Knowing the Facts about the Martial Arts

Perhaps few Oriental systems have become as widely accepted in the West as the martial arts. They claim to work by unifying mind, spirit, and body chiefly through meditation and physical discipline. This allegedly helps to regulate the flow of mystical energy throughout the body and to enable one to attain the state of mind-body oneness. They stress the control of mind and body for self-defense, health, physical conditioning, and enlightenment. Even when they are considered as regimens of physical development only, they can be adapted to any religion. How the martial arts work; the fitness claims; major problems and potential dangers are examined in this book.