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ESSENTIAL GEAR
 Soft Nunchaku for Training
The best way to learn the traditional Okinawan weapon is with a less-than-lethal incarnation. Enter Revgear and its Soft Chux. Each padded half of the flail measures 8 inches to 12 inches long, and each unit weighs approximately 3 ounces. Bop yourself on the brain, and you won’t even blink. They cost $19.99 to $24.99. (800) 767-8288, http://www.revgear.com
 Martial Arts Casuals
Karate kids love to show off their favorite pastime even while lounging around the house. That’s why SydeKix by GEN started marketing its martial arts apparel. The T-shirt features an embroidered image of a side-kicking karateka, and the shorts are festooned with similar silhouettes. The top sells for $15.99, and the bottom goes for $17.99. (813) 417-7808, http://www.sydekix.com
 Intro to a Rare Art
Tinh vo dao, the eclectic art created by Quoc L. Tran, is outlined in Introduction to Tinh Vo Dao, a 146-page text from Falcon Books. The author covers the history and philosophy of his system, along with warm-ups, hand and foot techniques, and self-defense methods. It sells for $16.95. http://www.tinhvodao.com
 Chi Kung Therapy DVD
In Qigong Massage: Fundamental Techniques for Health and Relaxation, Black Belt Hall of Fame member Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming teaches ways to combine chi kung (also spelled qigong) with massage for illness prevention and improved energy flow. Included are sections about one- and two-person treatment methods. The retail price of the DVD is $49.95. (800) 669-8892, http://www.ymaa.com
 Kali Tudo DVD Course
Curious about kali tudo after reading the cover story of the September 2005 issue of Black Belt? Check out Kali Tudo: Kali Silat for the Cage, a new two-volume DVD set from Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny. The founding member of the Dog Brothers focuses on “triangular striking crashes,” his prescription for success in mixed-martial arts fighting. The three-hour set sells for $65. (310) 543-7521, http://www.dogbrothers.com
 Guide to Internal Energy
Kenji Tokitsu penned Ki and the Way of the Martial Arts to explain the connection between ki energy and the budo. Among the topics he discusses in the 105-page book are methods for “capturing” your opponent’s mind, the meaning of spatial relationships in combat, and the Japanese sword arts. Available from Shambhala Publications, it costs $12.95. http://www.shambhala.com
 Wisdom From the Ancients
100 Action Principles of the Shaolin is the latest literary effort from Bill FitzPatrick, aka the “Shaolin Master.” A teacher of kenpo karate, FitzPatrick draws from his decades in the arts to produce a work of wisdom and motivation that will appeal to martial artists and non-martial artists alike. The 214-page book, which is published by American Success Institute, retails for $12.95. http://www.success.org.
 Ken Shamrock Gets Technical
Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Ken Shamrock reveals his best octagon strategies in Beyond the Lion’s Den: The Life, The Fights, The Techniques. The 278-page book from Tuttle Publishing features more than 500 color photos of kicks, punches, takedowns, escapes and submissions for the mixed-martial arts arena. It goes for $29.95. http://www.tuttlepublishing.com
Cajun Karate on DVD
For a taste of Cajun karate, pick up Keichu-Do: Competition Katas & Bunkai. In it, Karl W. Marx Sr. unveils the secrets of his art’s forms and applications, including ichi heian, ni heian, san heian, keri zuki waza, ju te ude zuki, sankyu ni, nikyu ni and kandi ikkyu ni. The DVD costs $20. (805) 451-2656, http://www.keichu.com
Handbook of the Japanese Blade
In Flashing Steel: Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordsmanship, Masayuki Shimabukuro and Leonard J. Pellman examine the art of iaido, or sword drawing and cutting. In addition to providing an overview of history, philosophy, etiquette and nomenclature, they cover the 42 kata that make up the sword system. The 268-page book from Frog Ltd. has a list price of $18.95.
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