The chapters in this anthology present an encompassing perspective of how some Chinese martial art styles—and most significantly taijiquan—developed and evolved along with deep rooted traditions of spirituality and the quest for health and longevity. Much in this volume deals with Daoist theories and practices, particularly its influences ranging from human energetics (qigong) and other physical exercises (daoyin), to practical combative arts.

This fictional work presents some of the daily occurrences of a career policeman, from rookie cop to the position of chief. His personal story illuminates aspects of law enforcement that will resonate in readers who value peace at home and on the streets. Warning: many of the stories are humorous.We begin in late summer, 1968. Braden Vicentin, a long-haired seventeen-year old from the east coast, heads to Arizona to start college and quickly realizes he has touched...

As a digital edition, this two-volume anthology offers not only a handy historical overview of taijiquan history, but most chapters focus on actual practice. Guidance is provided through Carol Derrickson’s discussions on taijiquan classic writings as well as from other highly experienced instructors in their own chapters.Dr. Linda Lehrhaupt’s chapter inspires one to practice by explaining how mental changes occur in a student during initial weeks of classes. Although most taiji clas...

“Pioneer” — as a noun is defined as “a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area.” As a verb, it means “develop or be the first to use or apply (a new method, area of knowledge, or activity).” This anthology gives the reader the experience of the explorers who went to foreign lands to discover and learn about a specific field of knowledge and skills:the Asian martial arts.The eight chapters included here share a common root in the pio...

As a digital edition, this two-volume anthology offers not only a handy historical overview of taijiquan history, but most chapters focus on actual practice. Guidance is provided through Carol Derrickson’s discussions on taijiquan classic writings as well as from other highly experienced instructors in their own chapters.Dr. Linda Lehrhaupt’s chapter inspires one to practice by explaining how mental changes occur in a student during initial weeks of classes. Although most taiji clas...

This anthology presents an assortment of seven articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts that deal with Japanese weaponry: archery, short staff, naganita polearm, and test cutting (tamashigiri) with the long sword. A few articles are highly academic and others are easier reading, based on interviews or actual practice. There is a common theme: the importance of these to Japanese martial traditions.

Since ancient times, some observant people have made the revered Book of Change (Yijing) their lifelong study. Change is the fundamental principle found in every aspect of our lives. Change is the Way of the universe. Confucian and Daoist texts are filled with anecdotal and philosophic discourse related to this theme. There is little wonder why we find the concept of change in the diverse Chinese martial traditions.This anthology presents articles from the

For what cause would a person decide to sacrifice their time, money, and perhaps their own life blood? Surely any vital decision would be made for good reasons. In the new book Wuxia America the story of a Chinese American doctor illustrates what it truly means to be a hero.Dr. Jason Lou represents a medical tradition transmitted over centuries through his family lineage. In 1857, his ancestor brought their medical arts to California from China to serve the growing...

This anthology isn’t a typical “How To” book for teaching martial arts to children. The eight chapters included tend not only to the physical aspects of the instruction of skills, but give special attention to the essential nature of children, their body and minds, and the effects their train have on socialization. In addition, some authors write specifically on the special needs of children with autism, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorders.As young children learn about t...

The themes in this book—drawn from Chinese history, culture, and martial arts experience—are entwined in a fictional narrative to animate events envisaged to have occurred during the mid-eighteenth century. From the outset, a thin veil separates fact from fiction. Our story starts with a discovery.While conducting research at the Vatican Library on the Jesuit missions in China, two scholars find a folder of papers written in Chinese among documents belonging to Giuseppe Castiglione...

T’ai Chi and qigong are popular because of their great reputations as exercises with numerous health-related benefits. Can these benefits simply be results of placebo effects? Chapters in this e-book not only provide an interesting historical backdrop in which taiji and qigong developed, but also provide scientific support for the efficacy and effects of both modalities. Breslow’s chapter focuses on Daoist practices associated with their quest for immortal...

China can easily boast of its great martial traditions, which many would say is the richest in the world. There are a variety of styles from the north to the south that encompass an extensive repertoire of open-hand and weapon techniques. The ten chapters in this anthology illustrated this wide spectrum.Mark Wiley’s interview with Hou Faxiang presents a fundamental healing modality famous in China — qigong, the nourishing and practical use of internal energy. Its theory and practic...