Steven J. Pearlman

Different styles of martial arts offer contradictory information, philosphies, and techniques for the body in combat. A practitioner of judo might advocate grappling, reasoning that most fights converge into close range after a short time, while an advocate of tae kwon do might argue that one should strive to maintain one's distance in an encounter that would allow one to use the legs, the most powerful weapon on the human body.

A lifelong student and teacher of multiple styles of martial arts, Steven Pearlman has sought to distill from these disciplines not a fusion of techniques, but rather a compilation of fundamental principles that can guide the individual martial artist to the ideal action. Through his exploration of a set of basic principles that range from the physical (spinal alighment, the triangular guard, breathing) to the spiritual (the void, the body-mind, the character), Pearlman arrives at a system open to all martial artists without basterdizing the techniques of the original disciplines.

The Book of Martial Power will capture the minds of martial artists and anyone interested in finding a path to success that is not based on a specific form but is instead driven by fundamental principles.

'A must-read for all martial artists.'-Shihan Gary Alexander, 10th dan Combat Isshin Ryu Founder, the International Association of Martial artists.

'Trancends style and penetrates the very abyss of the fighting arts.'-Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi 8th dan International Ryukyu Karate Research Society.

'Brings a new level of conceptual maturity to the traditional martial arts community.'-George Kirby, 10th dan Budoshin Ju-Jitsu.

'Sets the example for us to admire and refresh our desire to train harder and deeper in body mind and spirit...noteworthy and enjoyable.'-Kyoshi Joe Mansfield, 8th dan, Oyata Shin Shu Ho Ryu & Ryute Renmei.

'Steven Pearlman has transcended style, system and art to provide students and instructors alike a truly insightful look into the precise fundamental principles of all martial and combative arts, thus allowing anyone genuinely interested in truly appreciating and understanding their training and their art to reach new levels of understanding, confidence and competence...Highly recommended.'-Charlie Moore, U.S. government combatives and tactics instructor

'If there is ever a book that would be considered 'required reading' for the martial arts, this book would certainly be in that category.'Kuya Doug Marcaida, SEIGE-Strategic Edge Impact Global Enterprises.

Steven J. Pearlman has been training in the martial arts since 1984 and has studied Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Malaysian, and Western martial arts styles. He has been teaching martial arts of an elite level since 1989, when he began teaching at American University. In 1999, he was hired by the Smithsonian Institute to coordinate and curate a martial arts lecture series, entitled 'Spirit in Motion: Martial Traditions Past and Present.' He now lives and teaches in Pennsylvania.

Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
The nature and importance of principles
Section 1 Principles of theory
The principle of principles
Universality
The pure objective
Conrol
Lengthening our line
Efficiency
The percentage principle
A standard of infinite measure
The power paradox
Ratio
Simplicity
Natural action
The Michelangelo principle
Reciprocity
Opponents are illusions
Reflexive action
Training truth
Imperception and deception
Section II Physiokinetic principles
Breathing
Posture
The triangle guard
The centerline
The primary gate
Spinal alignment
Axis
Minor axes
Stucture
Heaviness
Relaxation
Wave energy
Convergence
Centeredness
Triangulation point
The (dynamic) sphere
The body-mind
The void
Centripetal force
Centrifugal force
Sequential locking & sequential relaxation
Peripheral vision
Tactile sensitivity
Rooting
Section III Principles of technique
Techniques vs. technique
Equal rights
Compliment
Kobo Ichi
Economical motion
Active movement
Positioning
Angling
Leading control
Complex forces
Indirect pressure
Live energy & dead energy
Torsion & pinning
Speed
Timing
Rhythm
Balance
Reacitve control
Natural & unnatural motion
Weak link
Non-telegraphing
Extension & penetration
Section IV Principles of philosophy
Mind
Mushin
Kime
Non-intention
Yin-yang
Oneness
Zanshin & being
Non-action
Character
The empty cup
Section V A sample of technique
Appendix A: Notes on my approach to the text… (lisätietoja)