Product Description
This ground-breaking work is the first to comprehensively document the traditions, philosophy, and techniques of one of the world's most varied, exciting, and practical martial arts--Hapkido. More than 9,000 photographs introduce over 2,000 martial techniques, including strikes, kicks, blocks, avoiding movements, holds, joint locks, chokes, throws, falls, tumbling, ground fighting, and weapons. Numerous closeups show precise grips, leverage methods, pressure points, hitting surfaces, and direction of force. In addition to self-defense techniques, chapters are included on East Asian philosophy, martial arts history, anatomy, meditation, healing, and pressure point fighting, as well as in-depth, previously unpublished interviews with the world's preeminent Hapkido Grandmasters and renowned Grandmasters of related martial arts. Because of similarities between Hapkido and many other martial arts, including Taekwondo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Judo, and Tai Chi Chuan, this book is a useful reference for practitioners of all martial arts styles, from novices to masters. This unique work of exceptional quality is the definitive text on Hapkido, and destined to become a classic of martial arts literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

An Excellent Book with Certain Flaws
These two 1,1300-or-so-page books,one titled "Hapkido"and the other one "Taekwondo", are quite unique in the field.Anyone who is a serious student of Korean martial arts should have both these books.

Since I have given the highest accolade to them both, let me make a few caveats:

The physical book:Mr. Tedeschi's 'resume' tells us he is, among other things, a "designer."The books were "designed and illustrated" by Mr. Tedeschi.I feel Mr. Tedeschi's obvious talent as a book designer should have an outlet---but not in these books.The shield on the inside back cover annotating the fiercely technical methods used to produce this book is impressive.But the result?Large, large pages--often with big spans of white space.The paper used is obviously high quality--and expensive.Many--many--of the photographs appear to be art work--and are too large and not enough crowded.I am assuming the typical martial arts student who will choose to purchase this book is not presumed to be
well-off.When seeking reading re martial arts, he has no interest in a coffeetable book, an art book.For all its other merits, that is what this is.This book is not made to plop down on the bus seat, jam it in a book bag, hazard a cup of coffee near it.Such routine use, with its ordinary hazards, etc., are not for a book that should never leave the library with your other books.

Substantively, I would review the table of contents, and query what appears immedidately---'offensive' techniques, 'striking' techniques, do appear until the last couple chapters---and they aren't lengthy.Mr. Tedeschi has employed a very novel approach---the methods of hapkido are overwhelming DEFENSIVE.The kicks and punches that comprise the bulk of most manuals, are, here, given, comparatively, VERY minor space.

Mr. Tedeschi's books are the most ingenious and innovative works of the last thirty years.All serious students of Korean martial arts must have these books.

OUTSTANDING WORK!!!
This book is outstanding, as my title tells.I did not expect to receive all the information that I did, and I certainly didn't expect the book to be practically two inches thick!This book is chalk full of information, much of which I have already had exposure to from other different styles...I was not aware that Hapkido made much utilization of Chin Na (joint locks) and pressure points, two very important aspects of a system's regime (in my opinion) and a must for any martial artist intending on making his/her "martial walk" a lifetime effort.

Beyond any regular martial arts book
Being a martial artist myself, I have always been looking in ways to study other people's philosophies, techniques, and training tips. I have purchased a few martial arts books in the past few years and this book is so full knowledge, not just information about Hapkido, but just great information about martial arts itself and the history and philosophy.I am still working my way through the book because it has so many aspects of striking, blocking, foot work, self defense unarmed/armed, weapons, holds, locks, breaks, and so on.Defiantly worth having in your library as a great source of information.

Great overview book
This book is really a great overview of Hapkido. Just don't expect to learn the art just from reading it! Also remember this is not "traditional" or "purely korean" Hapkido - a seasoned practicioner will see influences from many other, "modern" martial arts - like taekwondo and wing chun for example, so i like to refer to it as "modern" Hapkido. This is not bad, just remember this when buying the book.
I personally think, that the interviews section could be omited, or sold as a solo book.
Also, some of the photographs have a slightly distorted art/information ratio, but this was to be expected as the author is a professional photographer ;) But this also shows in the overall quality of pictures - they are beautifull and (most of them) very informative!
Overall - this is a VERY good book if You want a VERY good overview of Hapkido. And if You're ready for a LONG read (over 1000 pages!) ;)

Excellent Quality and Quantity +++
This very fine, but REALLY BIG, "Classic" has a great over-all style with clarity down to small detail. "Hapkido" is of excellent quality and quantity; as a textbook, and in its content. It is very well-bound and sturdy, with good paper and print, in a clear style and font. It offers a generous quantity of technique with a quality of skill, style and meaning. This is made possible by a very well done modular pattern of presentation of precise explanations, diagrams, pictures and photos -- easily matching the best of academic works.

"Hapkido" has a nice balance of Arts -- striking, avoiding and blocking, holding, throwing, weapons, internal and healing ones -- tradition and creation -- subtle and direct -- soft and hard. This reflects well the Art of Hapkido. Of a quiet, modest, eclectic Kenpo style, I especially enjoyed the honest respect in this "Classic" -- as shown by the page fifteen "Comparison of Eclectic Arts". Such a modest attitude and book-price for such a wonderful work +++ ... Read more

Product Description
The Korean Art of Self Defense. A fully illustrated book on the Martial Art of Hap Ki Do.Filled with over 400 photographs.Designed to show Hap Ki Do in a easy to follow step by step method for the beginner.Included are close-up photos of various wristlocks, arrows to show certain steps and minimal wording on the steps, to make this book very easy to follow. The large format (8.5 x 11) also makes this book easy to read and handle.

The Hap Ki Do practitioner diverts or suppresses an attackers flow of energy peacefully, this diversion allows him to use the attackers power against himself leading to the attacker's defeat.Through the use of certain skeletal joints and pressure points, very little strength is needed to overcome an opponent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A good reference for "traditional" Hapkido practitioners, not good as a self-defence book
The title is a little disinformattive - this book is very good as a "traditional" Hapkido reference, but if you're looking for self-defence - try something else. Lucky for me I was aware of that fact when buying the book :)
Nevertheless, it is a nicely written book that will give You a good overview of Hapkido from one of the its great masters point of view. So it is definitely worth buying.

Hap Ki DO by Master Choe
A complete waste of money.Way too basic to learn anything new for anyone that has even minimal experience in Hapkido.And some of the pictures were poorly taken and made it hard to see the grip applied throughout the entire technique.I looked at this book for all of MAYBE 5 minutes!

great forreference
I would say if you are new to Hapkido, orlooking maby to join a class then this book is amust. I just started several months I use it as a reference. The one thing you will find about Hapkido is there are slight varations fom school to school. The one thing I do recomened is if you are going at a school look at what federation your school belongs to. Just happends my school belongs to this association. I gave this a five rating for couple reasons. The pictures, directions are easy to follow,great if you want to have a reference,or you want to get a friend willing let to practice.The one negative I did find on this book was that it should went overbreaking falls better. There isn't to many Hapkido books out there good as this! IT was money well spent, I am giving it ***** !

Hap Ki Do:The Korean Art of Self Defense
Excellent Hap Ki Do book.I'm a taekwondo'er and found this book very easy to understand with big clear pictures for illustration.I've purchased all three of Master Choe's HKD books and found a certain amount of redundancy in the techniques, but highly recommend all three any way.I originally found one of these in the library and realized right away that these books were the best I've found.

Not for Beginners
This book is straight to the point on joint locks and take downs.The book is broken down into chapters by how the joint is locked with varying grabs and attacks.One must already have good control and be familiar with stretching, striking and falling before applying this text.Master Choe's other book (Practical Hapkido Textbook) is a better introduction and includes some striking and falling techniques. ... Read more

Product Description
Hapkido, "The Way of Coordination and Internal Power," is one of the three major Korean martial arts. Founded in 1963 by Master Choi Young-Sul, it is a complete system of self-defense, encompassing, striking, kicking, and grappling techniques. Conceptually, Hapkido techniques more closely parallel those of Aikido than Taekwondo. In fact, as the author describes, these is a parental link between the arts. In this book, Scott Shaw presents a precise description of the techniques, concepts, and applications of this Korean art of self-defense. Profusely illustrated with 220 clear photographs, this instructional book describes and depicts self-defense techniques against in variety of punches, holds, and kicks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Good Resource
I think this book does a great job of presenting an overview of the self defense techniques and the overall philosophy of Hapkido.I also like the history of hapkido that is presented in this book.It does a good job of providing the reader with a deeper understanding of the art.

This book is a good resource and a good addition to anyone's self defense library.

Not in-depth, but good.
This very thin book covers some good variations on locks & throws as well as some interesting self-defense options. The information is a good supplement if you already have a strong foundation in these types martial arts techniques.
A very big drawback is that the sequential pictures are not clear at all, contrary to what is stated in the editorial review. Fortunately the instructions of each technique should suffice, but only if you are familiar with the type of technique presented.

Understandably Good
As one of the few practitioners of Hapkido in Hong Kong I have read Scott Shaw's articles on Hapkido in magazines like Black Belt and Taekwondo Times for years.So, it was no surpirse to me when I picked up this book that I found it to be well put together and a great source of information on this advanced system of self-defense.There are two things I really like about this book.The first is the presentation of the true history of Hapkdio.The second is that each self-defense technique is clearly and completely described.This book is a great source of reference on Hapkido.RECOMMENDED.

Hapkido is Self Defense
This is a straight to the point book on Hapkido Self Defense. No nonsense, just straight-ahead techniques. Recommended!

Excellent Hapkido Self Defense Text Book
Having practice the martial arts for over ten years, I find this book to be an excellent resource for both the Korean martial art of hapkido and self defense.The history section is great.The ki section is very interesting.The self defense section is very detailed and teaches true hapkido.This book is a necessary addition to anyone library.Recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is the first complete book in English on hapkido, the kick-oriented Korean martial art. Included are warm-up exercises, basic fighting position, punching and striking, blocks and kicks, and hapkido defenses. Illustrated with more than 500 dynamic photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

martial arts classsic
The person who originally instructed Han in Hapkido basics was Max Baer the famous pugilist.
This book contains all the basic Hapkido boxing movements anyone needs to know.If you master all the techniques in this book, the student need not fear anyone.
Muhammed Ali was another Hapkido student. If you review his early fights, he uses exclusively the first three boxing techniques seen in this book.
Buy this book and hoard it as a classic. Once it is out of print, it will be gone.

Provides A Pretty Good Overview On The Art Of Hapkido
"The purpose of this book is to introduce the student to Hapkido in the clearest terms, with special emphasis on the basic techniques and principles of the art." This quote by the author really put the scope of this book into perspective and its on that particular note that I base my review for this book.

As a basic overall guide to the art of Hapkido, I would have to say that the author actually does a pretty good job especially when you consider the fact that this book initially came out in 1974. It really doesn't explain to you how to adequately perform any of the techniques shown as that is not what the author had intended. Instead this book gives you a really good overview of numerous different individual components that make up the art of Hapkido. Some of those components which are included in this book are as follows:

HISTORY
PHILOSOPHY
BREATHING
STRIKING AREAS
WARM-UP EXERCISES
PUNCHING & STRIKING
BLOCKS
KICKS
HAPKIDO DEFENSES
SELF-DEFENSE
TARGET AREAS

Each section gives you a brief overview of a variety of techniques that fall under each particular heading. For example; under the "Kicks" section, the author demonstrates how to execute several different kicks including:

Front Kick
Side Kick
Roundhouse Kick
Wheel Kick

If you were looking to learn how to execute a particular technique, then this book would be somewhat of a disappointment. However, if you are looking for a good overview on the art of Hapkido, then this book would definitely be a good choice.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

GM Bong Soo Han was one of the Great HKD Grand Masters
As I write this review, it has been just over a year since Grandmaster Bong Soo Han passed away.It was quite a loss for the Hapkido community.Many of us first learned of Hapkido in the 1970s from the Billy Jack movies, with GM doing the fight scenes in Billy Jack, and then having a speaking roll as a Hapkido master in Trial of Billy Jack.

This book, published back when those movies first came out was one of the first English books on the art of Hapkido.Unfortunately, like other reviewers have already posted, the book offers nowhere near what Hapkido offers or the wealth of Hapkido knowledge GM Han possessed.

The book has a tiny bit of history and philosophy (3 pages) and then four pages about tan-jon breathing,an important part of Hapkido training.Then the book illustrates pictures of the striking parts of one's body.After that, there are 20 some pages of basic warm up and stretching drills.After that, you have a basic picture text of fighting positions, strikes, blocks, and kicks.All of these are shown with photographs with brief written descriptions.

The next section of Hapkido Defenses focuses mainly on punching and kicking back after blocking incoming strikes and kicks.The joint locks and throws that hapkido is known for are missing in these defenses.

Finally, in the very last chapter titled Self-Defense Techniques, with a female performing the techniques and not GM Han, we see our first joint lock.It is an outer wrist lock applied against a cross arm grab.There is one other arm bar type technique, and that's about it for the devastating joint locks that the hapkido curriculum contains.(Joint locks, by the way, are probably my favorite techniques of hapkido, thus the reason I spend a lot of time teaching them in seminars and videos)The book also lacked any mention of the weapons hapkido contains.

Overall, there are better resources for hapkido.And while there are not nearly as many books on hapkido as some other arts, this book is one of the most lacking in regards to joint locks, throws, and weapons that hapkido is known for.

So why the five stars?Good question.I gave the book five stars out of respect for Grand Master Han.I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him at his school a number of years ago, and then to return to his school to take part in a black belt class he was teaching.He was one of the pioneers of hapkido and he lived and shared the art with so many.I knew the book was not the best book on hapkido when I purchased it.But because it was by GM Han, I wanted it in my hapkido library.For that reason, out of respect for one of the great hapkido Grand Masters, I recommend the book for any hapkidoin's library.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

Early, important work
I agree with James Lee that the people who criticize this book don't understand its significance. It was one of the first books out in English on Hapkido, and so of course it presents the style's basic techniques in a non-technical and easy to understand way. At the time few people knew what Hapkido was, and O'Hara's book was designed as a basic intro to the art, not a definitive text. The book is brief and could have been longer, to be sure, but that's what further volumes are for.

I also was fortunate enough once to visit Master Han's studio in Los Angeles back in the early 70s and had a chance to observe his class, and see one of his black belts teach, and they were practicing the same basics presented in this book.

Of course, with the easy availability of inexpensive videos these days, older books like this are less important than they were at the time, since you can learn so much more by watching the techniques in action. But for its time, this was a pioneering effort and introduced the art of Hapkido to many people for the first time.

Great Place to Start
As a Hapkido practitioner for over twenty years, this was the first book I purchased on the subject. It is written by one of the most respected masters of the art in the world and it presents the essential elements of this style in a direct and easy to understand format.

People who have criticized this book do not understand the essential importance of the basics in Hapkido.This is what this book presents, the essential basics, which all of the advanced techniques of Hapkido are based upon.

This book is a must for any library on Hapkido.


... Read more

Product Description
This is the first introductory text to accurately portray Hapkido in its entirety. One of the world's most exciting, varied, and practical martial arts, Hapkido consists of thousands of techniques encompassing all forms of martial skills: strikes, kicks, blocks, avoiding movements, joint locks, chokes, throws, tumbling, ground fighting, weapons, meditation, and healing. Clearly written and expertly photographed by the author of the landmark Hapkido: Traditions, Philosophy, Technique, this unique book is essential reading for anyone seeking a concise, honest, and accurate overview of Hapkido's history, philosophy, and techniques. It includes:

* Over 680 high-quality photographs, and 48 illustrations
* More photos and techniques than any similarly priced competitive book
* Precise anatomical drawings of 83 common Oriental pressure points
* Comprehensive chapters on history and philosophy
* Sixty practical self-defense techniques, spanning most types of attacks
* Basic material to guide novices during their initial training
* Essential reading for anyone seeking a concise overview of Hapkido ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Hapkido: an introduction to the art of self-defense
Not very helpful, too many references to the authors other 1163page book throughout the entire book.

Very vague and a difficult 'introduction', but some really good pictures.

I wouldnt refer it to anyone.

A good introduction to Hapkido
This is a very good book for anyone interested in learning Hapkido. It explains the basics of the art very well, but doesn't cover many details. Besides its relative lack of complexity, my only other complaint is that this book seems to be just one big ad for the larger and more complete version.

Hapkido the little book.
If you have Tedeschi's first book, the big one Hapkido trad/phil/tech.
You will be very upset when you find out that this book is a very
condensed version of that book.
The first book was like 1300 pages, this book was something
like 200 pages. It has the same everything, pictures, techniques
, information just condensed. I was hoping for something new.
And I felt like I was jipped, because it was not listed anywhere
that this book is useless if you already have the big one.

Yes the book is probably the best intro to Hapkido that I've seen.
For sure the big book is the best that I have ever seen on the art
of Hapkido. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A good basic introduction to Hapkido.
Though I do not have any rank in the Korean art of Hapkido, I do feel a bond to that particular system of combat.Seeing the techniques of Hapkido reminds me of my own experience learning Jujitsu, Judo, Karate and Aikido.Indeed, the history of modern Hapkido demonstrates the strong influence of Daito Ryu Jujitsu in its techniques.I also agree with the author that Hapkido, like combat Jujitsu, is an integrated art.This is because Hapkido has blocks, punches, strikes, kicks, wrist throws, wrist holds, armlocks, arm-bars and all types of throws and ground techniques.Hapkido also has weapon defense and weapon use techniques as part of their curriculum.In conclusion, this is a good introductory text on Hapkido. Rating: 4 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu Manual, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician).

Hard Hitting Hapkido
Some of the previous reviewers have been exceptionally tough on this book.My copy is dated 1988, and I believe that this was an exceptionally good book for its time.

Within this book, there is a good history of Hapkido, and as well some basic dojang rules.An instructor might want to repeat these to his students or include the thoughts in an introductory handout for new students.There are many good black and white illustrations for the new student, and I would think that this is a very good purchase.

As an instructor of Combat Hapkido, (dare I call it John Pellegrini's syllabus) I was interested in the similarities and the differences, and I found it enlightening.Spear did a very good job, and I will keep this book on my Martial Arts shelf.I doubt that I will re-read it again, but it served its purpose for me.

There are some critical remarks made by other reviewers about the reality of being punched, and simply leaving the punch out there for someone to work on.While it is true that this does look artificial, how does one capture the speed of a punch with a black and white photograph? Spear makes it clear in the text of his book that this is the problem, but I guess one of the harshly worded reviews was written by someone who only looked at the pictures.

Examining the notion that someone would "leave their" arm out there, I find that this is EXACTLY what happens when an attacker gets a little tired.As well, I find that small joint locks, e.g. Hapkido joint manipulations can easily be done on a person when the fight goes to the ground.If you find yourself on the top or the bottom, hit someone in the face, and they will push you away with both hands.They will want to keep you away, and "give you a hand, or wrist, or elbow" for you to "play with". As well, some people like to grab you with one hand, and strike you with the other.Gee....there are many situations that would apply to small joint manipulations.I hope that the harsh and negative reviewers return, and consider these remarks.A text is supposed to teach you something, and because you can not figure it out immediately, this does not make the book useless.It may speak to the reader, more than the author.

This book is NOT about everything to be said about Hapkido, but it is a good introduction.While I wish that it dealt with more joint locks, and used Korean terms, it is an above average book.Thank you Robert K. Spear.

Good for what it is
As one of the first, mass-market, books to be published on the subject of Hapkido, I believe that this book is good for what it is.It presents a good overview of the techniques of Hapkido and provides the reader with important food for thought.

There is many way to second guess, critique, and criticize an author and publishing company regarding any book on the martial arts.But overall, I believe that the presentation of techniques and the overall understandings of Hapkido that are presented in this book are a good source of information to readers at any level of expertise in Hapkido.

Okay but could be better
I've heard good things about Mr. Spear's knowledge and skill but this book really doesn't show that in the best light in my opinion, although it might be adequate as a basic introduction to the art. I agree with the other comments here that the photos are a little dark and could be better, although they're not bad. However, the comments by another person here that the material seems a little skimpy is addressed by the author, when he says the material in each of the colored belt sections is only a sample of the actual syllabus.

For someone without access to other material on Hapkido, this would probably be okay as an introduction. However, what with the advent of very high-quality videos on many martial arts, I find it amazing that anyone is still writing and publishing books on the martial arts. Many of these videos are available used on e Bay for less than one would pay for a new book, and one can actually see the martial arts in action and get some idea of what they are like in practice.

However, there is some useful information here. The author says that Hapkido is a combination of the ancient tae kyun art and modern Japanese jiujutsu, which I always suspected. There was another early Korean art called soobak that could also have contributed, but there's no mention of that. But tae kyun was adopted for training the sons of the nobility in earlier centuries because of its reputation as an effective fighting art.

After a brief history of the art, most of the book is divided into technique sections which give some of the required techniques for each belt rank, which are green blue, red, and black. There are also sections on cooling down exercises, pressure points of the human body, breakfalls, and some knife and club and weapons defenses.

After looking at the pictures of knife defense, I would have to say this is not the system's strong suit. Knife defense and tactics are handled much better by the Indonesian systems of Silat and the Filipino kali/escrima systems, which are far more well known today than when this book was published back in 1987.

One of the more interesting sections is on escape from chokes and throws, but only three are shown. This could have been a longer and much more interesting section. There is a brief presentation of upper level black belt techniques such as cane, short stick, and umbrella defense, which are some of the better material in the book.

After 40 years of studying and teaching martial arts, Hapkido is one of the few arts I don't have at least some exposure to or formal background in. I would have been less impressed with the art had I not already had a Hapkido video that was quite good and showed how it looks in action, and it appeared to be an art with a good integration between hand and foot technique and locking and throwing. Even today there aren't many videos on the art available, but I've heard the one from Palladin Press is quite good although I haven't seen it personally.

Myfirst book on hapkido!
After I earned my yellow belt in hapkido about 5 years ago,I
decided to learn as much as I could about the art.Mr Spear's
book was advertised in a martial arts magazine I was reading,
so I decided to order it.To this day I still refer to it a lot
when helping my senior instructor plan class.He owns it as well
and thinks highly of it.I highly recommend it to anyone interested in hapkido(especially beginners).
Mitch Jenkins ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Book, Needs More
I was able to read this book thoroughly the other day and it didn't really have much in the terms of written content, most of it is just pictures with descriptions of the techniques and how to execute them.

If you are looking for a book with a bit of theory and something with written substance, this really isn't the book for you. However, if you work well with pictures and explanations then you might just do well with this book.

One thing I wanted to see more of those, since the book was in kind of a picture with description style was, more pictures, particularly those close-ups with hand placement and maybe arrows with movement, other than that, it was fine, no real complaints. ... Read more

Product Description
Teacher, Warrior, Master Choe continues his outstandingseries of books on the Korean Martial Art of Hap Ki Do. Hap Ki Do is adiscipline of coordination, a way of strengthening the mind and body,of fusing the individuals physical and mental powers so that he or shewill emerge as a more fully integrated human being.Master Choe hasbeautifully intertwined theory and philosophy along with basic andadvanced self defense techniques in this third book Hap Ki Do: A GuideTo Black Belt Studies.Over 400 photographs of unparalleled clarityand rich text illustrating joint lock, throwing and finishingtechniques.Realizing the student studying to be a black belt iseager to learn the many techniques to test for Black Belt Master Choeturns his focus on the theory and philosophy of Hap Ki Do suggestingto the student to think and establish a martial moral philosophy aswell as practicing Hap Ki Do techniques.The student of martial artsor student of life will relish in every word of wisdom that takes themto a deeper understanding of their own style and moral philosophy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

"A Guide to Black Belt Studies"? Not quite.
The title of this book, in my opinion, is misleading. I was under the impression that it would lead a Hapkido student from white belt through black belt, but no. As you can tell from the table of contents, this book is not organized according to belt progressions. In fact, there is no mention which technique belongs to which belt/ranking category.

I purchased this book, mainly because I was overwhelmed by the number of techniques that I had to learn from my Hapkido school, and I thought a book that showed details and sequences of those techniques would greatly aid my learning. (At my dojang, which belongs to Korea Hapkido Federation, most techniques do not have proper names but are simply numbered. e.g., Technique #1, #2, etc. It can test the limits of your memory when dozens and dozens of these techniques pile up on you.)

For my own purposes, this book is of little use. Most of the techniques I have been learning are not even covered in this book. The author of this book, Master Choe, heads the World Hapkido Federation, different from Korea Hapkido Federation. Hapkido schools are divided into many federations, and apparently each federation adopts different teaching methods and techniques. If I had the chance to look over this book prior to purchasing it, I would have passed.

While the book includes some nifty throws and grappling moves that are missing in other hapkido books, the bulk of the material is based on joint locks that can be applied in response to a wrist grab. There is no section on any kicking or punching.

The techniques illustrated here can definitely help a hapkido practitioner. But a guide to black belt studies? I think not.

very good, but similar to other text
This book is an extended version of Master Choe's other book, Hap Ki Do The Korean Art of Self Defense.The new book is arranged a little better and includes more text on philosophy, training and teaching techniques.This book is a great reference and is worth getting, even if you already have the other book. ... Read more

Product Description
Elementary Hapkido is a terrific book with over 113 pages filled with techniques performed by Master John M Jee a master instructor who shows it all in easy to follow photos and explanations. The book was published by the International Hapkido Dederation so the authenticity of the techniques and quality of them are first class all the way. ... Read more

Product Description


Side Kick is the tenth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.

Side Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Back Leg Side Kick, and several of its main variations.

Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Side Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Back Leg Side Kick.

Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Back Leg Side Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.

Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Side Kick and the solutions to correct them.

The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Side Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.

NOTE:

The combat/self-defense applications of the Side Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Side Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 10, which is Side Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 20. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Side Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.

At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next ten volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which are the Applications in Combat volumes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Side Kick - What you need to know
In Achieving Kicking Excellence - Side Kick, Mr. Kovacich has again provided a great service to martial arts practitioners.Side Kick provides a very detailed description complete with photos on the proper way to perform a side kick and variations.I have found that this book has helped with my kicking and also in the way I teach the kicks to my students.I would highly recommend this book to all beginning and intermediate level martial artists and maybe advances practitioners may pick something up as well.

How's your side kick?
Here we go again.I have read all but two of Shawn's books on kicking and it is amazing how he has managed to get so much information on kicks into each book.What is of interest to me is the fact that you will learn variations of the side kick.You won't have just learn a side kick but a hop/sliding side kicka jumping side kick plus more.
Shawn has taken the time to give you real skills and a way to build on those skills.He shows you, withpictures,which part of the body you will be using for the side kick.There are target references (a kick is no good if it doesn't hit a viable target).You will get tips on how to build up your speed, power and execution.
The only thing left for you to do is practice but practice correctly.Shawn says in the book it is better to practice 100 times correctly than 1,000 times incorrectlly.I agree!
These are not just words on a piece of paper but personal experience that has taught Shawn this is the way to properly execute a side kick.What you won't learn in this series is timing and distance.That is reserved for another series of books on Application of Kicks.
There is not a lot more I can say about Shawn's books that I haven't said already.Get it, put it in your library and refer to them often.

everything you needed to know about kicking
I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on AchievingKicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals withthe basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!),balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts ofthe book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle.Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Bookof World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerlyawait their publishing.

Get this book
Shawn Kovacich has been training in the fighting arts for many years, competing in some of the toughest bare knuckle tournaments around, setting world records for the Guinness Book of Records (11,000 high kicks in 5 hours) and working as a bouncer in places angels fear the tread.

Shawn is an excellent all-around martial artist with kicks that could flatten the face on a statue. He shares his knowledge of his kicking ability in a large book series he calls "Achieving Kicking Excellence" that is like nothing else on the market.

In the Sidekick volume, the author offers something for everyone. If you're a visual reader, there are tons of how-to-do photos that show the many forms of the sidekick from every angle. For the more technically minded, the author breaks down every facet of the kick so that you know exactly how and why it's executed mechanically, to include which muscles are involved and how precisely to align the skeletal system.

The book also includes exercises - weights and free-hand - that target the specific muscles needed to develop your power, speed and accuracy in the sidekick.

There is a small applications section that he uses to clarify certain points about delivering the sidekick. One section I really liked was the troubleshooting guide. It's a little like getting personal coaching since you'll probably find a question answered there that you have been wondering about.

The word "complete" is overused in reviews but not in this case. Achieving Kicking Excellence Sidekick is a complete book on developing your optimum sidekick kick. Every martial artist - veteran and newbie - will benefit from the insightful instruction in this book, written by a guy who has truly mastered kicking and applied his knowledge in the ring and in the street.

I've been training, teaching and writing about the martial arts since 1965 and I highly recommend this book.

Loren W. Christensen, author of over 40 books, martial artist, 8th dan.

A Master Athlete and Teacher Shares His Art
Shawn Kovacich is a committed, highly regarded and honored practitioner of martial arts with a specialization in Kicking. Yet not satisfied to have achieved the degree of excellence in his craft, Kovacich has devised a series of books that extend beyond the usual 'self-help' category of writing.His considerably cautious eye and sense of balance, in sport and in life, has resulted in his publishing a series of books - ACHIEVING KICKING EXCELLENCE - that at this point are ten in number but promise in the near future to be doubled in amount.Each of these books, handsomely designed and with excellent photographic illustrations, takes one type of kick at a time and explore not only the development of that kick, but also inform the student reader the kinesiology of that kick as well as slowly advising how to develop and master that kick.

Most books on martial arts fall into one of two categories: some are written in a format that is beyond the understanding of the reader who may be completely new to martial arts while others dumb down the reader with superficial 'quick fix' problems thinking the reader is already proficient in the fundamentals of Martial Arts.Kovacich respects his reader/pupil, and with great dignity of writing style and unfolds each kick mastery with surety of developmental skill and encouragement of each aspect of a single movement.This allows the reader who may be proficient in Kicking to buy just the one book written for the type of Kick the reader finds difficult to master: buying the entire set of books assures the reader that each stage of development will be respected from the beginning to the mastery of the ten Kicks Kovacich addresses.

Each of these ten volumes is equally excellent.The ten volumes include Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick, Crescent Kick, Reverse Crescent Kick, Hook Kick, Wheel Kick, Axe Kick and Hatchet Kick.Having exposure to each of these ten volumes gathers respect for Shawn Kovacich not only as a man who is able to master a tough medium of sport, but also one who has discovered the perfect manner of teaching and communication.The ten volume set is well worth the investment, monetarily and educationally.Grady Harp, May 09 ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Doesn't look like any Hapkido I have seen...
Poorly written.
Strange, ineffective techniques.
A joke.BIG waste of money... avoid this book and get into a good dojang.

Combat Hapkido
I am a 1st deg. black belt in Taekwondo. I recently joined a Caombat Hapkido school because it is a good compliment with Taekwondo since this art seems to mostly use hands and some kicking which is great for closed distance combat. This was a great intro for me to review as I started so that I am able to follow along for the basic information to become comfortable.The book has lots of pictures and describes the actions in plain simple english that gets right to the point. I am very excited to be starting this style of martial art and look forward to getting additional books about this.

Stimulating and Informative Read
Impressive book and an easy read.Easy to understand illustrations and pictures.This was an excellent addition to my MA library and I would recommend this book to others interested furthering their knowledge of the subject.

COMPACT PROVEN Combat Hapkido +++
John Pellegrini presents a very efficient variant of the Hapkido Art via "Combat Hapkido" -- which has been tested and PROVEN via real-world self-defense situations by "first-response" folks needing such an Art. The explanations and illustrations of the methods of Combat Hapkido in this book are easy to follow and well-organized via topics -- which includes "trapping" tie-ups -- unusual for Hapkido but added by John Pellegrini. It looks almost like a hybrid of Combat Judo and Classical Hapkido -- including an open-handed half-facing "Beachball" On-Guard -- which is best for the real-world -- if you have warning to get into it. This is quite possible as this kind of hands-up half-facing posture is a VERY NATURAL reaction to facing a stranger [or just about anyone]. Most folks will flinch into a posture much like this -- unless they cringe-away -- which is unwise. Combat Hapkido is like this On-Guard -- natural, practical and streamlined -- fluid, clear, sharp and COMPACT. Despite the modest medium size of this book -- a wide variety of methods are presented to counter likely threats and attacks in natural practical combos -- many using the "Beachball" On-Guard -- simular to other practical self-defense Arts. This is a PROVEN On-Guard, even if not appearing especially exotic. One much like it has always worked for me. This COMPACT "Combat Hapkido" work and Art looks to be a great complement to Classical Hapkido -- such as that presented via "Hapkido -- Traditions, Philosophy, Technique" by Marc Tedeschi. Or maybe vice versa -- for those needing or wanting Combat Hapkido +++

A fantasic basic guide to John Pellegrini's very practical and effectiveCombat Hapkido

Over the years I have often seen "Combat Hapkido" in the articles and Ads in Black Belt magazine.Being a life-time student of the martial arts I was somewhat familiar with Hapkido.Since many of their techniques came originally from Akijujitsu and Tai Quan Do (Karate) I found this book easy to read and follow.In fact, the thing that really impressed me about this book was how similar the principles and techniques of Combat Hapkido and Bushi Satori Ryu Jujitsu and Karate Street Combat System (Mymethods) were exactly the same.

There are a lot of things I loved about this book.(1) The simple and effective way "Combat Hapkido" is explained by the author.(2) The vast majority of techniques are based on the natural body reactions for self-defense. (3) The author uses THE VERY SAMEhands open and up in front of your body interview stance and position that I have been teaching police and security officers for more than thirty five years. (4) The body movements and aggressive defense methods are the same that I have been teaching for more than thirty five years.(5) "Combat Hapkido"is not concerned with tournament techniques and their focus is pure self-defense like other reality based systems (Krav Maga, Wagner's Reality-Based System, Bushi Satori Ryu Jujitsu, Karate Street Combat System) (6)The color photographs are clear and large. (7) The instructions on how to perform the techniques are easy to follow.

In conclusion, this is a book for anyone who is interested in an effective and simple reality based self-defense system.To be honest, I loved "Combat Hapkido." I highly recommend John Pellegrini's "Combat Hapkido" to anyone who is seeking a true self-defense system, which is what the original martial arts were actually designed for in the past. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Combatives Vol. 1,2, Bushi Satori Ryu Official Student Manual, Monadnock Defense Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician).
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very good book
THIS BOOK WILL COUNT THE TRUE EDUCATION OF THE HAPKIDO, WAS VERY SATISFIED AND RECOMMENDS ALL TO THAT IT IS ENTHUSIASTIC OF THIS NOBLE ART

One of the Main Hapkido Books
This provides a nice reference for everything in GM Myung's style of Hapkido from basic strikes to falls and various techniques.There is a wealth of basic material and lots of situational defense techniques, all clearly illustrated with photos and detailed captions. It is a good sized book, solid and sturdy, but a lot more portable and easy to handle than Dr. Kimm's "Hapkido I" (Hapkido Bible). It is also a bit cheaper. Combined with the second book ("Special Self Protection Techniques") it makes for a great depth of reference for Hapkido.

I have only two complaints about the book. The first complaint is that it is all in English and Romanized Korean. I would have liked to had have the Hangeul for the techniques as well. (The next book, "Special Self Protection Techniques", fixes this though)

My other complaint about the book falls within the "History" aspect, especially along the lines of of ignoring the influnce of Japanese arts and the notions of Choi Yong-sool coming up with Hapkdio after meditating in the mountains. The influence of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu and the impact of other key players should have been explored more in this book, which really represented one of the first comprehensive books on Hapkido out there. Unfortunately, none of the following books or even magazine articles (in the early 2000s) have rectified this historical notion either. I wouldn't let that distract from buying this book, it really is a great book and valuable addition to the Hapkdio library.

Must Have
Though this book focuses primarily on the fundamental techniques of Hapkido, it is a Must Read.This book provided both the beginner and the long time practitioner (like myself) with essential information about the Korean art of self defense. ... Read more

Product Description
This second book consists of the techniques in Hapkido from Yellow belt to Blue Belt. Not every Yellow belt technique is included. Missing are various combination kicks and defense against the kick, as well as sparrig, These will be included in the next volume. The techniques in this book are mostly concerned withattacks on your person by an opponent and your defense agaisnt such attacks. ... Read more

Product Description


Front Kick is the sixth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.

Front Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Front Kick, and several of its main variations.

Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Front Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Front Kick.

Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Front Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.

Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Front Kick and the solutions to correct them.

The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Front Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.

NOTE:

The combat/self-defense applications of the Front Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Front Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 6, which is Front Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 16. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Front Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.

At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Hook Kick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

everything you ever need to know about kicking
I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on AchievingKicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals withthe basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!),balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts ofthe book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle.Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Bookof World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerlyawait their publishing.

Front Kick
Over the past 7 -8 months, I have been searching extensively for descriptions of the various kicks and how to properly execute them. I have read numerous explanations of kicking techniques, gauging each according to length, clarity, detail, and thoroughness. Although I was able to learn something from most, none of the descriptions were of the caliber that I had been seeking. Having yet to be satisfied, I continued to search for a description that would meet my criteria - and stumbled upon the Achieving Kicking Excellence series by Shawn Kovacich. I was interested immediately. What initially fascinated me was that the author had created an entire series about kicking, with each book devoted to all the particulars of a single technique. After reading the book, I can say that the series has been all that I was looking for and more. The Achieving Kicking Excellence series is unparalleled in length, clarity, detail, and thoroughness. I believe these books to be the single most exhaustive explanations of each kick that have ever been written.

Achieving Kicking Excellence: Front Kick first covers the basic anatomy of both the bones and the muscles in relation to the front kick. I had never previously considered its significance, but I now realize the importance of understanding anatomical structure. Knowing which muscles are involved in the front kick cultivates an awareness of the contracting and expanding of each muscle during each part of the kick. Understanding the bone structure allows the person to clearly visualize and apply proper alignment to each part of the front kick.

The book then describes the basic principles of kicking. Some of the principles are specifically detailed to the front kick, while others apply to all kicks in general. The principles described include target areas, balance, alignment, striking surface, accuracy, speed, and strength. The author provides a clear description of each principle along with an explanation of how the principle relates to the front kick.

Next, the book details the proper execution of the back leg front kick - the primary form of the front kick. The author breaks the back leg front kick down into 8 parts: fighting position, raise knee, coil, midway to impact, impact, recoil, lower knee, and return to fighting position. Each part is then further broken down into 7 -8 technical points, each point pertaining to the position of the feet, knees, upper body, head, etc with a total of 62 technical points for the kick from start to finish. Accompanying the description of each part of the kick are two full-page pictures [front view and side view], providing a quick visual reference of the technical points - perfectly complementing the detailed explanation.

Following the comprehensive explanation of the back leg front kick, the book then goes on to describe 11 variations of the kick. Although they contain less depth of detail [as well as smaller pictures], each description provides all the information necessary to execute the variation, provided that you have read and understand the explanation of the back leg front kick.

The book then describes a wide variety of training and practice methods to help improve the execution of the front kick. Specifically, the book covers several methods in each of skill training, strength training, speed training, and power training.

Next, the book contains a trouble shooting guide. Detailed in this section are 10 common problems people have executing the front kick. Each problem is followed by a description of the most common mistake(s) that cause the problem, and possible remedies to those mistakes.

The trouble shooting guide is followed by a guide to some of the basic applications of the front kick. The kicking applications guide is brief [in comparison to the second Achieving Kicking Excellence series by Shawn Kovacich - Applications in Combat], containing one application for each variations of the kick. But, keep in mind that the book is about how to properly execute the front kick, not about how to use the kick - so I consider the applications section to be an added bonus to the main content of the book.

The Achieving Kicking Excellence series would make an outstanding addition to the library of any martial artist. The book functions as both an exhaustive guide and a valuable reference. I believe that this series would benefit anyone, from the beginner to the expert, regardless of their skill level. The series could easily be used by a beginner, as an aid in learning the techniques; as well as by an expert, looking to refine their execution of the techniques.

You WILL improve your kick
Although the front kick is usually the first one taught in most martial arts schools, it's arguably one of the most difficult to master. It's not uncommon to see even veteran fighters throw it incorrectly.

Shawn Kovacich is a long-time martial artist with an amazing history that includes competing in brutal full-contact tournaments, setting world records for the Guinness Book of Records (11,000 high kicks in 5 hours) and applying his fighting skill for real virtually every night as a bouncer in some of the toughest joints around.

Shawn is an excellent all-around martial artist with kicks that are extraordinarily flexible, powerful and fast. He shares his knowledge of his kicking ability in a large book series he calls "Achieving Kicking Excellence" that is like nothing else on the market.

In the Front Kick volume, Shawn has included information for every martial artist wanting to make this powerful and versatile kick their own. For the fighter who learns best with lots of photos, the author employs dozens that depict step-by-step over 10 variations of the front kick. For those who want to understand the body mechanics involved, Shawn does an amazing job explaining it all in an easy-to-read format.

The book also includes exercises - weights and free-hand - that target the specific muscles needed to develop your power, speed and accuracy in the front kick.

Achieving Kicking Excellence Front Kick is an information-crammed book on developing your optimum front kick, written by a guy who has truly mastered kicking and applied his knowledge in the ring and in the street.

I've been training, teaching and writing about the martial arts since 1965, and I highly recommend this book.

Loren W. Christensen, author of over 40 books, martial artist, 8th dan.

A Master Athlete and Teacher Shares His Art
Shawn Kovacich is a committed, highly regarded and honored practitioner of martial arts with a specialization in Kicking. Yet not satisfied to have achieved the degree of excellence in his craft, Kovacich has devised a series of books that extend beyond the usual 'self-help' category of writing. His considerably cautious eye and sense of balance, in sport and in life, has resulted in his publishing a series of books - ACHIEVING KICKING EXCELLENCE - that at this point are ten in number but promise in the near future to be doubled in amount. Each of these books, handsomely designed and with excellent photographic illustrations, takes one type of kick at a time and explore not only the development of that kick, but also inform the student reader the kinesiology of that kick as well as slowly advising how to develop and master that kick.

Most books on martial arts fall into one of two categories: some are written in a format that is beyond the understanding of the reader who may be completely new to martial arts while others dumb down the reader with superficial 'quick fix' problems thinking the reader is already proficient in the fundamentals of Martial Arts. Kovacich respects his reader/pupil, and with great dignity of writing style and unfolds each kick mastery with surety of developmental skill and encouragement of each aspect of a single movement. This allows the reader who may be proficient in Kicking to buy just the one book written for the type of Kick the reader finds difficult to master: buying the entire set of books assures the reader that each stage of development will be respected from the beginning to the mastery of the ten Kicks Kovacich addresses.

Each of these ten volumes is equally excellent. The ten volumes include Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick, Crescent Kick, Reverse Crescent Kick, Hook Kick, Wheel Kick, Axe Kick and Hatchet Kick. Having exposure to each of these ten volumes gathers respect for Shawn Kovacich not only as a man who is able to master a tough medium of sport, but also one who has discovered the perfect manner of teaching and communication. The ten volume set is well worth the investment, monetarily and educationally. Grady Harp, May 09

Excellent source for perfecting your kicks!
The following review will encompass three books out of Shawn Kovacich's excellent series "Achieving Kicking Excellence."I recently received and tried out Volume 4: Crescent Kick, Volume 5: Reverse Crescent Kick, and Volume 6:Front Kick.

One of the first books I ever picked up when I started training in Karate was Gichin Funakoshi's "Karate-Do Kyohan."My background was primarily in Chinese Boxing but I decided to branch out into other art forms.My instructor at the time told me that Funakoshi's book was essential if I wanted to perfect my form.The book was a fantastic read and definately gave me guidance on my technique.

The reason why I mention "Karate-Do Kyohan" is that this text is recommended by so many instructors in Karate to students for the main purpose of perfecting technique.When someone recommended Shawn Kovacich's series on kicking techniques, I was a little skeptical.How much could you actually write about a front kick, for example?Funakoshi's book only spends 4 pages on specific foot techniques.Most technical training comes from a one-on-one session with a trainer.My perception on this matter has been shattered after spending some time with just three of Kovacich's books.

Each of the three books has a similar format.Chapter one usually addresses the basic anatomy of the specific kick.Chapter two, outlines a stretching routine specific to the kick.Next, Kovacich describes the basic principles of the kicking movement before going into great detail on the primary kick.Once the primary kick is disected, Kovacich teaches you the variations of the kick.The next section, where each book really shines, are a set of excercises designed to increase the power, speed,and flexibility of each kick.The rest of each book is composed of a trouble shooting guide and kicking applications.

The books do not just present the kick as a series of movements.Kovacich provides detail on what muscles you use in the kick, where your balance should be in the transition, what is the best target for the kick, and how to develop speed and power for your kick.I was amazed at how easy the books were to use and how the approach was almost as good as being in a formal setting with an instructor.

Nothing can replace going to an instructor and learning the martial arts under supervision.I will say, however, Shawn Kovacich's "Achieving Kicking Excellence" is the next best thing in terms of elevating your kicking technique.These books are essential companions to the classic kata texts. ... Read more

Product Description


Roundhouse Kick is the ninth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.

Roundhouse Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Back Leg Roundhouse Kick, and several of its main variations.

Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Roundhouse Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Back Leg Roundhouse Kick.

Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Back Leg Roundhouse Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.

Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Roundhouse Kick and the solutions to correct them.

The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Roundhouse Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.

NOTE:

The combat/self-defense applications of the Roundhouse Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Roundhouse Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 9, which is Roundhouse Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 19. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Roundhouse Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.

At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Side Kick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Excellent Subject Presentation
As are all Mr. Kovacich's kicking books that I have read, Achieving Kicking Excellence - Roundhouse Kick is a must read for the martial arts practitioner.The Author provides a very detailed breakdown of the roundhouse kicks and variation.As this is one of my most used kicks, I found this publication useful in understanding what I was doing right and what was wrong. I highly recommend this book to all that want to master this important kick.

Excellent......
There are four kicks that are the bread and butter of kicking. The front kick, the side kick, the back kick and the roundhouse kick.Shawn has managed to convey to the reader the mechanics of all four and with this book the roundhouse kick.If you have never learned the roundhouse kick try the instructions Shawn gives you in this book.When you think you have it go to a martial arts school in your area and try it.I'm not asking you to challenge anyone, just try the kick.See if yours is at least as good if not better than theirs.This doesn't mean you don't need a teacher only that, this is a good substitue until you can find a teacher to your liking.

Shawn gives you solid training techniques to learn the roundhouse kick.You get to see the progression of the kick in pictures.Shawn also asks you at the end of the book if you see anything improper.That helps to train you to look for errors in your kicking.Shawn Kovacich, has done his research to make sure you have the best information to perform the roundhouse kick correctly.The only way to get better is to get a teacher or at the very least a training partner.

Shawn has done you a service by repeating certain training techniques throughout the book and the series.You don't have to keep flipping pages to find information you need.That was done, I believe, intentionally because this is a reference book.Something to be referred to again and again to help you learn the roundhouse kick.
Note: For those of you who have an awesome kicking regimine might I suggest you try Shawn Kovacich's kicking application series, who knows you might learn something your classmates don't.

A great book a great series of books
As a student of Martial Arts holding 2nd Dans in Taekwondo and Shotokan Karate and a amatuer competitor in sports karate ,I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Kovacich's books.
I own several of Mr. Kovacich's books , Axe Kick , Back Kick , Crescent Kick , Front Kick ,Hook Kick ,Roundhouse Kick, and Side Kick .
each book stands on its own fully describing each particular kick to the nth detail.
The muscles needed to throw the kicks , the proper methods to throw the kick different various ways to throw the kick for example front leg , rear leg , spinning , jumping etc are fully described, the strength and conditioning exercises used to help develop the kick. Even common mistakes are discussed.
I really feel its must reading for any serious student of Martial Arts that uses kicking as a technique to really amp up their kicking abilities.
Im actually hoping my competitors don't read these books.
Seriously a great read.
Well Done Mr. Kovacich . OSU

Extremely detailed and helpful
After reviewing this book I can't without hesitation that I learned quite a lot about the proper execution of the roundhouse kick. For a kick that I thought looked simple, I was surprised to see how many details there are to it. It's a surprisingly technical type of kick that requires much practice to deliver it properly.

I've been doing martial arts for the past years and I've had competent instructors show me how to perform the roundhouse kick. However, I was never told the little details about the kick that really makes it work correctly. Either my instructors didn't tell me the details or they were unaware of them. That is why I think it's very important to read this book if you want to learn the roundhouse kick properly because even instructors can miss details with techniques.

The roundhouse kick is broken down into various stages of it's delivery, Shawn writes each stage in extreme detail covering everything about the roundhouse kick. Also included in the book: the basic anatomy of the kick, warm up and stretching, variations of the kick, training and practice methods, trouble shooting guide and even a small section of the applications of the kicks.

Reading this book has definitely improved my understanding of the roundhouse kick, it was very helpful for me to really understand why the kick is done the way it is. Now that I have a better understanding of it, I just need to practice thousands of repetitions :)

Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced martial artist you will still benefit, even advanced students will learn something from this book.

While it is important to train hard, it is even more important to train smart. This book will show you how.

Thanks Shawn

everthing you ever needed to know about kicking
I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on AchievingKicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals withthe basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!),balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts ofthe book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle.Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Bookof World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerlyawait their publishing.


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Product Description


Back Kick is the first volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.

Back Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Turning Back Kick, and several of its main variations.

Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Back Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Turning Back Kick.

Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Turning Back Kick, by teaching you 11 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.

Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Back Kick and the solutions to correct them.

The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Back Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.

NOTE:

The combat/self-defense applications of the Back Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Back Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 1, which is Back Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 11. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Back Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.

At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Wheel Kick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Practical, Detailed, Scholarly and Essential
Volume I: Back Kick in Shawn's Achieving Kicking Excellence series starts from the ground up. Shawn literally begins with human anatomy 101 from the foot, legs, hips, both skeletal and muscular structures that are used to form the kick.He has written an incredibly scholarly work.When I first heard that a martial artist had written 10 volumes on kicking - each on a different core martial arts kick, I thought, yeah - right.How much can you say about any one kick?I thought, there isn't that much knowledge in the universe about kicking that could fill 240 or so pages, even with pictures! Well I was wrong.

What is so amazing about this book and the others in the series is that Shawn has created an easy to follow format that is also very easy to read. I very quickly found myself lost in the details of this book - wanting to absorb as much as I could.I've been teaching martial arts for more than 20 years and yet I never really thought about how much information an instructor might pass on to a student about any particular kick.Each day we cover a few more details and finer points with our students.What Shawn has done a magnificent job of here is capturing, structuring, packaging and synthesizing in one volume, everything a martial artist needs to know about a given kick.If you're going to practice for hundreds of hours, performing thousands of kicks, you need to get it right and understand what you're doing.This goes for the back kick, the side kick or any of the other kicks that Shawn covers in his other volumes.

If you take the time to assimilate this easy to read book, practice the various concepts, drills and stretches, then you will be learning correct kicking from a true master of the art! I highly recommend this book.I have been involved in martial arts for a long time and yet still found a wealth of excellent material; some new to me and some which I already understood.Whether you are a sixth degree black belt or a white belt, this book will serve you as an excellent companion throughout your studies. This book proves that, no matter how long we may have been studying or teaching, there is still more knowledge out that that can help us improve and that we are still always white belts inside.

Buy it! Enjoy it! and you will begin achieving kicking excellence!

Kevin Brett: Author
The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life!

Everything you ever needed to know about kicking
I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on AchievingKicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals withthe basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!),balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts ofthe book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle.Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Bookof World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerlyawait their publishing.

Super book
For many students, the back kick, especially the turning back kick, can be a real challenge to learn and to perfect. Done well, the kick is arguably one of the most beautiful to behold and, with little argument, one of the strongest in the martial arts.

Shawn Kovacich's fine book, Achieving Kicking Excellent: Back Kick, is a tremendous source to guide you on the path of having the best back kick of which you are capable. Shawn is a long-time martial artist with an amazing history that includes competing in brutal full-contact tournaments, setting world records for the Guinness Book of Records (11,000 high kicks in 5 hours) and applying his fighting skill for real virtually every night as a bouncer in some of the toughest joints around.

It should be noted that this book is just one of many in which Shawn Kovacich shares his knowledge of his kicking ability. Just keyword "Achieving Kicking Excellence" and you will find a variety of kicking books like nothing else on the market.

In the Back Kick text, Shawn has crammed the book with solid information that every martial artist needs to make his or her kick absolute dyno-mite. If you favor lots of photos, you will find that in this easy-to-follow text. If you like lots of detail as to what all makes this kick work, you'll find that in this book, too. It truly is a book for every reader.

Back Kick includes lots of exercises - weights and free-hand - that when followed for just a few months will develop all the specific muscles needed to develop your power, speed and accuracy of the straight back kick, turning back kick and all the other variations.

Achieving Kicking Excellence Back Kick will improve your kick, maybe even make you a master of it.

I've been training, teaching and writing about the martial arts since 1965, and I highly recommend this book.

Loren W. Christensen, author of over 40 books, martial artist, 8th dan.

A Master Athlete and Teacher Shares His Art
Shawn Kovacich is a committed, highly regarded and honored practitioner of martial arts with a specialization in Kicking. Yet not satisfied to have achieved the degree of excellence in his craft, Kovacich has devised a series of books that extend beyond the usual 'self-help' category of writing. His considerably cautious eye and sense of balance, in sport and in life, has resulted in his publishing a series of books - ACHIEVING KICKING EXCELLENCE - that at this point are ten in number but promise in the near future to be doubled in amount. Each of these books, handsomely designed and with excellent photographic illustrations, takes one type of kick at a time and explore not only the development of that kick, but also inform the student reader the kinesiology of that kick as well as slowly advising how to develop and master that kick.

Most books on martial arts fall into one of two categories: some are written in a format that is beyond the understanding of the reader who may be completely new to martial arts while others dumb down the reader with superficial 'quick fix' problems thinking the reader is already proficient in the fundamentals of Martial Arts. Kovacich respects his reader/pupil, and with great dignity of writing style and unfolds each kick mastery with surety of developmental skill and encouragement of each aspect of a single movement. This allows the reader who may be proficient in Kicking to buy just the one book written for the type of Kick the reader finds difficult to master: buying the entire set of books assures the reader that each stage of development will be respected from the beginning to the mastery of the ten Kicks Kovacich addresses.

Each of these ten volumes is equally excellent. The ten volumes include Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick, Crescent Kick, Reverse Crescent Kick, Hook Kick, Wheel Kick, Axe Kick and Hatchet Kick. Having exposure to each of these ten volumes gathers respect for Shawn Kovacich not only as a man who is able to master a tough medium of sport, but also one who has discovered the perfect manner of teaching and communication. The ten volume set is well worth the investment, monetarily and educationally. Grady Harp, May 09

Detailed
The books in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series are very detailed and will be well suited for the adamant student of Korean systems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hapkido The Korean Art of Self-Defense
Dr.Lee was my instructor in Tae Kwon Do from 1980-2001. I met him at Nicholls State University where he taught from 1974-2002. He taught judo,Tae Kwon Do,and self defense for many years.The university bookstore had this book available in the 1970's and early 1980's for use with his self defense class. The price on my book is $3.95. It was much used and we learned techniques by the numbers in his self defense classes which I took several times. It is a great book for its time. It blends karate style blows, judo throws and falls, and the wrist locks that made Hapkido famous. His introduction indicates it is a streamlined version of what he actually taught utilizing the basic techniques of locks,throws,and kicks. He shows ki breath control exercises, wrist limbering exercises, and stretching routines. There are many joint manipulation escapes throughout the book. He also shows basic blows using various parts of the body.I like it for its simplicity. It was written to be a basic self defense book and that is what it is.You don't see 10 different responses to the same attack.He has a section on simple single action responses as well as joint twisting and striking combinations.The book ends with the usual section on self defense for women. The only problem with the book besides its rarity is that there are several pictures in the wrong order or reversed but they are minor flaws.

Excellant book on self-defence
This book gives a complete overview of hapkido basics as well as a total self-defense course that can be used with ANY martial art system. I bought my copy in 1979 and at the time it was the best book on the market. It's agood resource for self-defence skills for men and women. Applications coverpunches, grabs, clubs and dis-advantaged positions. Plenty of pictures toshow each technique. Well worth getting for your collection, if you canfind a copy. ... Read more

Product Description
The Korean martial art of Hapkido is an advanced system of self-defense. It is designed to teach its practitioners exacting methods to defend against all types of attacks.In this book, Hapkido Master Scott Shaw details refined aspects of this martial art, in order to provide the reader with an enhanced sense of self-defense awareness and combat understanding. ... Read more

Product Description


Hatchet Kick is the eighth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.

Hatchet Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Turning Hatchet Kick, and several of its main variations.

Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Hatchet Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Turning Hatchet Kick.

Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Turning Hatchet Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.

Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Hatchet Kick and the solutions to correct them.

The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Hatchet Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.

NOTE:

The combat/self-defense applications of the Hatchet Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Hatchet Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 8, which is Hatchet Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 18. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Hatchet Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.

At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Roundhouse Kick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

everything you ever needed to know about kicking
I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on AchievingKicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals withthe basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!),balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts ofthe book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle.Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Bookof World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerlyawait their publishing.

The best


Shawn Kovacich is a long-time martial arts veteran who has faced many formidable opponents in tough bare knuckle tournaments and as a bouncer working in places most people avoid. Just to see if he could do it, he set a world records for the Guinness Book of Records, throwing 11,000 high kicks in 5 hours. He shares his superb knowledge of kicking in a 10-book series he calls "Achieving Kicking Excellence."

In the Hatchet Kick volume, Kovacich has included something for every martial artist. If you like how-to-do books with lots of detailed photos, you will find that here. If you're looking for a technical explanation of how to execute this difficult but highly destructive kick, this book is for you. My favorite feature, and one seldom found in martial arts books, is the section that explains which precise muscles are involved and how you need to align your body to maximize whichever variation of the kick you're doing.

The book also includes exercises - weights and free-hand - that target the specific muscles needed to develop your power, speed and accuracy in the hatchet kick.

Not only does the author show you several approaches to launching the hatchet, he also shows how to apply it against an opponent. And as he does in this entire series of kicking books, Kovacich includes a Trouble Shooting section to answer the most common questions he has received over his long teaching career.

Achieving Kicking Excellence Hatchet Kick is a complete book on developing and delivering this exciting-to-do and exciting-to-watch kick. Every martial artist - veteran and newbie - will benefit from its insightful instruction.

I've been training, teaching and writing about the martial arts since 1965 and I highly recommend this book.

Loren W. Christensen, author of over 40 books, martial artist, 8th dan.

A Master Athlete and Teacher Shares His Art
Shawn Kovacich is a committed, highly regarded and honored practitioner of martial arts with a specialization in Kicking. Yet not satisfied to have achieved the degree of excellence in his craft, Kovacich has devised a series of books that extend beyond the usual 'self-help' category of writing. His considerably cautious eye and sense of balance, in sport and in life, has resulted in his publishing a series of books - ACHIEVING KICKING EXCELLENCE - that at this point are ten in number but promise in the near future to be doubled in amount. Each of these books, handsomely designed and with excellent photographic illustrations, takes one type of kick at a time and explore not only the development of that kick, but also inform the student reader the kinesiology of that kick as well as slowly advising how to develop and master that kick.

Most books on martial arts fall into one of two categories: some are written in a format that is beyond the understanding of the reader who may be completely new to martial arts while others dumb down the reader with superficial 'quick fix' problems thinking the reader is already proficient in the fundamentals of Martial Arts. Kovacich respects his reader/pupil, and with great dignity of writing style and unfolds each kick mastery with surety of developmental skill and encouragement of each aspect of a single movement. This allows the reader who may be proficient in Kicking to buy just the one book written for the type of Kick the reader finds difficult to master: buying the entire set of books assures the reader that each stage of development will be respected from the beginning to the mastery of the ten Kicks Kovacich addresses.

Each of these ten volumes is equally excellent. The ten volumes include Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick, Crescent Kick, Reverse Crescent Kick, Hook Kick, Wheel Kick, Axe Kick and Hatchet Kick. Having exposure to each of these ten volumes gathers respect for Shawn Kovacich not only as a man who is able to master a tough medium of sport, but also one who has discovered the perfect manner of teaching and communication. The ten volume set is well worth the investment, monetarily and educationally. Grady Harp, May 09

Exceptional Instruction on the Hatchet Kick
What exactly is a hatchet kick?It is not as well known as your common side kicks and popular roundhouse kicks.Nor is it as self-descriptive as a front kick.So how do you describe it?Guinness World Record holder, black belt, and author Shawn Kovacich describes the hatchet kick like this, "A properly executed hatchetkick performed by a man (or woman), can be compared to a hybrid combination of a turning wheel kick and an in-to-out axe kick."If you are still uncertain just what a hatchet kick is or how to execute it properly, Kovacich's eighth book of his impressive Achieving Kicking Excellence series will ensure you have every component to master this kick.

Hatchet Kick by Shawn Kovacich is similar to the others in the series in that it is a stand alone volume that focuses on all aspects of performing the hatchet kick and ten of its main variations.Like the other volumes, this book contains short chapters on anatomy, warm ups, stretching, strength training, speed training, and power training.

The meat of the book howeveris the detailed descriptions of how to execute the hatchet kick and the variations.Kovacich breaks each kick down into its parts and illustrates these components with detailed photographs.I have not seen any other text illustrate kicking with such detail.The kick variations that Kovacich includes are: Step-Back Hatchet Kick, Spinning Hatchet Kick, Hop/Slide Forward Hatchet Kick, Hop/Slide Backward Hatchet Kick, Front Leg Hatchet Kick, Back Leg Hatchet Kick, Switch Hatchet Kick, Off-Setting Hatchet Kick, Jump Turning Hatchet Kick, 540 Degree Jumping Hatchet Kick, and the Spinning Hatchet Kick (with the left leg).

The book is full of notes and illustrations to assist you with mastering this kick and to be able to use the kick in various situations.Kovacich includes some of the applications for the hatchet kick near the end of the text, right after he addresses some common problems with the kick in his troubleshooting guide.

This volume is another exceptional book on kicking and as I said is the eighth of a ten book series on what Kovacich calls the basic kicks.This book and the rest of the series makes a superb resource for anyone who practices a kicking art.Even if you perform kicks a bit differently than Kovacich's style, you will learn things to make you better.If you teach kicking, Kovacich's books will aid you with imparting kicking knowledge to your students.I highly recommend this book and the entire set to all martial artists.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

Hatchet Kick: Devastating Heel Impact!
Author Shawn Kovacich has exploited an important niche in his "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series of martial arts instructional texts.

Shawn is quoted as saying "In an unarmed self-defense encounter, your kicking skills or lack thereof, can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. In today's society, kicking is not only used more frequently, but it also ranks as perhaps the most versatile and underrated weapon that you have in your arsenal." I agree with him.

I found "Hatchet Kick" (volume 8 of 10 in the series) to be so highly detail oriented that it overcame any presupposition of dryness and boredom to which I initially attributed to it. In short, I was "hooked." Laid out in terms that the novice can easily follow and the practicing martial artist can incorporate into his or her regimen, Shawn starts out with the historical background of the Hatchet Kick and then introduces the reader to the physical and physiological body movements and mechanics associated with the kick.

Providing tips on conditioning and training, Shawn demonstrates foot movement by foot movement the Hatchet Kick's basic principles and then introduces the primary Turning Hatchet Kick to his audience and follows with eleven variations; (some of which I have never even heard of!).

Shawn demonstrates the principles of each kick with clear photographs that leave nothing to the imagination. Fortifying the text with chapters on "Warm Up and Stretching," "Training and Practice Methods," "Trouble Shooting Guide," and "Kicking Applications," to name a few, Shawn provides the reader with more than a full understanding of what could and mistakenly be known as a "simple kick."

Totally complete at 224 pages, and chocked with all sorts of valuable information from the "nuts and bolts" of technique description and demonstration to body dynamics, this is without a doubt the "gold standard" by which any examplar of martial arts kicking should be judged by.

This book can stand alone or be incorporated within the series. I rate it at five stars without hesitation or reservation. Well done!
... Read more