The Balisong Manual

Jeff Imada, one of the most respected balisong practitioners in the world, presents the definitive work on the balisong knife. Everything you always wanted to know about the balisong is featured in this book, with concise text and hundreds of detailed photos showing: carrying, drawing and flipping manipulation techniques; self-defense techniques; the knife and the law; knife-fighting philosophy; care and maintenance; and striking areas.

This long awaited sequel features: new flipping and manipulation techniques; self-defense and restraining methods; the balisong and the law; refurbishing the balisong; a catalog showing virtually every production butterfly with complete specifications and a look at Pacific Cutlery, maker of the world's finest balisongs.

Follow the path of the Filipino knife fighter and the blinding blur of the deadly balisong in motion--its whirlwind lethality--can be yours. Three experts, having combined their knowledge of the balisong, martial arts and self-defense, show you the basics of techniques perfected in the Philippines over the course of 400: concealing, drawing, flipping and gripping the balisong; checking and rolling; and the four main phases of training.

Jeff Imada, one of the most respected balisong practitioners in the world, presents the definitive work on the balisong knife. Everything you always wanted to know about the balisong is featured in this book, with concise text and hundreds of detailed photos showing: carrying, drawing and flipping manipulation techniques; self-defense techniques; the knife and the law; knife-fighting philosophy; care and maintenance; and striking areas.

This is the first book in a series of training manuals written to guide you step by step through the amazing Martial Arts system of Wing Chun. This book deals with the fundamental principles and concepts of the art, as well as giving detailed analysis of mental and physical attributes you will need to acquire to be successful within this discipline. A powerful fighting art, Wing Chun is now widely regarded as one of the most effective Martial Arts systems in the world today. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of gender, size or strength. If you have issues about your own self protection, the pages of this book will present you with a method of developing a sound self defence skill. With details that will aid beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Whatever your chosen style, discipline or skill. This book covers the basic drills of the system, concepts of sticking hands, Lut Sao Jik Chung, Inch Force development, Stance rooting and defensive perimeters. You will also learn key tactics, advanced applications of the Tan, Bong and Fook sao structures and the use of fighting ranges. The next book in this series takes the reader, for the first time, step by step through the entire sequence of the Sui Lum Tao form, detailing the applications and uses of each and every movement, as well as discussing further training concepts and ideas featured in this book, improving your skills even further.

Sonny Umpad's Eskrima provides insight on Maestro Santiago “Sonny” Umpad's life, philosophy, and teaching methods, as well as the structural underpinnings of his system. Born with the soul of a warrior, the intellect of a scholar, and a zealot's devotion to his art, Maestro Santiago "Sonny" Umpad forged an enduring contribution to the rich and colorful history of Filipino martial culture. In 1976, after immigrating to the United States, Sonny founded the school of Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima—rooted in his training in the Philippines and tested by a hard and dangerous life on the streets, Sonny's system was above all else practical. As Sonny's reputation as a talented fighter became well-known, he began to cross-train with masters of other martial arts, including Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee's first student) and Wally Jay (founder of Small Circle Jujitsu). One of the most innovative and visionary exponents of the Filipino arts, Sonny pioneered the concept of "mixed martial arts" long before the term was in use. Instructor George Yore has assembled the writings of six of Sonny's students (including Wade Williams, 2012 nominee for the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame) to create a biographic homage to this remarkable martial artist; basic techniques and applications are also demonstrated, accompanied by 130 step-by-step photos. Practitioners of Filipino martial arts—as well as mixed martial artists and security specialists—will find valuable instruction in techniques and applications, while the thousands of people touched by Sonny's teachings will gain a new understanding of this notoriously reclusive master's life—and how his experiences informed the development of his system.

LEGO Guns is packed with building instructions for five impressive looking "weapons" built entirely from LEGO TECHNIC parts. In this heavily illustrated 2-color book, you learn how to use LEGO TECHNIC pieces to build working model guns like the Warbeast, a sophisticated, fully-automatic submachine gun; Parabella, a semi-automatic pistol; Thriller, a slide action crossbow pistol with smooth cocking and chambering mechanisms; and the Magic Moth, a simple butterfly "knife" built with TECHNIC pieces. With the help of a bit of sanding, some rubber bands, and Krazy Glue, each gun actually shoots LEGO bricks at high speed, with surprising accuracy. The building instructions for each model are easy to follow and include detailed parts lists. LEGO Guns also includes sections discussing the general concepts of LEGO gun design and offers practical building tips and tricks. The models range from sophisticated to easy, and readers of all ages will find something enjoyable to build and play with.

Covering a variety of preparatory stretches and warm-up exercises, the 12-zone striking and defense systems, hand-to-hand combat ("trapping hands”), flow-practice drills, sinawali and redonda, this 160-page, fully illustrated text gives novices a tangible amount of self-defense skill through specific drills. For example, the sinawali is taught without sticks, in empty-hand fashion, to illustrate how its weaving motions can be easily translated into empty-hand movements for blocking, punching, and takedowns. He discusses the 12 important angles of attacks on the human body, 12 basic ways of dealing with each angle, plus stick and sword disarming techniques.

Inside every human being is a "sleeping tiger"--a raw, untapped power that once harnessed, can repel aggressors of any kind. . . In this masterful book, Dr. Haha Lung draws on the psychological origins of ancient Chinese philosophies, explores the fist fighting traditions of Chinese Kung-fu from its birth in ancient India and introduces the extraordinary concept of the Mind Fist--the mental punch you never see coming! Ranging from nonviolent counterattacks to multiple devastating martial arts techniques, this book includes: • Mental and physical exercises to strengthen the mind and body • Secrets of moshuh-nanren, the Chinese ninja! • Understanding the ways of bullies and aggressors • How to prevent violence using Zhenkin, the Art of Control • Three kinds of force with which you can win physical battle • How fear can be turned into focus • "Ghost" strikes and takedowns Mind Fist brilliantly unlocks an ancient skill of true, permanent self-defense--for any aspect of your life! For academic study only Dr. Haha Lung is the author of more than a dozen books on martial arts, including Assassin!, Mind Manipulation, Ninja Shadowhand, Knights of Darkness, Mind Control: The Ancient Art of Psychological Warfare, and The Lost Fighting Arts of Vietnam.