In 600 A.D. a warrior Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma traveled from India to China, where he promoted the study of martial arts as a key not only to strength, but also to self-confidence, health, and peace of mind. Bodhidharma's combination of breathing, meditation, and physical fighting techniques formed the foundation for all martial arts.

Over the centuries as the practice of martial arts spread throughout Asia, each region developed its own specialty, from karate to judo, jiujitsu, tae kwon do, kung fu, tai chi, and aikido. The martial arts proved to be an influential and enduring form of exercise, self-defense, and self-improvement.

Promoted in recent years by action film stars such as Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, martial arts today are practiced by millions of people worldwide who seek a connection between the powers of the body and the powers of the mind.

Contents

Chapter 1 Fighting bulls with empty hands
Chapter 2 The history of martial arts
Chapter 3 Kung fu
Chapter 4 Jiu-jitsu and judo
Chapter 5 Tae kwon do
Chapter 6 Aikido
Chapter 7 The martial arts
Chronology
Glossary
Further reading (bibliography)
Index