Combat sports and self-defence Books

So much has been written about Bruce Lee-the martial arts superstar whose combination of strength, agility and charisma are legendary. But seldom are we able to peel back the veneer of Lee's public image to view his true character...

This useful and informative book offers a detailed overview of Jeet Kune Do practice while explaining the specific moves readers will need to perfect their techniques. As a foundation, the book recalls the origination of Jeet Kune Do - the philosophy,...

Are you ready to learn aikido, but don't know where to begin? With Aikido Basics you'll become an expert in this Japanese martial art in no time! Whether you are considering taking up aikido for the first time, or you've already started, this aikido book...

In the months leading up to his death, Bruce Lee was working on this definitive study of the Chinese martial arts collectively known as Kung Fu or Gung Fu. This book has now been edited and is published here for the first time in its entirety. Bruce Lee...

T'ai-chi (Tai Chi) is an effortless and rhythmical art that stresses slow breathing, balanced and relaxed postures, and absolute calmness of mind. It requires no special equipment or place to practice and takes no more than ten minutes a day...

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide. One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China it is also used extensively for the prevention...

The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do presents the teachings of legendary martial arts master Shoshin Nagamine, founder of the Matsubayashi school of Shorin-ryu karate-do. Used for generations as a practical and pictorial guide, it contains over 1,000...

In his acclaimed national best seller, A Fighter's Heart, Sam Sheridan took readers with him as he stepped through the ropes into the dangerous world of professional fighting. From a muay Thai bout in Bangkok to Rio, where he trained with jiu-jitsu...

One of the best known translators of the wisdom of Asia, Thomas Cleary now adds a new book to his samurai canon with Samurai Wisdom, new translations of five classic works on "bushido." His previous works, Code of the Samurai and  Soul of the...

The U.S. Army Intelligence and Interrogation Handbook provides doctrinal guidance, techniques, and procedures governing the use of interrogators as human intelligence collection agents in support of a commander's intelligence needs. It outlines the...

Best Books Award Finalist - USA Book NewsGold Winner - Living Now Book AwardsWinner - Eric Hoffer AwardWinner - eLit Award Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a slow and relaxed moving meditation. It is also a sophisticated martial arts system. Through...

In The Ninja Defense, the classic art of the ninja is updated for maximum effectiveness in modern day situations. Stephen K. Hayes has distilled and refined the knowledge he has built studying and teaching ninjutsu for decades into a comprehensive...

The Art of Expressing the Human Body, a title coined by Bruce Lee himself to describe his approach to martial arts, documents the techniques he used so effectively to perfect his body for superior health and muscularity.Beyond his...

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu says: "If you know the enemy and you know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." Welcome to the secret world of the ninja master! The Illustrated Ninja Handbook is your ultimate...

Master the art of Kendo--Japanese Swordsmanship with this illustrated and comprehensive martial arts guide. Kendo or the "Way of the Sword" holds a special place within the martial arts as one of the few practices tracing back directly to Japan's ancient...

Film, television and popular fiction have long exploited the image of the serene Buddhist monk who is master of the deadly craft of hand-to-hand combat. While these media overly romanticize the relationship between a philosophy of non-violence and the...

Ninja Attack! introduces dozens of unforgettable real-life ninja straight out of the annals of Japanese history-many of whom are all but unknown outside their home country. Ninja masters. Solo assassins and operatives. Femme fatales as deadly as they...

Sun Tzu's The Art of War has been the premier manual of Chinese military strategy for the past two millennia and, as thousands of Asian businessmen can attest, this classic work is as applicable to the corporate world as it is to the battlefield...

Aikido neutralises aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonising their vital physical and mental powers, anyone - regardless of size, strength or weight - can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art...

The first compilation of Bruce Lee photographs published in association with the Bruce Lee estate. This book reveals the full range of Lee's talents. It includes rare photos spanning from his early stage career in Hong Kong to his...

In Soul of the Samurai respected author and translator Thomas Cleary reveals the true essence of Bushido or Zen warrior teachings according to 17th-century Japanese sword master Yagyu Munenori and his Zen teacher Takuan Soho...

Often used to explain Japanese business competition, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is more properly a definitive treatise on mortal combat from one of Japan's most formidable warriors - the martial arts luminary Miyamoto Musashi. Famed martial artist...