Western scholars and educators are generally far less familiar with the samurai in his original-and, ostensibly, primary-role as warrior and masters of arms than in his other functions as landowner, feudal lord, literature, or philosopher. Yet, any attempt to comprehend fully the samurai without considering his military abilities and training (bugei) is futile. With verve and wit, Karl Friday combines the results of nearly two decades of fieldwork and archival research to examine samurai martial culture from a broad perspective: as a historical phenomenon, as a worldview, and as a system of physical, spiritual, and moral education.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, and technical evolution of taekwondo. Many of the supposedly ‘traditional’ and ‘ancient’ Korean cultural elements attached to taekwondo are, in fact, remnants of East Asia’s modernization drive, and largely inherited from the Japanese martial arts. The current historical portrayal has created an obstacle to a clear understanding of the history of taekwondo, and presents problems and contradictions in philosophy and training methodology. Using rich empirical data, including interviews with leading figures in the field, this book brings together martial arts philosophy with an analysis of the technical aspects and the development of taekwondo, and provides a detailed comparison of karate and taekwondo techniques. It debunks nationalistic mythology surrounding taekwondo to provide a reinterpretation of taekwondo’s evolution.

In this first synthetic, comprehensive survey of Japanese sports in English, the authors are attentive to the complex and fascinating interaction of traditional and modern elements. In the course of tracing the emergence and development of sumo, the martial arts, and other traditional sports from their origins to the present, they demonstrate that some cherished "ancient" traditions were, in fact, invented less than a century ago. They also register their skepticism about the use of the samurai tradition to explain Japan's success in sports. Special attention is given to Meiji-era Japan's frequently ambivalent adoption and adaptation of European and American sports--a particularly telling example of Japan's love-hate relationship with the West. The book goes on the describe the history of physical education in the school system, the emergence of amateur and professional leagues, the involvement of business and the media in sports promotion, and Japan's participation in the Olympics. Japanese Sports Trivia Quiz (openli)Japan's first professional baseball team was founded in 1921. When were the Central and Pacific Leagues established? a. 1930; b. 1940; c. 1950; d. 1960 (openli)Oh Sadaharu hit 51 home runs in 1973 and 49 in 1974. How many did he hit in his lifetime? a. 597; b. 602; c. 755; d. 868 (openli)Sugiura Tadashi pitched 42 games for the Nankai Hawks in 1959 and won 38. How many games did he pitch and win against the Yomiuri Giants in the Japan Series that same year? a. 1; b. 2; c. 3; d. 4 (openli)The first Japanese radio broadcast of an entire sports event occurred at the national middle-school baseball tournament at Koshien Stadium in 1927, with a Ministry of Communication censor standing by since the script couldn't be approved in advance. The national middle-school tournament was suspended in 1941. When was it resumed? a. 1945; b. 1946; c. 1947; d. 1948 (openli)In 1791 Shogun Tokugawa Ienari observed a new ring-entering ceremony similar to that now performed by yokozuna. When did the Sumo Association officially recognize the rank of yokozuna? a. 1789; b. 1890; c. 1909; d. 1951 (openli)Which famous sumo rikishi won 69 successive bouts over the course of 7 tournaments, the longest winning streak ever recorded? a. Futabayama (Sadaji); b. Wakanohana (Kanji); c. Taiho (Koki); d. Chiyonofuji (Mitsugu) (openli)When the first karate dojo was established in Okinawa in 1889, the characters for karate were written 'Chinese hand'. When were they first written 'empty hand'? a. 1889; b. 1922; c. 1929; d. 1935 (openli)Only one major school of aikido holds competitive tournaments. When did the name aikido first appear on the list of government-sanctioned martial arts. a. 1883; b. 1890; c. 1931; d. 1942 (openli)In 1951 Tanaka Shigeki became the first Japanese runner to win the Boston Marathon. When was the first Fukuoka Marathon held? a. 1927; b. 1937; c. 1947; d. 1957 (openli)At the infamous 1936 "Nazi Olympics" in Berlin, Japanese athletes won gold medals in track and field, swimming, and diving. In what event did a Korean win the gold for Japan? a. marathon; b. triple jump; c. pole vault; d. 1500-m freestyle Answers: 1. c. (the Pacific League was the expansion league); 2. d. (Japanese ballparks are shorter than U.S. parks, but the season is also shorter); 3. d. (his arm never recovered from that year); 4. b.; 5. c. (the rank "yokozuna" first appeared on the banzuke ratings in 1890; and the first solo ring-entering ceremonies by wrestlers wearing the "yokozuna" rope was in 1789); 6. a.; 7. c. (by members of Keio's karate club who were impressed by a Zen priest of the Rinzai sect); 8. d. (its founder Ueshiba Morihei was born in 1883); 9. c. (the year after the first footrace around Lake Biwa); 10. a.

Heaven has fallen. The legions of Chaos have overrun the world. Uërth is in ruins. With the Heavenly Host's fall, Angel Swords rained from the heavens, littering the world in what was. Only the most honorable and purest of heart are able to take up the Angel Swords and wield them against the throngs of Chaos. These mighty Empyrean Knights are all that stands between Uërth and annihilation. Soul Stealer Saedeus is neither pure of heart nor honorable. Nor does he wish to wield an Angel Sword. He just wants to be left alone with his mushrooms. And his pet rock. But he might not have a choice. When he inadvertently takes the soul of a dying Empyrean Knight into himself, his world, and his obligations, grow forever larger. With the help of his pet rock, the spirit of a heavenly knight, and the sword of a fallen angel, he might be able to make all the difference. If he doesn't die first. Wild Mage Maeraeth is neither a hero nor a great warrior. Nor does he wish to become an Empyrean Knight. He just wants to be left alone with his studies. And not be killed by demons. But, with the destruction of the Chaos Gate, Uërth may have a chance at redemption. If the hordes of Chaos can be contained and if no more portals to the Abyss are created. Maeraeth's teacher, Master Nomba, has other plans for him. Plans that involve both containing demons and preventing their arrival. So much for his studies. And not being killed by demons. Stone Singer Born in a secret enclave safe from demonic depredations, Ilya has Chosen. She has Chosen to leave her life of security for one on Uërth, despite all its risks. Armed only with her Voice, a runic staff, and her training as a Singer, she must venture out into the desolation after the Fall. Now she just has to survive long enough to make that Choice worthwhile. And make a difference wherever she is able. In spite of finding herself in a world overrun by demons.

Within these pages, I Kya pen to paper a perfect recounting of our adventures that changed the very fate of our world. These words were taken from my journal which I kept during these adventures. I know that many will believe this is just some fantasy novel written by some random person, but I assure you it is not. Believe me the tale I have to tell did happen in a realm somewhere near or distant but no less real. These are the first chapters of the Legacy we fought to protect against an overwhelming dark army and their masters.

In The Legacy of the Drevnik: The Exile LanDrin, a young Frost Elf, loses everyone he holds dear. His Uncle, who is like a father to him, killed his parents. His fianc is killed by her father. When his death is ordered LanDrin is forced to leave his home. Only with the help of a dragon and some new friends can he find a way to take back his home. As he tries to find answers to help make sense of his life and his losses, LanDrin finds out that the troubles of his people are only one part of the scheme of the mysterious mages called the Sovershenik. Not all hope is lost, the powerful magic of the ancient Drevnik is found in an unlikely place. LanDrin also learns that the history of his people, the Sovershenik, and the history of the long forgotten Drevnik are all important if he wants to help his people and put an end to the troubles that are engulfing the continent of Tselestial. The first book in the series, The Exile, follows LanDrin as he journeys to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to free his people. After years of training LanDrin and his friends head to Klan Gorod to join the Fighters Klan and find allies in his fight against an ever growing threat. Along the way enemies arise and plots become known that make LanDrin realize that he and his people are just a small part of the plan that has been unfolding for decades. Behind it all seems to lurk the Sovershenik, powerful mages that rebelled, left the Drevnik, and disappeared into history thousands of years ago.

The land of Azzaria has been at peace for many years but is now on the brink of war. Armies are being built. Tensions are rising across the land and in the four cities. A timely union may stave off any attacks for some time. But amidst these events, an underlying plan to dismantle all the peace treaties has been set in motion. Vaaden lives in the coastal city of Menanchrist. His mother died when he was young and he has no memory of his father. Raised by his two guardians, the palace cook and his wife, Vaaden enrolls into the knighthood program and to be apart of Menanchrist's army. As he progresses and trains with his mysterious mentor, Iren, he is faced with questions about what to do with his life. Leave everything and everyone behind to embark on a journey to magical, ancient ruins or remain home and become a knight for Menanchrist. Everything is going fine until he stumbles upon a secret that could change the course of an important treaty, a royal wedding, and a looming war. Cast out, he will have to rely on wit, magic, and friends to save the ones he loves and stop the corruption that could topple his beloved city.

Book I ¿ Trinity of the Dark Legacy Cycle details the violent end of the Kai Order¿an ancient, spiritual guild of warrior guardians and priestesses who have sworn their lives to protect the Oracle Queen of Atlantis¿at the hands of Maniok, the being referred to as the "Great Evil" in the age-old Song of the Oracle King. It is a chronicle of Arkan, the last Kai guardian, and his desperate attempt to save the life of his priestess who carries his unborn son, and his escape from Atlantis. It is the story of Kieko, a lonely Lemurian boy of mixed blood who seeks to know more about his absent father's mysterious Atlantean past. Constantly bullied by Aiko, he eventually takes refuge with the village priest in the Kadek Temple where he studies medicinal and culinary arts, calligraphy, and ultimately, the art of Ki sword. Under the tutelage of the priest he comes to know the grim truth about his father, and is prepared to face the horrific assault of the armies of the Atlantean Empire upon his humble world.

A few years ago, I sought to record a few memories and observations gleaned on the way from beginner to senior student. The result was 'Laoshi: Tai Chi, Teachers, and Pursuit of Principle'—a semi-fictional memoir, using the device of dialogue between student and teacher, to examine the agony and elation of sincerely pursuing the art of taiji. The thirty-seven chapters of 'Laoshi' shone light on the various aspects of taiji and martial arts which occupied my thinking as I progressed along the Way. Laoshi, which translates as ‘teacher’ in Mandarin, was the main character of the book and, though not a real person, represented the best aspects of the many martial artists whose skills, dedication, and wisdom inspired me in my attempts to match their example. As a wise and compassionate though sometimes irritable teacher, Laoshi guides his student, the narrator, through many disappointments and false dawns until the student arrives, if not at mastery, then the fertile ground where mastery grows. The present volume, 'Laoshi’s Legacy', takes up where the previous account left off; the student moves beyond his pre-occupation with his own progress to explore the terrain occupied by the teacher. The Way of the teacher, we discover, not only offers insight and reward aplenty, but is every bit as confounding and, often, more treacherous than the path of the student. With the example of my own teachers once again embodied in the character of Laoshi, 'Legacy' describes the challenges encountered in progressing beyond the role of student to survey the art from the viewpoint of teacher. As in the previous volume, Laoshi, the teacher, continues as guide and mentor, advising the novice instructor confronted with the reality of teaching taiji in a modern world. Like its predecessor, 'Legacy' relies heavily on allegory, mirroring the paradoxical nature of life, where truth is often hidden in myth, and deception disguises itself as truth. A touch of poetic licence may stretch the truth a little to accommodate the narrative, but 'Legacy' is a realistic portrayal of dilemmas faced while pursuing the Way of the teacher. READERS' COMMENTS "As the torch of teaching taijiquan is passed to the next generation of teachers, the problems and questions that arise are discussed in Laoshi's Legacy by Jan Kauskas. This book is filled with amusing anecdotes and lessons that Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing taught his students that still resonate today." — MARTIN INN, co-translator of The Essence of T'ai Chi Ch'uan "The nutrient-dense insights in each chapter will make you want to linger and digest, and the unfolding human story will make you want to turn the page for the next exciting episode. Readers may come for the taijiquan lessons and lineage lore, but will stay for the life lessons and wisdom. Literary flair and Scottish wit make it an instructive, inspirational, and irresistible read. Those who read this book without tears, laughter, and lots of a-ha moments are probably not ready for it." DOUGLAS WILE, author of Zheng Manqing's Uncollected Writings "Laoshi's Legacy does not disappoint. Kauskas sagely and engagingly counsels readers in vicarious fashion through the guise of conversations between himself and his teacher (the sagacious Laoshi) in the important nuances of taijiquan philosophy and technique, often addressing with deft candor important real-world issues not found in other popular books. A must-read for all taijiquan teachers and students. — JOHN LOUPOS, author of Tai Chi Connections: Advancing Your Tai Chi Experience “Jan Kauskas . . . writes well and has meditated on the words he presents here. His Laoshi answers all questions and offers stories anecdotes and spiritual knowledge in the Daoist tradition. Readers will benefit from these words . . .” — KENNETH VAN SICKLE, author of Tai Chi Sword and Tai Chi Feather Sword DVD

A wealthy archaeologist finds the discovery of a lifetime in present day Italy. The importance of what he unearths could rewrite all of history as we know it. While his story begins, another one unfolds that connects the present with the ancient past. It is a period of great darkness for the Roman Empire. The year is circa 180 A.D. and the Empire is in civil unrest. One man rises amidst the chaos and secures the throne. He instills the hope of peace with his rise to power. For many years his wife remains in seclusion with no apparent heir in sight. Then, without warning, she comes out of hiding and reveals a son. This is the story of Marek Septimus, and how he grew from a boy surrounded by the seductions of an Empire to a man bound by duty. Along the way he learns what it means to live, to love, and to sacrifice. It is the tale about the Prince of an Empire and how his choices ultimately affect the entire world. It is a book of promise, power, and passion. It reveals the very legacy of an Empire. ********* This book is a work of historical fiction. It takes elements of true history and envelopes them with extreme circumstances. There are some echoes of fantasy within its pages but ultimately it is a story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. This is the first book in a series that Aaron James Holland is currently working on.