You want to find out about one of the rarest, most underrated forms of martial arts fighting? I learned all about this great fighting style called Ba Gua Zhang. It really blew me away because this style of fighting is not like most fighting styles, especially all that stuff you might see on television or in the movies.
What makes Ba Gua Zhang so different is the fact this style is based on the open fist philosophy rather than the closed fist. You see, the object is to strike down your opponent with skill rather than simple brute force. It takes a bit longer to get really good at this kind of fighting but it has some really good things going for it.
When I was younger, I used to get into fights all the time. This was before I learned how to fight for real and also before I matured quite a bit and learned that fighting is not always necessary. I used to fight with my fists instead of my head and that got me not only into a lot of trouble but also a lot of broken bones. Especially my fist. Any decent fighter worth his salt has broken a hand or two. It is not much fun, it hurts a lot and it puts you out of commission for a while, too. What happens if you have to defend yourself the next day and you've got a broken hand? You are in trouble that's what.
So Ba Gua Zhang taught me there is another way. Fighting doesn't have to be all straight ahead attacking. You can subdue a threat with skill instead of trying to just maul the guy. The basic concept of this style is to constantly move and change your approach to any given situation. No matter what your opponent throws at you, be ready to keep adapting.
One of the main things you do when you first start practicing this style is the circle walk. It is really very simple. You just walk around in a circle. Seems silly maybe, but you stay in motion and, believe you me, a moving target is harder to hit than a non-moving one! So your opponent has to come to you and moving around gets him out of his comfort zone. It also prepares you to defend yourself. It is much tougher to move fast if you are just standing there still. If you are already moving, it is easy to keep moving, get it?
Another thing that is important to know is the idea behind palm changes or different postures your upper body is exacting. I mean, heck, your lower body is doing something, why not give your upper body something to do as well, right? These moves get you ready to fight. It is like priming the pump or winding the spring of a catapult - preparing for battle, if you will. That is how real fighting is, quick and spontaneous.
Drawing on the vast body of styles practiced around the world, including ancient and obscure styles from every continent on the planet, The Way of the Warrior is an indispensable, one-stop reference work for anyone interested in the martial-arts canon. Now in paperback!
Reviews
Martial Arts by Mark Page from on 2010-08-04 This book kind of sucks. A lot of it is professional reworded Wikipedia articles. Especially the less known martial arts. The photos aren't even taken for the book. A lot of them were bought for used or asked for permission to use for the book.
great gift at a great price! =] by M. Wyllis from Adrian, Michigan USA on 2010-02-03 The book was in perfect condition, I bought it for a gift and they absolutely loved it. I highly recommend buying from this seller =]
Beautiful Pix; Historically Inaccurate by David Orman from Orlando, FL USA on 2009-10-09 The photos that are included in this book may well worth the purchase. They are stunning and dramatic. Beautiful.If you simply are looking at the book from this visual perspective, it is worth the purchase. However, there are so many inaccuracies noted that it would take another book to point them out or correct them. This is very disappointing since it really detracts from what could be a landmark book. It seems as it the author had the magnificent photos and simply did a quick cut & phase of historical information, disregarding the source and the seemingly countless inaccuracies. The author would have better served the public if he had a group of people who knew how to do research fill in the details of each art, checking for historical accuracy.I wish these were corrected because it has the potential for a 5 star book.
Amazing book! by Andrew P. Welch from Jacksonville, FL on 2009-09-27 I was stunned at how comprehensive this book is. Virtually every martial art in the world is profiled here. Great photography and thorough research make it a great read. Sure, some of the systems listed here are a bit suspect(especially in the North America section), but the vast majority of the material is very good! Just buy it, you won't be disappointed!
The way of the Warrior by Jaroslav Kolcun from Czech Republic on 2009-08-22 The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Styles from Around the World
Well, the photos are amazing....even some of the information inside are amazing....but then i found a more and more information incorrect or missing. For example there is missing founder of Russian martial art Systema (p278).....if you take a 5 minutes research, you get the name - Mr. A.A.Kadochnikov. And there is more similar "defects". You know, i would expect from such book that information will be at least on the same level as photos are and as i wrote in a beginning - photos are amazing.....Real shame that significantly decrease value of the book. If i would know this before i would think twice whether buy the book or not...
PS3 Fighting Stick 3 List Price:$49.99 Sale Price: $47.12 You save: $2.87 (6%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:
Description
Arcade style controller for PlayStation 3. Turbo function on all buttons and D-Pad. Turbo can be set up to 3 levels (Fast, Normal, Slow). Recommended for Fighting, Action, Shooting, and Classic games that are available through download.
Features
Arcade style controller for PlayStation 3
Recommended for Fighting, Action, Shooting, and Classic games that are available through download.
Turbo function on all buttons (3 settings - Fast / Normal / Slow)
Turbo: Fast Mode - 20 times/sec, Normal Mode - 12 times/sec, Slow Mode - 5 times/sec
Reviews
GREATEST Fightstick for the price. by anthny from on 2010-08-23 This fightstick is SPECTACULAR, I would recommend it to ANY fighting game beginner. The price is unbeatable, quality surprisingly magnificent!
A good WIRED controller by H. Singh from New York, NY on 2010-06-30 I wish that I knew that this was a wired controller when I ordered, but I didn't. It's a good, solid stick (I bought 2). Initial use is pretty good, the layout's right for super sf4.
budget awesome stick by Harry-san from on 2010-06-07 i've been doing alot of research on a budget arcade stick that fits my price range. i would love to have one of those tournament sticks, but i'm a casual gamer so i'm not about to spend a benjamin on one of those. when i saw this stick, i knew it had to be the one. cheap, Hori brand, long cable length. bingo!the stick feels just like the ones in those japanese arcades, except they aren't sanwa parts. the buttons feels smooth. the joystick clicks, i prefer this, but some ppl might not like it. the base is heavy enough to hold on ur lap. it has 4 rubber legs and they stick to my table well. the usb cord is very long as advertised, i think 3m.here's the reason why i gave it 4 stars. IT'S NOT 8-WAY PLATE! after decades of manufacturing arcade sticks, every manufacturer should use the 8-way plates, not 4-way. that plate is so cheap if u google it. why can't the manufacturers just use this plate instead of making us mod it ourselves? there's also an user-made tutorial on how to mod it on a video site.so in the end, if ur looking for a budget, moddable arcade stick, definitely try out this one.btw, this connects fine to windows 7 ultimate 64 bit. playing oldschool coinop games on mame works well. i even mapped ventrilo's talk button to the stick. no button lag whatsoever.
Great fight stick at a great price for the PS3 by Game-OTaku from U.S.A. on 2010-05-19 The HORI brand...
HORI is well known for having the best sticks around. BAR NONE!!I'd have to say the HORI PS3 fighting stick is the best available at around $50.
Straight out of the box, all you need to do is connect it to your PS3 and you're good to go.For this price, you get an arcade style stick with 8 button layout.
Positioning of the buttons are great and I have no issues when I'm all into it fighting others online.This also comes with turbo function which comes in very handy; especially for me who hates to continually have to tap any of the buttons.I definitely recommend this stick to anyone with a tight budget.
You get your money's worth and you can't go wrong.Don't be fooled by cheap imitations that are in the market nowadays.
That includes Madcatz...cough, cough.
Madcatz has their "fancy" Street Fighter design but that's about it.
HORI is the "ORIGINAL" when it comes to fighting sticks.Looking for a good fighting stick?
Then, you've come to the right product.
Like I've said before, it's the best stick available for its price tag.
A HORI stick at $50-ish is a no-brainer!
entry level by 2501 from FL on 2010-05-14 good if you don't want to buy a te or se. but, a pain to mod compared to the aforementioned.
NEW Stainless Steel Bent Curved Straws are dishwasher safe, heavy-duty, fashionable, clean, predictable, stunning, reliable, HOT/COLD use, indoor/outdoor perfect. World's Best quality! Will last forever! These are normal width and lighter-weight for all your dishware. Brushed stainless finish, very sleek. Smooth no Groove...germ fighting straws. Handmade in the U.S.A. and are a fabulous length @ XX-LONG 11"L x 1/4"R!
Features
Fabulous Stainless Steel Straws for safe drinking unlike plastic.
Outstanding Naturally Sleek Bent Curved Style!
Will last a lifetime plus...GO GREEN!
Beautiful gift items, home use and so much more...
BRAND NEW! Handmade in the U.S.A. World's Best!
Reviews
Great idea! by B. Hartman from Palm Beach Area, Florida on 2010-05-02 I love these straws! I would have given them a higher rating if the bend in them wasn't quite so much. It's almost a 90 degree angle. Otherwise, I love the 11" length...perfect for our tall patio tea glasses. And since I use straws every day...I will no longer be buying any plastic straws. Yay!
Capoeira! Brazilian Style Fighting Sale Price: $24.95 Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:
Description
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art created in the 1500's by African slaves. The slaves were not allowed to practice any fighting techniques that they had learned in Africa. To overcome this restriction, the slaves practiced the fighting moves and techniques disguising them as dances. The techniques presented here are very unique and deceptive. Developed by the leaders of the New York Branch, the moves bring together their comprehensive knowledge of traditional Capoeira techniques and other martial arts. The New York City Branch incorporates boxing, the African martial art of Batuque and Brazilian jiu jitsu in its Capoeira. This video features beginning movements and many advanced moves including techniques and fighting applications! A must for anyone interested in the art of Capoeira!
Reviews
Informative! by Karate Ghost from TN., USA on 2007-02-08 I highly recommend this dvd. I found it quite informative. I have really learned alot.
Watch a class instead by BubbaCapoeira from on 2005-10-15 First of all, the tangible items are low quality; the DVD was not professionally made, but burned and labeled, probably at someone's house. The case insert is grainy and printed on regular paper. Next, the camerawork and audio on the DVD are poor: zoomed in too close to see the full movement in a lot of cases, no transition, and no explanations. The content on the other hand is acceptable. The DVD basically shows a Capoeira class (stretching, warm-up with basic moves, and a roda), which was long enough for you to see some good play. Then it finishes with an "advanced" moves section that started with boxing (?!) and has no dialogue until the end. If you don't have Capoeira in your area and you don't mind overpriced burned media, go for it. But, if you happen to live in a city where Capoeira is taught, ask your local instructor to sit in on a class. Most likely, you'll be invited to join the first class for free. Either way you'll get a better introduction to Capoeira. Axe.
this is going to be good by quis wilson from de,wilminton,u.s.a on 2005-03-03 im a capoeira begginer and i just want to say i think this is a good i never saw it but it say it can teach you good moves but i want to know if its angola or regoinal becuse i need to know if any one do e-mail me at www.lilboy561@yahoo.com becuse im 12 and i need to know how to do this if you e-mail some capoeira sites
Absolutely Horrid by Gabe Logan from Northeast Indiana on 2004-08-08 This is NOT a good DVD for beginners..or anyone else. Like others have said,it's just a taped Capoeira class,with no explanation of how to do any of the techniques. I would be willing to buy a DVD of justa Capoeira demonstration if it was advertised that way,and if the camerawork was professional. Some of the Capoeristas on the program are very good,but it's not worth the money. I got this and the advanced Capoeria dvd for FREE with another order I placed, and I STILL feel ripped off! Avoid at all cost..unless that cost is free.
Phat DVD by from on 2004-02-11 Best Capoeira DVD I've ever seen. Good music, unique techniques, phat roda.
Unlike most makers of modern or futuristic films, George Lucas turned away from the standard special operatives or secret agents when he created the heroes for his epic Star Wars saga, employing instead time-honored traditions surrounding the sword. Part knight, part monk, the Jedi Knights were an order of swordsmen that helped rule the universe in accordance with law and lofty principles of justice and honor. Without the Jedi, there could be no Star Wars, and without the lightsaber sword, there could be no Jedi. This examination of the Jedi Knights, their adversaries the Sith and their lightsaber swordplay throughout all six episodes of the franchise evaluates the ways in which Lucas blended the speculative world of science fiction with the most ancient and epic tales of traditional samurai and Western swordsmen. It presents swordsmanship as a way of better understanding the Jedi Knights, focusing on the human movement and activity surrounding the weapon and the ways in which traditional Japanese martial arts were adapted for use in the films. Topics of discussion include the powerful effects of the master-apprentice relationship; the technical choreography used in the lightsaber scenes of the Star Wars films; and the historical precedents for the Jedi order, including the Sohei fighting monks of Japan, the Janissaries and Mamelukes of Islam, and the knights of the Templar, Hospitaller and Teutonic orders.
Reviews
For the SERIOUS martial arts student AND of course Star Wars fan by W Johnston from Franklin, TN United States on 2008-11-13 This book is very interesting in that it takes a look at the Star Wars universe through the eyes of a Martial Arts expert. Its if Nick Gillard, the stunt coordinator of the Star Wars movies was giving us his insight into the fighting styles and the historical references of the Jedi and the Sith.If you find this kind of analysis interesting, then you'll love this book, otherwise it gets quite tedious.
academic, authoritative, fascinating by The 3rd Dead Jedi from the Left from Australia on 2008-09-08 Jamilla has given George Lucas' fictional world a meaning and substance it has lacked for some time now ... Nick Jamilla is an accomplished martial artist, teacher and writer, and it shows.While many superficial and market-driven SW fans may be discomforted by a direct analysis of the SW universe unfettered by LucasFilm's marketing thought-police, those with an adult interest (who perhaps enjoyed the films in the 70's and 80's) will be engrossed and engaged. This is a serious historical and philosophical work and you will put it down as a different person!The book is unashamedly the work of a loving fan, but one who combines that passion with a razor-sharp martial-arts-informed microscope.Jamilla gives us both an intrinsic "in universe" rationale for the Jedi and their mysterious "laser" sword arts ... AND a brutally honest extrinsic "real world" picture of how and why we saw what we saw ...This book is a MUST BUY for anyone who has an interest in martial arts, swords & sword "culture", fight choreography and Star Wars ...It can be, at times, a heavy academic read - but that is it's value. This one is not a fairy-floss coffee-table over-produced glossy fan-mag, it is a serious and loving tribute - for the THINKING fan.I commend it to those with the wit to see its value! :)
Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife - Choose Style List Price:$69.99 Sale Price: $49.99 You save: $20.00 (29%) Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Average Rating:
Description
The Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife is a lengendary blade that was first designed to serve US troops during World War II. Now, more than 50 years later it still offers the same high-quality design you can depend on. It boasts a 1095 carbon steel blade that is epoxy powder coated and a stacked leather handle. Includes a leather USMC sheath. Made in the USA.
Features
1095 carbon steel blade, epoxy powder coated
Stacked leather handle
Blade Length: 7 in
Overall Length: 11 7/8 in
Weight: 0.68 lbs (blade only)
Reviews
USMC Fighting Knife, Brown leather sheath, 7 in., Plain by Gianpierre Salazar from Boca Raton, FL USA on 2009-05-21 It's a nice great 7 in. knife that was a great gift for someone that I love and a big collector. Best gift she's received in years. Light, stealthy, portable, excellent condition. It is really a beatiful knife to haddle and great for recreational outdoor use. Would recommend it to own.
Great authentic USMC Ka-bar knife! by Digital Man from USA on 2006-06-28 This is a quality knife seller with fair prices. I have wanted a legendary ka-bar knife for a long time and this was the lowest price I ever found. I am really happy with my purchase. Everything looks great. The smell of this knife is excellent as well. This knife has the smell of a freshly cleaned firearm. If you are in the military you will love this knife! I can remeber the dull bayonet the Army issued me when I was deployed. I sure wish I had this knife instead of that old bayonet. Whether you are a knife collector or you just need a quality made knife this is the place to buy it. Did I mention that this Ka-bar knife is really sharp! Great looking knife and this is a quality knife store.
Unisex silver-tone high quality barrel style watch. The watch casing measures approx. 1" x 1 1/2". The watch band fits most wrists from approx. 6 1/2" to 8". Stainless steel back. The watch band is made of genuine leather. Miyota watch movement made by Citizen. The battery for the watch is included.
Features
Unisex silver-tone high quality barrel style watch
Watch casing measures approx. 1" x 1 1/2"
Watch band fits most wrists from approx. 6 1/2" to 8"
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a true football sports fan, look no further.Officially-licensed NCAA football helmet shaped mailboxesConstructed of high density polypropyleneDurable as a real football helmet!PLEASE NOTE Sports Fan Pole with newspaper slot sold separatelyA personalized name plate is available, click to order.Product is shown with decals, some assembly is required.
Show your school spirit!Store and carry your data, pictures, music and video clips with this 1 GB USB University of Illinois Fighting Illini Credit Style Card Flash Drive!The USB-ILL features 1 GB of storage capacity with a University of Illinois Fighting Illini logo and is designed especially for students, faculty or alumni members. The USB-ILL comes in a stylish credit card format for portability and a USB 1.1 interface for plug and play connectivity!Always have data storage handy wherever you go with this 1 GB USB University of Illinois Fighting Illini Credit Card Style Flash Drive! Order today!
Features
Blue and orange color
1 GB capacity
USB 1.1 interface
University of Illinois Fighting Illini logo
Stylish credit card format
Fighting Style Killer Panda Sale Price: $8.98 Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:
Description
Mommy and Daddy use sexy, hard-hitting drum machine beats, dirty fuzzed-out bass lines, and smoldering boy/girl vocals to create intense but fun, pop-punk. Their formula is simple: when she sings and pushes buttons, he plays bass guitar; when he sings and hits the machine, she is on bass. Their sound is the bastard child of the Misfits meets the B-52’s.
Reviews
A breath of fresh air from New York by Michka from Seattle, WA USA on 2005-05-03 I first saw this band when they opened for Bloc Party. I was immediately taken by their incredible onstage energy. The way that mommy and daddy relate on stage is amazing. If you can, DEFINITELY see them live.So, i picked up the CD. Every single track is absolutely remarkable, and oh so catchy. Standout songs are probably "confection" and "the now". Mommy has such great tone on her vocals. However, each song is lovable in its own way. My friend and I twist to "run it off" all the time in the car. I promise that you'll be dancing too.The only shortcoming of the album is that it barely cuts 18 minutes. Never fear, mommy and daddy are coming out with a a new full length album in August 2005 called "Dual at Dawn"! I know i'll be first in line to get it.
Great by alexander laurence from Los Angeles, CA on 2005-04-19 I saw this band play in Williamsburg when they first started taking off in 2003. They had the potential energy of a band like Atari Teenage Riot, but they made no connection with the audience. I was unimpressed. Maybe I was there on a band night, and everyone was there to see the headlining band. Time has passed and Mommy and Daddy have finally released a CD here in the States. They have already done time in the UK to better results. When I first heard about them, they said that The Gossip inspired them. Well, M+D are a lot better than The Gossip. These songs and these recordings are impressive. It's a good introduction to the band. I can't wait to see them again live.
Eligible for free shipping!
