A comprehensive sourcebook and practical guide to the world's most ancient and revered martial arts. This title includes advice on choosing the martial arts discipline best suited to your particular needs - for men and women of all ages and fitness levels, children, and people with a disability. This book helps discover spiritual and physical harmony with two dedicated and extensive step-by-step teaching plans and training programmes for t'ai chi and aikido. Clear step-by-step sequences are demonstrated by some of the world's most respected martial artists, and illustrated in over 1200 colour photographs. This comprehensive sourcebook is the ultimate resource for the martial arts enthusiast, or those taking their first steps into self-defense training. The journey into martial arts begins with an exploration of each discipline, focusing on the history, philosophy, and basic etiquette and offering practical step-by-step instruction in the exercises and techniques which make each art form unique. This overview is followed by step-by-step teaching plans for two of the most respected martial arts, t'ai chi and aikido. The history and theory behind each discipline are examined, emphasizing a spiritual approach as well as a physical commitment. Information on preparation and warm-up sequences is given, and guides to the basic postures, movements, techniques and applications of t'ai chi and aikido are demonstrated by expert practitioners.