Читать книгу From Lee to Li: An A–Z guide of martial arts heroes - Ben Stevens - Страница 5

Few subjects are as prone to myth, exaggeration and general controversy as the martial arts. In From Lee to Li, however, I have set out to record, as accurately as is possible, some of those many men and women who have, throughout history, ‘served’ the martial arts in a way that is out of the ordinary.

Some (Jigoro Kano, Chang San-Feng) evolved a new style. Others developed an existing form, or established a career—for example, in the film industry (Jackie Chan, Jean-Claude Van Damme)—through their martial skills. Then there are those who, like Bruce Lee and Carlos Gracie, caused what was nothing short of a martial arts’ revolution.

From China to Croatia, Brazil to Great Britain—and from before the birth of Christ right up to the present day—From Lee to Li contains well over 100 accounts of those who have helped shape the fascinating world of martial arts.

Ben Stevens began practising judō aged seven, and since then has studied various martial arts but particularly judō, jujutsu and karate. He would like to extend special thanks to Salah Alkawari for his detailed comments and advice concerning this book.