This classic interpretation of Miyamoto Musashi's famous Book of Five Rings is explicitly intended for the martial artist--as Miyamoto Musashi originally intended.

It explains the underlying truths necessary for a full understanding of Musashi's message for warriors. The result is an enthralling book on military strategy that combines the instincts of the warrior with the philosophies of Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism and Taoism. It is a crucial book for every martial artist to read and understand.

Like the original, this classic book of strategy is divided into five sections. The Book of Earth lays the groundwork for anyone wishing to understand Musashi's teachings; the Book of Water explains the warrior's approach to strategy; the Book of Fire teaches fundamental fighting techniques based on the Earth and Water principles; the Book of Wind describes differences between Musashi's own martial style and the styles of other fighting schools; while the Book of No-thing describes the way of nature as understood through an unthinking existing preconception.

Famed martial artist and bestselling author Stephen Kaufman has translated this classic without the usual academic or commercial bias, driving straight into the heart of Musashi's martial teachings and interpreting them for his fellow martial artists. The result is an enthralling combination of warrior wisdom and philosophical truths that Musashi offered to other warriors who wished to master the martial way of bushido.

A teacher is never a giver of truth--he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself. A good teacher is merely a catalyst.--Bruce Lee

Within the pages of Striking Thoughts, you will find the secrets of Bruce Lee's incredible success-- as an actor, martial artist, and inspiration to the world. Consisting of eight sections, Striking Thoughts covers 72 topics and 825 aphorisms--from spirituality to personal liberation and from family life to filmmaking--all of which Bruce lived by.

His ideas helped energize his life and career and made it possible for him to live a happy and assured life, overcoming challenging obstacles with seeming ease. They also inspired his family, friends, students, and colleagues to achieve success in their own lives and this personal collection will help you in your journey too.

Sections include:

• On First Principles--including life, existence, time, and death
• On Being Human--including the mind, happiness, fear, and dreams
• On Matters of Existence--health, love, marriage, raising children, ethics, racism, and adversity
• On Achievement--work, goals, faith, success, money, and fame
• On Art and Artists--art, filmmaking, and acting
• On Personal Liberation--conditioning, Zen Buddhism, meditation, and freedom
• On the Process of Becoming--self-actualization, self-help, self-expression, and growth
• On Ultimate (Final) Principles--Yin-yang, totality, Tao, and the truth

This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features:

• Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon
Bruce Lee: The Tao of Gung Fu
• Bruce Lee: Artist of Life
• Bruce Lee: Letters of the Dragon
• Bruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human Body
• Bruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

Compiled from Bruce Lee's notes and essays and originally published in 1975, this iconic volume is one of the seminal martial arts guides of its time. The science and philosophy behind the fighting system Lee pioneered himself--jeet kune do--is explained in detail, depicted through hundreds of Lee's own illustrations. With the collaboration of Lee's daughter, Shannon, and Bruce Lee Enterprises, this new edition is expanded, updated, and remastered, covering topics such as Zen and enlightenment, kicking, striking, grappling, and footwork. Featuring an introduction by Linda Lee, this is essential reading for any practitioner, offering a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the world's greatest martial artists.

This luxurious hardback presents The Book of Five Rings, a classic Japanese text by the undefeated swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, with gold embossing and gilded page edges.

Shortly before his death in 1645, Musashi retreated to a cave to live as a hermit. There he wrote five scrolls describing the true principles required for victory in the martial arts and on the battlefield. Instead of relying on religion or theory, Musashi based his writings on his own experience, observation, and reason.

The scrolls, published as The Book of Five Rings, have recently gained an international reputation in the business world as a means of resolving differences and achieving success. But their delineation of the psychological strength, rigorous self-control, and practical application necessary for dealing with physical and mental conflict also has a wider relevance and can be usefully applied to all our lives.

This compact luxury edition with gold-foil embossing is perfect as a gift.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound gifts editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are richly illustrated and printed using deluxe ivory paper.

New York Times Bestseller

These inspirational teachings show that the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. Drawn from the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the popular Japanese martial art known as Aikido, The Art of Peace, presented here in a pocket-sized edition, offers a nonviolent way to victory and a convincing counterpoint to such classics as Musashi's Book of Five Rings and Sun Tzu's Art of War.

A masterwork about the art of combat and the invisible powers within us all from Rickson Gracie, the world's greatest Jiu Jitsu fighter and New York Times bestselling author of Breathe

A mythic figure in fighting and a legendary member of the first family of martial arts, Rickson Gracie is considered the godfather of what we recognize today as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Although Rickson's three decades of total dominance in Jiu Jitsu is astounding, even more astounding is the serenity and spiritual depth of his approach to combat.

For Rickson, Jiu Jitsu is a metaphor for life. Some consider Jiu Jitsu a martial art, others consider it a sport, but to Gracie, it is a philosophical system he uses to face and evaluate life's challenges and maintain happiness and mental balance.

Gracie wrote Comfort in Darkness after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, a terminal sentence which he views as the final fight of his life, one he knows he will eventually lose. This is Gracie's defining life statement about his spiritual and technical practice.

For the first time, Gracie reveals his time-tested theories and techniques of invisible Jiu Jitsu, a combat system and life philosophy for life he developed over the course of his life. Anyone can use the principles of invisible Jiu Jitsu to awaken their dormant inherent power and apply it to their everyday lives. An indispensable tool for any fighter or seeker, Comfort in Darkness is a timeless book of strategy about aligning the mind, body, and spirit.

'When you attain the Way of strategy, there will not be one thing you cannot see.'
-Miyamoto Musashi

This deluxe silkbound slipcase edition presents The Book of Five Rings, a classic Japanese text written by undefeated swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. In it, he records his true principles which guarantee victory in martial arts and on the battlefield. Instead of relying on religion or theory, Musashi based his writings on his own experience, observation, and reason.

The scrolls, published as The Book of Five Rings, have recently gained an international reputation in the business world as a means of resolving differences and achieving success. But their delineation of the psychological strength, rigorous self-control, and practical application necessary for dealing with physical and mental conflict also has a wider relevance and can be usefully applied to all our lives.

Featuring beautiful full-color illustrations that complement the text, this luxurious hardback makes a perfect gift.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Silkbound Classics series brings together deluxe gift editions of literary classics, presented with luxurious silk binding, striking embossed cover designs and full-color illustrations.

**Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) Winner**

Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan is the most influential book ever written on the Japanese Way of the Warrior. A classic study of Japanese culture, the book outlines the moral code of the Samurai way of living and the virtues every Samurai warrior holds dear. It is widely read today in Japan and around the world.

There are seven core precepts of Bushido:

• Rectitude: The power of deciding upon a certain course of conduct in accordance with reason, without wavering.
• Courage: Doing what is right.
• Benevolence: Love, magnanimity, affection for others, sympathy and pity.
• Civility: Courtesy and urbanity of manners.
• Sincerity: The end and the beginning of all things.
• Honor: A vivid conscious of personal dignity and worth.
• Loyalty: Homage and fealty to a superior.

Together, these seven values create a system of beliefs unique to Japanese philosophy and culture that is widely followed today. Inazo Nitobe, one of Japan's foremost scholars, thoroughly explores each of these values and explains how they differ from their Western counterparts. Until you understand the philosophy behind the ethics, you will never fully grasp what it meant to be a Samurai--what it meant to have Bushido. In Bushido, Nitobe points out similarities between Western and Japanese history and culture. He argues that no matter how different any two cultures may appear to be on the surface, they are still created by human beings, and as such have deep similarities. Nitobe believed that connecting Bushido with greater teachings could make an important contribution to all humanity--that the way of the Samurai is not something peculiarly Japanese, but of value to the entire human race.

With an extensive new introduction and notes by Alex Bennett, a respected scholar of Japanese history, culture and martial arts with a firsthand knowledge of the Japanese warrior code, Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan is an essential guide to the essence of Japanese culture. Bennett's views on this subject are revolutionizing our understanding of Bushido, as expressed in his Japanese bestseller The Bushido the Japanese Don't Know About.

This comprehensive guide on starting Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect resource for anyone looking to explore the benefits of this empowering combat sport. The author, an enthusiastic practitioner with valuable insights from personal experience, shares habits and best practices that can enhance your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

This book is not focused on secret techniques, but instead emphasizes healthy practices that can increase enjoyment and minimize the risk of injury, allowing mature athletes to continue enjoying the sport well into their advancing years.

With detailed instructions and personal anecdotes, this guide provides a wealth of information on the many benefits of Jiu-Jitsu, as well as the tools you need to develop your practice and unlock your full potential. The only way to learn Jiu-Jitsu is to keep showing up, and this book backs you up with the knowledge to make that possible.

So what are you waiting for? Step onto the mat and start your journey to becoming a Jiu-Jitsu master!

The most complete reference book available on the Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Poomsae of WTF style Taekwondo. Grandmasters Kyu Hung Lee and Sang H. Kim have combined their extensive taekwondo knowledge to teach you not only the 25 official taekwondo poomsae, but also the meaning of the forms, the principles of Poomsae performance and the philosophy that underlies the techniques. Each Poomsae is thoroughly illustrated with clear and technically precise photos. The instructional text is supplemented with information about the meaning, movement line and symbol of each form as well as the correct execution of each new movement introduced in the form. In addition to the 25 official Poomsae, the authors explain Poomsae theory and principles to help you understand the underlying concepts of Poomsae practice. Topics covered include: characteristics of poomsae, 13 fundamental taekwondo techniques, stance, vital targets, bodily weapons, structural principles of poomsae, poomsae creating, movement principles, performance tips, mastery, terminology, origin of Taegeuk and Palgwae, meaning of the trigrams, and complete Korean and English poomsae terminology.

The culmination of 25 years of research, Alex Bennett's groundbreaking English translation of Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings reveals the true meaning of the original work. Plus, definitive translations of five more known works of Musashi!

This piece of writing by famed samurai Musashi (1584-1645) is the single-most influential work on samurai swordsmanship, offering insights into samurai history, the Zen Buddhist state of no-mind that enables warriors to triumph and the philosophical meaning of Bushido--the way of the warrior.

Until now, English translations of The Book of Five Rings have been based on inaccurate copies of Musashi's long-lost original manuscript. Bennett's translation is the first to be based on a careful reconstruction of the original text by Japan's foremost Musashi scholar. By identifying discrepancies among the existing copies, adding missing texts and correcting over 150 incorrect characters, this source is the closest representation of Musashi's original work possible. Utilizing this new source, Bennett captures the subtle nuance of the classic Japanese text, resulting in the most accurate English translation of The Book of Five Rings available

Enjoy complete, richly annotated translations of Musashi's most-known works:

• The Book of Five Rings
• Mirror on the Way of Combat
• Notes on Combat Strategy
• Combat Strategy in 35 Articles
• The Five-Direction Sword Pathways
• The Path Walked Alone

The texts are richly annotated by Bennett, who includes an extensive introduction on Musashi's life and legacy. This paperback edition also includes a new introduction by Kendo Kyoshi 7th Dan Graham Sayer, who talks about the influence Musashi's writings have had on him as a person and martial artist.

The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works will be widely read by those interested in Japanese culture, Samurai history and martial arts--setting a new standard against which all other translations will be measured.

Discusses vital point strikes for self-defense and combat sports. This book offers information about the type of techniques that work for vital point striking including a discussion of fighting zones and ranges, plexus strikes, stance and footwork, bodily weapons, and striking directions and angles.

In A Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi takes the reader into a world filled to the brim with devotion, self-respect, discipline, honesty and purity of thought. Written originally for warriors and samurai in a completely different time and culture, Musashi's book provides a remarkable source of inspiration for self-development today. His teachings are concise and to the point.

He uses phrases like you must understand this and you must practice diligently and explains only general, but unquestionable and fundamental, concepts of the Way of the Warrior. While some of his guidelines are are not directly applicable in our time and age, those about striving to achieve improvement on the inside as well as the outside couldn't be more on target. Taken literally this book is about how to become an efficient, albeit enlightened, killer. It's value comes from reading between the lines--lines which speak volumes.

The comprehensive and accurate edition of the Hagakure is a must-have for serious martial artists or fans of samurai and the bushido code.

The Hagakure is one of the most influential of all Japanese texts--written nearly 300 years ago by Yamamoto Tsunetomo to summarize the very essence of the Japanese Samurai bushido (warrior) spirit. Its influence has been felt throughout the world, and yet its existence is scarcely known to many Westerners. This is the first translation to include the complete first two books of the Hagakure and the most reliable and authentic passages contained within the third book; all other English translations published previously have been fragmentary and incomplete.

Alex Bennett's wholly new and highly readable translation of this essential work includes extensive footnotes that serve to fill in many cultural and historical gaps in the previous translations. This unique combination of readability and scholarship gives Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai a distinct advantage over all previous English editions.

In Mastering Eskrima Disarms you will learn the disarming techniques of over 30 different styles of Eskrima, Kali, Arnis and Kabaroan, including 22 Supporting Structures and 9 Essential Principles of Effective Disarms, the 3 Ranges and 4 Modes of Engagement, 2 Positional Gates, 3 Joint Control Concepts, 5 Footwork Methods, and 5 Grip Release Concepts most essential to mastering Eskrima disarms. This masterful text contains 935 photographs illustrating 135 techniques from 33 styles of Filipino martial arts as demonstrated by dozens of its greatest legends. Some of the styles featured include: Arnis Lanada, Arnis Tendencia, Babao Arnis, Bakbakan Kali, Balintawak Escrima, Bi as Dynamic Arnis, Black Eagle Arnis Eskrima, D'Katipunan Arnis, DeCuerdas-Diestro Eskrima, Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Arnis, Del Mar Kali-Escrima, Derobio Escrima, Doce Pares Multi Style Eskrima, Eskabo Daan, Estalilla Kabaroan Eskrima, Garimot Arnis, Inayan Eskrima, Inosanto Kali, Integrated Eskrima, Kalis Ilustrisimo, Lameco Eskrima, Lapu-Lapu Arnis, Latosa Escrima, Lightning Scientific Arnis, Modern Arnis, Moro-Moro Orabes Heneral, Pambuan Arnis, Rapid Arnis, San Miguel Eskrima, Sayas-Lastra Arnis, Sayoc Kali, Serrada Escrima, Siete Palo Arnis, Vee Arnis Jitsu, and more...

Treasured for centuries by karate's top masters, the Bubishi is a classic Chinese work on philosophy, strategy, medicine, and technique as they relate to the martial arts.

Referred to as the bible of karate by famous master Chojun Miyagi, for hundreds of years the Bubishi was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. All of karate's legendary masters have studied it, applied its teachings, or copied passages from it. No other classic work has had as dramatic an impact on the shaping and development of karate as the Bubishi.

Karate historian and authority Patrick McCarthy spent over ten years researching and studying the Bubishi and the arts associated with it. This is the first English translation of this remarkable martial arts manual. A goldmine for researchers and practitioners alike, its pages are filled with notes, explanations and groundbreaking research from McCarthy on Okinawan and Chinese history and the fighting and healing traditions that developed in those countries.

For the final word on the true origins and spirit of classic Okinawan martial arts, one need look no further. This karate book is one of the best karate training supplements available. This new paperback edition includes additional commentary from the translator, as well as a new foreword.

Compiled from Bruce Lee's notes and essays and originally published in 1975, this iconic volume is one of the seminal martial arts guides of its time. The science and philosophy behind the fighting system Lee pioneered himself--jeet kune do--is explained in detail, depicted through hundreds of Lee's own illustrations. With the collaboration of Lee's daughter, Shannon, and Bruce Lee Enterprises, this new edition is expanded, updated, and remastered, covering topics such as Zen and enlightenment, kicking, striking, grappling, and footwork. Featuring an introduction by Linda Lee, this is essential reading for any practitioner, offering a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the world's greatest martial artists.

Saulo Ribeiro--six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion--is world-renowned for his functional jiu-jitsu knowledge and flawless technique. In Jiu-Jitsu University, Ribeiro shares with the public for the first time his revolutionary system of grappling, mapping out more than 200 techniques that carry you from white to black belt. Illuminating common Jiu-Jitsu errors and then illustrating practical remedies, this book is a must for all who train in Jiu-Jitsu. Not your run-of-the-mill technique book, Jiu-Jitsu University is a detailed training manual that will ultimately change the way Jiu-Jitsu is taught around the globe.

The ultimate Judo manual for all trainees--from novice to advanced!

Master instructor Neil Ohlenkamp has updated and expanded his best-selling Judo training manual for students at every level--from novice to advanced. Judo Unleashed! presents all the information needed by Judo trainees in a single comprehensive handbook!

This authoritative guide covers all the techniques of Judo officially recognized by the Kodokan Judo Institute, the birthplace and international headquarters of Judo, as well as other information needed to improve and expand your knowledge of this exciting sport:

• The history of Judo and how it aims to promote character development
• What you need to know about your Sensei (instructor) and Dojo (training school)
• How to prepare for your first class, equipment to buy and dojo training etiquette
• Basic terminology and the importance of understanding Judo's underlying philosophy
• Principles of throwing (nage waza), grappling (katame waza) and striking (atemi waza)
• The most important tournament rules, including scoring and penalties in competition
• And much, much more!

From philosophical basics to advanced competitive techniques, this book is the true bible of the sport and the only manual you'll need as you advance through every level of your Judo training!

This book could save your life: Protect yourself from violence and learn survival skills for dangerous situations with this essential guide from a former military intelligence officer.
In a civilized society, violence is rarely the answer. But when it is, it's the only answer. The sound of breaking glass downstairs in the middle of the night. The words, Move and you die. The hands on your child, or the knife to your throat.

In this essential book, self-protection expert and former military intelligence officer Tim Larkin changes the way we think about violence in order to save our lives. By deconstructing our assumptions about violence -- its morality, its function in modern society, how it actually works -- Larkin unlocks the shackles of our own taboos and arms us with what we need to know to prevent, prepare for, and survive the unthinkable event of life-or-death violence.

Through a series of harrowing true-life stories, Larkin demonstrates that violence is a tool equally effective in the hands of the bad guy or the good guy; that the person who acts first, fastest and with the full force of their body is the one who survives; and that each and every one of us is capable of being that person when our lives are at stake.

An indispensable resource, When Violence is the Answer will remain with you long after you've finished reading, as the bedrock of your self-protection skills and knowledge.