John CorcoranRezensionen

Contents

About the authors
Special consultants
Abbreviations
Preface
Guide to contents
Traditions
The principles of the martial arts
Aikido
Arnis
Bando
Bersilat
Bojutsu
Capoeira
Hapkido
Hwarang-do
Iaido
Iaijutsu
Jeet Kune Do
Jojutsu
Jobajutsu
Judo
Jujutsu
Jukendo
Kalari Payat
Karate
Kenjutsu
Kiaijutsu
Kobu-jutsu
Kung-fu
Kyujutsu
Lua
Naginata-jutsu
Ninjutsu
Pentjak-Silat
Pukulan
Sambo; Sombo; Cambo
Savate
Sumo
Tae Kwon Do
Wu Shu
Miscellaneous Arts-Greek boxing; Pankation; Cornish wrestling; Dumog; Glimae; Go-Ti; Main Tindju; Tegumi; Thai Kick Boxing
Eclectic Arts-Aikikendo; Cha-yon ryu; Kajukenbo; Keibo-soho; Kyuk-ki-do; Lima-lama; Mu-tau; Nippon Kenpo; Shintaido; Taido; Taiho-jutsu; Tokushu Keibo soho; Kuk sool won
Weapons, Equipment and training Devices
History
A Martial Arts Chronology
Asia
Europe
South Africa
New Zealand
United States
History of Martial Arts in Motion Picture
People
Organizations and Associations
Bibliography
Index

from dust jacket

For the first time, a comprehensive question-and-answer book for every practitioner and fan of the marital arts. All the martial arts are covered, and there are complete sections on:

-The art and practice of karate, explaining its various ramifications, which include physical fitness, self-defense, philosophy and scientific strategies. Also discussed are the three distinct phases of karate: non-contact for beginners, semi-contact for aspiring professionals, and full-contact for the most intrepid warrior.

-The true nature of the supposedly highly secretive ancient art of kung-fu.

-Judo, which was founded by Professor Jigoro Kano in the late 1800's with the intent to train both the mind and the body. This is by far the most organized and structured of the many martial arts, and much of the mysstery and secrecy surrounding it is explored and explained in this book.

-The lesser-known methods of fighting and self-defense, inclkuding aikido and jujutsu.

-The topical subject of weaponry, especially the clever, unorthodox craftsmanship of Japan's ninja clan.

-The leaders and personalities who have shaped the martial arts into an important aspect of Americana, including the international superstar Bruce Lee.

-Marital arts in television, movies, books and magazines, both scholarly and popular.

In short: The Complete Martial Arts Catalogue is the most inculsive book on the martial arts ever puiblished.

Emil Farkas was born in Hungary, and before he was 20 he had his black belt in both judo and karate. Today he is known internationally as karate's 'teacher to the stars,' with a list of students that reads like a Who's Who of Holywood. Owner of the Beverly Hills Karate academy, Farkas has appeared in more than ten feature films and dozens of television shows as an actor, stuntman and fight choreographer. His previous book is Fight Back: A Woman's Guide to Self-Defense. He also writes a monthly column for Offical Karate Magazine and n 1975 was named to Who's Who in the Martial Arts.

John Corcoran was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and by age 23 had won more than thirty titles in form competition as a brown belt. One of only a few professional writers to hold a black belt today, he has served as editor for Black Belt and Professional Karate magazines. Living in Hollywood, he devotes full time to writing.

Contents

Preface
Some General Questions About the Martial Arts
The Art of Karate
Sport Karate
Kung-Fu
Judo
Other Martial Arts and Weaponry
Martial Arts Personalities
Bruce Lee
Martial Arts in Teleision and Movies
Books and Publications
Guide to Martial Arts Nomenclature
Index

From choosing a martial art and finding a school to earning your black belt-and everything in between-this unique book offers expert answers to your questions, satisfying your curiosity while it builds your martial-arts knowledge and enhances your practice. Every chapter is packed with information about major martial arts and uses a question-and-answer format that is both quick to read and fun to browse. Inside you'll find answers to all your martial-arts questions, including:

How can I slelect a martial art and find a qualified teacher in my community?
Do people with black belts have to register their hands as lethal weapons?
Why is here so much bowing in some martial-arts classes?
Why do some martial arts use highly acrobatic feats such as flying kicks? Is this authentic? Is it effective?
How did traditional sumo wrestlers live and train?
Does Jackie Chan really perfom all of is own stunts?

With 750 expert answers, this book is an engaging and essential resource for anyone intersted in the martial arts.

John Corcoran is recognized as one of the world's premier martial-arts authors and journalists, with seven martial-arts books, countless articles, and the screen play for American Samurai to his credit. He is a veteran black belt n karate, which he has studed for more than thirty years.

John Graden is a former member of numerous world-champion United States kickboxing teams and was five-time member of the World Championship United States Karate Team (1985-91). He is the author of two top-selling books for owners of martial-arts schools and has appeared in major national media, including the A & E Network and the Wall Street Journal.

Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
1 Basic martial arts
2 Martial arts myths
3 The martial arts and ways of Japan and Okinawa
4 American martial arts
5 Korean martial arts
6 Chinese martial arts
7 Brazilian jiu-jitsu
8 Jackie Chan
9 The higher values of martial arts
10 Fear and the fight-or-flight reflex by Jim Harrison
11 Martial spirit
12 Martial arts in entertainment
13 Exotic martial arts and weapons
14 Bruce Lee
15 How to choose a martial arts school
Index

Drawing upon the Eastern philosophical beliefs of Confuciansm, Taoism, Buddhism, and Zen, the martial arts have helped develop mental and spiritual tranquility, self-discipline, self-confidence, courage,and character since anient times. The martial arts then, are not about fighting-they are about a philosophy of living that teaches admrable human qualities that infuence all aspects of practitioners' lives.

Written by John Corcoran, one of the world's premier literary martial arts authorities, The Martial Arts Companion is an informative and entertaining introduction to the martial arts. Here you'll find the lore, legend, and fascinating true stories that have made the martial arts popular worldwide. From its examination of the practices of ancient Chinese and Japanese warrior-priests to conscousness, this volume contains a wealth of compelling facts, parables, and true stories-all complemented by gorgeous phtographs-that are sure to please beginning and experienced practitoners alike.

The Martial Arts Companion begins by introducing you to the origin as well as the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of the sport. Chapter two tells the compelling history of the martial arts, from the earliest samurai-wielding warriors to the modern-day kickboxer, while chapter three explains the criteria for competiton for the five primary martial sports: karate, karate-do, tae kwon do, kickboxing, and judo.

The Martial Arts Companion also is brimming with stories of those who have used the inner strength they acquired from martial arts training to overcome adversity and reach their goals-and how some, such as the Guardian Angels, continuously do so in order to benefit society. In chapter four, you'll get the inside word on the world's great martial arts film stars and their movies, from Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan to Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Chapter five details the inflitration of the martial arts into the public consciousness through the media and their growing role as an accepted part of twentieth-century Western culture, thanks in part to their practice by celebrities such as the legendary Elvis Presley; basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; and Hollywood heartthrob Patrick Swayze. Finally, chapter six provides a choice selection of true stores of everyday people who have drawn upon their martial art training to help them through extemely difficult, even life-threatening, situations.

The Martial Arts Companion also contains a variety of helpful sources. Here you'll find encapsulated reviews of the world's best martial arts movies as well as complete lists of the best magazines and history and tradition books. You'll also find information on where to attend martial sports tournaments woldwide.

Filled with compelling history, surprising facts, and amusing anecdotes, this beautifully illustrated volume will delight every martial arts practitioner.

John Corcoran, who has written millions of words about the martial arts, is considered one of the world's premier literary authorities on the subject. Since 1973, he has been an editior of nearly every major martial arts magazine in America including Black Belt, Inside Kung-Fu, and The Fighter International, and his freelance articles have appeared in six languages. Corcoran has written three books, all best-sellers in his field, including the definitive encyclopedia, Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People. In 1988, he was chosen by the editors of The World Book Encyclopedia to write the books standing entry on martial arts. His screen play credits include American Samurai (1992).

Written by John Corcoran, one of the world's literary martial arts authorities, The Martial Arts Companion is truly one of th eultimate martial arts guides. Beginning and experienced practitioners alike will delight in this collection of lore, legend, and true stories that have made the martial arts popular worldwide. Here, you'll find sword-wielding samurai, Zen parables, celebrity practitioners such as Elvis Presley, encapsulated reviews of the world's best martial arts films, and much, much more. Beautifully illustrated and easy to read, The Martial Arts Companion is sure to become an indispensable part of your library.

Contents

Chapter One An introduction to the martial arts
Chapter Two Martial arts history
Chapter Three Martial sports
Chapter Four Martial arts cinema
Chapter Five Martial arts and the public consciousness
Chapter Six Profiles in courage
Appendices
The world's best martial arts magazines
Recommended history and tradition books
The best films
Where to attend major martial arts tournaments
Chart: Martial arts are among the safest sports
Select bibliography
Index

The first A-to-Z guide to the reigning king of martial arts action
'In the pantheon of movie action heroes there is only one true God, and his name is Jackie Chan.'-Wahington Post

The 'Clown Pirnce' of martial arts, Jackie Chan has been delighting audiences with his two-fisted, high-velocity action comedies for more than three decades. With his penchant for performing his own amazing on-screen stunts, and with more fans than Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Van Damme combined, Chan has firmly established himself as the undisputed king of action films worldwide. Now, with The Unauthorized Jackie Chan Encyclopedia, his millions of fans can get a first-ever comprehensive look at everything Jackie.

From the mind-blowing (a near-death accident on the set of Armour of God) to the mundane (his favorite ice-cream flavor is chocolate), here is everything you need to know about the Charlie Chaplin of martial arts action. In addition to the extensive alphabetical listing of Jackie facts, you'll find:

A comprehensive filmography, from Jackie's childhood roles to his blockbuster hits of today

An exhaustive bibliographic guide to the books and magazine stories dedicated to Jackie

A list of official Jackie Chan fan clubs, complete with contact information and web addresses

Carefully researched by martial arts expert and journalist John Corcoran and featureing photographs of Jackie Chan taken throughout his career, this lively and informative A-to-Z reference is nothing less than a Chan fan's dream come true.

John Corcoran is a veteran black belt in karate and is recognized as one of the world's premier martial arts authors and journalists. He is the author of seven martial arts books, including The Ultimate Martial arts Q & A Book countless articles, and the screenplay for American Samurai. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
The entries-A to Z
Appendix 1: Jackie Chan's 'Lost interview'
Appendix 2: Jackie Chan filmography
Appendix 3: Jackie Chan bibliography
Appendix 4: Jackie Chan's awards, honors, and offices held
Appendix 5: Jackie Chan official fan clubs
Appendix 6: Jackie Chan musicography

teacher who couldn’t read sounds unbelievable, but it is true. John Corcoran was a high school teacher and coach, a college graduate, and he had a huge secret. He couldn’t read.

How did this come about? How was it even possible?

John attended 17 different schools before he got his first full time job.

He had teachers who tried to teach him, but the marks on the page never made sense to him. He had teachers who tried to help him, but as he moved from school to school their short term efforts did not help him become literate. John was assigned again and again to the row at the back with other students who were struggling.

John learned to hate being in the “dumb row.” He also eventually learned to cope with his disability by developing ways to learn through listening and observing. John learned which people were valuable assets in his “human library.” He also learned to cheat, lie and steal just to survive the system and attain his goals.

One day his 3-year-old daughter asked him to read her a bedtime story. John could not, and felt a deep sense of shame as his wife cried herself to sleep.

Still it was years before he reached a point where he walked into a library that had a literacy program and asked for help. John was reassured by the program’s director that he was not alone. She paired him up with a tutor who patiently spent 13 months teaching him the basic phonics skills he had never mastered as a youth. John learned the basics of reading at 48 years old.

John still struggled. The words never seemed to flow easily into his brain. Then he was contacted by an expert in reading disorders and agreed to go to the Lindamood-Bell clinic for testing. There he learned that his brain could not easily distinguish between differences in sound. He could not process the difference between certain sounds like d and t. Suddenly John understood why reading had always been such a struggle for him. With specific therapy a whole new world was opened up for John, and he made huge leaps in his ability to decode and recognize words, spell, follow oral directions, and comprehend what he reads.

Now John shares his story and has started a foundation to fight against illiteracy in the United States.

More of his story is found in his book The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read: One man’s triumph over illiteracy, which I highly recommend.

My father gave me this book in 1985. It's an excellent reference to martial arts pre-1980s era.

I thought the best part was where he talked about the coping skills and methods of getting through class (cheating) - clearly a person using intelligence to get through school, but not how you normally think of it. I believe many students get tested as they go into schools for phonemic awareness, etc., so if this book helped that process when it was written 20 years ago, wonderful. However, I think there are many more illiterate people in America than when it was written - so his foundation is needed more than ever.

It's hard to believe that someone could make his way through 12 years of school, graduate from college and teach high school for 17 years without letting on that he couldn't read, but that's just what John Corcoran did. Due to a learning disability, lack of stability in school, failings in our education system, social pressures, and his own fears, among other issues, John was unable to read until the age of 48. This book chronicles his life, his feelings of inadequacy through grade school, acting out in class during his teen years, skipping high school classes, cheating his way through college and ending up on the other side of the classroom as a teacher, all the while hiding his illiteracy from family, friends, his own students and colleagues. It is an interesting story as well as a call to action for parents and educators in the fight against illiteracy.

This book is impressive in many ways: the wide scope of material is well-covered, comprehensive, and very easy to read. The book claims to answer 750 questions, but it seemed to go far beyond that. It describes worldwide forms of martial (warlike) arts from earliest times to the present. I didn't want to put it down.

796.8

Group N