Ba Gua: Hidden Knowledge in the Taoist Internal Martial Art
This book was really good, it gave a great history section, overview of theory, and general explanation of what Ba Gua is about. There are very good explanations of internal power theory, the differences between the different levels of that theory(muscular effort to internal power, and what the differences are between each level). It also includes several two-man sets which are very good, and a section on applications. Strategy and actual applied fighting theory are elucidated to good depth, which made me quite happy.
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.
This art is Bruce Lee's art, refined from Wing Chun by the addition primarily of fencing footwork for more mobility and much aggression, the inclusion of the backfist(a natural for Wing Chun), and a very strong form of sticking hands that classical Wing Chun students can find irritating and overly aggressive which Bruce learned and adapted from his own sifus in Hong Kong, Wong Shun Leung among them.
"A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action."--Samurai Maximum.
Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyam reveals to you how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems-self-image, work pressure, competition.
A physics professor explains how the laws of physics work in the game of tennis. Included are studies of string tension, the size, shape, and weight of a racket, ball trajectories, court surfaces, and reflex time. Numerous tables, graphs, and formulas accompany the text. The author suggests such knowledge may enable the player "to gain a point here, a point there." The reader need not be a degree-bearing engineer to profit from the material, but this work is definitely aimed at dedicated students of the game, those who wish to play "with the head as well as the arm."
