Kung Fu fighter

David Carradine, star of the '70s television series Kung Fu, has joined forces with Naturaljourneys to create martial arts based fitness DVDs: David Carradine's Tai Chi Workout for Beginners ($24.95), David Carradine's A.M./P.M. Tai Chi Workouts for Beginners ($24.95) and David Carradine's Chi Energy Workouts for Beginners ($24.95).

"These instructional videos allow me to impart information that is thousands of years old in such a way that more people will pay attention and benefit from it," states Carradine, who has spent over three decades practicing tai chi, chi kung and kung fu. "The essence of kung fu and kung fu philosophy is to achieve balance of mind, body and spirit, which inspires a certain tranquility."

Martial arts combine the mental and physical. The essence of tai chi is to enhance the flow of energy by combining smooth, circular body movements with mental relaxation and focus. The Chinese believe this optimum energy-flow dramatically influences one's health and vitality. Chi kung, which means energy skill, was established 5,000 years ago in China as a way to find inner peace, harmony, strength and health. Kung fu is thought to build character, promote excellent circulation, strengthen the body, enhance coordination, increase mind and body agility. All movements reflect elements of nature--the head moves like the waves, the feet are as solid as stones, the body flows like a dolphin. Carradine uses the kicking techniques in martial arts as a way to build stamina, strength, muscle tone and endurance. The videos can be purchased at retail stores or www.naturaljourneys.com.

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group