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
			
Excellent 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)
			
A 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)
			
			“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.