Synopses & Reviews
This unique work outlines the essential principles and techniques that define armed and unarmed self-defense involving common weapons. More than 1,400 outstanding photographs introduce over 350 practical techniques spanning seven basic classes of weapons—knife, short-stick, staff, cane, rope, common objects, and defense against handguns-the mastery of which provides practitioners with a range of skills that will allow them to wield almost anything as a weapon. Each weapons chapter provides an authoritative overview of important technical principles, tactics, weapon types, grips, stances, and fundamental strikes and blocks, followed by numerous self-defense applications. Introductory chapters cover weapons philosophy, energetic concepts, 106 pressure points, and a visual comparison of different martial arts, making this an invaluable resource for all martial styles.
Expertly written and designed by the author of the 1,136-page Hapkido—widely acclaimed the most comprehensive book ever written on a single martial art—this exceptional work is designed to stand alone, or function as a companion text with the author's other works on martial techniques and anatomy. Regardless of the style you practice, these books will enrich your training, improve your technique, and deepen your understanding of the unique qualities embodied in your own martial art.
Synopsis
This illuminating work outlines the essential principles and techniques that define armed and unarmed self-defense involving common weapons. More than 1200 outstanding photographs introduce over 300 practical techniques encompassing seven basic classes of weapons--knife, short stick, staff, cane, rope, common objects, and defense against handguns--mastery of which provides practitioners with a range of skills that would allow them to wield almost any handy object as a weapon. Each of these seven types of weapon is documented in a dedicated chapter providing an authoritative overview of important technical principles, fundamental characteristics of the weapon, common grips, stances, and basic strikes and blocks, followed by numerous offensive and defensive applications demonstrated in a variety of self-defense situations. Comprehensive introductory chapters provide an overview of weapons philosophy and East Asian energetic concepts; precise anatomical illustrations and descriptions of 106 common Oriental pressure points; and a visual comparison of different martial arts, making this an invaluable resource for all martial styles.