Books published by YMAA Publication Center

IP'S Living Now Award SILVER WINNER - 2010Eric Hoffer Award 1ST RUNNER UP - 2010IP's Highlighted Title Award ENDORSEMENT - 2010ForeWord's Book of the Year Award FINALIST - 2010USA Best Book Award FINALIST - 2010ADDING POWER TO THE FIGHTING TECHNIQUES OF KARATEHojo Undo means 'supplementary training,' and using these tools is the key for developing the devastating power of karate techniques. Without Hojo Undo training, a practitioner cannot reach the profound strength levels required for a lifetime of karate training. This book details how to construct and use many training tools, provides accurate mechanical drawings, comprehensive training methods, and discusses the historical context to understand why Hojo Undo was created in 'old' Okinawa. Warm up exercises Detailed construction drawings Build your own Hojo Undo tools! Learn how to use the tools to develop devastating power Link your increased power to fighting techniques Hear what Okinawan Masters say about Hojo Undo training

The secrets of internal power are revealed in this expert guide to internal and external martial qigong. This comprehensive martial arts training guide explores White Crane Kung Fu (Gongfu), one of the most famous martial styles developed in China. Martial arts qigong is integral to White Crane Kung Fu and is a proven way to build explosive fighting power, known as jin.In addition to fighting power, martial qigong builds robust health and longevity. By focusing on the spine and torso, Shaolin White Crane movement develops and maintains a strong, supple upper body. Flexibility and strength of the spine are notable results of this training.It is commonly recognized that Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu is the root of Okinawan karate, and has heavily influenced Japanese martial arts. From this book, a karate practitioner will be able to trace this root back, and gain profound comprehension of empty-hand styles.• Long time hidden secrets of White Crane revealed.• A comprehensive analysis of Internal and External martial Qigong.• Complete sets of White Crane Hard and Soft Qigong training.• A thorough examination of martial power (Jin).• Presents more than 60 White Crane Jin patterns.• Learn mental and physical training for explosive fighting power.• Over four hundred action photographs and illustrations.

Chie Miyazaki is wild and spoiled¿the pampered child of a cadet line of the Imperial house of Japan. When she disappears in the United States accompanied by a slick Korean boyfriend, it sets off alarms among elite officials in Japan¿s security apparatus.The Japanese want the problem solved quietly, so they seek out Connor Burke, prize student of Sensei Yamashita. Burke suspects that he¿s being used, but he accepts the assignment out of honor for his revered sensei.A covert search and rescue operation turns into a confrontation with a North Korean sleeper cell, and Burke finally discovers the secret that drove Yamashita from Japan so many years ago and the power behind the decades-old connections that pull Yamashita back into danger in the service of the imperial family.

Asian scholar and black belt artist Connor Burke labors as a deshi¿a student under the tutelage of a master warrior¿ a practice that draws him into the execution-style murder of a Japanese businessman in Brooklyn. Connor¿s brother, an officer in the NYPD, enlists him to decipher the strange calligraphic writing left by the victim at the crime scene. The enigmatic message leads Connor to the lethal samurai heritage of a mysterious martial arts sensei, the foreboding world of a Tibetan clairvoyant, and finally the unknown wilderness of an elite mountain temple¿where Connor¿s deadliest challenge awaits.

A beginner qigong book, in which, every qigong movement is presented with large photographs and instructions, followed by an analysis of how the movements aid in improving health. It includes two routines: the sitting set that can be performed on the floor, and the standing set that can be performed in a small space.

BECAUSE NOT ALL KRAV MAGA IS THE SAME®This book introduces and codifies big-picture thinking to take you to the next level of self-defense expertise. The material is designed to conform to your strengths; you need not conform to the system.In this latest volume from David Kahn, you will find practical, battle-tested stratagems and insights that are equally applicable across the spectrum of martial arts and fighting systems. The text is supported by 180 dynamic separate photo series representing a rich krav maga gamut of self-defense strategies and tactics.Topics include:The Best Use of a Training PartnerThe Difference Between Anger and RageRecognizing Your Own Triggers to Avoid ViolenceContending with Road RageConflict Avoidance and EscapePhysiological Reactions to Threats and ViolenceLegal Use of Force RequirementsDefensive (Dis)Engagement MindsetAnatomical Targeting and Self-ProtectionPreemptive Linear StrikesAbsorbing and Moving with an AttackFighting RangesCombatives Power and BalanceSelf-Defense Fight TimingTactical RetreatingWhen and How to CounterattackDefending against a Skilled FighterDeceptive FightingGround SurvivalDefending an AmbushMultiple OpponentsBreaking Up a FightAs good tactical minds generally think alike, whatever your martial arts or defensive tactics background, this book is designed to synergize any previous professional self-defense knowledge to enhance your personal survival blueprint.Krav Maga Fundamental Strategies draws on ideas and techniques from nearly every level of the Israeli Krav Maga curriculum, including violence avoidance and prevention. The result is an adaptable strategy supported by tried and true defensive tactics, coupled with sound defensive principles, all of which will serve to deliver you from harm’s way.

The first English-language book to detail the combat systems and martial culture of a land shaped by centuries of conflict. The Martial Arts of Vietnam presents an engaging overview of the evolution of Vietnamese martial arts from 2,000 BCE until today.We will look at the mythical origins of the Vietnamese people and the impact that invasions from neighboring countries had on the martial culture of Vietnam. We will discover how kings and governments promoted and, in some cases, crushed martial traditions; alongside how Vietnams' unusual geography both protected and exposed martial styles and lineages.This work offers stunning photography, era timelines, and regional maps that allow for an engaging adventure through Vietnam's northern, central, and southern regions, all in search of events and catalysts that shaped its martial history through the ages.When we arrive at modern Vietnams' martial arts society, we meet with many teachers from the northern, central, and southern regions who, through courageous efforts, are attempting to codify and preserve their unique combat systems for the benefit of all martial artists. We explore the ethnic minority martial arts, Sino-Vietnamese and Chinese martial arts, as well as various imported and foreign systems and how they are positioned in relation to modern Vietnam's martial arts practices.The Martial Arts of Vietnam lifts the veil of secrecy long surrounding this socialist state to reveal its combat systems and their thousand years of evolution.

In this follow-up to his phenomenally popular Solo Training, Loren W. Christensen digs down deep to come up with hundreds of more ways for you to rev up your training at home or in the gym. Solo Training 2 kicks off with a focus on building your body''s core for stronger, faster, and more effective grappling, kicking, and punching. A strong core-chest, abs, hips, shoulders, and back-is the source of your body''s power, speed, and coordinated movement. As a martial artist, having a strong core helps you to get more out of your training and to respond instantly and effectively to the fast-changing demands of competition or an explosive street encounter.You''ll also get over 100 ways to work your combinations, cheat speed, improve accuracy, fight from unconventional stances, practice grappling when you can''t find a partner, and get the most out of your mannequin bag.This book wraps up with eight workouts, each with a specific goal, like the free-hand power builder and the boxer workout.If you''re looking to get more out of training, Solo Training 2 represents your next evolution in fighting techniques and concepts.

There is a truth in the world of hand-to-hand combat that too many martial artists aren't aware of or refuse to believe. Every time you discover a sure technique, one that makes all your training partners groan and writhe in agony, there exists out there in the mean streets a host of people who won't feel it.

Whether you are a law enforcement officer seeking to improve your edge or a martial artist wanting to expand your knowledge of street-proven techniques, you will find Defensive Tactics: Street-Proven Arrest and Control Techniques is filled with invaluable information to prepare you for even the most difficult scenarios.

¿Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points.¿ - Bruce Lee, The Tao of Jeet Kune DoThe Art and Science of Stick Fighting is a unique, non-style specific, approach to fighting with the short stick. Its curriculum is streamlined and divided into nine logical stages of training that allow the reader to quickly and methodically learn and develop the skills needed for competative fighting and self-defense with the stick.

You have an owner's manual for your car, your stereo and even your blender, so why not your body? The Fighter's Body is exactly that, an owner's manual for your body, the most complex piece of equipment you will ever own. As a martial artist, you have special needs. Have you ever wondered how that latest fad diet might affect your performance on the mat? Ever wanted to take off a few extra pounds? How about putting on muscle without slowing down? Make weight for a tournament? Lose 5 pounds fast? Eat better? Change weight classes? Confused about supplements, vitamins and protein shakes? Can't make sense of the food pyramid? Don't know where to start? Start here. Author Loren Christensen and personal trainer Wim Demeere combine their knowledge of martial arts, weight training, nutrition, diet and exercise to answer your questions and put you on the road to becoming the best martial arts athlete you can be. This book will answer your questions about important topics including: why some diets are harmful for martial artists; how to calculate your protein needs for training; when and how to use supplements; how to eat at fast food places and not ruin your diet; why it's okay to splurge on 'Dirt Day'; how to safely make weight for a tournament; why HIIT training is essential to weight loss; what to eat on competition days; and, how to create a plan that works and stick to it.

What if there was a secret ingredient that could make every single one of your martial arts techniques better? Not only faster and more powerful, but more likely to slam home to exactly the right target every time. Maybe there is. Timing is the art and science of ending a confrontation as quickly and efficiently as possible. In Timing for the Fighting Arts, authors Loren W. Christensen and Wim Demeere team up to teach you exactly how to get every last ounce of speed and power out of your techniques. Already strong and lightning fast? Prepare to get even better. Whether you want to feel safer on the street or emerge victorious in the ring, this book is packed with inside information essential to defeating your opponent. Every one of these concepts is backed up by drills and practice scenarios so you can go beyond theory and put your new knowledge to work in the ring or on the street where you need it most. If you're ready to take your skills to the next level, Loren and Wim are ready to show you the way.

Discover quick and innovative ways to improve your punching, kicking, sparring, and self-defense skillsplus dozens of tips to develop speed, power, and flexibility. If you are feeling stuck or bored in your martial arts routine, Loren's no-nonsense style will get you up and training with a fire you have not felt in years.

A collection of stories from China's dynasties. An amusing and insightful anthology for Western readers.

From the creator of today's hottest fitness craze comes the definitive program that brings Cardiokickboxing back to its origional Kickboxing roots with real techniques, equipment and bag work.