Sports and Recreation

A martial arts biography of the legednary founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, and the colorful coterie of disciples who wanted to carry on his legacy   Kodokan judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestl

The life of Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), Japan's greatest samurai swordsman, is chronicled in this first authoritative, "lively and balanced" ("Library Journal"), English-language biography of the impressive warrior. Included is original artwork by Musashi plus Glossary, map, and Appendices.

This collection of parables written by an eighteenth-century samurai is a classic of martial arts literature. The tales are concerned with themes such as perception of conflict, self-transformation, the cultivation of chi (life energy), and understanding yin and yang. Some of the parables seem light and fanciful, but they offer the reader valuable lessons on the fundamental principles of the marti

A cancer survivor, an Ironman Triathlete and widely decorated marathon runner, Ruth Heidrich has long been a role model to athletes of all ages. But over the years even Ruth herself has encountered the various, commonly held misbeliefs about running, from "women shouldn't run" to "you need to change your diet to run," that prevent people from lacing up their shoes and getting off the couch. In thi

Unlike most t'ai chi books, which focus strictly on how to do the t'ai chi forms, T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdom presents a personal, practical view of this intriguing martial art. Lehrhaupt shares illuminating stories from her own life and the lives of her students that show how t'ai chi can be a vehicle for profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. In learning to master each body posture, t'

While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu—an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected karate teacher—shows how cultivating ki (life force) and understanding the principles of budo (the martial path of self-development) can make

An amazing display of graphic design and artistic imagery appears on skateboards made over the last forty years. Early “Plain Janes” gave way to many diverse colorful designs, some closely in step with developing rock music. Boards that rock include images of favorite musicians and bands, like Black Flag, Agent Orange, Sublime, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as memorabilia from the Dog Town mo

Meet the outstanding, courageous men and women of skateboarding from the birth of the sport to the present. Starting in California in the 1960s and evolving to the first national Street Competition in Philadelphia in 2001, this sport has grown, gone into exile, and come out at skateparks across the country. The daring people who live the fun and push the bounds of speed, vertical takeoffs, and stu

Experience the thrill and adventure of riding the surf through this wonderful compilation of graphics and collectibles from around the globe, including California, Hawaii, Australia, Britain, and Europe. Surf legend Rod Sumpter shares his memories of the unique culture that evolved in the mid-twentieth century -- one characterized by surf, sport, beach beat, and Friday night surf stomps echoing th

Experienced bow builders and practical archaeologists describe the history, evolution, and construction of European style longbows in the revised second edition of this engaging book. For the beginner, clear, uncomplicated instructions are offered, including updated descriptions of construction techniques, tools, materials, and shooting styles. For more advanced bowyers there are tips on choosing

This modern textbook provides an extensive depiction of more than 75 dagger fencing techniques according to 15th-century dagger Master Hans Talhoffer's manuscripts, among other fencing luminaries, from past and present. In the Middle Ages, dagger fighting was part of every fencer’s standard repertoire—just as combat training was for swordsmen. The authors have spent years thoroughly researching th

Remove the mystery around handguns with this simple beginner's guide. When one is not knowledgeable, the idea of shooting, or being around, a handgun can be frightening. Written for the novice shooter, this guide focuses on the fundamentals needed to own and operate a handgun. Using clear and concise language and illustrations, the authors break down step by step how to handle and shoot a handgun.

The late, great Zen master reflects on the benefits of walking meditation in one of the few guidebooks focused solely on mindful walking Written in Thich Nhat Hanh´s clear and accessible style, Long Road Turns to Joy reminds us that we “walk not in order to arrive, but walk just for walking.” Touching the earth with our feet is an opportunity to live in the here and now. Thich Nhat Hanh encourag

Inspirational teachings on fearlessness, compassion, and nature by the founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido—now part of the Shambhala Pocket Library The real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. So taught the great Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Aikido is a mind-body discipline Ueshib

Here is a fully illustrated introduction to the ancient Chinese discipline of Chi Kung, presenting its general theory and the transformative exercises that can radically improve one's health and well-being by amplifying one's sensitivity to both the natural world and one's own personal potential.

In this erudite yet practical book Professor Cheng shares the secrets of his lineage and takes us to the heart of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, presenting it as a martial artm a medicine, and a means of exercise and self-development. With examples from anatomy and physics, he demonstrates precisely how the postures and moves work, internally as energetic principles, and externally on opponents. Professor Cheng

Kahlil Gibran´s masterpiece, The Prophet, is one of the most beloved classics of our time—a collection of poetic essays that are philosophical, spiritual, and, above all, inspirational. Published in 1923, it has been translated into more than twenty languages. The Prophet contains powerful words of wisdom on such essential subjects as marriage, children, friendship, work, and pl

The New Outsiders celebrates outdoor creativity. Fresh ideas, adventurers and sustainable entrepreneurs inspire a new outdoor generation to live a life less ordinary under the open sky.

Pi gu is an ancient Taoist method of fasting for spiritual and healing purposes. Unlike traditional fasting, you do not need to stop eating when practicing pi gu. Used by ancient Taoist masters during their months or years of solitary retreat in pursuit of enlightenment, the practice centres on a simple diet of fruits, teas, nuts and eggs paired with special chewing techniques and chi kung exercis

Explore the world one step at a time. Wanderlust presents legendary walking routes with inviting maps, practical tips, and inspiring landscape photographs.