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An introduction to a martial art recognized as an effective stress reliever and its beneficial effects for health and fitness
Paint the classic subjects that inspired ancient Chinese masters. This book introduces the venerable art of painting with ink on rice paper using traditional techniques developed over a thousand years ago. It is ideal for a beginner hoping to practice a large variety of techniques and subjects.With this practical guide, you will learn to paint:Towering landscapesThe elegant Four GentlemenPlants like bamboo, orchids, plum blossoms, and chrysanthemumsFive animals from the Chinese ZodiacThe basic strokes used in calligraphyAnd more! Known as a "e;soft martial art,"e; brush painting is as meditative as it is artistic. As you move through the lessons and exercises, you'll gain insight into and appreciation for the symbolism, historical context, techniques, and mindfulness associated with this ancient art form.
"e;There have been many books on judosome highly competent, others well-written or well-illustrated, some fit for beginners, others for the advanced student. To have all these in a single volume is unusual."e;San Francisco ChronicleThe Art and Science of Judo is a revealing Japanese martial arts manual that focuses primarily on the scientific principles at work in Judo.In this book, highly-respected Judo instructors Jiichi Watanabe and Lindy Avakian delve deeply into the mechanics of Judo, offering clear-cut scientific explanations for the numerous techniques involved in throwing and grappling. By understanding the science behind the art, you will become prepared to perform the right moves at the right time and successfully meet the challenge of responding to your opponent.The book has over 200 illustrations and 40 photos which show the forces that are employed when performing common Judo throwing and grappling moves such as hip throws, foot sweeps, collar holds, and many more. In addition to the precise explanations of judo's physical aspects, you'll also find detailed insights into the psychological factors related to judo's underlying philosophy. Topics include: How dynamics are applied to JudoThe three principles for practicing JudoThe three laws of motion and how they apply to JudoDifferent kinds of force found in Judo techniquesHow to effectively practice throwing and grapplingA new foreword by Judo instructor Neil Ohlenkamp offers insight on the book's importance as a resource for every Judo practitioner and instructor. The Art and Science of Judo is a fascinating and valuable work, which will help you achieve success by not only understanding what techniques to master but also why they work and when to use them.
Expressive eyes, oversized heads and doll-like cutenesschibi are beloved in the world of manga!Beginner's Guide to Drawing Manga Chibi Girls shows artists of all ages and abilities how to create their own kawaii characters in six, easy-to-follow lessons. Step-by-step instructions walk you through the basics every aspiring artist needs to learn, like body proportions and facial expressions. Once you've mastered those, learn how to add different hats, hairstyles and costumes to your chibi girls or pose them in fun positionsfrom jumping for joy to hugging a friend.This all-in-one guide includes everything you need to start drawing these adorably exaggerated manga characters:Photo-illustrated tutorials let you look over the authors' shoulders as they create original chibi characters from scratch, right before your eyes!Before-and-after comparisons help you pinpoint mistakes and avoid common pitfallsStep-by-step progressions that help you master a range of head-to-body ratios and create charming figures that pop off the pageProfessional manga artists and chibi experts Mosoko Miyatsuki and Tsubura Kadomaru guide you through the drawing process and essential steps as your characters take shape. Follow along as they offer a trove of tips and examples, which help you to track and assess your progress. Before you know it, you'll be creating super cute chibi girls all on your own!
Japan's beloved literary masterpiece brought to life in manga form!Soseki Natsume's comic masterpiece, I Am a Cat, satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society in early 20th century Tokyo. Written with biting wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a rather cynical stray kitten. He finds his way into the home of an English teacher, where his running commentary on the follies and foibles of the people around him has been making readers laugh for more than a century.This is the very first manga edition in English of this classic piece of Japanese literature. The story lends itself well to a graphic novel format, allowing readers to pick up on the more subtle cues of the expressive cat, while also being immersed in the world of his perceptive narration. It is true to classic manga form, and is read back to front.The cast of characters includes:KushamiHis master, who is not good at his job and quite stupidThe KenedasA conceited couple with a spoiled daughterMeiteiKushami's friend who is fond of jokes and tall talesA group of local cats including lovely Mikeko, and violent KuroBeautifully illustrated by Japanese artist Chiroru Kobato, this edition provides a visual, entertaining look at a unique period in Japan's historyfilled with cultural and societal changes, rapid modernization and a feeling of limitless possibilitythrough the eyes of an unlikely narrator.
Bring adorable animals to life with this sweet and whimsical hand-quilting book.From favorite critters like perky penguins, smiling lions and gangly giraffes to unexpected friends like jellyfish, vultures and a unicorn, this book includes an animal for each letter of the alphabet.In Charming Quilted Animals, world-renowned quilt artist Yoko Saito shows you how to:Make over 40 different animal appliquesCreate 26 animal patchesfrom A-ZIncorporate the animals in 25 unique projectsImplement essential quilting techniquesMake fun items like a tapestry incorporating all the animals, a clasp purse, pin cushion, accessory tray, pencil case and tote bag for the kids in your lifeor the kid in you! This charming collection of designs is accessible to quilters of all skill levels.A generous how-to section with photographic illustrations takes you through the basics of hand quilting, while instructions and diagrams for each project show you how to assemble your pieces from start to finish. A link is included for printable tracing sheets containing templates for all the animals and elements used in these projects.There's no limit to what you can do with these playful animal appliques. Let Charming Quilted Animals inspire you to add touches of whimsical wildlife to your quilted designs. This ebook comes with tiled printable templates. Once printed, the tiles must be assembled in order to replicate the complete pattern sheet that is packaged with the print edition. If this is a task you prefer to avoid, we suggest purchasing the print edition instead.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Samurai with this classic text, translated and interpreted for the modern reader. Code of the Samurai is the four-hundred-year-old summary of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido--the ancient Japanese "Way of the Warrior." Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping modern Japanese martial arts within Japan and internationally. This accessible and enjoyable translation is by Thomas Cleary, the foremost translator of Asian martial classics, accompanied by the powerful line drawings of master illustrator Oscar Ratti, and a number of color photos. A new foreword by Alexander Bennett, a leading expert on Samurai history, explains the lasting importance of this classic work and its place within the canon of Japanese literature. This accesible classic is an indispensable resource to the corporate executive, student of the Asian Culture, martial artist, and those interested in Eastern philosophy or military strategy, as well as for those simply interested in Japan and its people.
"With a contemporary approach to traditional knitting patterns and textures, Small Knits brings to life a collection of stylish necessities for warmth and fashion. From selbu mittens to unisex hats and neckwarmers-these pieces work for just about any mood, recipient and wardrobe. In this book, you'll find instructions and photos for 19 charming projects, plus variations, including: Elegant Nordic mittens, handwarmers and a beret; Stylish neckwarmers in houndstooth and argyle patterns; An eyecatching Fair Isle hat and handwarmers; Comfy, durable socks in herringbone and other classic stitches; A delicate, lacy shawl; And much more! Instructions, diagrams and Japanese-style knitting charts take you through each project from start to finish. A section on technique shows how to execute the stitches used in this book. These projects are fun and rewarding for experienced knitters who've enjoyed a taste of the Japanese knitting style or would like to give it a try"--
Let this book show you the pleasure of repairing, reinforcing and making beloved items using sashiko embroidery!Sashiko for Making and Mending shows you how to use sashiko stitching to mend rips, repair things like fraying cuffs and create original accessories that look fabulous.With this book, you'll be able to embrace the visible mending movementthe practice of repairing high quality items you already own instead of replacing them with cheaper "e;fast fashion"e; alternatives. It also gives you the opportunity to practice the craft, with instructions for 15 handmade items, including:Gorgeous indigo pouchesA rustic linen book coverBreezy, multipurpose cotton stolesA simple, elegant tote bagAnd so much more!This book teaches many easy variations of the traditional sashiko stitcheshighlighting the impact simple, well-executed stitching can have on everything from embellishing napkins to repairing a jacket. Its gorgeous, thoughtful aesthetic and high-functionality makes sashiko the perfect all-purpose embroidery!
Updated second edition to include social media and IT vocabularyIncludes downloadable online audio of native speakersIncludes photos and insider cultural tips to teach readers about Persian cultureThere are over 300,000 Farsi speakers in the US, and the Farsi language is taught at 49 institutions across the country
The Well-Dressed Dog is a dog lover's go-to guide for canine fashion inspiration, with patterns and instructions for outfitting every type of pooch.Make your canine kids look stylish while keeping them warm, protected and comfortable! The included pull-out patterns can be adjusted to suit dogs of every size and shape, making it easy to dress a Greyhound or a Pug in the same style. Simple instructions for measuring your pup and options to create pieces in fabrics that work for your pet and climate make this a complete resource.Be practical with a protective rain cape, whimsical with a dress and tulle skirt, or make your dog a Hawaiian shirt for backyard parties. This book has something for every dog who likes to be dressed, including a few fun accessories for dogs who like a little embellishment.Projects include:Long and short-sleeved sweatersT-shirtsTank tops (hooded and sailor style)Easy-on-and-off shirtsOuterwear like a vest, rain cape, quilted coat or pea coatDresses that are both warm and stylishCapes, bowties and collars, for funAnd more—26 in all!Pattern sheets containing full-size templates for tracing are included, and fully-illustrated lessons take you through the basics of sewing for four-legged friends.
A book that will make you see fabric in a whole new way!From its origins as wrapping cloths made from scraps of fabric to its place in contemporary textile art shows, Bojagithe traditional art of Korean patchwork quiltingis a wonderfully versatile mode of expression that can transform a room or a wardrobe.Written by master instructor Choi Yangsook, Korean Patchwork Quilting teaches you step-by-step techniques through the art of assembling bits of lightweight fabric, by means of invisible seams, to create contemporary pieces for your home and life.Projects in this book include:Hangings for walls and windowsExquisite table runners and table clothsDelicate bags and pouchesZakka ("e;miscellaneous"e;) accessoriesQuirky jewelry piecesAnd more!This Korean folk craft has played an important role in Korean culture for centuries. The distinct "e;window pane"e; appearance of a Bojagi quilt often resembles a modern abstract painting or stained glass window, but can also be made of single-color fabric for an elegant look.Lessons, diagrams and templates, along with a few simple knotting and embroidery techniques, present a wide range of projects so that novices can try their hand and more experienced quilters can enjoy a satisfying challenge.
A book on making homemade approximations of favourite takeaways using healthy and inexpensive ingredients. Pan-Asian in scope, exploring the potential of the Instant Pot and other electric pressure cookers.
Sashiko: the needlework form of both decorative and functional embroidery developed in Japan many centuries ago.With just four key materials neededneedle, thread, thimble and fabricSashiko stitches have long been a favorite for quilting and embroidery. Today, the style is popular in the visible mending movement because of its simplicity, efficiency and aesthetic appeal. With Simply Sashiko, you can apply centuries-old Japanese techniques to your home, clothing and accessories in a fun, modern way.This book gives you simple but thorough lessons on the ins and outs (literally) of 36 different sashiko patterns, plus designs for stylish home and personal accessories so you can try them out, including:Decorative pouchesLittle pursesPlacemats and napkinsCovered brooches and buttonsAnd much more!Step-by-step instructions and detailed color photos show you everything from transferring patterns to perfecting your stitch technique. User-friendly templates help you keep your motifs balanced and even, while color combinations ranging from the traditional white and indigo to multicolored threads on primary colored backgrounds inspire you to get creative with these basic stitches.
Transport yourself to the global capital of cool with this ultimate guide to Japanese pop culture!Are you crazy about Japanese manga, anime, video games, cosplay, toys and idols? If so, this book is for you! Whether you're planning a trip to Japan, have a severe case of wanderlust, or are just fascinated by its culture, let Otaku Japan transport you to the capital of cool.In this practical travel guide, over 450 iconic shops, restaurants, cafes, clubs and events are presented in loving detail with precise directions on how to find them. More than 20 maps, websites and over 400 color photos take you the length and breadth of Japan to all the centers of Otaku culturefrom snowy Hokkaido to sunny Kyushu.Highlights include:Interviews with Game DevelopersCosplay and Halloween Events in JapanDojinshi: Self-published ComicsA Visit to the Ghibli MuseumInterview with famous Japanese idolsAnime-themed TrainsA Glossary of Otaku TermsAnd much, much more!The book covers all major regions in JapanTokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuokaas well as lesser-known areas like Tohoku, Chugoku and Shikoku.
The Japanese Sake Bible is the ultimate book about Japan's national drinkfrom its history, culture and production methods to how to choose the best sake and recommended food pairings.Author Brian Ashcraftthe author of the popular guide Japanese Whiskyhas put together lively commentaries based on dozens of interviews with master brewers and sake experts across Japan. His fascinating stories are accompanied by over 300 full-color photographs, maps and drawings.A unique feature of this book is that it includes reviews, tasting notes, scores and a buying guide for over 100 of the leading sake brands, written by respected Japanese sake expert Takashi Eguchi. These include all the sakes most commonly found outside Japan. Each sake has a photo of the label, tasting notes, a score and recommended food pairings. Information on the leading brewers is provided, and the sakes are grouped by flavor profile.Japanese sake is brewed worldwide today and is winning over many converts. A foreword by sake connoisseur and world-renowned DJ Richie Hawtin addresses the spread in global popularity and the shared mission of making this specialty beverage as accessible as possible. With the help of this book you'll soon become an expert in selecting, serving and enjoying Japan's favorite drink.
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