You're no idiot, of course. You've seen the Jackie Chan movies, you've watched martial arts at the Olympics, and, as a kid, you probably even attempted the occasional flying ninja double back kick. But when it comes to understanding and choosing the right martial arts style, your belt seems to have tied you in knots.

But don't throw away your belt and head back to the couch! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Martial Arts teaches you what you need to know about karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, tai chi, judo, aikido, jiu-jitsu, and kobudo. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:

The origins of the different martial arts styles.
Advice on choosing the right school.
Information on the various martial arts styles, techniques, and equipment.

Cezar Borkowski is the National Director of Northern Karate Schools in Toronto, an 8th degree black belt, a respected martial arts historian and author, and a former international karate champion.

Marion Manzo, a 5th degree black belt and senior karate instructor, is a former top-rated competitor with a background in martial arts, aerobics, and weight training. She trained in New York with renowned karate instructor Toyotaro Miyazaki. Marion now lives in Toronto.

Discover quick and easy ways to...

Choose the martial art that's right for you.
Reach physical, mental, and spiritual goals.
Stay motivated and focused when training.
Protect yourself and stay safe as you learn.
Use Zen principles for superior focus and peace of mind.
Proress towards advnced self-defense and tournaments.
Find great martial arts web sites, and other resources.

Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Acknowledgments
Part 1 The basics
1 Why martial arts?
2 Combat in the ancient world
3 Martial arts overview
Part 2 Stepping up to the mat
4 Myths and realities of martial arts training
5 Physical assets
6 Better safe than sorry
7 In the spirit of things
8 The joy of reaching your goals
Part 3 How you can get started
9 Choosing the right martial art
10 Finding the school that's right for you
11 What to expect in the first month and beyond
12 The higher level of martial arts larning
Part 4 Major martial arts in detail
13 Enter the dragon with Chinese kung fu
14 The samurai martial art of jiu-jitsu
15 Navigating karate's sea of styles
16 Taking karate to the next level
17 Going for the gold with judo
18 Getting defensive with aikido
19 Trading blows in the pacific sun
20 Tae kwon do's spectacular 'feets'
21 Choose your weapons: Kendo, kyudo and kobudo
22 Shifting into 'neutral' with tai chi chuan
23 The eclectical approach to martial arts
Part 5 Making your journey with confidence
242 Putting it all together
Appendix A Glossary
Appendix B 101 people who influenced the martial arts
Appendix C Suggested reading list (bibliography)
Appendix D Additional resources
Appendix E Martial arts organizations
Appendix F International tournament divisions
Appendix G Timetables for Asian martia arts
Index