Bøger af Martina Sprague

European swordsmanship has produced a large number of written treatises and has been studied widely by military historians and lay persons interested in the sword as a combat arm and instrument of social status. Swords had a dual purpose: They were of military necessity used by knights on the field of battle, and of social necessity carried by nobles to communicate rank and settle disputes of honor. The European longsword was primarily a cut and thrust weapon that found use in both cavalry and foot soldiering. A good sword could cut through armor, flesh, and bone, and would last for several subsequent battles without breaking.Due to its powerful image, the sword became a symbol of masculinity and strength. Noblemen started wearing swords also when in civilian dress. In Renaissance Europe, and through the industrial and technological revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when gunpowder weapons became more reliable, the sword saw gradually less battlefield use and fencing for the purpose of dueling or sport gained in popularity.This book starts by discussing the role of the swordsmith and his understanding of sword dynamics for battlefield use. It analyzes the physical training of the swordsman and the techniques he committed himself to studying in order to defeat an enemy in battle, and the debate surrounding the "best" types of swords and training techniques. Next the book examines the use of the sword in mass armies, primarily the Crusades. It examines the saber and its use in nineteenth century infantry, cavalry, and naval warfare, followed by a discussion of the social mores of the times and the reasons why the sword evolved into a dueling and sport fencing weapon. The concluding remarks summarize the development of the sword from early medieval times to modern day.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague.The full series comprises the following books, which can be read in any order:1. Kukris and Gurkhas: Nepalese Kukri Combat Knives and the Men Who Wield Them2. Machete, Kris, and Throwing Iron: Edged Weapons of Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa3. Cold Steel: The Knife in Army, Navy, and Special Forces Operations4. Japanese Swords: The Katana and Gunto in Medieval and Modern Japanese Warfare5. Chinese Swords: The Evolution and Use of the Jian and Dao6. Yatagan, Khanda, and Jamdhar: Swords and Sabers of Persia and India7. Sickle Sword and Battle Axe: Edged Weapons of Ancient Egypt8. Gladius and Spatha: Swords and Warfare in the Classical World9. Longsword and Saber: Swords and Swordsmen of Medieval and Modern Europe10. Pike, Halberd, and Bayonet: Sharp Weapons in Near Modern and Modern WarfareNote that the books are written for those with an interest in exploring the historical beginnings of edged weaponry, how edged weapons have been used in war in different parts of the world, and the value the soldier attached to his weapon. Military, social, and political history is discussed. Arms collectors or others with detailed interest in the finer points of weaponsmithing may want to look for books that are more heavily illustrated.

The fighter who controls distance controls the fight. This is true both in long and short range fighting. The difficult part about fighting at short range is moving in and achieving the superior position. Distance should generally be closed when your opponent experiences a moment of weakness. Although long arms and legs are advantageous in kickboxing, your long reach is only as good as you are at using it. You can exploit the strength of your opponent's longer reach by developing superior short range fighting techniques. When you move from the out-fighting zone to the in-fighting zone, you are very close to your opponent and many long range techniques are no longer effective. Once you get past your opponent's long range techniques, you have taken from him many of his weapons. The purpose of working your way to short range is to throw powerful short range techniques, so once there, you must make an effort to stay there until something decisive happens; until you knock out your opponent or choose to move back to long range for some other reason. Kickboxing: From Initiation To Knockout comprises a series of short books with focus on learning specific techniques and strategies for the exciting sport of competition kickboxing. With plenty of pictures, each book breaks the material down into bite-size pieces that allow you to practice to perfection. The material in this book previously appeared in Complete Kickboxing, now out of print, and is great for straight boxing, too.

The Power Trip: How to Survive and Thrive in the Dojo is an informative and critical series of books that gives you the power to thrive in an environment where other students and instructors are sitting on their "high horses," arguing over "best techniques," or making snide remarks about your performance. It also arms you for the day you will begin teaching the martial arts (or improves your technique if you are already teaching), and shows you how to build your integrity and repute as an instructor.If you are a new student in the martial arts, ready to sign up for your first lesson, you will gain insight into the difficulties you can expect to encounter throughout your training, and options for resolving potential conflicts. If you are a seasoned martial artist with years under your belt, you will no doubt recognize many of the scenarios presented, and look back at your journey and consider what you could have done differently.This special volume comprises the full series of the following six books (each book can also be purchased separately):1. 10 Things the Martial Arts Student Must Understand2. 8 Ways to Be Professional and Ethical in the Martial Arts3. 8 Methods for Learning the Martial Arts, Setting Goals, and Getting Motivated4. 6 Ways to Improve Performance and Correct Errors in the Martial Arts5. 8 Ways to Benefit from Critique and Testing in the Martial Arts6. 6 Tips for Communicating Effectively and Dealing with Behavioral Problems in the Martial ArtsThe material in this book is excerpted from the previously published book (now out of print), The Complete Martial Arts Student, also by Martina Sprague.

Knowing how to box is not enough if you want to call yourself a kickboxer. Since kickboxing combines kicks and strikes, we will now look at the three basic kicks: the front kick, roundhouse kick, and side thrust kick. Which kick you use depends on your position, on your distance to the target, and on what you are trying to accomplish. The benefit of a kick over a punch is that you can reach any target on your opponent's body. While the hands can be used for punching to the head and body, the legs can be used for kicking to the head, body, and legs. In this sense, kicks are more versatile than punches. All kicks can be thrown with the lead or rear leg. In general, your lead leg is used much like the jab: to gauge distance. Since your lead leg is closer to the target than your rear leg, it is faster and needs less movement. Your rear leg, by contrast, has the potential to create a more powerful kick. Throughout your training, we will explore those kicks that are the most practical for competition kickboxing, and learn their application from beginning to advanced stages. Kickboxing: From Initiation To Knockout comprises a series of short books with focus on learning specific techniques and strategies for the exciting sport of competition kickboxing. With plenty of pictures, each book breaks the material down into bite-size pieces that allow you to practice to perfection. The material in this book previously appeared in Complete Kickboxing, now out of print.

The Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series gives the martial arts interested person a solid background on the importance of the knife as a combat weapon, inspires the reader about the benefits of knife training, and provides detailed step-by-step instruction in how to manipulate and defend against a knife with speed, proficiency, and confidence.Almost any martial art, traditional or modern, can be adapted to knife offense and defense without changing the basic principles of the art. Since the knife is a relatively small and lightweight weapon, many of the same moves and movement patterns you use in your empty-hand art are easily transferable to your knife techniques, and vice versa. The practical lessons you learn by adding knife training to your arsenal include quick reaction skills, physical and mental control, footwork and evasion tactics, distance control, and target precision.Knife training gives you a decided physical and mental edge and opens new dimensions that will deepen your understanding of the martial arts. Knife Anatomy, the first book in the series, covers the basic characteristics of different blade designs, how to choose a knife that is appropriate for you, and why the knife is deemed a superior weapon.Approximately a dozen titles will be published in the Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series over the coming year. Look for several more titles in the near future.

The colonists arrived in America anticipating conflict; they arrived with the prior knowledge that they would have to fight and defend themselves. As they pushed the frontier, they were willing to resort to almost any method of warfare, no matter how ruthless. They did not engage in large state-sponsored wars for the purpose of controlling enemy governments, but fought for survival in a new land. Violence thus became an essential part of early American history. Although violence is an integral part of all types of warfare, there is value in studying American military history. By comprehending the past, we can at least begin to comprehend the development of our nation's military forces on the domestic and international level.There are many prisms through which one can view warfare in the pre-Civil War era. Rather than examining specific battles or simply giving the reader a rundown of events for memorization, this book focuses on the underlying military, social, and political factors that shaped early American warfare and drove the development of our nation's military tradition. Discussions include the following topics:1. The Development of Warfare in North America, and Colonial Struggles for North American Domination2. The Military Mores of American Colonial Forces, British Regulars, and Native Americans3. Political and Ideological Perspectives on the Revolutionary War4. A Hessian Soldier's View of the Revolutionary War5. How Pragmatic Was American Warfare in the Revolutionary War?6. The Transformation of the Navy 7. Shaping of National Interest after the Revolutionary War8. America in the Mexican-American War9. The Foundation for Overseas Commerce and Territorial Expansion10. Topics for Further Study and DebateThe book is suitable for history interested readers looking for thought provoking topics, but not having a lot of time; and for teachers preparing the class for critical thinking about historical events, and how they have come to affect current affairs. More books with focus on domestic and international military history will be forthcoming in this new series titled, A 59-Minute Perspective.

What motivates men to go to war? The answer is the desire for recognition and the opportunity to gain eternal fame. War is perhaps the most common way in which a man can become a hero. We tend to romanticize war. War is portrayed as a daring adventure for a sacred cause, where the soldier will ultimately reach the highest level of self-actualization. As demonstrated by the great military figures in history, the promise of honor and heroism can help a man conquer the world. Persuading talented officers to forsake field command for a desk job has historically been difficult. Foot soldiers, too, know that their way to glory and historical immortality lies with the sword and not the pen.This book examines the dream of membership in an elite society and battle as the supreme test of the individual; promises of great rewards and military training as a "pleasant pastime"; and the tendency to grow fond of the pleasure/pain dichotomy of war. The material in this book is excerpted from For God, Gold, and Glory: A History of Military Service and Man's Search for Power, Wealth, and Adventure, also by Martina Sprague. The full series comprises the following books:1. The Forces of War: Patriotism, Tradition, and Revenge2. The Financial Incentives of War: Poverty Draft, Mercenaries, and Volunteers in Foreign Armies3. The Propaganda of War: Personal Transformation and the Search for Adventure4. The Glory of War: The Way to Historical Immortality5. The Reality of War: Boredom, Disillusion, and Desertion

The Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series gives the martial arts interested person a solid background on the importance of the knife as a combat weapon, inspires the reader about the benefits of knife training, and provides detailed step-by-step instruction in how to manipulate and defend against a knife with speed, proficiency, and confidence.Almost any martial art, traditional or modern, can be adapted to knife offense and defense without changing the basic principles of the art. Since the knife is a relatively small and lightweight weapon, many of the same moves and movement patterns you use in your empty-hand art are easily transferable to your knife techniques, and vice versa. The practical lessons you learn by adding knife training to your arsenal include quick reaction skills, physical and mental control, footwork and evasion tactics, distance control, and target precision.Knife training gives you a decided physical and mental edge and opens new dimensions that will deepen your understanding of the martial arts. Knife Defense Dynamics, the seventh book in the series, covers dynamic knife defense concepts including seizing the initiative, forcing the adversary to retreat, and taking his balance. It covers different ways to defend against and neutralize the threat in stand-up and ground scenarios. It also includes a discussion about the knife as a weapon of coercion.Approximately a dozen titles will be published in The Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series over the coming year. To date the series comprises the following books:1. Knife Anatomy2. Knife Carry and Deployment3. Knife Grip and Manipulation4. Knife Attacks and Targets5. Knife Fighting Stance, Footwork, and Dynamics of Motion6. Knife Defense Basics7. Knife Defense DynamicsSave by purchasing the first five books in the series in a single volume. Look for Knife Offense (Five Books in One), by Martina Sprague.

Knives have been carried with enthusiasm as sidearms to swords since antiquity, and as sidearms to firearms into modern day. Knife combat involves strategy (the planning behind an attack which allows the soldier to reach a combat objective) and tactics (the actual use of the knife, for example, to dispose of an enemy in trench warfare or to kill a sentry at night). Historically serving several missions, the knife has proven a good infiltration weapon when silence must be preserved. It has been used for killing sentries, and has come in handy in close quarters on the large battlefield; for example, in foxholes where firearms or grenades would have been impractical. Soldiers recognized early the benefits of carrying a small and lightweight weapon that could be concealed on one's person, relied upon in the hand-to-hand fight, or deployed to finish an adversary at close range when one's firearm malfunctioned.Although soldiers carry knives for a variety of purposes-not all knives are designed strictly for fighting but also double as tools such as trench digger, ration opener, parachute line cutter, etc.-this book concerns itself primarily with the role the knife has played as a combat weapon in near modern and modern warfare in the western world. Combat can further be broken down into the use of the knife to kill an enemy including sentry killings and trench raids, and the psychological use of the knife as a weapon of coercion or to send the enemy to flight. The book begins with a discussion of knife design and carry, which purpose it is to familiarize the reader with the many factors the knife smith must consider when crafting the weapon. Next it demonstrates the important function the knife has served as a battlefield sidearm in the different military branches. It then examines the effectiveness of the knife and how soldiers have trained to prepare for the possibility of using cold steel against an enemy combatant. The concluding remarks focus on the knife as a weapon of inspiration.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

The Power Trip: How to Survive and Thrive in the Dojo is an informative and critical series of books that will give you the power to thrive in an environment where other students and even instructors at times sit on their "high horses," arguing over "best techniques" or making snide remarks about your performance. It will also arm you for the day you will begin teaching the martial arts (or help you improve your technique if you are already teaching), and show you how to build your integrity and repute as an instructor.If you are a new student in the martial arts, ready to sign up for your first lesson, you will gain a lot of information about the difficulties you can expect to encounter sometime throughout your training, and explore options for resolving potential conflicts. If you are a seasoned martial artist with years under your belt, you will no doubt recognize many of the scenarios presented, and be able to look back at your journey and consider what you could have done differently.8 Methods for Learning the Martial Arts, Setting Goals, and Getting Motivated, the third book in the series, defines learning and explores the factors that help you expedite the acquisition of knowledge and skill. It also discusses different teaching and learning methods you might encounter in the training hall, and offers several exercises for both instructors and students. Lastly, the book provides a number of tips on factors that affect motivation, goal setting, and retention of new material.

A successful kickboxer must be complete in all aspects of his game, and offense cannot survive without defense, and vice versa. Many kickboxers think of defense as simply avoiding a strike or kick. But good defense has many other purposes. Your goal defensively is to make your opponent pay a price. Good defense protects you from harm and creates offense. Blocking or moving to avoid a strike will in itself not win the fight. It is impossible to protect against all strikes, and you will get hit. You should therefore strive to use the momentum of good defense to launch a counterattack. Good defense destroys your opponent's weapons. Begin thinking of your blocks as strikes and not simply as means of thwarting your opponent's attack. By selecting the right block and executing it in the proper manner, we can punish our opponent's offensive weapons and eventually render those weapons harmless. It takes more energy to fight offensively than defensively. Defense, with its shorter and more compact moves, should therefore be used between offense to replenish your energies and tire your opponent. Kickboxing: From Initiation To Knockout comprises a series of short books with focus on learning specific techniques and strategies for the exciting sport of competition kickboxing. With plenty of pictures, each book breaks the material down into bite-size pieces that allow you to practice to perfection. The material in this book previously appeared in Complete Kickboxing, now out of print, and is great for straight boxing, too.

Although the jab is not your most powerful strike, at long range it is in a sense your most superior strike. Superiority is determined not only by how much strength or power you have, but also by how you use movement to employ that power. Landing a long range technique is difficult without some sort of setup against a skilled opponent. The jab is perhaps the most versatile kickboxing technique available and can be used to set up all other long range techniques. Although not a knockout punch per se, the jab could on occasion be all you need to end the fight. This book discusses basic jabbing strategy for sparring and competition, choosing your targets and using the jab as a distraction, and using lateral movement to establish superiority. It emphasizes distance and timing. Understanding distance, and timing your jab correctly to your opponent's movement, allows you to control the fighting arena and create openings for your stronger rear hand. The material in this book previously appeared in Complete Kickboxing, now out of print, and is great for straight boxing, too.

The Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series gives the martial arts interested person a solid background on the importance of the knife as a combat weapon, inspires the reader about the benefits of knife training, and provides detailed step-by-step instruction in how to manipulate and defend against a knife with speed, proficiency, and confidence.Almost any martial art, traditional or modern, can be adapted to knife offense and defense without changing the basic principles of the art. Since the knife is a relatively small and lightweight weapon, many of the same moves and movement patterns you use in your empty-hand art are easily transferable to your knife techniques, and vice versa. The practical lessons you learn by adding knife training to your arsenal include quick reaction skills, physical and mental control, footwork and evasion tactics, distance control, and target precision.Knife training gives you a decided physical and mental edge and opens new dimensions that will deepen your understanding of the martial arts. Knife Fighting Stance, Footwork, and Dynamics of Motion, the fifth book in the series, covers basic ways to move when advancing and retreating, compares the benefits of holding the knife in the lead versus rear hand, defines and discusses how to attain superior positioning against a knife-wielding opponent, and introduces the reader to basic defense with the knife against kicks and punches. It ends with a discussion of the physics of the stab versus the slash and the dynamics of motion and penetration depth.Approximately a dozen titles will be published in the Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series over the coming year. Look for several more titles in the near future.

If you are looking for an instructional manual full of step-by-step illustrations for learning Japanese and European swordsmanship, do not buy this book! This book does not tell you everything you need to know about specific techniques and does not contain hundreds of pictures detailing each step involved in attacking and defending with the sword. Nor is it a suitable reference manual for arms collectors. Like my previous books on edged weaponry, the focus is critical thinking through historical analysis. Our purpose is to pit a samurai against a medieval knight to determine who proved to be the better swordsman, who wielded the better sword, and who came from the superior culture. Our analysis will encourage you to think about the many nuances of swordsmanship in different terrains and cultural settings, and how a Japanese samurai might have acted and reacted had he crossed swords with a European medieval knight, and vice versa. It is of interest to those who have some experience practicing with the sword, but primarily to those who like to ponder the use of the sword in a historical context; neither for sports or to settle points of honor, nor for health or personal fulfillment, but on the battlefield where the objective was to kill the opponent. The intent is to discern relationships between seemingly separate histories and lead us toward a broader horizon regarding historical swordsmanship.To reach our objective, we will discuss practical sword designs and their purposes, sword dynamics and the principles of physics, and common tactics of offense and defense. As we proceed, consider that in martial arts as practiced today, many combat techniques and forms are overly ritualized and complex. In sword combat to the death, by contrast, the straightest and fewest moves possible were used to reach the objective. The tactics that the samurai and medieval knight chose were not about looking and feeling good, but about getting it done. They picked up the sword in defense of their king, master, or country, and were prepared to fight to the death.

You are an unpublished writer with a long and impressive background in your field of expertise, and you've got an idea for a great book. You write a proposal, and send it off to a publisher who has stated a need for this type of book. It seems like a perfect match. Three weeks later you receive a rejection letter: "Thanks for your interest in us. Unfortunately, your idea doesn't meet our current needs." You are puzzled. Or, you look through the advertisements in Writer's Digest magazine, and find several publishing houses "now seeking new and established authors." Having waited for an opportunity for years, you print the manuscript that has been gathering "dust" in your computer folder and rush it to the post office. Don't! If it sounds too easy, it is. Or, you just landed your first book contract with a legitimate publisher. Instant fame, right? Wrong! Confessions of a Published Author: 47 Truths About What Can Go Right and Wrong When Selling Your Book to a Traditional Publisher, talks straight about the publishing experience, with focus on asking, "What if?" What if you don't want to write your manuscript in the recommended format? What if you have no credentials or can't state your qualifications for writing this book? What if you don't like the critique you're getting? What if you can wallpaper your office with rejection slips? What if you want more than the standard 10 percent royalties? A number of common issues are explored, such as what to include and what to leave out of your query letter; what matters and what doesn't, and what you must be careful with when signing the publishing agreement.

As a samurai, warrior, and soldier, Miyamoto Musashi viewed sword fighting as a study in strategy and tactics, thinking of the quickest way to defeat the enemy. War strategy is a zero-sum game. He wins who can ably apply his understanding of strategy to enhance his tactics, and his opponent loses. As much as we would like to view it as a book about self-actualization or the achievement of business aims, the Book of Five Rings is primarily a military treatise, written by a man who understood the brutality of war and the necessity to take a fight to the finish. This brief study explains Musashi's famous text with an eye toward the pragmatism of scientific principles, made easy for modern martial arts.

The Power Trip: How to Survive and Thrive in the Dojo is an informative and critical series of books that will give you the power to thrive in an environment where other students and even instructors at times sit on their "high horses," arguing over "best techniques" or making snide remarks about your performance. It will also arm you for the day you will begin teaching the martial arts (or help you improve your technique if you are already teaching), and show you how to build your integrity and repute as an instructor.If you are a new student in the martial arts, ready to sign up for your first lesson, you will gain a lot of information about the difficulties you can expect to encounter sometime throughout your training, and explore options for resolving potential conflicts. If you are a seasoned martial artist with years under your belt, you will no doubt recognize many of the scenarios presented, and be able to look back at your journey and consider what you could have done differently.8 Ways to Benefit from Critique and Testing in the Martial Arts, the fifth book in the series, discusses how performance is evaluated and how good critiques should be conducted and interpreted. It also discusses how to determine when you are ready to test for a higher rank and how an effective test should be constructed and conducted. Lastly, it offers tips on how to take a test successfully, and discusses the importance attached to reaching a new level of accomplishment.

The Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series gives the martial arts interested person a solid background on the importance of the knife as a combat weapon, inspires the reader about the benefits of knife training, and provides detailed step-by-step instruction in how to manipulate and defend against a knife with speed, proficiency, and confidence.Almost any martial art, traditional or modern, can be adapted to knife offense and defense without changing the basic principles of the art. Since the knife is a relatively small and lightweight weapon, many of the same moves and movement patterns you use in your empty-hand art are easily transferable to your knife techniques, and vice versa. The practical lessons you learn by adding knife training to your arsenal include quick reaction skills, physical and mental control, footwork and evasion tactics, distance control, and target precision.Knife training gives you a decided physical and mental edge and opens new dimensions that will deepen your understanding of the martial arts. Knife Grip and Manipulation, the third book in the series, covers different ways to grip the knife and the strengths and weaknesses of each grip, how to secure a good grip, how to switch between grips and when it might prove beneficial to do so, and the importance of cutting edge awareness. The book also introduces the reader to several knife attack and defense concepts and provides exercises for practice.Approximately a dozen titles will be published in the Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series over the coming year. Look for several more titles in the near future.

Carl von Clausewitz's book, On War, has stood the test of time. Clausewitz's greatest contribution may have been in the organization and compilation of commonly known facts, rather than in the discovery of new truths with respect to combat and war. He succeeded because he analyzed a great number of elements, shedding light on old ideas, and clarifying these in a format that the masses of military men could understand. He recognized the importance of studying failure brought by uncertainty and chance. Clausewitz necessarily requires deep analysis, however, which is not possible in a book this size, intended only to highlight his most important arguments. To get the most out of Clausewitz, focus should be placed on the nature of war (a set of universal principles) as opposed to the conduct of war (the specific methods by which war is waged).There are many prisms through which one can view Clausewitz and the ways in which he expressed military theory. Rather than examining specific battles or simply giving the reader a rundown of facts for memorization, this brief book introduces the major issues that appear in On War. The intent is not to go into depth about Clausewitz, but to give the reader a good start through brevity, in the hope that it will trigger further analysis and discussion. The text includes the following topics:1. On the Theory of War2. What is War?3. Absolute versus Real War4. Defense as the Stronger Form of War5. On Strategy and Tactics in War6. On Victory and Defeat7. On the Commander and Military Genius8. Topics for Further Study and DebateThe book is suitable for history interested readers looking for thought provoking topics, but not having a lot of time; and for teachers preparing the class for critical thinking about historical events, and how they have come to affect current affairs. More books with focus on domestic and international military history will be forthcoming in this series titled, A 59-Minute Perspective.

The Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series gives the martial arts interested person a solid background on the importance of the knife as a combat weapon, inspires the reader about the benefits of knife training, and provides detailed instruction in how to manipulate and defend against a knife with speed, proficiency, and confidence. Almost any martial art, traditional or modern, can be adapted to knife offense and defense without changing the basic principles of the art. Since the knife is a relatively small and lightweight weapon, many of the moves and movement patterns you use in your empty-hand art are easily transferable to your knife techniques, and vice versa. The practical lessons you learn by adding knife training to your arsenal include quick reaction skills, physical and mental control, footwork and evasion tactics, distance control, and target precision. Knife training gives you a decided physical and mental edge and opens new dimensions that will deepen your understanding of the martial arts. This special volume contains books 6 through 10 of the Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series, with focus on defending and counterattacking with the knife (each book can also be purchased separately): 6. Knife Defense Basics 7. Knife Defense Dynamics 8. Knife-on-Knife and Multiple Opponent Knife Defense Strategies 9. Knife and Empty-Hand Defenses Compared 10. Knife Training and Advanced Martial Arts Concepts Books 1 through 5 of the Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series can be found in the Knife Offense (Five Books in One) volume, and can also be purchased separately.

Patriotism is a powerful force that compels men and women to give full support to their government in time of war. But patriotism and loyalty are largely based on the belief that one has a personal stake in the outcome. This brief study, which examines men and women who made war their prime call of duty for real or perceived patriotic reasons, contains the introduction and first chapter of the full analysis of war volunteering titled, For God, Gold, and Glory: A History of Military Service and Man's Search for Power, Wealth and Adventure (also by Martina Sprague), which sheds light on those individuals who commit their lives to armed service for reasons related to patriotism, financial gain, adventure, and heroism.

The Gurkhas have been termed the only soldiers who can win their battles on their reputation alone. Weapons shape the character of the men who wield them and two upturned kukris meeting at the top, their naked blades crossing, serve as the identifying insignia of the Brigade of Gurkhas in the United Kingdom.The Gurkhas were brought to the world's attention in the nineteenth century, when the territory ruled by Britain's Honourable East India Company in Nepal experienced a number of boundary disputes and Gurkha raids. Mutual respect developed between the Gurkhas and the British, who viewed the Gurkhas as disciplined and capable fighters training under the motto, "It is better to die than to be a coward."In modern times the Gurkhas have served the British Crown in several campaigns worldwide, including both World Wars. As World War II ended Gurkhas saw active service mainly in the Far East, until Britain moved forward to defend the Falkland Islands following the Argentine occupation in the spring of 1982.This book examines the kukri knife as a combat weapon and relates it to the history of the Gurkha soldier. It starts with a historical background of the Gurkhas, including an account of the campaigns in which they have fought. It then explores the origin and handling characteristics of the kukri and its combat applications. Next it discusses Gurkha recruitment into the British and Indian armies, followed by an examination of the status of Gurkhas as mercenary soldiers. The book summarizes with a discussion of the Gurkha reputation as the "bravest of the brave." The concluding remarks focus on the Gurkhas' so-called "inherent" fighting characteristics and the kukri knife as a symbol of status and skill.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

The sword, a treasured combat arm and symbol of identity, status, and courage has held a special place in most countries of the world. The samurai, however, may have received unparalleled attention in the history of the sword. This brief introduction to medieval Japan demonstrates how the politically strong samurai shaped the view one held of battle. Following the abolishment of the samurai class, the Meiji Restoration, and the opening of Japan to the West in the nineteenth century, Japan was anxious to move ahead with modern military equipment and the building of a national army. Few traditional swords were made and the Japanese adopted western style cavalry sabers. In the twentieth century the sword continued to be carried into battle as a supplementary weapon; not necessarily practical for the battlefield but, nevertheless, serving an important function as a "crutch for the heart." The gunto, or new-army sword, which was modeled after the samurai katana but modernized to conform to western standards, was carried by army and navy officers and cavalry troops until Japan's fall at the end of World War II.This book focuses on the era that one normally associates with the medieval period. It starts by exploring the history of Japanese sword making, the development of metallurgic science, and the skill required of the swordsmith to forge a strong and battle-worthy blade that adhered to the standards followed by the samurai warrior class. It then covers samurai mentality and philosophy of sword fighting, with respect to the battlefield use of the katana and the dynamics of Japanese swordsmanship. It summarizes with a history of the gunto new-army sword and the practical and philosophical value this sword had to the twentieth-century soldier. The concluding remarks focus on the sword as a symbol of Japanese culture.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

Edged weapons became a mainstay in early Chinese history and through the Ming (1368-1644 CE) and Qing (1644-1912 CE) dynasties. The Chinese used swords to settle personal disputes, win military battles, and indicate one's social and martial status through the end of the Imperial Period.China, a country of vast resources, developed its metal and iron industry earlier than its western counterparts and achieved great advances in metallurgic science. There were two classes of Chinese swords: the straight double edged jian and the slightly curved single edged dao. The jian proved effective mainly for chivalry combat in the Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BCE), and was later carried by the nobility as a symbol of status. Military officers, perhaps because of their association with the nobility, seem to have preferred the double edged jian over the dao. The dao proved useful mainly in cavalry combat, which started to gain popularity in the Western Han Dynasty (202 BCE-9 CE). The dao was a true soldier's weapon that required more attention to fighting skill than finesse.This book follows a chronological path through China's dynasties, exploring sword design and swordsmanship. The concluding remarks recap the long history of the sword with focus on the philosophical value one assigned the weapon.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

Large knives with origins as farming and brush cutting tools are often associated with warfare in geographical regions of rough terrain, dense jungle, hills, and in societies without centralized leadership. They have found use as weapons in guerrilla warfare and internal rebellions. The machete has been employed extensively in political uprisings, particularly in Third World countries with unstable governments; for example, in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.Some of the most varied types of edged weaponry, however, can be found in Indonesia. Since this region faced foreign occupiers, conflicts proved common, forcing the natives to resort to knives that could easily be carried on one's person. Indonesian edged weapons saw use during the Philippine-American War of 1899-1902.Africa is yet a region that has relied on edged weaponry. Because of a need for people to develop ethnic and cultural identity, regional weapons often feature significant differences in shape and size. The edged weapons of Africa frequently demonstrate the cultural connection between war and peace, life and death, offense and defense that existed in peoples' lives.This book focuses on three geographical regions associated with jungle, desert, and guerrilla warfare from around the fifteenth century to modern day: Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. The book starts by discussing the machete and other big-bladed weapons used extensively in Central America, Cuba, Mexico, and Chile. Next it explores the unique knives of Indonesia, with particular focus on the kris. It then examines the bladed weapons of the different regions of the African continent, including the tactics used in pre- and post-colonial warfare. The history of metallurgic science and the migration of weapons to different regions are also explored. The concluding remarks summarize the main points of each section.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

The Power Trip: How to Survive and Thrive in the Dojo is an informative and critical series of books that will give you the power to thrive in an environment where other students and even instructors at times sit on their "high horses," arguing over "best techniques" or making snide remarks about your performance. It will also arm you for the day you will begin teaching the martial arts (or help you improve your technique if you are already teaching), and show you how to build your integrity and repute as an instructor.If you are a new student in the martial arts, ready to sign up for your first lesson, you will gain a lot of information about the difficulties you can expect to encounter sometime throughout your training, and explore options for resolving potential conflicts. If you are a seasoned martial artist with years under your belt, you will no doubt recognize many of the scenarios presented, and be able to look back at your journey and consider what you could have done differently.6 Ways to Improve Performance and Correct Errors in the Martial Arts, the fourth book in the series, discusses how to build your strength by taking advantage of individual differences and specialized classes, how to recognize and correct common errors and obstacles to learning, how to get past learning plateaus and know when it is time to move ahead, and how well-developed lesson plans can help you perform better.

The Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series gives the martial arts interested person a solid background on the importance of the knife as a combat weapon, inspires the reader about the benefits of knife training, and provides detailed step-by-step instruction in how to manipulate and defend against a knife with speed, proficiency, and confidence.Almost any martial art, traditional or modern, can be adapted to knife offense and defense without changing the basic principles of the art. Since the knife is a relatively small and lightweight weapon, many of the same moves and movement patterns you use in your empty-hand art are easily transferable to your knife techniques, and vice versa. The practical lessons you learn by adding knife training to your arsenal include quick reaction skills, physical and mental control, footwork and evasion tactics, distance control, and target precision.Knife training gives you a decided physical and mental edge and opens new dimensions that will deepen your understanding of the martial arts. Knife Defense Basics, the sixth book in the series, covers basic knife defense principles, how to recognize a threat and prepare a defense, the importance of seizing the initiative and counterstriking, superior positioning along with an analysis of safety in distance versus closeness, and a number of blocking, deflection, and countering exercises. It ends with a discussion of different types of threats and how to choose a training method that is right for you.Approximately a dozen titles will be published in the Knife Training Methods and Techniques for Martial Artists series over the coming year. Look for several more titles in the near future.

How profound is Sun Tzu in relation to the full expanse of Chinese and European military history? While historical accounts can act as pillars of strength and as guideposts for building military theories, statesmen or generals can rarely rely on Sun Tzu's advice as a prescription for success by randomly picking statements from his book.This book offers a new perspective on the Art of War by comparing and contrasting Asian and Western military thought. It explores how Chinese history and culture influenced Sun Tzu's writings, and how his writings later influenced future military leaders. It also brings to light how military leaders often ignored Sun Tzu's lessons, and how changing times and battlefield requirements occasionally made Sun Tzu's advice impractical or impossible to implement.Sun Tzu can be read metaphorically or literally. When read metaphorically, it transcends time and place and proves practical for guiding military and civilian leaders in the East and West. But when read literally, it is about strategies that win wars and have little application to the civilian world of business.

Never having participated in a conflict on the scale of World War I naturally taught America that it needed some adjustments to its military forces. When America entered the war, the Allies also minimized American achievements and viewed American troops as less prepared to meet the challenges of modern wars than the stalwart, disciplined, and well-trained French and British forces. In the interwar period, the United States realized that Japan was becoming a growing strategic problem. In case of war, the American war effort would have to be divided between Europe and Asia. What America might be best remembered for, however, are the strategic bombing campaigns which culminated in dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After World War II, America focused on a strategy of deterrence and containment of communism, with a commitment to defeat totalitarian regimes, which it believed was essential for the economic growth of the Free World. There are many prisms through which one can view American participation in World Wars I and II. Rather than providing definite answers, this brief study aims at rousing additional interest and provoking critical thinking about how these large-scale wars shaped military policy and the future of the United States Armed Forces, including our nation's decision to go to war. Discussions include the following topics:1. America Enters World War I2. American Strategy and Tactics in the Great War3. Military Preparations in the Interwar Years4. Doctrinal Differences between the Military Branches5. America Enters World War II6. The Strategic Bombings of Japan and Germany7. Allied Victory and the End of World War II8. How America's Warfare Policies Changed after World War II9. Topics for Further Study and DebateThe book is suitable for history interested readers looking for thought provoking topics, but not having a lot of time; and for teachers preparing the class for critical thinking about historical events, and how they have come to affect current affairs. More books with focus on domestic and international military history will be forthcoming in this new series titled, A 59-Minute Perspective.

Self-publishing used to be the last resort when an author had exhausted all other channels. Self-publishing meant that your book wasn't good enough for a traditional publisher. Even if you knew your sales would be virtually nil, you self-published because your vanity required it; you self-published so that you could say that you had published a book, even if it never sold a single copy. Since the e-book explosion, self-publishing no longer carries the stigma it did a few years ago; it is no longer considered equivalent to vanity publishing.If you choose to go independent, your luck is that self-publishing has become a whole lot easier in the last few years since the advent of the digital age. Self-publishing is no longer a last resort, but a conscious choice that comes with many advantages over traditional publishing. The technology available today has made it possible to self-publish in both electronic and paperback versions, even if you don't have a penny to invest in the process. The electronic book market is growing, and publishers have traditionally paid lousy royalties on electronic books. Despite your lack of publishing experience, you might have a better chance making money if you self-publish rather than pursue a traditional publisher.But knowledge is power, and it is crucial to educate yourself on the process and be aware of the factors that might influence your decision. Going Indie: 25 Things You Should Know Before Self-Publishing Your Book, offers a number of tips that will raise your awareness of the benefits of self-publishing over traditional publishing.To learn about traditional publishing, look for Confessions of a Published Author: 47 Truths About What Can Go Right and Wrong When Selling Your Book to a Traditional Publisher, also by Martina Sprague.