One in a series of remarkable books that provide an in-depth look at the core concepts and techniques shared by a broad range of martial arts styles.ÿ -----ÿ This unique work outlines the essential principles and techniques that define armed and unarmed self-defense involving common weapons. More than 1,400 outstanding photographs introduce over 350 practical techniques spanning seven basic classes of weapons--knife, short-stick, staff, cane, rope, common objects, and defense against handguns-the mastery of which provides practitioners with a range of skills that will allow them to wield almost anything as a weapon. Each weapons chapter provides an authoritative overview of important technical principles, tactics, weapon types, grips, stances, and fundamental strikes and blocks, followed by numerous self-defense applications. Introductory chapters cover weapons philosophy, energetic concepts, 106 pressure points, and a visual comparison of different martial arts, making this an invaluable resource for all martial styles. Expertly written and designed by the author of the 1,136-page Hapkido--widely acclaimed