book cover of The Art of Weapons: Armed and Unarmed Self-Defense. By Marc Tedeschi.
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.

This illuminating work outlines the essential principles and techniques that define armed and unarmed self-defense involving common weapons. More than 1400 outstanding photographs introduce over 350 practical techniques spanning seven fundamental 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 a detailed, 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 Oriental 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 1136‑page Hapkido—widely acclaimed the most comprehensive book ever written on a single martial art—this exceptional work is designed to stand alone, or function as a companion text with the author’s other works on martial techniques and anatomy. Regardless of the style you practice, these books will enrich your training, improve your technique, and deepen your understanding of the unique qualities embodied in your own martial art.

Other Books in the Series
The Art of Weapons is part of a remarkable series of books that provide an in‑depth look at the core concepts and techniques shared by a broad range of martial arts. Each of these stand‑alone books is dedicated to a specific technical area, such as strikes, holds, or throws. Other titles include: The Art of Striking, The Art of Holding, The Art of Throwing, and The Art of Ground Fighting.

 SPECIFICATIONS

The Art of Weapons: Armed and Unarmed Self-Defense
Author: Marc Tedeschi
Language: English
First Edition, October 2003
Published by Weatherhill,
an imprint of Shambhala Publications
Softcover Edition, May 2015
Published by Floating World Editions
208 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches
Over 1400 monochrome photos,
68 illustrations, bibliography
Foreign-language editions available
in French, Italian, and Russian
Hardcover: ISBN 978-0834805408
Softcover: ISBN 978-1891640797

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. OVERVIEW

Introduction
Historical Development
Weapons Overview
Philosophical Considerations
Training Considerations
Techniques in this Book
Comparing Martial Arts

2. FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction
Energetic Concepts
Stances
Footwork
Anatomical Targets
Pressure Point Targets
Pressure Point Locations

3. KNIFE TECHNIQUES

Introduction
Types of Knives
Common Grips
Stances
Use of the Knife
   Types of Attack
   Knife Strikes
Unarmed Defense Against Knife
   Defensive Principles
   Defense Against Knife

4. SHORT-STICK TECHNIQUES

Introduction
Types of Short-Sticks
Common Grips
Carrying and Drawing
Stances
Short-Stick Strikes
Short-Stick Blocks
Short-Stick Defenses

5. STAFF TECHNIQUES

Introduction
Types of Staff
Common Grips
Stances
Staff Strikes
Combination Strikes
Staff Blocks
Staff Defenses

6. CANE TECHNIQUES

Introduction
Cane Anatomy
Common Grips
Stances
Cane Strikes
Combination Strikes
Cane Blocks
Cane Defenses

7. ROPE TECHNIQUES

Introduction
Rope Characteristics
Common Grips
Stances
Rope Strikes
Rope Blocks
Rope Defenses

8. COMMON OBJECTS

Introduction
Basic Theory
Types of Weapons
Typical Techniques

9. DEFENSE AGAINST HANDGUN

Introduction
Types of Handguns
Unarmed Defense Training
Defensive Principles
Mechanical Arrests
Defense Against Handgun

10. REFERENCE

Further Reading
Acknowledgements
 REVIEWS

“Without a doubt the best works on martial arts today are those written by Marc Tedeschi . . . great reference for anyone who is serious about learning or teaching the martial arts.”
– Professor Willy Cahill,
Two-time Olympic Judo Coach, Jujitsu Grandmaster,
Inductee Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame

5starsExcellent Book
“I have over two hundred books on the martial arts and this [The Art of Weapons] is one of the best books I have. It is clear, concise, with excellent photographs. I would recommend this book to anybody.”
– Amazon.co.uk (UK)

5starsA Quality Text
“In addition to The Art of Throwing, I have bought other books by Mr. Tedeschi . . . In my opinion, all of these texts are excellent. The layout of the books are logical and the plethora of photographs are clear.”
– Amazon.com (Canada)

5stars
“This book provides the reader with a comprehensive explanation of various types of weapons and principles that share basic concepts with many other systems . . . very well written . . . provides a solid weapons foundation for all martial artists, regardless of style . . . The knife and other weapon techniques in this book are solid and should be studied for concept. Meaning that they are not exclusive to the weapons illustrated. Many household products can easily be used as a weapon while using the same concept. I would strongly recommend this book to the open-minded martial artist of any level.”
– Insp. D. Dedet,
25-year veteran San Francisco Police Dept.

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