martial arts, Hidden Hands shows serious practitioners how to improve in any art and style.

A rare instructional treatise of Chinese boxing from the Kwongsai Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Bamboo Forest Temple, Praying Mantis Clan, as transmitted by the late Grandmaster Lam Sang. Details include stories of Lam Sang's supernatural ability such as Poison Snake Staff, Sun Gazing, and Light Body Skills. Boxing principles elaborated are Body posture, Rooting, Sinking, Center-line, Spiral power, Contact-control-strike, Intercepting and sticky hand, Bridging, Anticipating-telegraphing, Dead and live power, Form and function, 4 word secret, Dim Mak vital points and more. Boxing Fundamentals included are Footwork: Chop, Circle, Advance, Shuffle step, Turnarounds, Side to side; Kicks, Sweeps, Takedowns, Grappling, Chin Na Seizing, Hook hands, Elbow strokes, Dui Jong, Sticky hands, Forms, and Phases of training. Eighteen Buddha Hand techniques, 9 defensive, 9 offensive, are illustrated in color with instruction in attributes, function and vital point targeting. Boxing maxims of strategy and tactics are included.

A 2015 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Winner of the 2014 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction "Raunchy, bizarre, smart and compelling." --Rolling Stone “Grasshopper Jungle is simultaneously creepy and hilarious. Reminds me of Kurt Vonnegut’s in “Slaughterhouse Five,” in the best sense.” --New York Times Book Review In the small town of Ealing, Iowa, Austin and his best friend, Robby, have accidentally unleashed an unstoppable army. An army of horny, hungry, six-foot-tall praying mantises that only want to do two things. This is the truth. This is history. It’s the end of the world. And nobody knows anything about it. You know what I mean. Funny, intense, complex, and brave, Grasshopper Jungle brilliantly weaves together everything from testicle-dissolving genetically modified corn to the struggles of recession-era, small-town America in this groundbreaking coming-of-age stunner.

The oldest and most respected martial arts title in the industry, this popular monthly magazine addresses the needs of martial artists of all levels by providing them with information about every style of self-defense in the world - including techniques and strategies. In addition, Black Belt produces and markets over 75 martial arts-oriented books and videos including many about the works of Bruce Lee, the best-known marital arts figure in the world.

This book features the teachings and training methods of Granmaster Gin Foon Mark. Grandmaster Mark's legacy is Kwang Sai Jook Lum Southern Praying Mantis. Read about the history of the style, training tips and methods from the master, and anecdotes from his more than 80 years studying Chinese martial arts.

The Book of Lies was written by English occultist and teacher Aleister Crowley under the pen name of Frater Perdurabo. As Crowley describes it: "This book deals with many matters on all planes of the very highest importance. It is an official publication for Babes of the Abyss, but is recommended even to beginners as highly suggestive." The book consists of 91 chapters, each of which consists of one page of text. The chapters include a question mark, poems, rituals, instructions, and obscure allusions and cryptograms. The subject of each chapter is generally determined by its number and its corresponding Qabalistic meaning.