The Martial Arts Author:Susan Ribner, Richard Chin, Melanie Arwin (Illustrator) Centuries ago in China, an old man, proficient in the martial arts, explained to the three bandits he head just beaten: "I cannot teach you my fighting arts. The martial arts are for those of good character who will protect people from bullies like you. In fact, if you do not have the right attitude, I could teach you for the rest of my lif... more »e and yours, and you still would not comprehend this art."
This philosophy is still an important part of the martial arts today. In this introductory book, Richard Chin and Susan Ribner trace the growth of the martial arts from their original purpose of defense to their significance today as a means for developing oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Here are the most popular arts: Kung Fu, Judo, Karate, Aikido, and T'ai Chi Ch'uan; as well as many of the lesser known such as Kendo an Naginata, both weapons-fighting arts, and Ninjitsu, the ancient art of invisibility. For each of these arts, the authors explain in detail their unique origins and training programs.
Centuries-old prints and modern line drawings amply and accurately illustrate this unusual introduction to the martial arts.« less