Martial Arts and the Mirror Image

A groundbreaking approach to martial arts combining psychology and Qigong, featuring practical exercises and 100 step-by-step illustrations

Martial arts teacher Phillip Starr draws on more than 60 years of experience to introduce the Mirror Image Technique—a method that recognizes the reinforcing nature of body and mind and the way we hold ourselves in our personal lives and in our martial arts practice. 

Starr pulls from Self-Image Psychology and Qigong to offer readers a unique set of physical exercises that can be applied to any martial art tradition—as well as our personal lives. Unlike other self-help books that consider the mind as the sole gateway to change, the Mirror Image Technique shows that cognitive transformation starts with the body. Starr takes readers through:

• Demonstrating key principles of Qigong with exercises like The Unbreakable Arm and The Unliftable Body
• Improving your stance
• Increasing your strike force
• Insights into the mindset for breaking boards (tameshiwari).

Intended to enhance growth and personal development, the techniques in Martial Arts and the Mirror Image offer a renewal of confidence and enthusiasm for one’s particular practice.PHILLIP STARR began studying martial arts in 1956, including judo, Kyokushin karate, Shito-ryu karate, Baixingquan (a form of Northern Shaolin kung fu), baguazhang, taijiquan, xingyiquan, and Filipino arnis. In 1976 he won the United States Karate Association's Grand Championships, becoming the first kung-fu stylist to win the title of National Champion. He is also a two-time winner of the Amateur Athletic Union's Chinese Martial Arts National Tournament. He has authored four books on the martial arts: The Making Of A Butterfly, Martial Mechanics, Martial Maneuvers, and Hidden Hands, as well as numerous articles for various magazines and e-magazines, including Inside Kung Fu and Truwaza. Starr lives in Liuzhou City, Guangxi, China.