Whether you regard oriental martial arts as a means of self defence, an exciting sport, a way of keeping fit or as a branch of a fascinating philosophical system this book has a lot to offer you.

For many centuries the technques which form the basis of the arts of karate, kung fu, kendo, judo and aikido remained a closely guarded secret. Fearful that such knowledge might fall into the hands of bandits, the monks of Shao Lin monastery handed it down only by word of mouth. Those who are familiar with the power that this knowledge bestows can but agree that their caution was well justified. The flying kick, stepping punch and knife hand strike can be lethal if correctly applied while blocks, twists and sweeps may make an opponent powerless.

Over 150 lavish photographs make this book unbeatable value for money. Each section, illustrated in full colour, gives not only an outline of the history of each art but also a stage-by-stage guide that can help lead to a mastery of the essentials of the skill concerned. Now, in this one volume the secrets of oriental martial arts are revealed.

Jim Wilson is one of Britain's foremost exponents of oriental martial arts. A holder of several black belts he has competed successfully throughout the world in international tournaments. For many years a pupil of Sensei K. Enoedo he now teaches in London.

Contents

Karate
Kung fu
Judo
Aikido
Oriental weaponry
Kendo