Books by Stuart Alve Olson

SELF-HELP / HEALTH Tao of No Stress offers easy-to-use techniques to help us let go of tension and strain in the mind, body, and spirit through the three paths of mental relaxation, massage, and breathing. Starting from the basic principle of, "If you want to know how to eliminate stress, ask someone who is without stress," Olson shows how even the most harried Westerner can use these simple, time-tested exercises of Taoist masters to go beyond reducing stress to eliminating it all together. Learn the Six Sounds therapy that can be practiced between phone calls at the office or during morning traffic. Whether rubbing a simple pressure point in the middle of a meeting or employing deep breathing methods all day long, you will discover the gifts of tranquillity, health, and balance offered by age-old Taoist practices. Tao of No Stress contains traditional verse, instructional photographs, and the down-to-earth guidance of the author and teaches both the experienced Taoist practitioner and the complete novice how to live stress free in a stressful world. STUART ALVE OLSON has studied T'ai Chi, meditation, and Chinese language for more than twenty-five years under numerous Buddhist and Taoist masters. He is the author of Qigong Teachings of a Taoist Immortal, Tai Chi for Kids, and T'ai Chi According to the I Ching. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Developed by Wang Lang over 300 years ago, Praying Mantis Kung Fu is the only martial art based on the fighting skills of an insect. This fascinating system utilizes swift, methodical movements for defense and offense, and is well respected as an art that helps practitioners develop great strength and perseverance. The Complete Guide to Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu provides an in-depth look at the history and practice of this remarkable martial art. Author Stuart Alve Olson, a student of T. T. Liang, draws on the lineages of Masters Feng Huan-I and Wang Han-Fon, but includes detailed description of all major schools, styles, and lineages. The first half of the book focuses on tactics and theory; the second half contains step-by-step descriptions of the fundamental Praying Mantis stances, exercises, footwork, and kicks, clearly illustrated by more than 200 photographs. What sets this book apart from other works on Praying Mantis is its philosophical depth; author Olson gives a clear account of the development of the art and the Taoist principles from which it arose. This book provides the basis for not only mastering the martial art of Praying Mantis Kung Fu but also mastering oneself—the true goal of all martial arts.