Product Description
A classic reference for martial artists and aficionados of Filipino culture, Filipino Martial Culture is an unprecedented excursion into the history, ideology, and techniques of Filipino martial arts.Beginning with a comprehensive study of the history of civil turbulence in the Philippines and the participation of its warriors in fights for independence from colonial rulers, Filipino Martial Culture proceeds to explore the worldview, spirituality, folklore and weaponry of this ancient tradition.
Mark Wiley has collected extensive interviews with Filipino martial arts masters, as well as photographs of their practice and weaponry, in his preparations for this book.He explains basic and rare techniques, elucidating the ethos of much of Filipino culture in the process.The authority and depth of his materials are unsurpassed; Filipino Martial Culture is as much a definitive anthropological textbook as it is a practical guide to the martial arts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Good place to start
If you've ever wondered about the Pinoy warrior, this is a good starting point.Wiley's writing isn't the best and the book has numerous grammatical errors.You will find this piece interesting and it will point you in the right direction if you desire more details.I rated this 5 stars because it's a must addition to any martial artist's library.Buy it and judge for yourself.I don't consider spending $20 on any book as a waste.

88 words for Coconut
Actually I am not sure how many words for coconut there are in the Phillipines. With all the languages, dialects and sub-dialects in the PI there must be at least 88. Where am I leading too? If you read around the web you will find some respectable criticisms concerning this book and Mark Wiley, maybe even Wileys ancestry. Mostly this is concerned with the "origin" theories for the Filipino Martial Arts. I think some slack could be given here as, you guessed it, "there are 88 words for coconut in the PI!" Much of the history in the early and mid ages concerning the PI(Phillipine Islands) was oral history, the chain of which has long since died out. Anyways, when looking through the internet and bookstores at all the flakey-bakey, wavey gravey type books out there dealing with Martial Arts in general I have to say this book is a refreshing and educated effort. The first half of the book deals with the physical spiritual and mental aspects of the FMA. There is a history and a close look at the role played in the Independence of the PI by escrimadors, Kalistas and Arnisadors. I found the real strength of the book to lie in the interviews with the Masters at the end of the book. I also find it very telling that many of the martial arts today which have little if any relevance in the street as self defence, hold as their heroes poets, bhuddist priests and assorted high minded ilk. Nothing wrong with this butwhereas in the FMA the heroes are cops, security guards, humble soldiers and in some cases out and out streetfighters, who were ready to accept a challenge at a moments notice and fight any and all who dared to question their skill with the hands, stick or knife. Their skills and legacy come to us today in most cases without the ritual and high philosophical thought as baggage as some of the previously hinted at Martial Arts do. This leaves us today with a very effective and unique martial art. As some people say, Kali is complete, but never Finished, so too should the reader be aware that this book offers one of literally hundreds of explanations as to the origins and what constitues FMA. In light of the criticism levelled against it, in fairness it should also be noted that before this book was written, there were only a handful of books covering this knotty topic. Since Guro Mark Wileys effort has been published and raised such a stink, other such books have made their appearance and voiced their credentials and thoughts to the world. At the time it was easily the best researched and most educated attempt at it's subject matter. It is easy to see that for many in this field of study it was a spur to publish more writings. While I do not agree with all of the ideas and concepts espoused in this book, as an FMA instructor and avid martilist I must say I encourage my students to read this book. You could do much much worse time investments in martial arts books.

Trailblazing
Mark Wiley's thorough examination of the ancient and modern Filipino martial culture is ground breaking, exemplary, and extremely well researched (there are 175 books referenced in the bibliography). My wife is Filipino so I've had a long time fascination with the martial culture of that archipelago, but had difficulty finding English-language texts to study prior to discovering this outstanding work. This book covers all aspects of those arts. It is well written and very informative, covering the martial history of the Philippines, the ethos and worldview of the Filipino warrior, structure, rites, and symbols of the indigenous martial arts, typology of weapons, and more. Eighteen masters of the Filipino arts are interviewed, covering arnis, escrima, kali, and a variety of lesser-known arts (e.g., hagibis, sikaran, sagasa, and kuntaw lima-lima). There are some great pictures as well. In 1521 Filipino natives killed the famous explorer Magellan. Learn about the fighting spirit, weapons, and tactics of these fierce warriors, ancient and modern.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

A work of surprising depth and scope
The only books which I can readily think of which approach this book in depth and scope are those by Donn Draeger.

Kudos to Wiley for producing such an interesting sourcebook which presents the contemporary mosaic of Filipino martial culture with a thoroughness rarely seen in the world of martial arts writing.

I've read better
I feel that this book is Mr.Wiley�s personal view on the Filipino Martial Arts. The history in this book is far from valid.The information is presented in a way to support his perception on the Filipino Martial Culture.Written history about the Philippines is distorted or deleted in order to provide the reader with an accurate perception of his fictional writings.

Obviously, the author wants to destroy anything that supportsKali being a Pre-Hispanic art.Inducing the reader to believe it did not exist during Pre-Hispanic times.With this false foundation, the author can then steal what truly belongs to the Filipinos and say it originated from European Fencing methods.Therefore, transforming it into a European art. Sadly, giving credit to the colonizer who oppressed the Filipinos, denied them equal rights, while governing them with no progress for over 300 years.In reality, anybody who has seen Kali/Arnis/Eskrima and Fencing can see that they're two completely different arts.Filipino blades like the Kris and Kampilan do not resemble Spanish rapiers nor are they designed for their fighting methods.Filipinos carried these weapons even before Magellan arrived according to Magellan's historian, Antonio Pigfetta.

While reading this book I felt very upset.This book tarnished the history of countless Filipino warriors who preserved, developed and passed the Filipino arts down to us.Their history is being portrayed and altered by an author�s personal perception.With this book, their true history is erased like words on a notepad. They are then filled in with bias views, in a book that claims to be �scholarly.�

I hope that the reader keeps an open mind while reading this book.Seek out other sources on this topic as well.This way the reader can broaden their perspective and not become limited to the information presented in Mr. Wiley�s book. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by Tae Kwon Do masters Yeon Hee Park and Yeon Hwan Park with American black-belt Jon Gerrard, Tae Kwon Do is the definitive and only international reference to the sport. A highly effective tool to assist students and aspirants build and maintain skills, this volume is illustrated with photographic "walkthroughs" of every posture and contains: a concise history of the art; warm-up exercises; clear instructions for learning the basic techniques; important tips and strategies for sparring; a glossary ofEnglish to Korean terms; 700 photographs throughout the text (25 new to this edition) to clearly illustrate each move. Endorsed by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

The TKD Bible !
A fantastic read and reference point.
Indispensible parent's handbook in providing extra coaching for youngsters.
An invaluable tool in supplementing formal training.

A must....
....for those of us who need to refer to our poomsae quickly. Tedeshci's texts (taekwondo and hapkido) would be a lot better, but they're big and are rather expensive.
Park and Park gives you a lot of bang for your buck, and the book can easily be stored in your briefcase, gymbag, etc.

Great reference for beginner and intermediate TKDers
Overall great reference guide to starting and intermediate tae kwon do students. Lists the applications and effectiveness of all most aspects of TKD with slideshow pictures to demonstrate correctly. Of course, don't think you can learn the whole martial art from a book; you will need to accommodate by training with an instructor.

The Best Reference Guide to Tae kwon do I have seen to date
This book is above par.I am a soldier deployed in Iraq and I purchased this book to continue my study while on deployment.It has accurate information and pictures to explain everything from the basics, to advanced level forms, and top notch sparring techniques.A great purchase.

Good reference
It is a good starting reference for those beginning about the sport.The pictures of the poomse are helpful but nothing takes the place of good instruction.I found it hard to rely on the pictures to do the forms.
... Read more

Product Description
Street Stoppers is your guide to the martial arts most devastating trips, sweeps and throws. Mark Mireles has combined his knowledge of wrestling and jujitsu with his many years of experience as a member of the LAPD to put together this collection of street effective takedowns that will stop an attacker cold. Together with verteran cop, author and martial artist Loren W. Christensen, Mark takes you step by step through each technique and shows you exactly how to apply it when your life depends on it. Mark kicks off your crash course in Street Stoppers with the basics of positioning and targets. From there, jump directly into the trips, sweeps and throws - over 50 solid techniques demonstrated in realistic fighting situations. Mark and Loren also include 15 combination techniques so you ll always have a Plan B to fall back on. And throughout the book you ll get inside tips on choosing the right technique, gaining the upper hand over your assailant, avoiding injuries and ending a fight quickly.Because this book is written by 2 expert martial artists who have decades of experience subduing criminals on some of America s meanest streets, you can rest assured that you re getting proven techniques that work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

very good book about taking someone down in the street
This book, along with Fighting in the Clinch: Vicious Strikes, Street Wrestling, and Gouges for Real Fights has helped me to learn the basics of throwing, tripping, sweeping, etc. an opponent though I haven't trained in judo, sambo or olympic wrestling in my life.

Thanks to these books I have finally been able to learn when to apply throwing techniques, trips o sweeps so I can integrate those techniques in my training drills.

I highly recommend this couple of books by these authors to anybody who has trained styles such as karate or taekwondo, where it seems instructors don't see the necessity of learning to grapple in order to defend oneself in a confronting situation.

This book is for anyone who wants to master how to use throws in street combat situations.
This is a fantastic book for anyone who is into the mixed martial arts and reality-based street combat arts.As someone who began training in wrestling and judo, moving to learning jujitsu, boxing and karate, I have always maintained that anyone who is interested in being a well-rounded street combat fighter, should study a wide variety of combat arts.This book focuses on a much neglected fighting art, that being how to use trips, sweeps and throws for street combat.I remember when one karate instructor, who had also been a student with me in karate around 1975, was surprised when he saw me coming from judo practice."How come you are taking judo?It is not good for self-defense?"I asked him if he ever took a grappling art and he said no.I advised him that he needs to take up judo and jujitsu to understand how quickly you can be thrown and choked out.He ignored my comments.Interestingly, years later the Gracie family proved the wisdom of my comments to that karate black belt.

The beauty of this books' approach is that the trips, sweeps and throws are not shown in a dojo, but demonstrated in a street combat scenario.There are nine very informative chapters that are full of great techniques to throw an attacker on the ground.Though non-grapplers will also benefit from studying this incredible book, those who have trained in the grappling arts will be able to grasp the material easier.There is so much fantastic material in this book that this short review cannot do it justice.

Though I was familiar with the majority of trips, sweeps and throws shown in this book; nevertheless, I still learned a lot of practical tips to make the techniques work in a street combat situation.This comprehensive volume covers basic principles, how to use trips, sweeps, throws, spins, combinations, how to fall properly,legal considerations and fighting ethics.

In conclusion, this book is a must own for anyone interested in becoming a complete martial artist and a specialist in street combatives.

Rating:5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Police Yawara Stick Techniques, Use of the Mini-Baton manual for law enforcement officers, The Mechanics of Arrest and Control, Wakizashi-Jitsu, Tanto-Jitsu, Pro-System Combatives: Vol. 1,2., Never Trust a Politician, Haiku Moments: How to Read, Write and Enjoy Haiku, Season of the Warrior: A Poetic Tribute to Warriors).

Good for what it is
Street Stoppers has a ton of step by step photos to show you the correct form for the trips,sweeps,and throws it is teaching you. However, if your looking for a book that shows you how to get a fight done with right now, THIS IS NOT IT! The throws and sweeps in this book take alot of practice to get down pat. Even then its not guaranteed to work. The DIRTY DOZEN has some great techniques and better "real-life" moves that are practical

Street Applicable
Street Stoppers: The Martial Arts' Most Devastating Trips Sweeps and Throws for Real Fighting. By Mark Mireles and Loren W. Christensen.

Mark Mireles and Loren W. Christensen's, Street Stoppers, provides a unique view on how to use trips, sweeps, and throws in real world situations. As a law enforcement officer and a martial arts practitioner, I know the difference between techniques that work in the gym and those that are applicable in street encounters. In Street Stoppers, Mireles and Christensen merge their knowledge of the streets from their years of law enforcement experience and their knowledge of proven trips, sweeps, and throws. The result is a handbook on how to apply trips, sweeps, and throws in real world street encounters.

Chapter 1 of Street Stoppers starts with the mechanics of trips, sweeps, and throws to allow the reader to become familiar with the philosophy behind the book and the basic mechanics and goals of applying the moves on the street. Chapter 2 deals with trips. The next several chapters cover trips, sweeps, throws, and combinations. What makes the book unique is it provides the link between proven techniques and their applications to real world encounters. The techniques shown reveal Mireles and Christensen's familiarity with the street because not only do they show you how to apply the techniques, but also they reveal to the readers how to place themselves in a position of advantage after completing the techniques. They show you how to get in, take them down hard, and then get out to a position of safety so you can take on the next opponent.

If you want a book that will teach you how to apply proven trips, sweeps, and throws with devastating effect on the street, you need to get this book.

Real-World Credentials and Credibility!
This is the "right stuff" from two great warriors and martial artists, who focus their skills and credentials, like a laser beam, on an important topic that has not been well covered before.
These two authors are decorated combat veterans with a lifetime of extensive, daily action, as only career police officers can know.
Mark Mireles is a two-time recipient of the LAPD Medal of Honor.And in Loren Christensen's case, his career as a highly decorated cop is combined with his combat experience as an MP in Vietnam.You cannot overstate the day-to-day real-world action that cops experience for an entire career, as they wrestle drunks and confront aggression, year-after-year on the "mean streets."This is combined with two lifetimes of experience in competitive martial arts.
This tremendous credibility and credentials for the "real world," focused in one area (trips, sweeps and throws) really comes out in the book.One reviewer listed himself as a "martial artist" from New Zealand (a wonderful land well known for sheep and butter, but not particularly noted for its street violence!) and concluded that this book wouldn't work in the "real world."Such a comment from such an obvious dilettante is as good as a rave review from a real warrior!
This book is dynamite, and we should look for more from these authors, applying these skills, and this format, to other areas.Encore!Encore!
Lt.Col. Dave Grossman, author of On Combat and On Killing ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
An ideal introduction and comprehensive survey for both the novice and the experienced martial artist, this highly readable and complete martial arts handbook covers Karate, Kendo, Kung Fu, Judo, and Aikido, as well as the lesser known disciplines of Budo, Hapkido, and the Thai martial arts. 150 line drawings. ... Read more

Product Description
More than 90 percent of all martial arts schools fail within their first year.Starting and Running Your Own Martial Arts School shows martial artists how they can insure the success of their schools-before they put their hard earned cash and reputations on the line.It offers a thorough, practical introduction to the tasks and obligations involved in running a successful martial arts business.And it is the perfect guide for those who dream of opening their own martial arts school, who are currently planning their school, or who already run schools but want to learn how to streamline day-to-day operations so they can have more time for training or spending time with students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Ahh, what she said...
The author offers a great deal of knowledge in this book and it's a great starting point, but don't stop here - continue gathering knowledge...

Literally Loaded With Lots of Great Information
I have successfully run several different martial arts schools over the years and was a little apprehensive about purchasing this book because I felt that I already knew how to run a martial arts school. So I never did pick up this book when I first saw it a few years ago. And then about two months ago, I ran across this book again in a used book store and decided to spend the couple of bucks they were asking for it. Note that I still felt that I knew how to run a successful martial arts school.

Well after purchasing this book I took it home where it sat for several weeks before I finally decided to open it up and take a look at it. Now I am sitting here writing this review in hopes that I may be able to have some impact on another person such as myself who may be thinking that already know how to run a martial arts school and therefore may tend to disregard this book. It would be a very profound mistake! Trust me, I did and then I realized after reading this book that I may have run successful martial arts schools, but I could have run them even better had I read this book years ago (if it had been available at that time).

I am on the verge of opening up another school after semi-retiring for a few years and I am glad that I picked up this book and read it before I really got started getting everything put together. Now I admit that I knew a lot of the information that is contained in this book, but I will also admit that there was also a lot of information in this book that I didn't know, or didn't know as well as I should have. Needless to say, I am very glad that I read this book and I am really looking forward to implementing a lot of the things I learned in it.

Is this book perfect? Of course not! A lot of what the authors tell you in this book will probably not sit well with a lot of us more traditional martial artists, but if you take what they tell you and modify it accordingly to fit your own specific needs, then you will no doubt be a lot further ahead than if you simply ignored this information.

Now I could go into all the specific areas that are discussed in this book, or I could simply tell you that pretty much everything you need to know from A to Z about starting and running a martial arts school is included in this book. I think I will take the latter.

Here are three other fantastic books that I would recommend to any and all instructors regardless of the particular martial arts style that you are teaching, and those books are Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques In the Dojo, The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications, and The Way to Black Belt: A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results all written by Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder.

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

Fantastic Book
This is the best book I've read about starting and maintaining a martial arts studio.The author breaks everything down in easy-to-understand language especially for those of us who have been kicked in the head before.She encourages the reader to start at any chapter that is applicable to them to ensure that this book is applicable not only to new startups but those who are looking for new ideas.

The book is filled with new ideas for operating your school as a business without turning it into a belt-factory (Extremely important in my view)!! I highly recommend this book to all who have a dream of opening their own studio some day.

A must have!
This book is a step by step must have book if you are opening any type of school.Dont limit this book just to martial arts, it would help any school.

Getting started
Excellent book, whether you've had a school for a while or are starting a new one.I found it to be comprehensive, motivating, and helpful- Highly Recommend ... Read more

Product Description
Different styles of martial arts offer contradictory information, philosophies, and techniques for the body in combat. A practitioner of Judo might advocate grappling, reasoning that most fights converge into close range after a short time, when an advocate of Tae Kwon Do would argue that one should strive to maintain one's distance in an encounter that would allow one to use the legs, the most powerful weapon on the human body.

As a lifelong student and teacher of multiple styles of martial arts, Steven Pearlman has sought to distill from these disciplines not a fusion of techniques, but rather a compilation of fundamental principles that can guide the individual martial artist to the ideal action. Through his exploration of a set of basic principles that range from the physical (spinal alignment, the triangular guard, breathing) to the spiritual (the void, the body-mind, the character), Pearlman arrives at a system open to all martial artists without bastardizing the techniques of the original disciplines.

The Book of Martial Power will capture the minds of martial artists and anyone interested in finding a path to success that is not beholden to a specific form but is instead driven by fundamental principles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Best martial arts book out there
This was recommended to me by one of my instructors who is himself a 3rd degree black belt in both American karate and aikido. He is lightning fast and almost never uses punches, but rather, open-handed techniques. He emphasizes concepts versus techniques, per se. Pearlman's approach to the arts is why. It could take years off your training. It's a slow read, but only because Pearlman gives you so much to think about and digest.

Book arrived in perfect condition.

Read, do some work, and then reread
The martial arts deal with the body in space. This book presents concepts and perceptions. The examples add a layer to the concepts and the simple line drawings illustrate what the author is explaining. The chapters are brief, most are four to six pages, but the information is presented clearly.

An interesting book that guarantees that you will reread it about once a year.

To Truly Understand Your Art
For both beginners and advanced students seeking the principles of their art, this book is simply a gift you must give to yourself.Why?As a beginner learning your art, you're sure to find yourself confused at times, not knowing just how to get your body to do what you want, or what looks so easy when others demonstrate.Dr. Pearlman's approach will give you the single greatest boost you'll find anywhere.Your body moves through space by principles.So does your martial opponent's body.Dr. Pearlman teaches you 74 of these principles, and every single one will open up your mind, helping you both see and feel how yours and your opponent's bodies move.

For the advanced practitioner, in addition to answers for questions you've been pondering for years, you'll find a deeper understanding of the true universals that underlie all martial arts.

Dr. Pearlman does more than just give you 74 principles to study and practice, he builds each principle in connection to the others, and he gives you a structure for them all, breaking them down into the four grand categories of: Theory, Physiokinetics, Technique and Philosophy.As you study these areas, you'll find that you are able to keep your mind engaged as your body works out its many entanglements and discoveries.It's important to remember that drills for learning must lead to power in combat.Each principle empowers actual understanding all the way through from mind, to body, to engagement in full.In sum, all the principles create a mighty foundation for the flow from mind and body to combat security and power.

While absolutely loving this book, I do have two criticisms.First, the book offers no direct guidance toward either weapons use or ground fighting.Dr. Pearlman's context is standing-unarmed combat.The principles do of course transfer, but additional principles related to combat contexts beyond standing-unarmed could have been included, and would have been very welcome.Additionally, great benefit would have derived if Dr. Pearlman had also explained how the principles already discussed must be modified for weapons and other combat contexts, not to mention unarmed combat against weapons as well.Maybe we might hope for such exploration in coming works...?

Second, as a Western Martial Artist myself, I can't help but wish that the Asian Orientation was a bit more balanced out by the European, Historical Tradition of Combat Theory and Practice.Of course, considering that most people equate all martial art with that of Asia, this will not bother the majority of readers.

Not a criticism, but a point worth noting is that the most advanced practitioners will in some cases find themselves disagreeing with Dr. Pearlman over many things.To my eye, these disagreements are those of the "masters" and often beyond my own study and practice level.They're often very passionate and a delight to observe.In fact, these violent disagreements, often opposed by equally violent agreement, are one of the greatest arguments in favor of Dr. Pearlman's book.If he can get to the most experienced and thoughtful practitioners this way, he must be doing something important.In fact, by way of how he's helped me understand and improve my own art, I can assure you, he truly is.

The most powerful benefit I've taken from his book, has been learning to improve my art by Dr. Pearlman's view on the principle of Efficiency.He teaches that Efficiency is more than just a good thing, it is a way to note and measure every effort you extend.Each effort is either positive, in that it contributes to your objective, or negative, in being invested either needlessly or worse, destructively.When combined with his counsel on the Percentage Principle, Simplicity, Alignment, Rooting, Breathing, Posture, Relaxation and others, the deep comprehension empowered helps solve problems and fulfill potentials simply not possible without this profound guidance.

Regardless of your art or level, when you study this book, you'll be certain to find key principles and combinations of principles that will open up new directions for your progress, too.

Finally, other reviewers have commented that the universality of Dr. Pearlman's method of analysis and application extends not only through all the martial arts, but beyond, to the rest of one's life.I could not agree more strongly.Other applications for these principles range from the fairly obvious tie to contact sports of all sorts, to musical performance--you have to move some part of your body to play an instrument, and Balance, Breathing, Efficiency and other principles will be nothing short of transformational for musicians--and even to any relational setting where conflict and cooperation must be balanced from marriage to business, selling to managing and all other points of contact between humans.

one book every martial artist should own
This book explains many of the principals and physics used in martial arts, this book explores the physics
behind the techniques we use. A new student reading this book will have better insight into the lessons being thought in the dojo
this book will give you a head start on how and why things work as they do.
"This is one of the MUST HAVE books for your collection"

A must-have for any student of any style
If you study any style of martial art, be it karate, judo, boxing, wrestling, or whatever, and take those studies with any degree of seriousness at all, you really want to buy this book.Don't hesitate.Martial arts books are a lot like science fiction books; one has to sift through a lot a bad stuff to find a gem.Pearlman's book is certainly a gem.
Any martial artist can use this book.It focuses not on particular techniques, but on the principles behind those techniques; regardless of style.No martial art was ever created arbitrarily.The martial arts have been, and will continue to be, distilled from the absolute truths of the human form and physical laws.The power of a basic punch, for example, is dependent upon principles such as sound posture, balance, proper breathing, timing, and so on. In his book Pearlman brilliantly offers an accessible path to recognizing, understanding, and applying these principles.In essence, Pearlman offers the reader a wonderful glimpse into why any martial art is what it is; the expression and exploitation of principles.
Perhaps most importantly, you'll get something out of this book regardless of skill level.This will be a book that you'll read more than once, guaranteed.As your understanding of your craft grows, you'll glean more and more from these pages.I promise, you'll keep this book for years, pulling from the shelf every so often and drawing from it lessons that you didn't see before.`The Book of Martial Power' is a must-have for any martial artist.
... Read more

Product Description
This unique book by Master Shi Ming and Siao Weijia explores the Chinese science of mind/body and the refinement of consciousness in the higher martial arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The holy grail of martial arts
I saw video footage of Shi Ming many years ago, on the BBC's Healing and the Mind documentary; what he demonstrated defied explanation at the time, and so I wrote him off as a fake. Subsequently, I forgot about him and the video, but one day I purchased this book out of interest, without recognising at all that it was authored by the same individual in the video.

Having studied a martial art for a decade already, (Aikido for 16 years now, and Tai Ji for 4) I found the material then to be fascinating, very deep, and very advanced, and still pertinent to my training now. The writing style is very dense, concise, almost bulging with detail, but also very dry, impartial - almost clinical in its description of the processes of transformation that can be achieved through training. And the book really is only intended for someone who is actively training, and has done so for many years. It is not meant to be an academic document, ready to stand the rigours of peer review, because frankly, there would not be many peers of Shi Ming's level, and secondly, he wrote it for the martial artist, as a guide to map out one's training goals well into one's future. What is all the more attractive about this book is that he writes in a way that speaks to all arts, not just the Tai Ji, which is his background. He does not get bogged down on styles or arts, but just focusses on the "psycho-physical" processes that occur while training in an art that has an aspect of softness and development of "internal" power.

The book withstands many re-readings, in fact, often the light comes on with some of this material only after reading it through several times. It is useless to pick out a random passage from a random page and quote anything from this work...the whole document is a train of thought that begins with simple concepts and develops throughout the course of the text, to a highly advanced exposition on the transformative process that conscisouness can, and does undergo, through prolonged training in an internal art. It is difficult to understand, nay, believe what the author writes about in the later chapters of the book, if you have not personally experienced and understood the content of the earlier chapters. I was able to follow the author's train of thought without difficulty until about around chapter 8-9, and then I am on unfamiliar ground. So the later chapters for me suggest "what is possible", and what to strive for.

Only much later did I recognise that the author's photo on the back cover was in fact of the same man on the video I saw years before. I realised after reading his words, that I had to make a serious reappraisal of the video footage, because knowing the thoughts of this man through his writing caused me to rethink that he may very well have been demonstrating something that was not fake at all, but very real...and that my friends, is very scary. He teaches (or did) in Purple Bamboo Park in Beijing every morning...go check him out for yourself.

Not Worth the Effort
I have to chime in with those who thought this book was obtuse. I have a strong background in philosophy, science, and Chinese martial arts - and none of that could rescue me a very good understanding from this book. Why is that? It's because the "philosophy" presented here is primarily psuedo-philosophy. The book reads like a long article that no peer-reviewed journal would accept.

Granted, there are a few good tidbits, but most of the book is poorly formulated. Here's an example, just taken at random from page 33: "Consciousness is a spiritual-material structure, consisting of a triad of information, capacity, and format. Only when it can perform effectively as such a structure can it function interactively with any spirit or matter at all. Consciousness has a field, and it has force; it is a supranormal consciousness whose own inherent capacity can activate other capacities, forming a potent force field."

This goes on, and on, and on, and is never well explained. If you "think" you know what that passage means, you are likely confused. The passage I quoted is ambiguous in so many ways. For instance, do the authors mean that consciousness can ONLY be "interactive" when "information, capacity, and format" are somehow optimized? That's preposterous. I may be extremely ignorant (I am), but that doesn't mean my consciousness doesn't function "interactively". This is another problem: what do the authors mean when they say things like "interactively", "spiritual-material structure", "inherent capacity", "perform effectively" etc.? They never really define their base terms very well - and this causes no end of confusion. What are they even talking about?

If you are a philosopher or a scientist, steer clear - this reads like it was written by a lit crit major who took a single course on Kant and then synthesized all that with Tai Qi Quan. You can't run away fast enough.

If you are a martial artist, almost any book on the martial arts will give you more bang for your buck than this book.

I try to be as fair as possible in reviewing things, so I admit it may be possible that this book was poorly translated. But Thomas Cleary translated it, and I have a lot of respect for his work, so I somehow doubt he is at fault for this.

Ugh!Philosophy Majors Only!
I have no idea what the purpose of this book was.I kept reading it, hoping I would glean some insight, some guidepost,but it never happened.This book was terrible.

Okay, if you're a philosophy major, maybe you'll get something from this book.But for a man of Western science, struggling to apprehend the subtleties of higher-order Eastern martial arts, this was of no benefit to me.

Shi Ming asserts that we need to use Western science to more fully define Qi.He then admits that while technology is progressing, it is still not sufficient to this need.He implies that defining Qi scientifically will result in considerable benefit to humanity.

Shi Ming talks about the history of China, particularly how the various political upheavals were detrimental to the transmission of Qi understanding through the generations.

Shi Ming pulls out every big word he can think of, and uses them in repetitive tautological reiterative fashion, to state that the world must try and advance itself, enlighten itself.That understanding Qi is the key to overcoming political, religious, and philosophical barriers.

Tidbits that I almost found useful: Shi Ming alleges that Qi is real.That it is something beyond the "zone" that professional athletes sometimes talk about.That it is beyond an instinctive ingraining of skills (such as Olympic boxers) from intense training.But he never quite tells us what he thinks it really is, and he never hints at how to develop or find Qi, except to find a good instructor.

I'll match my education resume with anyone's.I'm no dummy.But I have to admit that sometimes I'll read philosophy and not even have a clue whatis being talked about.This book was like that.All I can tell was that Mr Shi Ming has some nice ideals for a better world, and that somehow he thinks Qi cultivation is the answer.But Higher Martial Arts?Too high.We're talking about World Peace, and all I want to do is become better at internal martial arts.

Maybe this book would be good for that individual on the cusp of attaining enlightenment or sainthood.I'm not close to that, so it did me no good at all.Maybe if I reach that cusp, I'll try to re-read the book and see what I get out of it.... Nah.

Very interesting but a hard read
I liked the book.It attempts to make the case for an aproach between the modern science and traditional martial arts saying that both are complementary and necessary for a breakthrough in consciousness research.The book also proceeds to describe consciousness refining consciousness through internal martial arts.

It is not a book that deals with technique or gives advice on internal arts.IMO, it is an interesting reading for the serious martial artist and scholar.

It is a short book but hard to read due to long, flowery phrases.

Wise, but not easy to read
Great how openly a chinese person suggests to view the advantages of western and eastern thinking and to aim for their integration. Decades of experiences in martial arts must back up the insights especially concerning the mind work. I got a glimpse how and trust that one can work on oneselve. ... Read more

Product Description
Harness your mind and body power for training and competition! Martial Arts Mind & Body combines the best mental and physical training principles of various martial art forms to enhance performance. Centered on the Japanese concept of kiai, the book explains how to unite your mental, physical, and spiritual energies. As a result, you will be able to

• sharpen concentration and awareness,

• improve your ability to learn new skills,

• perform better in training and competition, and

• remain focused under stress.

As you learn how to integrate the energy of the mind and body, you will increase your resistance to fatigue, discomfort, and distraction. You’ll also learn techniques to control the body’s responses to respiration, metabolism, and muscle relaxation. Make Martial Arts Mind & Body part of your training and soon you will think, feel, and move better than ever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book
This is a great book for any martial artist who wants to learn how to develop the mind with the physical. ... Read more

Product Description
Budo is about learning more than how to fight; true budo is a way of seeking and uncovering meaning in life. Here, Nicklaus Suino, one of the leading iaido teachers in North America, gives expert advice on how to get the most from training in traditional Japanese martial arts such as iaido, kendo, aikido, judo, kyudo, and karate-do. He reveals the essential components of budo training, including:

   • how to determine the principles behind techniques
   • how to develop physical strength, technical strength and strength of character
   • how to discipline your mind to really focus and be in the present moment ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Book on Budo (Warrior Way)
This book is an excellent text on thoughts of a warrior, and the proper terminology to express in Nihongo.

Better than expected!

The book appears,at first, to be to small to have any " serious " information. Wrong. While it is a rellativly quick and easy read, the book is packed with useful insite and information for the expert and novice matial artist. The book should be read again and again to. CONGRATULATIONS PROFESSOR!---JFM JR

Beginners Budo
This book is a must for the shelves of any traditional Budo practitioner or beginner in Budo. As a teacher of Budo myself, i have recommended this book to most of my students or the ones i feel will gain most from the book. It is an easy to read full of correlations to life and Budo. The author writes in an entertaining and informative fashion that gives you a thirst for more. The examples are memorable and it is a book that can be returned to time and time again.

[...] author of powers of the sixth sense

A great little guide to the Japanese Budo philosophy and principles.
The author is most known for his books on Japanese swordmanship; however, this book focuses primarily on how to live your life according to the principles and philosophy of budo (Martial ways).This book begins with an introduction where it emphasizes that the real secret to the martial arts is realizing that "training is a process of self-discovery."The first chapter explains how the Japanese martial arts are built on hard physical training.This training is also built upon the idea of making progress if you train consistently.The second chapter deals with training the mind.Mental discipline is required to succeed at any martial art because the mind and body must work together if you intend to follow any Japanese martial art.The very nature of Budo is covered in chapter three.The fourth chapter explains the three martial virtues, which include strength, courage and loyalty.Training the spirit is emphasized in chapter five.This book also has some very interesting and educational appendix sections.The first one covers choosing a martial art and the second one has eight essential texts that are must reading for the martial artist.The bibliography has a list of texts the author recommends to martial arts students.In conclusion, this is a great little guide to following the way of the warrior.Rating:4 stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors, The Monanock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Baton Advanced Techniques)

Budo Mind and Body
Direct and to the point.The book gives necessary insight on what to expect. ... Read more

Product Description

ABC-CLIO's Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation is the most authoritative reference ever published on combat disciplines from around the world and across history. Coverage includes Shaolin monks, jousting knights, Roman gladiators, Westerner gunfighters, samurai warriors, and heavyweight boxers. These iconic figures and many more are featured in this title, as well as representatives of less well known but no less fascinating systems, all vividly characterized by expert contributors from around the world who are themselves martial arts practitioners.

Martial Arts of the World comprises 120 entries in two volumes. The first volume is organized geographically to explore the historic development of martial arts styles in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The second volume looks at martial arts thematically, with coverage of belief systems, modern martial arts competitions, and a wide range of such topics as folklore, women in martial arts, martial arts and the military, and martial arts and the media.

Product Description
Energy Theory And Cultivation ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

the Essence of Internal Martial Arts Vol 1 &2
This is a 2 book master class in internal martial arts (IMA)!For those not in the know, not only can you bring power to your immune system and body, but it can help your external m.a. so much!I now know that with me, one can't exist without the other! Really studying and practicing these 2 books, I can finally feel my chi, and am moving it around inside (and somewhat outside) my body.You HAVE to get both books, as there's so much info: imagery with intent; meditation; moving meditations; vibrating strikes; discharging explosive power; energy bubble and water drop; iron shirt; and lots of unusual ingrediants lists; dim mak; and just SO much to learn and use!
I'm not just recommending these books, I'm telling you that this series may change your life, it is that deep and vital!It has truly opened up a new way of thinking for my life-long practice that I will continue and expand upon!

Informative
Has hard to get information in easy to read style for those interested in the internal martial arts. It seems to be a refined edition of a course Mr. Johnson offered along with Mr. Miller in the heyday of american Ba Gwa. ... Read more

Product Description
A book for young people ages four to eight on martial arts for peace that can help them understand and resolve conflict peacefully. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Want a well rounded child?
I bought this book for my six-year-old niece.

As a black belt in multiple styles and a martial arts teacher, I recommend this book to any parent who is enrolling their child in martial arts at the child's request. I also recommend this book to any parent who thinks that martial arts will help their child not be a sissy. Why? Because martial arts is much more than kicking and punching, it is about how you behave all day long. Dr. Webster-Doyle speaks to those things that are essential to the arts but most people do not think about: respect, order, honor, responsibility.

Do you know how many people want me to prove myself once they find out I'm a black belt? Do you know how many of them are martial artists? Zero. The reward of a martial artist is not the ability to beat up "all comers", it's the self-confidence AND self-disciple to exercise grace and peace until the last moment possible. Don't think that the smile-y faced instructors in this book couldn't hurt or kill you if they had to.

Most of the concepts in this book will need to be discussed with your child. This book will need to be read to younger children. Older children can take turns reading with their parents. The kids will love the pictures.

Before you buy, you need to know this is not a book that introduces different styles of martial arts. It is more a primer on behavior expected by child martial artists in (and out) of the dojo.

Pretty Bad Book Overall.
I got this one for my son before his first class.It is really awful.I enrolled him so he could learn to fight.To protect himself from bullies.He got nothing out of the reading and the concepts were not condusive for teaching a kid to protect himself.It really seemed more like a book on how to become and absolute wimp.I don't know what world this guy lives in, but it isn't this one, where signs of real qweakness just get you beat down.What a collosal waste of money that was.

let these international awards and acclaims speak for themselves
The books of Dr. Terrence Webster-Doyle have won widespread praise as resources for the understanding and nonviolent resolution of conflict.

Dr. Webster-Doyle winner of the Martial Arts Industry Association Distinguished Service Award

* Endorsed by:
* National PTA
* Scouting Magazine - Boy and Girl Scouts or America
* NEA - National Education Association
* Sports Illustrated for Kids
* Mothering Magazine - to name only a few

*"The books of Dr. Webster-Doyle are the first attempt I have seen to explain to young people and adults the concept of martial arts as a peaceful, nonviolent 'way of life' and to give students the tools to accomplish this goal." - Linda Lee Cadwell

* Awarded the Robert Burns Medal for literature by Austria's Albert Schweitzer Society, for "outstanding merits in the field of peace-promotion"

* Selected by the International Association of Educators for World Peace for their Central American peace education project in Panama and El Salvador

* Acclaimed at the Soviet Peace Fund Conference in Moscow and published in Russia by Moscow's Library of Foreign Literature and Magistr Publications

* On permanent display at the International Museum of Peace and Solidarity in Samarkind, Uzbekistan, the Commonwealth of Independent States.

* "Why is Everybody Always Picking on Us? explores the roots of prejudice. I don't think I've seen another book like it. How wonderful if this book could be used in social studies classrooms! I have learned where prejudice begins, how it is created, how it is perpetuated, and how it can be resolved. This book looks at stereotypes, bigotry, discrimination, scapegoating, racism, and more. It is a wonderfully comprehensive manual for young people and adults alike on understanding our conditioning and the root of prejudice."
American Pride Through Education

*"Webster-Doyle's insight is that by recognizing, understanding, and accepting our violent tendencies, we can avoid acting them out.These new books . . . are good for teachers and parents of elementary school children who need appropriate language and activities to help children deal with their feelings and the violence-provoking parts of the environment.To this reviewer, they are realistic and practical." --Young Children - Magazine of the National Association for the Education of Young Children

* "The book excels at impelling children to understand how conflict works within themselves. Tug of War offers engaging exercises that enhance a child's ability to understand the world. These exercises inspire self-observation, and the drawings of award-winning illustrator Rod Cameron enliven the book." Forum ¬- Newsletter of Educators for Social Responsibility

* Fighting the Invisible Enemy and Tug of War recommended by the Elementary School Library Collection as "fine contributions to materials for children"; both books also chosen by the British Commonwealth Collection - A Selection of Books and Journals on Nonviolence and Social Change

*"Every publication from the pen of this author should make a significant contribution to peace within and without.Highly recommended!" -- New Age Publishers and Retailers Alliance Trade Journal

*Why Is Everybody Always Picking On Me? -- cited by the Omega New Age Directory as one of the Ten Best Books, for its "atmosphere of universal benevolence and practical application"

* Dr. Lawrence Shapiro of the Center for Applied Psychology described Dr. Webster-Doyle as an "eloquent leader of the movement to combine principles of education, psychology, and the martial arts to teach young people to resolve conflict peacefully."

* Selected by the National PTA as a recommended resource for parents.

*"We use his books and thoroughly endorse the usefulness of his methods which have high potential in schools." - Stewart W. Twemlow, M.D. Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis, Menninger Clinic

* Endorsed by Scouting Magazine and Sports Illustrated for Kids

* Endorsed by Mothering Magazine

* Nine time Winner of the Benjamin Franklin Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing - in six consecutive years

*Selected by the American Booksellers Association for its resource listing of "Children's Books About Peace"

*"These topics are excellent and highly relevant."
--Dr. Charles Mercieca, Executive Vice President
International Association of Educators for World Peace
NGO, United Nations (ECOSOC), UNICEF & UNESCO

*"Helps young people deal with conflict and violence by describing practical skills for peace." --Holistic Education Review

*"I realize Why Is Everybody Always Picking On Me? urgency for every child and adult. . . My daughter couldn't stop reading it!"
--Marina Dubrovskaya, Assistant Director
Dept. of Sociology, Lenin Library, Moscow, Russia

* "Your book (Why Is Everybody Always Picking On Me?) has really helped me ignore the bullies and in a way stop bullying others."- 4th grader

* Presented the National Conference on Peacemaking & Conflict Resolution

*"The materials were very helpful to the facilitators who conducted the workshop on bullying strategies." - New Jersey State Bar Foundation

* Endorsed by the New York City Board of Education

...To name only a few ... Read more

Product Description

Your full-color guide to this wildly popular combat sport!

Mixed martial arts is sweeping the globe! In this practical guide, legendary MMA Champion Frank Shamrock shares his expertise and love for the sport. He introduces you to his famous training and fighting system, explaining the virtues, ethics, and techniques of MMA in clear detail while showing you how to develop a safe, effective training regimen.

• Begin with MMA basics — discover the history, the fighting styles, and modern rules and training techniques

• Prepare to start training — strengthen your body, focus your mind, learn the concepts of combat, and find a good instructor

• Stand up for yourself — your introductory course in stand up fighting, from essential strikes and defense to inside fighting with the clinch and takedowns

• Get ready to grapple — understand the essentials of ground fighting, including the guard position, submissions, and escapes

• Become a well-rounded fighter — improve your nutrition, develop a warm-up routine, expand your mental training, and get the rest you need

Open the book and find:

• Proven strategies to train your body and mind

• More than 150 step-by-step, full-color photos illustrating proper technique

• The 8 positions of power

• Necessary MMA training equipment

• The styles and strategies of MMA competition

• Fight-specific training drills and games

• Tips for increasing your speed and avoiding injury

• Advice from the expert on improving your ground game

Customer Reviews (5)

An Excellent Guide for Novice Coaches & Fighters
If you're thinking of breaking into MMA as either a competitor or as a coach, add this book to your library. As a karateka I already had a pretty good stand-up and kicking game but a limited knowledge of ground work. Frank Shamrock takes you simply through the eight positions of power, giving submission holds for each position allowing the ground game novice to get a well rounded and effective knowledge of simple techniques. Equally, if you're a ground game specialist looking for a bit of advice on stand-up, some sound advice is given too. All the tutorial sections have easy to follow instructions with excellent step by step pictorial guides.

Whilst this book doesn't go into a massive amount of detail, it really does give you all the basic information required to get you started. If you're a complete novice, don't forget that there is no substitute for good instruction so get out there and find an established school with experienced coaches and use the book to help expand your knowledge then hit the roads to increase your fitness. Hard work then more hard work is the only way to success.

I highly reccommend this great book.

good old frank
frank shamrock did it again,this book is combination of frank unique fighting system . he shares his fightin secret whit all mma fans. good dan frank

Very Informative Book for the Average and Not So Average MMA Fan
This is a very well written and laid out basic guide to MMA (mixed martial arts) for not only the fans, but also for aspiring MMA competitors. Written extremely well by noted MMA legend, Frank Shamrock, this book really leaves very little, if anything, to be desired for the average fan.

Sure there are much better books out there on learning certain techniques, but that is not what this book is all about. Although I wouldn't necessarily agree entirely with the title, this book presents the world of MMA in a brief, yet very well done light and although the die-hard MMA fans may not find much new information in it, it would be very hard to argue that this book isn't "THE" book to get in order to enlighten yourself on a basic level to the world of MMA. And in that respect this book is outstanding.

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

Great outline for a sound MMA system.
This book is very well writtten and very well organized. Frank's systems are very applicable and bulletproof. Money spent on this book would be money well spent for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on the art of mixed martial arts.

MMA for Dummies is a very smart book
The MMA for Dummies book by Frank Shamrock was very easy to read with a lot of great photos of the exercises and moves.Very helpful for all levels.It isn't just jiujitsu or judo or wrestling but a mix of all the styles of martial arts and his way of thinking is very interesting.It takes you from beginning MMA all the way to being inside the cage, if that's your thing.

I would definitely recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Carl Brown—attorney, author and black belt judo instructor—describes the legal policies that can protect or indict an individual who uses martial arts techniques in self-defense. Topics include assault and battery, the law and self-defense, martial arts weapons, state laws and a table of cases. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Information Every Martial Artist Should Read
This book contains information that every martial artist should know. You do have to dig a little to find out basically what you can and can't do to defend yourself, and I would have liked to see it organized a little better and have presented the information a little more straight forward. It still leaves the reader a little fuzzy concerning what he can and cannot do as far as self-defense goes.

I would have found it more useful if it just spelled things out for the reader. For example if you are attacked by a armed mugger, you can do A, B, and C, but not D and E. But our laws to too hazy to make things that clear I guess. I found the last chapter to be the most useful. This is good information to know, but don't let it get in the way of doing whatever you need to do to defend yourself or your loved ones in an actual self-defense situation.

Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

Read this so you don't go to jail
If you are a person who trains in the martial arts you need to read this book. Did you know kicking someone with a shoe on is an attack with a deadly weapon? That is why Billy Jack took his shoes off.
This book can drag a bit but will give you good info to help in understanding the law so you dont go to jail.

Not What I was Hoping For
For the most part, I was very disappointed and this was not what I was hoping for.I was hoping for examples and thoughts on the law for martial arts when used in self-defense situations.Brown did not really present any of these cases, which either leads me to believe (1) the true martial artists that practice their skills strictly for self-defense do not or have not had law suits against them (criminally or civilly) and/or (2) true martial artists do not get into alterations.Many of the cases Brown presents in the book are very old.Some of the cases are absurd.He cites cases where a person who has practiced martial arts was involved - and the crime was usually one they initiated (such as robbery or rape).First off, I would not consider any of these people martial artists, since they are not using their skills in the way it was intended.These are just people who happen to know techniques taught in martial arts, so I disagreed wholeheartedly with his using those examples and citing those persons as martial artists.Brown does cite some relevant cases, but then does not tell the outcome of those cases.I also did not understand his point on Ninjas at all.He explains how Ninjas were trained assassins and are trained to kill and then goes on to state if called or act like a Ninja this can be used against you in trial.Seems common sense to me that if you act and dress the part of an assassin that you may be called that in a trial (and probably should be expected to).I was also disappointed on his section of the law in states and martial arts weapons.Seems it was taken verbatim out of the law books with all the legalese language.Would have been nice if tit was written so a layman could understand easily.Brown does present and provide some good examples on what is considered excessive force.Brown also does ask some interesting questions and brings up some interesting thoughts such as should a martial artists announce to an attacker they are trained so the attacker is aware and understands what he is getting into.He also believes that someday martial artists may be considered deadly weapons.He does believe that martial arts training can and will be brought out in trial, but that belt rank should be of consideration, which is a valid point in my book.I might recommend this book to someone totally uninformed and ignorant; and for that reason alone have rated it two stars and not one.

A Good Start
Mr. Brown clearly knows his Judo and martial arts history, but the book lacked the substantive legal analysis I was expecting.Like any good attorney, when you don't have the law you argue policy, and that is what this book is, mostly.There isn't much law on point, but Mr. Brown does an excellent job addressing some policy issues any martial artist/instructor should be thinking about.
It makes sense that he is a professional editorialist.His writing reflects strong opinion and interesting viewpoints, which the reader must ultimately discern for herself.
The writing is not at all what I expected, but it serves its purpose well.I had expected more hard, technical writing. Mr. Brown has a wimsical tone, similar to a radio host's, that suits the book's subject matter fine.The minimal primary sources and average scholarly writing was a tad disappointing for me personally, but it makes his book accessible, which is just what this information should be for fellow martial artists. Mr. Brown has done the MA community a service by making this important contribution.If you want to discuss potential legal issues with your students, and you should, Mr. Brown's book is a good starting point.

Informative, but not focussing enough on what matters.
I found this book enjoyable and informative, but I felt it lacked a lot of what I really expected from it.It covered in detail as best as it could some topics of question such as state laws and general self defenselegality issues.But, I found that it lacked substance when referring tothe main question on any martial artist's mind...WHAT CAN I LEGALLY DO TODEFEND MYSELF?I found that the book seemed to focus more on what wouldhappen to someone who was attacked by a martial artist, than what wouldhappen if someone was hurt while the martial artist was defending himself /herself.Most of the court cases involved someone with prior martial artsexperience that had committed a crime.All and all it was an okay read,but I felt it hazed over a lot of the questions and important detail amartial artist should be concerned about.Things like the consequences ofdisarming an attacker and then retaliating with the weapon, or the everpopular question on the mandatory registration of black belts as deadlyweapons,that is so often spoke of.All in all I would say it is not a musthave, but a step in the right direction for legal education for martialartist. ... Read more

Product Description
Royce Gracie has teamed up with James Strom, fitness coach for Keyshawn Johnson, Serena Williams, and the University of Southern California Trojans, to create a customized program for martial artists. This unique program of strength training, cardiovascular routines, flexibility exercises, and nutrition includes step-by-step, full-color workout plans for beginner, intermediate, and black-belt practitioners. Provided are guidelines for working out solo or with a partner, information on complete nutritional programs for different body types and martial art styles, and injury-prevention tips. This book is appropriate for beginning martial artists wanting to sharpen their bodies and minds, black-belt instructors looking for new ways to improve and motivate their students, or anyone interested in building a body of extreme effectiveness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Not what I thought
I purchased this book with the idea of learning more about the Gracie diet and nutrition.The diet and nutrition section was extremely short, and I didn't really get much from it.From all the years of Carlos' studies of health, fitness and dieting, this book brought none of it to light.

The fitness part of the book is very substantial.However, the exercises and routines are primarily for a person who has a trainer or knows someone with alot of time to kill.The majority of the exercises involve a second person assisting you.

Maybe I just expected something much different, but the book is more for someone who is really training for MMA or BJJ competitions.People who compete at a higher level are probably much more likely to have "people" to help train them.I'm just a regular guy trying to get an edge.

I did learn one thing from this book...I need to be more discriminating on my BJJ book selections.Just because it's written by a Gracie doesn't mean it's worth buying.

Fit for life
This book will give you the essentials to handle anything from everyday life to an all out fight or training session at the dojo.

Excellent for adding to your current workout!
This book is a very good way to add some variety to your workouts, stretching and overall fitness. Good luck with your training.

Lightweight
Unfortunately, I think I lot of other reviewers are smitten with the Gracie legacy and not judging the book on its own merits. If it were written by John Q. Nobody, they'd probably be more inclined to give a dispassionate and fair review. As a martial artist with 10+ years experience, I was looking for a training program that would help me prepare for competing.

Pros:
The Gracie Stretch routine is a nice set of stretches to do on a daily basis. It has a lot of stretches specific to hip flexibility which is important for fighters. Though a lot of the same information and positions can be found with much greater details in the book, "The Martial Artist's Book of Yoga". Whether the GSR alone is the price of the book depends on you.

There is some nice information on plyometrics, isometrics, tapering which are some modern concepts that would be of interest to someone looking to take their workouts to the advanced level. Though by no means is the detail on these topics extensive.

Cons:
The 'meat' of this book could be condensed to a pamphlet. (In fact, I photocopied the GSR and shrunk it down to fit on a single page so I could use it in the gym without looking like a newbie.) Most of the book is dominated by oversized glossy photos of Royce performing the various stretches and exercises, which for most intermediate and advanced athletes could be sufficiently listed by title alone. The ratio of pages devoted to photos to text is easily 12:1. The few pages devoted to the "Gracie diet" are laughable (12 oranges for breakfast?) and not nearly sufficient to tailor to your body type and specific nutritional needs.

Most lacking is any talk of actual fight training. Bag work, pad work, and sparring are never mentioned. Not even once. Where do these all fit in to the Superfit program?

Summary:
My opinion is that this book suffers the same watering down effect of many books that attempt to appeal to too broad an audience. By broad I don't mean beginners and advanced fighters, but non-fighters as well. Replace all the photos of Royce with those of any other recognizable athlete and it would be the same book. Even then it is only a cursory overview of a professional athlete's training regimen. I suspect that Royce, still competing, isn't going to give away all his secrets just yet. Maybe he'll release a better edition after he retires.

OUTSTANDING BOOK!!!
This wasn't just a great book for me but I let other people who aren't fighters look at it and they thought it was great as well. Not only does it provide you with some great workout routines but it also develops a concious mind about different types of excercise effects and drawbacks as well as nutritional aspects to really peak your physical fitness. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Must have for any martial artist
This is must have nutrition book for the martial artist. She gives you all the facts on protein, carbohydrates and fats. She talks specifics about how to eat, what to eat and when to eat. There are chapters on body composition and energy requirements. The martial arts body is a very complicated machine and no two are alike. You need to figure out what is best for you. There are charts, lists and tips that can help you map your own nutritional routine. One of my favorite quotes in the book is "There are no good or bad foods. It's the dose that kills you." Mix in Zen wisdom and Bruce Lee quotes and you have a nutrition book that any martial artist can relate to.

Complex issues made simple
This is a no nonsense straight forward guide to Nutrition. Teri has done a greaty job in making complex issues simple and straight forward. With this book alot of the mystery and guess work is removed from Nutrition . What you have here is clearly a scientific approach that reduces the variables to a minimal. This is a great guide... not a fad but a great guide from and expert in the field Giving you th tools to be in charge of your health... highly recomended!!!

Arguably One of the Better Nutrition Books Written for the Elite Combat Athlete
I never have had much of a problem maintaining my weight when I was working out regularly, but after taking a few years off to start writing a series of books, I noticed that I had not only lost some of my physical ability and technique, but I had also gained a couple of extra pounds. Not horrible by any means, but when you are an elite martial artist, a couple of pounds can be just as detrimental as 20 or 30 pounds.

Now I have to admit that I primarily purchased this book written by Teri Tom because of her absolutely fantastic work in her two previous books; The Straight Lead: The Core of Bruce Lee's Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do and the more recent, Jeet Kune Do: The Arsenal of Self-Expression, which I have written reviews for both here on Amazon. And I have to say that I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

Tom takes the same solid and well researched scientific approach to this book on nutrition just like she did on her two previously mentioned books on Jeet Kune Do and JKD techniques. One of the great things I liked about this book is that she dispells a lot of the myths prevalent today concerning nutrition and especially the nutritional needs of elite martial arts athletes.

Of particular note for me was the fact that she encourages the diluting of a lot of today's more popular sports drinks such as Gatorade, etc. for those people who have problems drinking them straight. I know that I get horrible burps and sometimes stomach problems from drinking them straight, however, when I dilute them with a 50/50 amount of water, all those problems disappear. I have been doing this for years, but have never seen anyone write about it. Which may have already been done and I just didn't see the article.

Another particular part I liked about this book was Tom's examples that she gave of working with such high profile athletes as; Manny Pacquiao, Andrei Arlovski, and Amir Khan. And of infinitely more importance was her own detailing of her struggle with her own nutritional needs and realizing that it wasn't only poor nutrition affecting her life, but more importantly her poor lifestyle choices that were affecting her life. Poor choices that we have all made to varing degrees at one time or another in our own lives. Myself included.

Regardless of your current physical condition, whether you are in phenomenal physical condition, or in a varing degreed state of couch potatoeness (yes I know that really isn't a work, but I like it anyway), you really should have this book in your personal library. You won't regret it!

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Krav Maga Instructor
Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series. ... Read more

Product Description
Size and strength will take you only so far in martial arts. If you want to reach your maximum potential on the street or in the ring, you need to go beyond conditioning and focus on getting the most out of every technique. In Fighting Science, Martina Sprague teaches you everything you need to know to successfully apply the laws of physics for maximum power in every technique.

Start with ten fundamental fighting concepts to exploit your opponent’s weaknesses and identify your strengths. Once you have a solid overview of these strategic concepts, move on to a detailed look at how things like momentum, rotational speed, friction, direction, impulse and conservation of energy can work for or against you. Not a science whiz? Don’t worry about it. Martina breaks down each idea, giving you easy to understand examples and hundreds of practical applications for stances, striking, kicking, defenses, footwork, movement, throws, takedowns and grappling. This book is supplemented by hundreds of photos, detailed glossaries, summary and review sections and even quizzes to test yourself on what you’ve learned. Whether you’d like to gain a detailed understanding of the laws of physics for martial artists or just want a few hundred ways to get the edge on your next opponent, this is a must-have book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Do not buy - Incredibly poor physics
This book simply adds to the confusion most people have when trying to understand physics. It is riddled with errors and perpetuates long-standing misconceptions.

Possibly the worst example is the discussion of "conservation of energy". It is not possible to apply mechanical principles to **any** form of striking (from hitting a ball to punching someone) without taking this most important principle of physics into account. Yet the author's explanation is that this is about not getting tired in a fight.

Sir Isaac Newton should come back and haunt this author. I cannot believe that anyone actually proof-read it.

A very, very poor book. Actually worth zero stars

Combat Is Not An Exact Science
First of all, I skimmed through the book before buying it, so I knew what I was getting into.I wasn't ever expecting a textbook on physics.I was expecting a book that explained the BASIC physics behind GENERIC martial arts techniques to improve my own understanding of them, so that I could "tighten" them up.

I was GREATLY satisfied.

Now, I teach reality-based martial arts (self-defense), and studied under the late, great Grandmaster David German, the inventor of the T.A.I. system of martial arts, inductee into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and winner of multiple Grandmaster and Master awards (for martial arts).It's hard to impress me when it comes to all things martial arts related.I was very much impressed with this book, however.

For those that were not impressed, I am seeing complaints of "flawed" physics on the one hand, and, on the other, complaints concerning the level of "instruction" this book provides (or fails to provide, as it may be).In both cases I can only shake my head in disbelief.First of all, Martina Sprague never claims to provide a vast and deep understanding of physics in this book.In fact, she comes right out in the beginning of the book and lets the reader know that the aim of the book is to provide a handful of GENERAL principles that can be applied to almost every martial arts technique at any time, in order to help you maximise your profits (or minimise your losses).

On this point I'd like to add that as an instructor, I always try to give my students the most bang for their buck.I do not teach thousands of fancy techniques like most (aesthetic) schools do, nor do I care to delve into the esoteric aspects of martial arts.The students that come to me either know right of the bat or learn quickly that what I teach is not a "style" that one practices to impress or win awards at point tournements.I literally teach what I believe to be the best ways to survive life or death situations, on the street (or anywhere), against one or more armed (and/or unarmed) assailants, at any moment.My students train as they fight, and fight as they have trained (hopefully).Anyone that is familiar with the realities of a street-fight (or mugging, or attempted rape, etc.) knows well that not only are specifics and fine techniques thrown out the window during such an encounter (no matter how much training one has), but that "analysis paralysis" is a real threat - if one can even muster the mental fortitude to analyse ANYTHING at all.

For those looking for specific techniques and complicated physics calculations are not only going to be dissappointed when they read this book, but if they're trying to apply those things to actual combat they are going to be dissappointed at best, hurt/maimed/killed at worst.A real fight is far too fast, too chaotic, too unexpected, and too uncomfortable (mentally and physically) for anything other than the most simple and direct techniques to work.For techniques that are relevant to a reality-based combat situation, Martina Sprague's book is very, very useful!

P.S.:I would also recommend the Fighter's Fact Books by Loren Christensen.

BLINDED BY SCIENCE
This book did not meet my expectations. I do not know what I was expecting but do know this was not it. The book covers some good but basic points and may even be a refresher or helpful reference for some. But ultimately if you have any "fighting" skills from some sort of formal training, then you are already familiar with much of this information. I do have to say I always read the reviews on books before I buy them, just to have an idea of what the product will be like. But will still buy a title with not so good reviews, much like when you hear about a bad movie but want to see it for yourself to judge it on your own standards. Well I wish I listened to some of the reviews on this book. I also bought another book by the author that has not been released yet called "Norse Warfare: Unconventional Battle strategies of the Ancient Viking." I really hope this book is going to be better. I gave the book four stars, because I think it could be of help to the novice fighter. Also I would like to add, I am a knuckle-dragger not a scientist and can only say what I know of science and what I read in the book made sense to me (for the most part). If there were major errors in the science and theory presented in this book, then I missed the errors and if there were minor subtle error I really for sure missed them! So the bottom line is to take my review for what it is worth to you.

poor or no explanations of planes, levers, biomechanics
The title is deceiving. There are no explanations of levers, planes, momentsof inertia, etc. In a nutshell, all throws are based on the principle of the moment of a couple, that is, initiating rotation about some point by applying equal and opposite forces; there is no science behind the writing in this book. There are excellent judo books which show sound principles of throws and sweeps, such as "Street Stoppers" and "effective combat throws"!

Knowing 'why' a technique works makes it work better
Most martial artists know that Miyamoto Musashi, arguably the greatest swordsman of all time, advocated quickness and power as superior to strength and speed. As a practitioner, I have known for years that sheer size and brute strength meant very little to accomplished martial artists, yet I never truly understood why. Having finished this excellent book, now I know.

Sprague's tome helps us reach our full potential in the fighting arts, martial sports, and even in every day conditioning by successfully explaining in straightforward terms how the laws of physics can be applied to generating maximum power from martial technique. She describes how things like balance, momentum, rotational speed, friction, direction, impulse, and conservation of energy can work for or against us in executing striking, kicking, throwing, grappling, and joint manipulating techniques. That pretty much covers all the bases, huh? There are tons of great illustrations, summaries, and even quizzes to supplement the materials. This is an easy to read, easy to implement text that can only help you become a better martial artist.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A good read, with some great historical tales.
I picked this up one day because it was on sale.The book was a good primer on daily training, but to me the best part was the collection of stories at the end.There is one about how Master Funakoshi came to be the one chosen to promote karate to the Japanese and a really cool one about the graduation ceremony for a Shaolin Monestary (those guys were really tough) and several others that really help you appreciate the budo.I find myself rereading them about once a year.

The Karate Dojo: Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art
Very good book for any martial artist, beginneror master.Great stories, I really enjojed it!A very pleasent and easy read.

Every Martial Artist should own
As a black belt and teacher/student I constantly reference this book as a source of inspiration and knowledge as I continue on the warriors path. This is a must have book for anyone considering trying karate, wondering what the heck karate is, or at any level in their training. Participants of other martial arts would also benefit from reading and recognizing the shared characteristics and spirit among us.

"The Weaponless Weapon"
As a ShoDan assistant instructor of Shiho Karano Kenpo Karate, I strive to educate myself about the martial arts.I've found some good books on the subject, and I'm always on the lookout for more.Since "The Karate Dojo" has been in print since 1967, I figured it must provide valuable direction.It does, mainly by portraying a snapshot of martial arts history that challenges the budo practitioner to forsake mediocrity for mastery and character.

The book has three basic parts.First, the author provides a somewhat Karate-centric view of martial arts facets such as the dojo, belt ranking systems, and character self-analysis.In the second section are a number of martial arts parables that teach through historical narrative.Finally, Sensei Urban uses the last chapter to discuss the "contemporary" Karate scene (i.e. the mid-1960s).The overall theme is one of extreme discipline and perseverance within the martial arts, necessary to achieve a seemingly mystical level of physical, mental, moral, and spiritual ability.In other words, it takes hard work and commitment to become a "weaponless weapon."

"The Karate Dojo" is a quick read - I finished it in less than a day.There are a number of stylized line drawings and black-and-white photographs to complement the text.It's a portrait of an era in Karate that seems to be almost mythical - and mostly lost, at least in the West.The author fondly discusses harsh daily training under the strict discipline of a revered master in a dojo where everyone's practically family.I've tasted some of that, but nothing close to what Sensei Urban describes.And that's where I differed with the author.Yes, optimal mastery of any activity requires the type of commitment he advocates, and that's OK for some.But I believe it's possible to benefit from a consistent and disciplined practice of the martial arts without making an all-consuming religion out of it.

At any rate, despite some dated aspects and a monkish focus on martial arts that may be beyond what many would bear, "The Karate Dojo" contains worthwhile insights for the martial artist.If nothing else, its high standards may challenge one to take their current commitment and practice to a higher level.

Simple Book, Simple Stories, Simple Teaching - Nice
Peter Urban was a pioneer in American karate and helped not only spread the art of goju ryu, but the ripple effect helped the promotion of other martial arts as well in the 60s and 70s. While a little eccentric, Urban was true to the bushido roots, while adapting karate for an American population.

This book covers karate philosophy in its mid-twentieth century form and promotes the positive aspects of discipline and etiquette.The book deals with attitude and motivation of spirit.The second half of the book has "dojo stories" that help embody the essences of karate training.

This is just a nice and simple book worth the read.
... Read more

Product Description
In a series of short, witty essays, jujitsu and chi kung teacher Glenn Morris looks at the vaulted self-importance and sense of indestructibility that the practice of martial arts can engender in its adherents. "Martial Arts Madness" is for adventurous souls who enjoy experimenting with the unknown. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

The Side Of Martial Arts That We All Hoped Existed
Review of "Martial Arts Madness: A User's Guide To The Esoteric Martial Arts" by Glenn Morris.Martial Arts Madness is the third in a series of published books by practitioner Glenn Morris delving into the esoterica of Martial Arts.At the time of this review the book is >12 years old and is out of print.To obtain a copy you will most likely have to pay dear for it.I had read and enjoyed Morris' first volume "Path Notes of An American Ninja Master," Path Notes of an American Ninja Master as well as his second volume "Shadow Strategies of An American Ninja Master." Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja MasterIt only followed suit that I complete the series.It has been my experience that martial artists fall into two camps: Those that train and believe in the martial aspect for fighting/defense, and those that believe the mind can be conditioned to open doors or "pathways" to new thoughts and inner experiences and awareness in addition to the conditioning of the body.Dr. Morris obviously fell into the latter category.His "Martial Arts Madness" represents the culmination of his understanding that meditation (Kundalini, et. al.) is an inherent part of the martial arts experience.This is a unique book that covers the areas of "Esoteric Budo" to "Chi Sickness" and everything in- between.Although it can stand alone I suggest starting with "Path Notes" to see which side of the martial arts spectrum you fall into.If you have always believed that your martial arts training felt incomplete then chances are you will like this book and it's companions.Well done at ten stars with no reservations or hesitations.

Field Research in the Realm of Esoterica
Dr. Morris opened up his third book to some of his students and colleagues to report some of their own findings as they tread through parts of the world they didn't know existed, and not just the ones available in a standard atlas. Dropping the 'American Ninja Master' sobriquet that may have confused some readers (and turned off others when the discovered that they would not learn how to 'do the ninja death touch' by reading either book), he changed the focus of the contents more to encourage a spirit of cautious and polite exploration in unknown lands. An entire chapter in the previous book of the series ("Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master") is devoted to the various misconceptions about what makes a 'good' ninja or what the purpose of ninjutsu actually is. The ultimate aim of these books, and the more worthwhile martial arts as a whole, is not so much to turn a person into the ultimate killing machine, but to turn a person into a more interesting person, capable of contributing to society in more meaningful ways than earning money, paying taxes, and the like.

I don't get the title
The book has a pretty sizeable chapter on all sorts of "madness" (in the british sense) that might be associated with those who practice the martial arts (eg. My Martial Art is the SUPREME martial art in the world! syndrome).I am not really interested in the martial arts, but in the esoteric teachings - secrets are always begging for attention.This book has a couple of good meditations by one of Glenn's former students, and a lot of anecdotes from his and his students.I loved the previous two books, and I think this one is definitely worth the time (mostly for the bibliography), but maybe not as good.

Another excellent book by Glenn Morris...... BUT...
Whenever I heard of a new Glenn Morris book, I eagerly checked it out, bought it, and usually devoured it in a day or two. Some of the items within his books delve into the metaphysical, paranormal, and sometimes just plain weird. His martial arts insights are equally interesting and as an on-and-off student of Southern Shaolin kung fu, I can understand and appreciate the references to ninpo and Bujinkan ninjutsu.

One of the benefits of his previous books ("Path Notes" and "Shadow Strategies") was his ability to explain a process in which he obtained results- for example, his experience with Tien Tao chi kung in "Path Notes." This time around, he does explain a handful of things, but barely enough to whet the appetite for the true "meat and potatoes" of what he's trying to convey. I think by this point, Morris assumes many of the previous readers and fans know more or less where to go for the answers. If not, they know at least in which direction to look. That is the reason for the 4-star instead of 5 star rating.

I don't think that Mr. Morris is dabbling in BS when he explains the esoteric end of martial arts, or his more mystical results while meditating. For those who experience dynamic meditation, and know what that opens up within them, his experiences are interesting, obtainable, and absolutely worth experiencing. I'm almost disappointed in finishing this book as soon as I did.

On a side note, he has quite a reference and "suggested reading" list in the back of the book that is well worth checking out.

Whats with the first two reviews?
Dr. Morris has written a very interesting collection of essays and exercises similar to his first two books and to top that off has included essays by students on their experiences. The inclusion of students is extremeley rare as they offer a proof that this wierdness is teachable and what is even more interesting he includes quotes from people who tried his meditation exercises out and got results but did not train with him. Very different. ... Read more