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Against the Water: A surfing champion's inspirational journey to Olympic glory
by Owen WrightThe gut-wrenching story of how one of Australia&’s finest surfers overcame a brain injury and despair to win an Olympic medal. On the morning of 10 December 2015, Owen Wright entered the water at Pipeline, Hawaii, determined to become a world champion. But after being pounded by a set of monstrous waves, he ended up fighting for life and facing extensive brain trauma. In this inspirational memoir, Wright chronicles the events leading up to that fateful day, as well as the months and years that followed as he battled to regain basic functioning, and eventually the capacity to compete again at the apex of surfing.Against the Water carries the reader back to Wright&’s boyhood in the tiny town of Culburra, where his father, determined to raise champions, turned family life into a kind of boot camp. While eccentric, his father&’s methods bore fruit: the Wrights of Culburra would become Australian surfing royalty. Owen&’s story lays bare the complex relationship with his father – the adoration, the fight for independence, the fallings out, and the reconciliations. Told in a spare, intimate style, Against the Water is the moving account of an athlete who refused to accept that his best days were behind him and raises fundamental questions around family and competition. What, ultimately, is our duty to our children? At what point does bravery become folly? And how much should we sacrifice for the sake of another? &‘Owen was a childhood phenom who grew into the ultimate family man. In between this transition, he took on the world, charged crazy waves, suffered a huge brain injury, and finished off with the all-time sporting comeback!&’ Mick Fanning, three-time world champion surfer &‘Whatever it is that Owen is getting himself into, he seems to do it with little to no fear and a massive smile on his face. He&’s an inspirational guy, to put it lightly. Owen is one special human!&’ Liam Hemsworth, actor &‘Owen Wright has to be the most inspiring person I&’ve ever met. His story is one of a childhood prodigy, to facing a near-death experience, to Australian hero . . . This book will inspire and motivate anyone who has had to face adversity whilst following their dreams.&’ Kita Alexander, singer-songwriter &‘[A] true fighter&’s spirit!' Luke Rockhold, UFC middleweight champion, two-time jiu-jitsuworld champion, three-time strikeforce middleweight champion
Against the Wind: An Ironwoman's Race for Her Family's Survival
by Lee DipietroTo one woman, running was more than a passion--it was a lesson in perseverance. Lee DiPietro discovered the exhilaration of endurance athletics when she ran her first half marathon in her late twenties. From that day forward, she took on every marathon that she could, and despite having to juggle her running with her responsibilities as mother and wife, she quickly established herself as one of the best runners in the United States. Over the next thirty years Lee won race after race, running in everything from local competitions to the three most challenging endurance races: the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and the Ironman triathlon. What she did not know, as she climbed the ranks of the running world, was the struggle her family would face and the role her running would play in helping her persevere in the face of great adversity. When Lee’s husband was diagnosed with cancer and her son suffered a devastating accident, she found herself falling back on the lessons she had learned as a marathoner to help her endure the sudden family trials. In Against the Wind, DiPietro takes us through her harrowing yearlong fight for the lives of her husband and son. Despite the great difficulties she faced, throughout it all remained her love for running. Against the Wind is a story that will resonate with readers whose lives have been affected by cancer as well as those who are dedicated to endurance sports. It proves that running is a tool to save lives--far from just a sport and test of one's mettle.
Agatha Parrot and the Heart of Mud
by Kjartan Poskitt Wes HargisFirst, Martha's mom bans her from playing soccer, and Agatha and friends must get Martha back on the field. Then Agatha's brother, James, receives an email from a mysterious girl, Bella, and Agatha secretly responds for him. It's just one of those things that sisters have to do! Agatha discovers Bella's love of spelling might hold the secret for getting Martha permission to play soccer again. Several forged emails--and a few spelling tests--later, will Martha play in the big game? And what will happen when the innocent Bella meets the real James? The irresistible adventures of Agatha Parrot continue in this funny and unpredictable installment.
Ageing, Physical Activity and Health: International Perspectives (ICSSPE Perspectives)
by Karin Volkwein-Caplan Jasmin Tahmaseb McConathaOne of the most pressing questions facing society today is how to care for its burgeoning elderly population. By the year 2050, experts predict that one-third of the world’s population will be over 60 years old. Health promotion for the elderly is therefore becoming an increasingly important topic in public policy and planning. This book examines the challenges presented by an ageing global population, our varying expectations of healthy ageing, and the importance of exercise and physical activity for the elderly. Drawing on empirical research from around the world, it considers the factors that influence health and well-being in later life and compares practices and policies designed to promote healthy ageing. It presents case studies from 15 countries spanning Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia, and sheds light on how attitudes to physical activity differ across nations, regions and cultures. Ageing, Physical Activity and Health: International Perspectives is important reading for all students, researchers and practitioners with an interest in physical activity, public health, exercise science or gerontology.
Ageless Strength: Strong and Fit for a Lifetime
by Jeff HorowitzAgeless Strength shows athletes and active people how to build sustainable fitness for a lifetime of active pursuits. It’s a myth that our older years only bring physical decline. While it’s true that we lose strength, bone density, and balance, our bodies react the same way to training at any age. The answer is not to go easy on our so-called fragile bodiesthat traditional approach of gentle, easy fitness just guarantees loss. The key is to push our bodies in the right ways. A smart mix of strength training can counteract the physical effects of agingand keep you strong and fit for years. With the program in Ageless Strength, you can get into the best shape of your life at any age. In his proven program, coach and trainer Jeff Horowitz reveals exercises that fight back against the years. His dynamic and engaging mix of 50 simple strength exercises will build strength, bone, and balancecombating the top three physical changes that lead to injury and loss of strength. These effective exercises use bodyweight or minimal equipment so that no gym membership is required. Each functional strength move mimics a real-life motion so you’ll know it will help your day-to-day fitness. The 6-week quick-start program will get you up to speed, then you can follow the long-term strength program or select from the color-coded exercises to design your own. In just two 30-minute sessions a week, Ageless Strength offers a simple, effective way to get strong and fit for a lifetime of active pursuits.
Ahead in the Heat (A Pacific Blue Novel)
by Lorelie BrownSean Westin finds himself on the beaches of San Sebastian as he recovers from a bad break. But he'll need more than sand and swells to heal his heart....The surfing World Championship Tour is under way, and Sean Westin is desperate to make his mark--until a stupid display of machismo in Bali leaves his shoulder busted. He has six weeks to get back on the waves or he may be looking at the end of his career.Annie Baxter is the best physical therapist in the business, and she knows it. After almost joining the pro circuit herself, she's wary of working with big stars and their huge egos. But Sean is making her an incredible offer--full funding for her after-school skate center for underprivileged kids--and she's finding him hard to resist....As intense therapy sessions turn into passionate intimacy, Sean unleashes a wild side of Annie that she's suppressed for years. Only, Sean's keeping secrets, and when his hidden history comes to the surface, everything--even Annie--might get torn away.
Ahead of the Curve: Inside the Baseball Revolution
by Brian Kenny“A delight for baseball lovers” (Kirkus Reviews) and “one of the most significant baseball books of the year” (Bob Costas) Ahead of the Curve uses stories from baseball’s present and past to examine why we sometimes choose ignorance over information, and how tradition can trump logic.Forget batting average. Kill the “Win.” Say goodbye to starting pitchers. And please, please stop bunting. MLB Network anchor and commentator Brian Kenny provides “an excellent, entertaining read for the all-around baseball fan” (Library Journal) and shows how baseball has been revolutionized—not destroyed—by analytical thinking. Most people who resist logical thought in baseball preach “tradition” and “respecting the game.” But many of baseball’s traditions go back to the nineteenth century, when the pitcher’s job was to provide the batter with a ball he could hit and fielders played without gloves. Instead of fearing change, Brian Kenny wants fans to think critically, reject outmoded groupthink, and embrace the changes that have come with the sabermetric era. In his entertaining and enlightening book, Kenny discusses why the pitching win-loss record, the Triple Crown, fielding errors, and so-called battling titles should be ignored. He also points out how fossilized sportswriters have been electing the wrong MVP’s and ignoring legitimate candidates for the Hall of Fame; why managers are hired based on their looks; and how the most important position in baseball may just be “Director of Decision Sciences.” “Prepare to have your brain and your assumptions challenged. Guided by data and a deep love of the game, Brian Kenny takes a cutting-edge look at where baseball is and where it is going” (Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated). Illustrated with unique anecdotes from those who have reshaped the game, Ahead of the Curve is “a great story about the game in the age of information and technology” (Billy Beane).
Ahmed and the New Boy: Independent Reading Yellow 3 (Reading Champion #141)
by Enid RichemontReading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.Independent Reading Yellow stories are perfect for children aged 4+ who are reading at book band 3 (Yellow) in classroom reading lessons.In this story, there is a new boy in Ahmed's school - and he is out of this world! Will the teacher notice that her new student is really an alien?
Ahogados en la orilla: Grandes derrotas de la historia del deporte
by Carlos MolinaUn anecdotario de aquellos que se quedaron al borde de la gloria. A veces las derrotas son tan grandes que permanecen en la memoria más tiempo que las victorias. En la historia del fútbol todavía está presente el maracanazo, la imposible derrota de Brasil ante Uruguay (Mundial de 1950) en el estadio más grande del mundo, que provocó suicidios en todo el país. Muchos años después, en el otro extremo del planeta, otra extraordinaria derrota cambió la vida de Sudáfrica: los famosos All Blacks de Nueva Zelanda, los más poderosos jugadores de rugby del mundo, cayeron ante la anfitriona y sobre este grandioso fracaso se edificó el futuro de un país hasta ese momento dividido. En la mitología de los fracasos también está la recordada final de Berna entre la invencible Hungría de Puskas y una Alemania que empezó a forjar su leyenda sobre la ruina de los húngaros. Hay perdedores que están por encima de los triunfadores, como es el caso del ciclista francés Raymond Poulidor, que si hubiera ganado el tour de Francia no sería tan famoso y querido como lo es habiendo sido tres veces segundo y cinco veces quinto. En este libro está Chuck Wepner, el boxeador que perdió ante el gran Muhammad Alí, pero su combatividad inspiró a Sylvester Stallone para imaginar a Rocky Balboa. Está el aciago hoyo 18 de Jean van de Velde, el jugador de golf más desgraciado de la historia. Está la impotencia del ajedrecista Korchnoi ante Karpov. Y también figura el atleta alemán Lutz Long, cuya derrota ante Jesse Owens humilló al mismísimo Hitler. Y tantos otros que se quedaron al borde de la gloria, ahogados en la orilla.
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Champions (Sports)
by Lisa J. HallSince the 1940s, forty racing champions have traveled the hallowed grounds at the historic Aiken Training Track. Thoroughbred icons such as Kelso, Tom Fool, Swale, Pleasant Colony, Conquistador Cielo and Shuvee trained at this world-renowned track. Numerous members of the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame won the biggest races in the sport. These champions combined for a total of 546 wins in 1,395 starts, including wins in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Race along with author Lisa J. Hall as she pays homage to these equine champions and an Aiken legacy.
Aikido Basics
by Phong Thong Dang Lynn SeiserIn Aikido Basics, the beginning student will find invaluable advice and information for the study of this popular form of martial arts. Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, Dang Phong, shares his secrets to building a successful training program, testing for belt promotion, and understanding and developing Ki, the energy used in aikido. The author incorporates a discussion of aikido's origin, its history and philosophical underpinnings, and an explanation of the different branches of aikido.
Aikido Basics
by Phong Thong Dang Lynn SeiserIn Aikido Basics, the beginning student will find invaluable advice and information for the study of this popular form of martial arts. Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, Dang Phong, shares his secrets to building a successful training program, testing for belt promotion, and understanding and developing Ki, the energy used in aikido. The author incorporates a discussion of aikido's origin, its history and philosophical underpinnings, and an explanation of the different branches of aikido.
Aikido For Life
by Gaku HommaA teacher's guide for instructing beginners of Aikido--this book appeals to the new beginner and experienced student alike. Nippon Kan was established in 1980 as a center for Denver residents to experience Japanese culture. The center has since served more than 6,000 students with its variety of classes, but its core is still Aikido. Thousands of students have benefitted from Gaku Homma's form of dynamic Aikido.
Aikido Ground Fighting: Grappling and Submission Techniques
by Carl Long Walther G. Von Krenner Ken Jeremiah Damon ApodacaAikido Ground Fighting presents effective ground techniques that remain true to aikido founder Morehei Ueshiba's teachings while addressing a potential weakness in the system: while aikido is renowned for its submission and compliance techniques as well as grappling from a standing position, it is not known for its effectiveness when it comes to ground fighting. Aikido Ground Fighting is a unique look at the roots of aikido techniques (in particular, the kneeling practices of suwari-waza) and how they might be applied to defense on the ground. Written by a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba in collaboration with other aikido teachers, this book remains steadfastly true to the founder's teachings while presenting innovative and effective techniques. Containing never-before-published pictures of Ueshiba as well as step-by-step photographs clearly demonstrating techniques, Aikido Ground Fighting is designed for aikido students looking to become more well-rounded martial artists as well as practitioners of all martial arts seeking effective self-defense techniques.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Aikido Off the Mat: One Woman's Journey Using Aikido Principles to Stay Sane in Body, Mind, and Spirit
by Kathy Park Jamie Leno ZimronA deeply personal and compelling memoir that illustrates how the basic principles of Aikido can help us cope with the challenges of life outside the dojoDrawing from more than forty years of experience as an Aikido practitioner and teacher, Kathy Park explains how principles such as embodiment, grounding, centering, extension, 360-degree awareness, blending, and alignment can be applied to everyday life. Candid stories from her own life show how the purpose of practicing Aikido on the mat is to take it off the mat and into the world.
Aikido Weapons Techniques
by Phong Thong Dang Lynn SeiserThough aikido is known as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons in aikido was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.The wooden weapons of aikido are most often used as training tools to better illustrate aikido principles and movements and to train in self-defense against weapons. This book features the three main weapons used in aikido: the boken or ken (wooden sword), jo (wooden short staff), and tanto (wooden knife). A complete discussion on each weapon is included with descriptions of the stances, grips, techniques, defenses, forms, and training appropriate for each weapon.The aikido concepts, training and techniques represented are those influenced by the weapons practice of O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, as well as the styles of Saito Sensei's Iwama-ryu.
Aikido and Words of Power: The Sacred Sounds of Kototama
by William GleasonFor the first time in English, the secrets of the sacred sounds that unlock the principles and spiritual strength of aikido• Explains the nature of the five vowels that govern the physical manifestations of universal consciousness • Uses more than 300 photographs to demonstrate a unique approach to aikido techniques that supports advanced spiritual practice• Author is a 6th dan aikido instructorAikido founder Ueshiba Morihei described the discipline as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers. One spirit and four souls are the five vowel dimensions of infinite space, the source of the sacred sounds of Kototama. Now, for the first time in English, William Gleason explains how to use the sounds of Kototama in the practice of aikido. Aikido is often approached as a purely physical discipline, but it is a truly profound spiritual vehicle for those who approach it with sincerity of purpose. The five vowels represent various dimensions and stages of awareness, whose different powers are revealed through aikido practice. Using more than 300 photographs, Gleason sensei presents physical routines that provide an introduction into the Kanagi, Sugaso, and Futonorito levels of spiritual development.Understanding the sacred sounds related to each of these dimensions, the adept gains not only the ability to realize the stages inherent in spiritual mastery but also the ability to maintain health and balance in his or her own life. “When fish move through water, there is no end to the water; when birds fly, there is no end to the sky.” Similarly, humans swim and fly in an ocean of sounds. Understanding Kototama allows human beings to view the world without distortion and allows the creative powers of the mind to flourish.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
by Oscar Ratti Adele WestbrookAikido neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonizing their vital physical and mental powers, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text reveals the secrets which enable the stunning control practiced in Aikido.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
by Oscar Ratti Adele WestbrookAikido neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonizing their vital physical and mental powers, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text reveals the secrets which enable the stunning control practiced in Aikido.
Aikido and the Harmony of Nature
by Mitsugi SaotomeHere is a unique approach to the teachings of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, as interpreted by his direct student of fifteen years. Mitsugi Saotome examines the spiritual philosophy of the Founder, the warrior ideals of feudal Japan as the basis of his martial arts philosophy, and the scientific principles underlying the philosophy of Aikido technique. The author shows that the physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of principles of the spirit. Negative force is not countered with aggression but is controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. The sincere practice and study of Aikido deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature's balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves. Abundantly illustrated with the author's drawings, diagrams, and calligraphies, as well as photographs demonstrating Aikido techniques, the book also offers a history of Aikido, personal anecdotes about the Founder, and translations of several of his lectures.
Aikido: The Life and Teachings of Robert Nadeau
by Richard Moon Teja Bell Laurin Herr Bob Noha Susan Spence Elaine Yoder• Explores Nadeau&’s personal journey and pioneering role in the spread of Aikido, including firsthand accounts and historical photographs published for the first time• Explains Nadeau&’s unique teaching, his core concepts, and basic practices centered on energy refinement, direct experience and inner transformation• Presents inspiring personal stories about Nadeau contributed by students, including Dan Millman, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Peter Ralston, and Renée GregorioA widely influential figure in the development of Aikido in America, Robert Nadeau is known as one of the few American direct disciples of Aikido&’s founder Morihei Ueshiba Osensei. Now an 8th dan Aikido master teacher, Nadeau has taught generations of students, and several have become prominent teachers in their own right. However, he has never written about his life or philosophy, always reserving his most pointed lessons for those who practice with him in person.This book tells the story of Robert Nadeau&’s life journey and his distinctive approach to teaching Aikido as a way to access the inner energetic aspects of the art, a transformational approach with universal applications in daily life, even for non-Aikidoists. The authors explore Nadeau&’s early interest in martial arts and all things spiritual as a teenager in California in the 1950s, his seminal training under Morihei Ueshiba at Aikido Hombu Dojo in Tokyo in the 1960s, and the following six decades of training, experimenting, refining, and teaching as he worked to introduce Aikido to the wider world, even beyond the traditional dojo. They lay out Nadeau&’s core concepts, describe his simple-but-effective practices for personal development, and convey his time-tested approach to the inner training at the heart of Aikido in a very accessible way. They also include first-person accounts from Nadeau&’s students, including Dan Millman, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Peter Ralston, and Renée Gregorio, who recall their personal experiences of training with him, retell conversations with him, and describe insights and lessons learned, sharing how he affected their lives, sometimes quite profoundly.Bringing the story of Robert Nadeau&’s life into focus, this book presents, for the first time, the profound lessons and deep impact of a pioneering teacher who&’s been central to the spread of Aikido in the West.
Aim High
by Tanni Grey-ThompsonAim High is an inspirational book written by the UK's leading wheelchair athlete, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. She has won 16 medals, eleven of which are gold, countless European titles, six London Marathons and over 30 world records have catapulted this Welsh wheelchair athlete so firmly into the public consciousness. Aim High reveals what has motivated her through her best and worst times.
Aim High (Kids' Sports Stories)
by Shawn PryorFriends Kerry and Zack can't get enough of their favorite superhero, a bow-and-arrow-toting character named Brave Bowie. His magic arrows always save the day. But when the friends sign up for archery lessons, they soon learn that practice and hard work make real-life archers great in the sport, not cartoon tricks.
Aim High (Quick Reads Ser.)
by Tanni Grey-ThompsonAim High is an inspirational book written by the UK’s leading wheelchair athlete, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. She has won 16 medals, eleven of which are gold, countless European titles, six London Marathons and over 30 world records have catapulted this Welsh wheelchair athlete so firmly into the public consciousness. Aim High reveals what has motivated her through her best and worst times.
Aim High (Quick Reads)
by Tanni Grey-ThompsonAim High is an inspirational book written by the UK’s leading wheelchair athlete, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. She has won 16 medals, eleven of which are gold, countless European titles, six London Marathons and over 30 world records have catapulted this Welsh wheelchair athlete so firmly into the public consciousness. Aim High reveals what has motivated her through her best and worst times.