Is it possible to establish a connection between traditional martial arts and modern health promotion? Drawing on Buddhist philosophy, this book attempts to show how intuitive archery, tai chi or qigong, and karate katas as meditative martial arts could lead to a harmonious way of promoting heart health and longevity, revitalizing the body, and calming the mind. Is it a coincidence that karate katas originated in Okinawa, one of the "blue zones" with the most centenarians? What do yoga chakras, kiai, and qi energy have in common in relation to heart health? How can the life energy qi be made visible? Secret Okuden karate katas (Gankaku Sho, Nijuhachiho, Hyakuhachiho/Suparinpei) that are not taught by the associations, as well as newly developed dynamic movement sequences (Heian Rokudan, Tekki Yondan, Tekki Godan) will be presented with detailed descriptions and illustrations. Such katas could not only provide ideas for self-defense (Bunkai), but also contribute to promoting cardiovascular health, well-being, mental strength, and inner balance.
